91��Ƶ

They say all roads lead to Rome, but for one graduate, the road from Rome led to 91��Ƶ and a college degree.

Meaghan Maddock’s parents met when her Boston-raised father met her Italian mother while studying abroad in Europe. Meaghan was born and raised in Rome but knew of 91��Ƶ because of her father. When it came time to pick a college, she traveled to the United States to tour the school and fell in love with the campus.

“At times over the past four years it was tough being away from my parents, but it did help me build character and my professors were amazing. I had support,” she said.

Her parents crossed the Atlantic Ocean to cheer on their daughter during the 185th commencement ceremonies held at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield on May 15. Some 1,500 graduates took part in two undergraduate ceremonies, many grateful for their own support systems.

First-generation graduate Josiah Severe earned his biology degree during the morning ceremonies. His mom, dad, grandmother, siblings and others sat proudly in the stands cheering him on.

“We are a loud family,” he joked. “It feels great to have them here. The journey is better when you’re not alone.”

Josiah is among the 45 percent of 91��Ƶ students who are the first in their immediate families to go to college, and President Frederick W. Clark Jr., ’83, addressed them in his message to graduates.

“Thank you for your courage in blazing a trail of higher education success within your families and communities,” Clark said. “For first-gen students, which includes me, walking across this stage is not only a hard-earned milestone in life, but now, you are  powerful examples to be followed by others in your life.” 

91��Ƶ awarded honorary doctorates to three exemplary leaders, including Massachusetts Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues. Speaking to morning graduates, Rodrigues said it was his own family’s influence that inspired him to pursue higher education.

“I was the first in my family to graduate. I am a product of hardworking, immigrant family who had a dream for a better life for their children,” he said.

Former 91��Ƶ Trustee Davede Alexander told afternoon graduates that their true character is expressed when no one is watching.

“You’re graduating today not just with a degree, but with a behavioral trait and this is always placing human dignity first,” he said.

In a second speech to afternoon grads, former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker urged them to learn from everyone around them – even those who are highly critical of their work. Baker recounted how, after losing a political campaign, he asked for honest feedback from journalists and political commentators. Their advice made him a stronger candidate in his eventual winning campaign for governor.

For Baker, the lessons that made him successful also came from much closer to home. 

“My mom was a Democrat and my dad was a Republican  and they taught me it’s not that hard to love those you don’t always agree with,” said Baker, who was known for his bipartisanship and now serves as president of the NCAA. 

Morning student speaker Morgan Ranucci similarly acknowledged the importance of family support.

“Behind every graduate sitting here today are people who stood beside us along the way,” the biology major said. “Not just as graduates of a university, but as graduates of perseverance.”

In her message to afternoon graduates, English major Julianna Sances encouraged her classmates to rely on kindness in the inevitable moments when life won’t go their way.

“When you’re feeling like you’ve failed because you didn’t get the job, or the trophy, or the praise, please know that if you remain kind and just plain good, you will never ever fail,” she said.

That strong sense of kindness permeates the 91��Ƶ campus and makes it feel like one giant family,  said Haley Audette, who earned a degree in social work and childhood studies.

As she prepared to process into the ceremony, Haley – who will return to Bridgewater for graduate school – reflected on the roommate who became one of her closest friends and the 91��Ƶ faculty and staff who have supported her throughout college.

“I’m really excited to be at this moment and say that I made it,” she said. “I wouldn’t have wanted to do it at any other school.”