Salisbury University holds 100th Spring Commencement
SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury University’s 100th Spring Commencement kicked off on campus Thursday. 999 undergraduates made their way across the stage as part of the ceremony.
“It’s really cool that this is our 100th graduating class and I get to be a part of that and for the first time ever we are graduating on our home turf, on the field,” said Salisbury University Graduate Olivia Ingrao.
Excitement was in the air, as undergraduates kicked off the next chapter in their life.
“My dream is to be a dentist and own my own practice and Salisbury has prepared me and led me to getting into dental school,” said Ingrao.
Thursday’s ceremony was the first time in many years that commencement returned to the Salisbury University campus – taking place at Seagull Stadium.
“This is absolutely phenomenal for us as we celebrate our 100th graduating class, to be able to bring commencement back to campus is really extraordinary,” said Salisbury University President Carolyn Lepre. “It hasn’t been held on our campus since the 1970s and so it seemed really fitting to have them end where they started their collegiate journey, right here with us at Salisbury University’s campus.”
Washington Commanders head coach and Salisbury University Alumnus Dan Quinn was the commencement speaker this year.
“I want to be really clear about this, man the entire world is open to you,” said Quinn. “My wish and my hope for every single one of you is to not let the world change you. You go and change the world.”
Of course, what made the ceremony extra special was this being the first major event of Salisbury University’s centennial celebration.
“It’s just a testament to the legacy of Salisbury University and we know that each of these students is going to go off and do phenomenal things and continue us on into the next 100 years,” said Lepre.
Both Dan Quinn and his wife Stacey received honorary Doctor of Public Services degrees from SU during the ceremony, recognizing their philanthropic leadership and support for SU athletics and the broader university community.
