Northern Essex Community College held its 45th annual commencement exercises on Saturday, May 26. Graduates -- including 43 from Amesbury -- received certificates and associate degrees in 70 fields including business, health care, and liberal arts. More than 3,000 people attended the ceremony which was held under a massive white tent on the quadrangle on the college's Haverhill Campus.
Dr. Philip Starks, a graduate of the college who is now an assistant professor of biology at Tufts University and a leading researcher in the field of behavioral ecology, was the featured speaker. After graduating from Northern Essex, Sparks transferred to Harvard University where he earned a bachelor's degree in biology. He eventually received a Ph.D. from Cornell University in neurobiology and behavior.
Starks also received the 2007 Outstanding Alumni Award from the college's Alumni Association. A native of Andover, Starks now lives in North Andover.
Andrew Eramo of Merrimack, N.H. who graduated with degrees in liberal arts: political science option and business transfer was the student speaker.
Two longtime members of the faculty were awarded emeritus status: Catherine Pirri of North Andover, professor emerita of mathematics, and Michael Pelletier of Salem, professor emeritus of engineering and electronics.
The national anthem was sung at the beginning of the ceremony by Jonathan Bennett of Methuen, who graduated with an associate degree in general studies. President David F. Hartleb presided over the ceremony. The Rev. Marlene Yeo, a member of the college's board of trustees, gave the invocation and the benediction.
Northern Essex Community College's 2007 graduates from Amesbury:
Jennifer L. Anderson | associate in science, early childhood education
Kelli M. Beaulieu | certificate in dental assisting
Paula J. Bowman | certificate in medical billing, with honors
Allison Burnim | associate in arts, liberal arts, with honors
George R. Charest | associate in arts, liberal arts, with high honors
Elise M. Chasse | associate in arts, general studies, with high honors
Rebecca D. Cloutier | associate in science, early childhood education
Shawndy L. Darcey | associate in arts, liberal arts, with honors
Erin C. Donahue | associate in arts, general studies, with honors
Sean S. Doyle | associate in arts, general studies
Jennifer B. Earabino-Roberge | certificate in alcohol/drug abuse counseling, with honors
Christina L. Edmunds | associate in arts, liberal arts: psychology transfer option, with high honors
Teresa M. Fournier | certificate in medical billing, with high honors
Jocelyn C. Gaffny | associate in arts, liberal arts, with honors
Andrea T. Giannusa | associate in science, human services
Olivia J. Hazelton | associate in arts, liberal arts, with honors
Jill W. Hrubes | associate in science, paralegal studies transfer option, with high honors
Ryan D. Hughes | associate in science, business transfer, with honors
Erik Hutchinson | associate in science, business transfer, with high honors; associate in arts, liberal arts, with high honors
Kassandra M. Kane | associate in science, human services
Raymond P. LaFrance | associate in science, radiologic technology, with high honors
Stephanie M. Lee | associate in science, business transfer, with high honors
Sherri A. Marshall | associate in science, criminal justice, with honors; certificate in law enforcement, with honors
George M. Martinson | certificate in alcohol/drug abuse counseling, with high honors; associate in science, human services, with high honors
Asheley J. Marzerka | certificate in law enforcement
Ryan J. McAskill | associate in arts, liberal arts: journalism/broadcasting option, with honors
Diane M. Millette | associate in science, radiologic technology, with honors
Dana M. Perry | associate in science, elementary education
Jessica E. Piercy | associate in science, paralegal studies transfer option
Sara C. Reyes | associate in arts, liberal arts, with high honors
Lawrence J. Rickabaugh | certificate in web page design and development, with high honors; certificate in technology fluency, with high honors
Kristen M. Rosengard | associate in arts, general studies, with honors
Laura G. Rudd | associate in arts, general studies, with high honors
Elaine M. Sferrazza | associate in arts, general studies, with honors
Audrey J. Smith | certificate in dental assisting, with honors
Lia J. Tarr | associate in science, business management
Darhlene A. Titcomb | certificate in coding
Jennifer L. Tremblay | associate in science, accounting, with high honors
Megan E. Turbide | associate in arts, liberal arts: psychology transfer option with high honors
Andrew G. Twomey Jr. | associate in arts, liberal arts
Brandy N. Wessant | associate in science, accounting, with high honors
Kerry A. Williams | associate in arts, liberal arts, with honors
Karen R. Zagranis | certificate in practical nursing
