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First Associate in Arts Program grads celebrate Commencement
4:57 p.m., May 27, 2006--The University of Delaware recognized the first graduating class in its Associate in Arts Program, launched two years ago in partnership with Delaware Technical and Community College, on Saturday following its 157th Commencement. A total of 117 students were part of the program's inaugural class. For those who attended the convocation ceremony in Mitchell Hall, the day was filled with kudos for their success in completing the first two-years of their college education at Del Tech campuses around the state, and with repeated requests for them to complete their bachelor's degrees by enrolling on UD's main campus in Newark as juniors in September. The two-year liberal arts degree is only available to Delaware residents who are taking classes at UD Academic Centers in Wilmington, Dover and Georgetown. Those who are awarded AA degrees are automatically eligible to pursue a bachelor's degree at the main campus in Newark. John Courtright, professor of communication and director of Undergraduate Studies and the Associate in Arts program, welcomed students and their families, introduced speakers and quoted Aristotle. “Well begun is half done,” he said. “You have had a very fine beginning, but you are only half done. I look forward to seeing you at DelaWorld [student orientation] July 14. Congratulations and two more years to go.” John A. Bartley, assistant professor and coordinator of the Academic Center in Wilmington, spoke on behalf of the AA program faculty. He said the ceremony was an historic occasion marking the birth of a program that evolved over time. He compared creation of the AA program to evolution, using its “archeological record” to trace the journey from its origins as a few courses for off-campus students to the Parallel Program and finally to the two-year program it now is. “You have evolved, ready to step out into the world and make your mark on your way to your next evolutionary goal, your bachelor's degree. I'm sure you'll make great strides,” he said. One student from each of the academic centers received Outstanding Student Achievement Awards for having the highest grades at the center--Rebecca Cooper of Smyrna, Dover campus; Charles Edward Cross III of Rehoboth Beach, Georgetown campus; and Marcella Karelynn Ganoe of Wilmington, Wilmington campus.
UD Provost Dan Rich, the keynote speaker, called this first group of graduates groundbreakers. “You represent the pioneers of this program, and we expect many others to follow in your footsteps,” he said. “Never take your education for granted,” Rich said. “Understand how fortunate you are to have earned an Associate in Arts degree from the University of Delaware.” He told them only a third of the population of the U.S. has a higher education degree, so, “you are very special.” “This is the first Associate in Arts graduating class. You started all of this, and together we made it real,” Rich said. He said he hoped all 117 would continue at UD as juniors and invited them to Commencement in Delaware Stadium in May 2008. Rich urged students to show that education matters by giving back to the community. “You will do more for yourselves and for your families if you contribute to your communities and to the state of Delaware,” he said. He told them never to lose their sense of optimism. “Winston Churchill once said, 'A pessimist sees difficulties in every opportunity, and an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.' Maintain your optimism,” he said. Although the number of AA students who will complete four years on the main campus won't be available until the end of the summer, seven students are eligible to enter the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; 43 are accepted into the College of Arts and Sciences; three are eligible for the Lerner College of Business and Economics; three for the College of Engineering; one for the College of Health Sciences; and 51 for University Studies. Article by Barbara Garrison
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