On Thursday, May 16th, New Century College (NCC) held its Class of 2013 convocation ceremony at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts. A majority of NCC’s graduating seniors attended, and proud family members and friends filled the audience.
Jamie Konstas, who graduated from NCC in 2000 with a BSIN in Integrative Studies and concentrations in International Management, Politics, and Spanish was the convocation speaker, and James David Williams, II, BAIN, Organizational Administration, was the student speaker.
During her introductory remarks, NCC Associate Dean Lisa Gring-Pemble lauded the successes of 10 accomplished graduates. She went on to say that “because our most pressing social problems and global challenges are much too complex to be addressed by one discipline, the world depends on every graduating student. The truth is,” she continued, “we are counting on each and every one of you to make a difference in this world and we need each of you precisely because of your academic training. Your integrative studies degree has prepared you to be engaged, well-rounded scholars and leaders. YOU ARE the Mason Graduate outlined in Mason’s new Vision Statement. You are equipped to enrich the world we share and transform your education into meaningful real-world application. And aren’t we fortunate!"
In order to signify his or her graduation from NCC, each student came onto the stage to accept an NCC graduation medallion from faculty chair Lesley Smith. Mother of three Lisa Overberg, BAIN, Elementary Education, remarked “I was thrilled to be the graduate on stage at last, after many years of being the proud mama taking pictures in the audience.” About her NCC experience, Overberg said: “From the first day of class, I have loved being back on campus, learning, studying, and discussing. . . NCC classes provided me with rich, diverse, and varied opportunities that challenged me to take risks and grow, often beyond my expectations, so I could meet that goal. I have become a reflective and critical thinker, and strive to be a compassionate, effective educator and citizen. I so appreciate each of my professors for facilitating lively discussions, deep consideration, and trusting relationships in our learning communities.”
When asked to reflect about his thoughts upon receiving his medallion, Essam Chalf, BAIN, International Studies, said, “Being on stage receiving that medal I was overcome with joy and exhilaration. It was the one of the proudest and most special days of my life, and I was honored to share the stage with so many great people.”
NCC was honored to have Jack Censer, dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (in which NCC is housed), at the podium. “Your leadership and service have contributed greatly to the George Mason University community as well as our local community here in Fairfax,” he told the students. Toward the end of his speech, he said, “Your (NCC) education has been as personal and unique as each of you. And for these reasons and others, I know that you will achieve success in whatever path you choose.”
NCC’s faculty and staff couldn’t agree more.
Photos from the 2013 Graduation Events
Check out this collection of photos from the NCC ceremony and reception submitted by our staff and graduates
A collection of photos from GMU Creative Services.
Photos from the CHSS Convocation
Photos from the GMU Commencement Ceremony
2013 New Century College Convocation Slide Show
May 24, 2013
