WEST HAVEN, CT (05/30/2014)(readMedia)– Brett Rankowitz, a University of New Haven senior majoring in criminal justice and a member of the UNH Reserved Officer Training Corps program, has been awarded the Bronze Cross Legion of Valor Achievement Award.

Rankowitz, a Niantic resident, was awarded the cross for outstanding performance throughout his junior year at UNH. Fewer than 50 cadets and midshipmen nationally receive the cross each year.

“Brett’s constant desire and willingness to achieve a higher standard warranted this prestigious award,” said Capt. Sean Ritchie of the UNH ROTC program. “Every single day he performed to the best of his abilities, and he consistently set a positive example for others within the program.”

Rankowitz, who will be the company commander of the UNH ROTC cadets beginning this fall, has served as an ROTC team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant, platoon leader and company first sergeant. “His peer and leadership evaluations, without a doubt, demonstrated his knowledge and frequently earned him a score of ‘excellent,”‘ Ritchie said.

As a member of the Nathan Hale Battalion Ranger Company, Rankowitz conducted physical training five days a week, and each Thursday he conducted road marches ranging of up to 12 miles while carrying a 50 pound backpack. “Brett’s willingness to push himself and, subsequently, to achieve a higher standard, motivated and inspired his subordinates and peers daily,” said Ritchie.

The University of New Haven is a private, top-tier comprehensive institution recognized as a national leader in experiential education. Founded in 1920 the university enrolls approximately 1,800 graduate students and more than 4,600 undergraduates.

ANNVILLE, PA (05/29/2014)(readMedia)– Laura Young of Colchester was among the 623 Lebanon Valley College students named to the Dean’s List for high academic marks in the spring semester. Dean’s list students must maintain a GPA of at least 3.4 out of 4.0.

Young, a graduate of Bacon Academy, made the list while pursuing a bachelor of science in early childhood education and special education.

Lebanon Valley College(R) in Annville, PA, welcomes 1,648 full-time undergraduates studying more than 30 challenging and sophisticated majors, as well as customized self-designed majors. Founded in 1866, LVC has graduate programs in physical therapy, business, music education, and science education. Learn more at www.lvc.edu.

Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours.

WORCESTER, MA (05/29/2014)(readMedia)– The following local students have been named to Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the Spring 2014 semester.

Alexander Kopchik of Niantic is a junior majoring in chemical engineering.

Andrea Goldstein of Colchester is a sophomore majoring in architectural engineering.

Andrew Rathbun of Pawcatuck is a freshman majoring in aerospace engineering.

Andrew Han of Pawcatuck is a sophomore majoring in computer science.

Bryce Dumas of Norwich is a senior majoring in interactive media and game development.

Eric Fast of Stonington is a freshman majoring in aerospace engineering.

Julia Scott of Mystic is a freshman majoring in environmental engineering.

Kevin Ouellette of Colchester is a freshman majoring in robotics engineering.

Kyle Young of Bozrah is a freshman majoring in robotics engineering and computer science.

Matthew Clark of Oakdale is a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering.

Paul Esteve of Colchester is a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering.

Peter Guarino of Quaker Hill is a junior majoring in aerospace engineering.

Ronald Mazurkiewicz of Norwich is a junior majoring in aerospace engineering.

Ryan Pollin of Ledyard is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering.

Trae Jennette of Groton is a junior majoring in aerospace engineering.

A total of 1,380 undergraduate students achieved the criteria required for WPI’s Spring 2014 Dean’s List. The criteria for the WPI Dean’s List differ from that of most other universities as WPI does not compute a grade point average (GPA). Instead, WPI defines the Dean’s List by the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects.

“WPI’s academic programs are remarkably rigorous, so being named to the Dean’s List is a testament to hard work, a sharp mind, and a commitment to excellence,” said Provost Eric Overström. “Some of this nation’s best and brightest students come to WPI to learn subjects ranging from engineering to science to business and the humanities, and through our innovative project-based curriculum they conduct professional-level research and solve important problems all over the world. Those named to the Dean’s List have excelled at facing such demanding challenges, and we are exceptionally proud of these outstanding students.”

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation’s first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. WPI’s talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university’s innovative Global Perspective Program. There are more than 35 WPI project centers throughout North America and Central America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe.

GREENVILLE, SC (05/29/2014)(readMedia)– Elizabeth Larson, a Senior Biblical Counseling major of Norwich, was among approximately 1,400 Bob Jones University students named to the Spring 2014 Dean’s List.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a 3.0 grade point average.

Located in Greenville, SC, Bob Jones University is a biblically faithful, Christian liberal arts university focused on educating the whole person to reflect and serve Christ. BJU offers a unique blend of rigorous academic programs, discipleship, and character and leadership development. We are committed to the truth of Scripture and to pursuing excellence in all we do.

BJU provides over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs in religion, education, fine arts and communication, arts and science, and business. BJU has nearly 3,000 students from every state and more than 40 countries.

NEWTON, MA (05/28/2014)(readMedia)– Mount Ida College celebrated the Class of 2014 and presented honorary degrees on Friday, May 16, 2014 during the undergraduate and graduate ceremony of the College’s 115th commencement exercises. 325 students turned their tassels to the left and had their degrees conferred.

Mount Ida presented honorary degrees to U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III; Sarah-Ann Shaw, Boston’s first African American female broadcast journalist; and Steven H. Wright, Executive Partner, Holland & Knight’s Boston office.

Several prominent themes emerged during the commencement addresses. Graduates were urged to serve, pursue their dreams and promise to always believe that you’re never too young to change the world.

In his commencement address, Congressman Kennedy asked graduates to make a promise.

“What I ask of you today is that you won’t ever let anyone say the following four words to you: you are too young,” he said, met with resounding applause. “Promise that so long as you are blessed with it, you will wear your youth as a badge of honor.”

Throughout the ceremony, graduates, and attendees shared their exhilaration and congratulations on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #MountIda14.

Zachary Davis of Old Lyme graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from Mount Ida College.

Meghan Nogacek of Ledyard graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Mount Ida College.

Founded in 1899, Mount Ida College is a small, private college in Newton, Massachusetts that provides career-focused programs built upon a strong foundation of social sciences, humanities, and the arts-all to prepare our students for achievement in their chosen careers, and in life. With a tight-knit, inclusive community, a diverse student body, winning NCAA Division III sports teams, a beautiful and safe suburban campus, and a vibrant school spirit, Mount Ida is the place where students become the best version of themselves. To learn more, visit the College’s website at www.mountida.edu. Follow Mount Ida on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

NEW LONDON, CT (05/27/2014)(readMedia)– The following local residents were awarded a bachelor of arts degree from Connecticut College at the 96th commencement ceremony on May 18.

Ian Rathkey of Old Lyme graduated cum laude with a major in East Asian studies.

Nathan Roy of Essex graduated cum laude with a major in government.

Hilary Sullivan of East Lyme graduated cum laude with a major in human development.

Prince Ilboudo of New London graduated magna cum laude with a major in international relations and economics.

Jordan Bishop of New London graduated magna cum laude with a major in environmental studies.

Molly Shimko of New London graduated magna cum laude with a major in theater.

Emil Lalov of New London graduated summa cum laude with a major in mathematics and economics.

Yumi Kovic of Norwich graduated summa cum laude with a major in ACS certified-chemistry and biochemistry.

Commencement Keynote Speaker Noah Feldman told the 461 members of the Class of 2014 that while today’s moment of celebration was wonderful, the real gift they had been given was four years of preparation for the rest of their lives.

“The whole point of the liberal arts education – that fragile, extraordinary, valuable thing which is being put in your hands and has been put in your hands – is to teach you to participate as full partners in the making of the world around you,” said Feldman, the Bemis Professor of International Law at Harvard Law School. “And that by definition can only happen through your taking up the stuff and the substance of your future lives and shaping it and making it your own.”

Prior to his speech, Feldman was awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters by Connecticut College President Katherine Bergeron.

Bergeron, who joined Connecticut College Jan. 1 and was inaugurated April 5, told the Class of 2014 they are part of a proud lineage of graduates who have done exactly what Feldman urged them to do: Used what they learned at Connecticut College to positively change the world.

About Connecticut College

Connecticut College is a private, highly selective liberal arts college with 1,850 students and more than 40 majors in the arts, sciences, social sciences and humanities, as well as the option for students to self-design majors. The College offers a high level of intellectual challenge, a campus culture that supports students to tailor their educational experience to their own interests and goals, and a four-year career development program that teaches students how to translate a liberal arts degree into a first job or graduate school admission. Connecticut College is situated in the small New England seaport of New London. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.

ST. MARY’S CITY, MD (05/27/2014)(readMedia)– The following local students were awarded Dean’s List academic honors for the spring 2014 semester at St. Mary’s College of Maryland:

Amanda Jengo of Groton

Danielle Krause of Colchester

Dean’s List honors are awarded to full-time students at SMCM who earn a semester grade-point average of 3.5 or better on 12 or more graded credits.

St. Mary’s College is ranked one of the best public liberal arts schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and is one of only two public honors colleges in the nation. Dedicated to providing an affordable liberal arts education for a diverse student body, the college has the highest four-year graduation rate of any public college or university in the state. Within five years of graduation, 70% of its alumni pursue a graduate and/or professional degree.

More than 1,800 students attend the college, nestled on the St. Mary’s River in Southern Maryland.

CANTON, NY (05/27/2014)(readMedia)– Elizabeth M. Jay of Mystic was one of nearly 550 students who were awarded degrees at St. Lawrence University’s Commencement ceremony, which was held on May 18 in Canton, New York. Jay was awarded a degree in psychology .

St. Lawrence’s Commencement speakers were recipients Grace Potter, Honorary Class of 2014, singer-songwriter from Grace Potter and the Nocturnals; Susan A. Talve, Class of 1975, founding rabbi of the Central Reform Congregation in St. Louis; and Donald K. Rose, Class of 1964, who chaired the St. Lawrence Board of Trustees from 2008 to 2013.

About St. Lawrence University:

Founded in 1856, St. Lawrence University is a private, independent liberal arts institution of about 2,400 students located in Canton, N.Y. The educational opportunities at St. Lawrence inspire students and prepare them to be critical and creative thinkers, to find a compass for their lives and careers, and to pursue knowledge and understanding for the benefit of themselves, humanity and the planet. Through its focus on active engagement with ideas in and beyond the classroom, a St. Lawrence education leads students to make connections that transform lives and communities, from the local to the global. Visit www.stlawu.edu.

BRUNSWICK, ME (05/27/2014)(readMedia)– During Bowdoin College‘s 209th Commencement ceremony, held May 24, 2014, bachelor of arts degrees were awarded to students from 37 states, the District of Columbia, and 15 countries and territories.

Brendan William McDermott of East Lyme, and a member of the Bowdoin College Class of 2014, graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a major in Economics and a minor in Government and Legal Studies.

Kevin Miao of East Lyme, and a member of the Bowdoin College Class of 2014, graduated with a major in Economics and a minor in Mathematics.

Lucy E. L. Walker of Lyme, and a member of the Bowdoin College Class of 2014, graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a major in English and Visual Arts .

More information about Bowdoin’s 209th Commencement here.

Watch “The Complete Bowdoin College Commencement Experience – In Minutes.”

About Bowdoin College

Bowdoin College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in Brunswick, Maine, about 25 miles north of Portland. One of the oldest colleges in the nation, it received its charter in 1794. Bowdoin enrolls approximately 1,750 students from across the country and around the world.

Notable alumni include 14th U.S. President Franklin Pierce (class of 1824), writers Nathaniel Hawthorne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (both 1825), African-American newspaper editor John Brown Russwurm (1826), Civil War hero Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (1852), Arctic explorer Robert E. Peary (1877), former Senate Majority Leader and architect of the Ireland peace accord George J. Mitchell (1954), former U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen (1962), and Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson (1979).

PROVIDENCE, RI (05/27/2014)(readMedia)– The following local residents were among over 900 students from Providence College who received undergraduate degrees during the College’s Ninety-Sixth Commencement Exercises held on Sunday, May 18, 2014.

Sally Adua, a resident of Waterford, received a bachelor of science degree Summa Cum Laude

Caitlin DeMars, a resident of Essex, received a bachelor of arts degree

Jason Goddu, a resident of Waterford, received a bachelor of science degree

Amanda Haluga, a resident of Groton, received a bachelor of arts degree

Megan Klein, a resident of Old Lyme, received a bachelor of science degree Cum Laude

Elizabeth LaRose, a resident of Salem, received a bachelor of science degree

Brendan Murphy, a resident of Stonington, received a bachelor of arts degree

Paige Nossek, a resident of Stonington, received a bachelor of science degree

Erin Rocha, a resident of Waterford, received a bachelor of arts degree Cum Laude

Christopher Trammell, a resident of North Stonington, received a bachelor of science degree

Philip Ziegler, a resident of East Lyme, received a bachelor of science degree

The Commencement address was delivered by Dr. Temple Grandin, an autism awareness advocate, leading innovator in the livestock industry, best-selling author, and engineer. She received an honorary doctorate in Science. Four other distinguished individuals received honorary degrees from the College. They are: the Honorable Francis J. Darigan, Jr. ’64, retired justice from the Superior Court of Rhode Island; Raymond M. Murphy, entrepreneur and philanthropist; Sister Margaret Ormond, O.P., Prioress of the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of Peace; and Carolyn Rafaelian, creator, designer and acting CEO of Alex and Ani.

Providence College is the only college or university in the United States administered by the Dominican Friars. The Catholic, liberal arts college has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 3,900 students and offers degrees in 49 academic majors. Since 1997, Providence College has consistently been ranked among the top five regional universities in the north according to U.S. News’ America’s Best Colleges.