Journalist Laura Knoy delivering the keynote address at UNH Manchester's commencement ceremony on Friday
"These last 3 years, with a global pandemic, have been exhausting and confusing, and it would have been easy to just give up. But you didn't give up. You did it. You're here."
Be resilient, ask questions, use your manners and learn from your mistakes—these were the themes of journalist Laura Knoy’s keynote address at UNH Manchester’s commencement ceremony on Friday. Knoy hosted New Hampshire Public Radio’s live daily news and public affairs call-in show, The Exchange, for 25 years. In her address, Knoy encouraged students to embrace curiosity in their pursuit of professional success.
"Be curious—that means allowing yourself to admit that you don't know,” Knoy says. “Because once you admit you don't know, you open yourself up to other people, their knowledge, their worldview and their experiences."
UNH President James Dean, Jr., led Friday’s commencement proceedings, which celebrated 162 undergraduates and 90 graduate students from UNH Manchester. The ceremony also recognized Granite State College graduates, which officially merges with UNH Manchester on July 1 to form the UNH College of Professional Studies.
“UNH Manchester and Granite State College graduates are known for their resilience, preparedness and creativity – and perhaps something even more essential: your willingness to roll up your sleeves,” Dean says.
Mike Decelle ‘81, dean of UNH Manchester, echoed that sentiment. Our students bring their best every day, he says, which inspires faculty and staff to do the same.
“Higher education is best when it is a two-way street where both educator and student can rely on a mutual commitment to excellence,” Decelle says. “We provide the knowledge, experience and framework for learning, and you provide us with a dedication to that learning that helps us further develop as educators.”
Alisbet Veras '23 delivering the student address at UNH Manchester's commencement ceremony on Friday. See full photo album
One of those students committed to excellence is Alisbet Veras ’23, who delivered the student address at Friday’s ceremony. The accounting alumna plans to become a Certified Public Accountant and bring to life a business plan she created for a convenience store for her and her family to run. Veras shone a light on the importance of overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities and accepting that things don’t always go as planned.
"Today, we are not only getting a piece of paper,” she says. “We are getting opportunities to grow. We are getting knowledge and skills to help others be a better version of themselves and create better opportunities for our loved ones."
Veras spoke of her journey immigrating to America from the Dominican Republic. Despite facing adversity and hardships, she not only persevered—she excelled. While pursuing her degree, Veras worked full-time as a finance associate at Merchants Fleet before landing an internship at public accounting firm Baker Newman Noyes in early 2022. Her work ethic and passion didn’t go unnoticed—her internship transitioned into a full-time role on the tax staff within three months. Hard work and enthusiasm for learning led to Veras graduating with honors on Friday.
The ceremony included the presentation of the Granite State Award, which recognizes an individual whose contributions have enhanced society as a whole and whose work speaks to the values of the college’s mission. The 2023 Granite State Award was presented to nationally recognized speaker, storyteller and social impact innovator Deo Mwano, whose consultancy firm has helped businesses, schools, nonprofits and individuals build authentic relationships, maximize their positive impact and make a difference in their communities.
Reminding the graduates to be proud of their resilience, Dean encouraged them to believe in their abilities, trust their instincts and inspire change.
“Our students graduate with more than a major or credential,” Dean says. “They leave with a powerful mindset – forged through real-world experiences that challenge and change them.”
Congratulations, Class of 2023! The anticipated UNH Manchester graduates are listed below.
Undergraduate
New Hampshire Students (alphabetical by town)
Amherst
Kelly Merrifield, Psychology, B.A., Cum Laude (December 2022)
Aybyrb
Jesse Arsenault, Computer Science, B.A.
William Brunet, Communication Arts: Digital Media, B.A. (September 2023)
Jacob McJuary, General Studies, A.A. (September 2023)
Hunter Normand, English Teaching, B.A.
Barrington
Elvis Demirovic, Biotechnology, B.S., Cum Laude
Yalambar Rai, Computer Information Systems, B.S. (September 2023)
Bedford
Christopher Barley, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Bailey Jamieson, Communication Arts, B.A.
Deepak Patil, Biotechnology, B.S.
Cody Woods, Business, B.A. (September 2022)
Bow
Meliha Ulker, Biotechnology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude (December 2022)
Bradford
Pamella Lais Mozzer, Neuropsychology, B.S.
Canterbury
Patrick Baker, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S., Cum Laude (September 2022)
Claremont
Marion Lovett, Psychology, B.A., Magna Cum Laude (December 2022)
Concord
Autumn Bedell, Homeland Security, B.S., Cum Laude
Nolan Davis, Neuropsychology, B.S., Cum Laude
Connor Dupuis, Computer Information Systems, B.S.
Mark Guerrera, Business, B.A., Magna Cum Laude
Cassidy Kearns, Business, B.A. (December 2022)
Joseph Planchet, Neuropsychology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude
Fardeen Siddiqui, Biotechnology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude (December 2022)
Kira Smith, Neuropsychology, B.S., Cum Laude
Logan Starkey, Communication Arts, B.A.
Contoocook
Emily Ehrmanntraut, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Danville
Bianca Boucher, General Studies, A.A.
Deerfield
Sophia Velasquez, Communication Arts, B.A., Magna Cum Laude
Derry
Emma Groenewal, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S.
Taylor Harper, Communication Arts, B.A., Magna Cum Laude
StephanieAnne Mastro, Business, B.A. (December 2022)
Micaela Minassian, Biological Sciences, B.A.
Emily Persson, Biotechnology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Lourdes Reyes Pineda, Business, B.A.
Dover
Dylan Haus, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Uyen Ly, Biotechnology, B.S.
Bryanna Rizas, Biotechnology, B.S. (September 2023)
Dublin
Grace Beachel, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S., Summa Cum Laude
East Hampstead
Benjamin Bernier, Computer Science, B.A., Summa Cum Laude (September 2022)
Exeter
Marjorie Baskerville, Biological Sciences, B.A. (September 2023)
Franklin
Thomas Walker, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude
Gilford
Jordan Fessenden, Neuropsychology, B.S. (September 2023)
Goffstown
John Bellemore, Communication Arts: Digital Media, B.A.
Allison Buckless, Psychology, B.A.,
Davis Moore, Computer Science, B.A.,
Fernando Perez, Computer Science, B.A., Summa Cum Laude
Hill
Connor Smith, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.
Hooksett
Amanda Hebert, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S.
Katelyn Leger, English Teaching, B.A., Summa Cum Laude
Taylor Wilder, Neuropsychology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude
Hudson
Haley Gerace, Business, B.A., Cum Laude (December 2022)
Sarah Katsohis, Business, B.A., Summa Cum Laude
Steven MacLeod, Computer Science, B.A., Summa Cum Laude (December 2022)
Cole Zimmerman, Business, B.A.
Laconia
Daniel Engelsen, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.
Litchfield
Erin Blais, Literary Studies, B.A., Magna Cum Laude
Londonderry
Rachel Anastasi, Biotechnology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Olivia Cadorette, Biotechnology, B.S., Cum Laude
Leonard Gratton, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S.
Christopher Kilgore, Homeland Security, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Candice Martin, Biological Sciences, B.A.
Loudon
Colby Hammond, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2022)
Lyndeborough
Nathaniel Simard, Communication Arts, B.A. (September 2023)
Manchester
Alaina Amlaw, Biological Sciences, B.A.
Mariah Beaudoin, Computer Science, B.A., Summa Cum Laude
Mikayla Bolduc, Psychology, B.A.
Zachary Bouchard, Computer Information Systems, B.S.
Lee Brown, Computer Science, B.A., Summa Cum Laude
Matthew Burnell, Business, B.A. (September 2023)
Taylor Burwen, Biological Sciences, B.A. (September 2023)
Brian Caron, Jr., Neuropsychology, B.S.
William Desilva, Jr., Biological Sciences, B.A., Cum Laude
Ethan Edwards, Biotechnology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Christopher Fifty, Neuropsychology, B.S. (September 2022)
Noah Forest, Psychology, B.A., Cum Laude
Angela Fuentes Sillerico, Public Service and Nonprofit Leadership, B.S. (September 2023)
Rachel Gilman, Literary Studies, B.A., Magna Cum Laude (December 2022)
Noemi Gutierrez, Biological Sciences, B.A.
Eric Kasirahinga, Computer Information Systems, B.S. (September 2022)
Phoebe Kelley, Biotechnology, B.S. (September 2023)
Kari-Lynn Knight, Neuropsychology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude (December 2022)
Angela LeBrun, Business, B.A., Summa Cum Laude
Savannah Lopez, Biotechnology, B.S.
Dhan Mapchhan, Homeland Security, B.S. (September 2022)
Elizabeth Marcoux, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude (September 2022)
Nicholas Marcus, English Teaching, B.A. (December 2022)
Carissa McDonald, Neuropsychology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Michael McMahon, Psychology, B.A.
Junior Ndombele, Business, B.A.
Ashley Nelson, Business, B.A., Magna Cum Laude
Kiluba Ngila, Biological Sciences, B.A., Cum Laude
Derek Nicholas, Computer Information Systems, B.S.
Jordan Odell, Biological Sciences, B.A.
Yuliia Odnoshevna, Neuropsychology, B.S. (September 2023)
Amir Rahimov, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Magna Cum Laude (September 2022)
Juan Reyes, Biological Sciences, B.A., Cum Laude
Kyle Roth, Biotechnology, B.S. (December 2022)
Abeer Shabaka, Neuropsychology, B.S.
Hebatullah Shabaka, Communication Arts: Cinema and Media Arts, B.A. (December 2022)
Kathy Tran, Business Administration, A.S., High Honors(September 2022)
Shoshana Trudel, Biotechnology, B.S. (December 2022)
Alexandra Twitchell, Psychology, B.A., Magna Cum Laude (December 2022)
Alexander Wachenfeld, Computer Science, B.A., Magna Cum Laude
Matthew Woodworth, Biotechnology, B.S., Cum Laude
Merrimack
Hailey Daigneault, Business: Accounting, B.A.
Kacey Desort, Communication Arts, B.A.
Colby Dubois, Business, B.A.
Joshua Korsak, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Kellie Mathewson, Biotechnology, B.S. (December 2022)
Madison McLaughlin, Biological Sciences, B.A.,
Kaitlin McManus, Analytics & Data Science: Analytics, B.S., Summa Cum Laude (December 2022)
Robert Patnaude, Biotechnology, B.S.
Christopher Puzzo, Computer Science, B.A.
John Tiano, Homeland Security, B.S., Cum Laude
Milford
Cameron Audette, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Summa Cum Laude
Grant Bonczar, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Ellie Brown, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Magna Cum Laude
Michelle Cullen, Biotechnology, B.S. (September 2023)
Madison King, Business, B.A.
Mont Vernon
Millissa Frings-Petersen, Neuropsychology, B.S. (December 2022)
Rylee Szok, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Summa Cum Laude (December 2022)
Nashua
Emily Baker, Neuropsychology, B.S.
Jessica Elkins, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Summa Cum Laude
Benjamin Fletcher, Computer Science, B.A.
Catherine Hevey, Communication Arts: Cinema and Media Arts, B.A., Summa Cum Laude (December 2022)
John Joyce, Business: Accounting, B.A.
Fidel Mkabela, Biotechnology, B.S.
Jonathan Nguyen, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S., Cum Laude
Molly O'Brien, Business: Accounting, B.A. (December 2022)
Nirav Patel, Homeland Security, B.S., Cum Laude (September 2022)
David Pinheiro, Literary Studies, B.A., Cum Laude (September 2022)
Malak Sukkar, Business, B.A.
Mohammed Sukkar, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2022)
Alisbet Veras, Business: Accounting, B.A., Magna Cum Laude
New Ipswich
Trevor Flannery, Homeland Security, B.S.
Newmarket
Haylee Foster, Biological Sciences, B.A., Cum Laude
Northwood
Derek Santiago, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.
Pelham
Nathan Binette, Computer Information Systems, B.S.
Pembroke
Kenan Mazic, Biotechnology, B.S.
Penacook
Rachel Bidwell, Communication Arts: Digital Media, B.A.
Pittsfield
Brittney Andrews, Biotechnology, B.S., Cum Laude
Raymond
Trevor Massey, Biological Sciences, B.A., Magna Cum Laude (December 2022)
Joseph Prescott, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2022)
Rindge
Barbara Ferraz, Business, B.A. (December 2022)
Rochester
David Reynolds, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Magna Cum Laude (December 2022)
Salem
Megan Frank, Literary Studies, B.A., Magna Cum Laude (December 2022)
Cimona Kanaan, Biological Sciences, B.A. (December 2022)
Samuel Miller, Business, B.A. (December 2022)
Annalise Nett, Psychology, B.A. (December 2022)
Connor Skane, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2022)
Thao Tu, Psychology, B.A. (December 2022)
Somersworth
Nadia Keokominh, Biotechnology, B.S. (December 2022)
Sunapee
Stephen Dunleavy, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2022)
West Lebanon
Logan Audsley, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude (September 2022)
Hattie Cadreact, Communication Arts, B.A., Summa Cum Laude (December 2022)
Wilton
Cole Hultman, Business, B.A. (December 2022)
Windham
Erin Preble, Biological Sciences, B.A. (December 2022)
Brett Simpson, Biological Sciences, B.A. (December 2022)
Out-of-State Students (alphabetical by state)
Fountain Hills, Ariz.
Christopher Saunders, Communication Arts: Cinema and Media Arts, B.A.
Branford, Conn.
Briana Signorelli, General Studies, A.A. (September 2023)
Lowell, Mass.
Kianalee Zabala, Business, B.A. (December 2022)
Pepperell, Mass.
Caleb VanGilder, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.
Topsham, Vt.
Ethan Huntley, Homeland Security, B.S., Cum Laude (December 2022)
Graduate
ALPHABETICAL BY COUNTRY THEN STATE
Guam
Chalan Pago
Maria Daneault, Global Conflict and Human Security, M.S.
India
Chennai
Meenakshi Kathiresan, Information Technology, M.S.
Hyderabad
Vaishnavi Dade, Information Technology, M.S.
Anil Krishna Godasu, Information Technology, M.S.
Tejaswini Gouni, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Sai Kiran Reddy Mothe, Information Technology, M.S.
Uday Manish Reddy Thumma, Information Technology, M.S.
Medchal
Shashank Manda, Information Technology, M.S.
Tanuku
Swathi Velicheti, Information Technology, M.S.
Vellore
Nishanth Arulappan, Global Conflict and Human Security, M.S.
United Arab Emirates
Uthman Dennis-Muhammad, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
United States
San Deigo, Calif.
Ken Kruger, Business Administration, MBA
San Francisco, Calif.
Peter Swinkels, Global Conflict and Human Security, M.S.
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
George Landusberg, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
York Beach, Maine
Kelly Dixon, Public Health, M.P.H.
Dudley, Mass.
Erin Quaiel, Global Conflict and Human Security, M.S.
Groton, Mass.
Brandon LaBelle, Business Administration, MBA
Norwood, Mass.
Sharmela Challagundla, Cybersecurity Engineering, M.S.
Somerville, Mass.
Dawin Khiev, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Waltham, Mass.
Sonal Rathod, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Westminster, Mass.
Christa Moore, National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Oscar Carvalho Neto, Educational Administration and Supervision, Ed.S.
Cary, N.C.
Gina Yacone, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
Amherst, N.H.
Elizabeth Manchester, National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.
Auburn, N.H.
Duncan Britton, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Bedford, N.H.
Christian Bostrup, Secondary Education, M.A.T.
Kevin Raymond, Business Administration, MBA
Berlin, N.H.
Ashley Bruns, Public Health, M.P.H.
Boscawen, N.H.
Sirisha Srinivasan, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Bow, N.H.
John Sardella, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Brookline, N.H.
Amber Fox Mc'neil, Social Work, M.S.W.
Canterbury, N.H.
Matthew Deschuytner, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
Concord, N.H.
Hunter Dupuis, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Kristi Fogwell, Business Administration, MBA
Derry, N.H.
Abigail Dulin, Public Health, M.P.H.
Matthew Norloff, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
Dover, N.H.
Haley Wood, Public Health, M.P.H.
Durham, N.H.
Matt Barricklow, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
Alex Pelham, National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.
Exeter, N.H.
Andrew Wasylyna, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Goffstown, N.H.
Alyssa Allaire, Elementary Education, M.Ed.
Joseph Noyalis, Business Administration, MBA
Hampton, N.H.
Corina Chao, Public Health, M.P.H.
Hollis, N.H.
Joseph Romanow, Public Health, M.P.H.
Hooksett, N.H.
Nicholas Noboa, Information Technology, M.S.
Lyndeborough, N.H.
Ethan Ferraiuolo, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Madison, N.H.
Yosita Thanjai, Public Health, M.P.H.
Manchester, N.H.
Parker Baumann, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Carlo Capuz, Information Technology, M.S.
Ryan DesRuisseaux, Public Health, M.P.H.
Max Dodge, Public Health, M.P.H.
Thomas Gerton, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Ari Grad, Information Technology, M.S.
Kendall Hawkom, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Jonathan Hoying, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Isabelle Laizure, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Ofori Mensah, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Sneha Nimmati, Information Technology, M.S.
William Rivera, Information Technology, M.S.
Sarah Siegel, National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.
Rohit Kumar Veerabomma, Information Technology, M.S.
Merrimack, N.H.
Matthew Vroegindewey, Business Administration, MBA
Mont Vernon, N.H.
Matthew Guzzardi, Business Administration, MBA
Nashua, N.H.
Carol Elliott, Global Conflict and Human Security, M.S.
Gregory Henninger, Business Administration, MBA
Dianne Moschitta, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
New Boston, N.H.
Rafa Tonne, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
North Hampton, N.H.
Zara Silverman, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
Penacook, N.H.
Madyn Kenney, Public Health, M.P.H.
Sadie Vezina, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Pittsfield, N.H.
Lauren Moulton, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Plaistow, N.H.
Craig Desrochers, Business Administration, MBA
Portsmouth, N.H.
Mark Broderick, Business Administration, MBA
Julia Castimore, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Elizabeth McCarthy, National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.
Rindge, N.H.
Riccardo Dentesano, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
Rochester, N.H.
Anya Kurtenbach, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Salem, N.H.
Maegan Hanlon, Global Conflict and Human Security, M.S.
Naeleh Sapienza, Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences, M.S.
Sanbornton, N.H.
Trey Caryl, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
Sandown, N.H.
Julia Mulhall, Public Health, M.P.H.
Seabrook, N.H.
James Driscoll, National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.
Washington, N.H.
Brett Bennett, Cybersecurity Engineering, M.S.
Windham, N.H.
Alex Deardorff, Business Administration, MBA
New York, N.Y.
Alioune Mzeirigue, Global Conflict and Human Security, M.S.
San Antonio, Texas
Nalika Soreng, Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management, M.S.
Arlington, Va.
Kathleen Kinnie, National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.
Unknown
Patrick Embury, National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.
Kaylie Longua, Elementary Education, M.Ed.
Jonathan Taylor, National Security Intelligence Analysis, M.S.