KH
Katherine Hammell
  • Class of 2015
  • Southington, CT

Katherine Hammell Graduates From Goodwin College

2015 Jun 17

Goodwin College celebrated the Class of 2015 on Saturday, June 6, with all the Pomp and Circumstance befitting the new graduates.

Katherine D Hammell was among the many Navigators to complete a degree and receive their due. The ceremony, held on Goodwin College's River Campus, brought in thousands of people to celebrate the graduates and share in their accomplishments.

Speaking to the Goodwin graduates, College President Mark Scheinberg quoted Mark Twain, telling the students that the two most important days in people's lives are the day they're born and the day they find out why.

"Today is the day you get to show the world your 'Why,'" Scheinberg said.

The College congratulates Katherine for completing a degree and being a member of the Class of 2015.

Student Speaker James Tillman moved his fellow graduates while talking about his 18 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.

"You can't take away my smile, my joy of life, and my encouragement to others to be the best they can be," Tillman said. "That's what it's all about. Love and forgiveness. That's why, as hard as it may be for you to believe, I can stand here, look you straight in the eye, and tell you my experience in prison was a gift. Because it gave me the power of conviction. I learned that love will always be stronger than hate."

Tillman challenged his fellow graduates to go forth and make a difference.

Honorary degree recipient and noted activist and Freedom Rider Bob Zellner, who was mentored by Dr. Martin Luther King, shared advice with the graduates that he had once received from Rosa Parks: "Bob, when you see something wrong, do something about it."

"Rise up and make a new nation," Zellner urged the graduates.