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BIDDEFORD, Maine

UNE graduates 1,247 students at commencement ceremony

U.S. Representative Michael H. Michaud delivered the keynote address at the University of New England commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at the Cumberland County Civic Center.  

Michaud also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

The University of New England awarded 1,247 associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at the event, representing the College of Arts and Sciences, Westbrook College of Health Professions, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and College of Graduate Studies.   Each college recognized its own student achievements at pinning and hooding ceremonies throughout the week. 

The College of Osteopathic Medicine graduated 120 physicians at the ceremony, including four dual DO/Master of Public Health and two dual DO/Master of Medical Education Leadership degree recipients.  In its afternoon hooding ceremony at Merrill Auditorium, the College of Osteopathic Medicine awarded its Pioneer of Osteopathic Medicine Medal, the college's highest honor, to Edward Friedman, D.O.

In her remarks to the thousands of students, faculty, family and friends attending commencement, UNE President Danielle Ripich reflected on the "enduring value of service," citing the legacy of President John F. Kennedy and the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps, and President George H.W. Bush's "thousand points of light."

She commended UNE student volunteerism, saying, "You have given so much of yourselves over the past several years...it is now time to leave UNE and enter a world that needs each of your unique talents now more than ever."

In awarding the Honorary Doctor of Laws, Ripich recognized Michaud for his "uncompromising commitment to the people of Maine," and called him "a role model for all citizens of our great state, and for our students."

Michaud spoke of the importance of overcoming obstacles, understanding differences, bridging gaps, and building relationships, which he said, "took me from a mill in East Millinocket, Maine to the halls of Congress, and I am confident they will take you where you want to go, too."

He shared some advice he has learned over the years: "Find that thing that drives you and let it guide you.  Stand by your principles.  But also be willing to compromise and find common ground ... compromise is not about abandoning your principles.  It's about achieving balance with them in a way that doesn't ask others to sacrifice theirs."

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.