Members of the St. Michael’s College Class of 2024 were urged by multiple speakers during the college’s 117th commencement to shine their light on the world as they leave campus and navigate what’s next.

Some 380 students at St. Michael’s College received bachelor’s and master’s degrees during the commencement celebration May 12. Degree recipients in the undergraduate Class of 2024 represented 23 states and 10 countries, while master’s graduates represented 10 states and five countries.

Many in the Class of 2024 entered St. Michael’s during the first year of the global Covid-19 pandemic. St. Michael’s President Richard Plumb, while presiding over his first commencement ceremony as president, lauded class members for their courage and resilience in facing and overcoming obstacles, especially those posed by the international health emergency.

“You didn’t let uncertain times prevent you from trying new experiences, making life-long friends, absorbing new ideas, becoming a leader — all of the things that are essential to shaping who you are,” Plumb said. “You are prepared to face and navigate the complexities of the modern world with skill, professionalism, and empathy. From your knowledge and understanding of global issues, your concern for the environment, and your dedication to service and social justice, you are ready to go out into the world and make your mark.”

Commencement speaker Dr. Ansel Augustine recalled the story of David and Goliath in the Bible during his remarks to the graduates. An award-winning author and speaker and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Assistant Director of African American Affairs of the Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Church, he said that David, who was only armed with a slingshot, focused on his faith and trust in God despite seeming to be outmatched by Goliath. This, he said, ultimately helped him defeat Goliath. “It’s not about you, but what God does through you,” he said. “As you go out into the world, there will be dangers, there will be challenges, there will be doubts. But I want you to understand, the same God who got you to this point is the same God who’s going to get you to your goals.”

Two Vermont undergraduate grads were among those recognized for maintaining 4.0 grade point averages throughout their academic career at St. Michael’s: Petra M. Bajuk of Colchester and William F. Coburn of Orleans.

— Originally published in the Summer 2024 issue of  Vermont Catholic magazine.