Amy Crupi
Hometown: New Milford, Conn.
Major: Theatre arts
Minor: Business Administration
WCSU Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts
Amy Crupi was accepted into her college of choice in Boston, Mass., but not until the spring semester of her freshman year. She had a decision to make: she could wait and start a half-year later than most of her peers, or ... [read more...]
View all Profiles2008 Commencement Highlights
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Commencement Recap
More than 900 students received undergraduate degrees as their friends, families and loved ones filled the Westside Athletic Complex stadium on Sunday, May 18, for WestConn’s 110th commencement. Farooq Kathwari, chairman, CEO and president of Ethan Allen Interiors, told the graduates that “The new world has brought us many opportunities and also the potential for many conflicts. Globalization has raised the expectations of people all around the world — and if the expectations are not reasonably met, we will have more conflicts. And today, conflicts even in faraway places impact our lives here at home.” Kathwari, a noted humanitarian and advocate for peaceful coexistence, was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
At a separate graduate commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16, in the Feldman Arena of the William O’Neill Athletic and Convocation Center, 236 students received graduate degrees. Fifteen educators received the university’s first doctoral degrees: the Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership. State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal was the commencement speaker.
As important as the actual degrees received are the feelings of accomplishment and satisfaction experienced by our graduates. Whether they enrolled at WestConn upon graduating from high school, after a stint at a community college or other university, or after decades in the workforce — every member of the Class of 2008 had something to celebrate at commencement.
This year, for the first time, graduates were able to tangibly express their appreciation for the support they received from friends and loved ones with the Stole of Gratitude. The white scarf-like garments adorned the gowns of several hundred graduates during commencement ceremonies before being presented in appreciation to loved ones. It’s a new tradition that’s expected to continue and grow.
To follow are highlights of commencement weekend, in images, audio and narrative.
WCSU Commencement In the News
Ethan Allen's Kathwari receives honorary doctorate 
Graduates head to new phase of life
Degree Recipients
Commencement Ceremony Speeches
