Celebrating UNH Manchester Class of 2024

“History has shown us time and time again that it is the young, the fearless, and the undaunted who lead the charge for change.”

Stand up for what you believe in, get involved in your community and be resilient—these were the themes of AmeriCorps CEO Michael Smith’s keynote address at the UNH College of Professional Studies (CPS) commencement ceremony on Friday. Smith described his upbringing in a working-class neighborhood, watching peers and even his own brother get caught up in the drugs and crime.

“I’ve had my share of obstacles to overcome, and I do what I do because it’s deeply personal,” he said. “My journey was a journey marked by moments of being served and then feeling the call to serve.”

Smith used his story to encourage students to give back, saying that service has the power to change lives and even save them. Despite today’s significant challenges—poverty, climate change, social injustice—he said he believes this generation can make a difference.

“I'm not worried about the future, because I've seen what you can do,” Smith said. “Your struggles, your resilience, qualify you to be the change agents of tomorrow.”

Young people leading change was also the root of the address that UNH President James Dean, Jr., delivered to UNH Manchester’s 166 undergraduate and 90 graduate students as well as graduates from CPS Online.

“Your potential nurtures possibility, in our neighborhoods, state and world—and the future will be better because of the new energy you bring to it,” Dean said.

CPS Dean Mike Decelle ’81 echoed that sentiment. He noted that their experience at UNH, particularly during a global pandemic, built character and determination.

“The strong commitment you made to complete your education through trying times is one of the under-appreciated benefits of a college degree, and it will be a key factor in your future success,” Decelle said.

A commitment to education was personified by ASL/English interpreting graduate Jordan White ’24, who delivered UNH Manchester’s student address. From interning at Beverly School for the Deaf, to researching interpreting language variety in Black Deaf ASL users, to serving in a variety of leadership roles on campus, White embraced learning and service throughout her college career.

In her address, White shone a light on the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges and opposition. She spoke of her own academic anxieties, and how the support from professors, mentors and peers helped her find her voice.

 “The journey ahead may be filled with twists and turns, victories and setbacks,” White said. “But with the knowledge, skills and experiences gained during your time here, I have every confidence that you will navigate these challenges with grace, courage and resilience.”

One graduate who is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit is Ellen Gagnon ’24, who delivered the student address for CPS Online. Her path to earning her degree in behavioral science began later in life, driven by a deep-seated mission to honor the memory of her eldest son, Brian. His legacy of love and laughter inspired her to embark on a journey for understanding and advocacy in the field of mental health and addiction.

“I made a promise to my son and myself that I would do something good for him and others in crisis, one person at a time,” Gagnon said.

Through heartbreak, Ellen found purpose. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, and her empathy, intellect and passion will undoubtedly transform lives in the field of substance abuse and addiction recovery.

Friday’s ceremony included the presentation of the Granite State Award, which recognizes an individual or organization whose contributions have enhanced society as a whole and whose work speaks to the values of the college’s mission. The 2024 Granite State Award was presented to Waypoint, a Manchester-based nonprofit that has created a social safety net for New Hampshire residents by empowering people of all ages through an array of human services and advocacy.

Reminding the graduates to be proud of their accomplishments and resilience, Dean encouraged them to believe in their abilities, trust their instincts and inspire change.

“Whether you advanced new understanding of the universe or mapped new treatment pathways, addressed critical gaps in public health or became a more inclusive leader, you learned through the lens of service and gained vital skills the world needs now,” he said.

Congratulations, Class of 2024! The anticipated UNH Manchester graduates are listed below.

Allenstown

Yuly Monsalve Cabeza, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Amherst

Rylie McCoy, Biological Sciences, B.A., Magna Cum Laude

Eshwar Senthilnathan, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Antrim

Sean Burwen, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Ian Cahoon, Computer Science, B.A.

Bedford

Gabriella Amirtham, Psychology, B.A. (September 2024)

Logan Censabella, Business Administration, A.S.

Lillyann Jin, Biotechnology, B.S., Cum Laude

Matthew Kafejelis, Communication Arts, B.A.

Cameron Klein, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Cum Laude (December 2023)

Craig Polishan, Business, B.A.

Bow

Walter Chacon, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Aedan Graves, Communication Arts: Advertising & Public Relations, B.A. (September 2024)

Bradford

Samuel Bourcier, Business: Accounting, B.A., Summa Cum Laude

Canaan

Brieanna-Lyn McKeage, Communication Arts, B.A.

Center Barnstead

Keegan Unzen, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Chester

Carmelina Minico, Biotechnology, B.S.

Concord

Rashid Amiri, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Mtunipesa Baruani, Homeland Security, B.S.

Kevin Coleman, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2023)

Ethan De Angelis, Homeland Security, B.S., Magna Cum Laude (December 2023)

Thoma Luzi, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Grant Mangan, Biotechnology, B.S., Cum Laude

Fred Nshimiyimana, Homeland Security, B.S.

Matthew Steinhauser, Business, B.A., Magna Cum Laude (December 2023)

Jonathan Weinberg, Public Service & Nonprofit Leadership, B.S. (December 2023)

Cornish

Taylor Nalette, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S. (September 2024)

Danville

Zoey Lauria, Neuropsychology, B.S. (September 2024)

Deering

Andrew Sanborn, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Derry

Jacob Carlson, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Cum Laude

Jordan Coalter, Business, B.A. (December 2023)

Jessica Cote, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S., Cum Laude

Monique Gingras, Biotechnology, B.S., Cum Laude (December 2023)

Tatum Goebel, Business Administration, A.S., High Honors

Emily Longo, Biological Sciences, B.A. (December 2023)

Caleb Marsh, Biological Sciences, B.A. (December 2023)

Meghan Onessimo, General Studies, A.A.

Robert Steele, Biological Sciences, B.A.

Jordan White, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Dover

Sierra Holmes, Homeland Security, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Dunbarton

Sage Dieffenbach, Biological Sciences, B.A., Summa Cum Laude

Exeter

Maggie Briggs, Biotechnology, B.S., Cum Laude (December 2023)

Gilford

Jordan Fessenden, Neuropsychology, B.S. (September 2024)

Michael Maltais, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude (December 2023)

Goffstown

Lauryn Davis, Biotechnology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Jordan Lewis, Analytics & Data Science: Analytics, B.S. (December 2023)

Benjamin Robertson, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Cum Laude (December 2023)

Adam Zienkiewicz, Communication Arts: Cinema and Media Arts, B.A., Summa Cum Laude

Hooksett

Kaylee McKenzie, Biotechnology, B.S.

Aymane Naanai, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Megan Ross, Psychology, B.A.

Hudson

Angie Campos Untiveros, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Nathan Gaudette, Business: Accounting, B.A.

Madison Hoyt, Communication Arts: Advertising & Public Relations, B.A.

Nina Lavigne, Business: Accounting, B.A. (December 2023)

Patrick McCarthy, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Colby Roberts, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Charles Thomas, General Studies, A.A.

Joseph Wangu, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Jaffrey

Aaron Fletcher, English Studies: Professional & Technical Communications, B.A. (September 2024)

Kingston

Madison Thompson, Biological Sciences, B.A., Magna Cum Laude

Litchfield

Madison Buskey, Biological Sciences, B.A.

Caitlin Lowry, Neuropsychology, B.S.

Sarah Nolan, Biotechnology, B.S.

Sierra Reinitzer, Psychology, B.A.

Londonderry

Jacob Bolduc, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Evelyn Brunette, Neuropsychology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Tanatporn Byers, Psychology, B.A., Magna Cum Laude (December 2023)

Mackenzie Dodge, Biological Sciences, B.A.

Rhea Hernandez, Biotechnology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Nick Patenaude, Biotechnology, B.S. (December 2023)

James Rooney, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Jonathan Rooney, Computer Information Systems, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Luke St. Cyr, English Teaching, B.A., Magna Cum Laude

Joshua Thibault, Business, B.A., Cum Laude

Lyndeborough

Carlos Nunez, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2023)

Manchester

Karla Almanzar Sandoval, Computer Science, B.A. (December 2023)

Krista Apostoles, Communication Arts: Human Relations, B.A.

Rosalie Arista, Biological Sciences, B.A.

Monserrath Ascencio - Vega, Psychology, B.A. (December 2023)

Faith Bell, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S.

Dmytro Bilous, Computer Science, B.A. (December 2023)

Gabrielle Blomquist, Computer Information Systems, B.S.

Alynette Chavez, Biological Sciences, B.A. (December 2023)

Maria Corniel, English Teaching, B.A.

Hieu Dang, Computer Science, B.A., Cum Laude (December 2023)

Peter Dinh, Computer Science, B.A.

Keara Doolan, Neuropsychology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Kaitlyn Douillard, Biological Sciences, B.A., Summa Cum Laude

Charlotte Dubois, Public Service & Nonprofit Leadership, B.S.

Rayna Duclos, Psychology, B.A. (December 2023)

Nadine Emil', Biotechnology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude (December 2023)

Tristin Garvin, Business, B.A., Magna Cum Laude

Jai-Lynn Goss, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Keillys Guerrero Rojas, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Lauren Hastings, English Teaching, B.A., Magna Cum Laude (December 2023)

Lindiwe Jiri, Biotechnology, B.S.

Samuel Lewin, Homeland Security, B.S. (December 2023)

Ervenson Louis Jacque, Neuropsychology, B.S. (December 2023)

Ashley Merced, Computer Science, B.A.

Ahd Mohamed, Biotechnology, B.S. (December 2023)

Long Nguyen, Computer Science, B.A., Summa Cum Laude

Anthony Pion, Computer Information Systems, B.S.

Sabrina Rahme, Humanities, B.A., Magna Cum Laude

Alexander Raymond, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Luis Rosado, Communication Arts: Cinema and Media Arts, B.A. (December 2023)

Liam Shelly, Communication Arts, B.A.

Kyle Vaughan, Business, B.A. (December 2023)

James Vidal Cardona, Biological Sciences, B.A., Magna Cum Laude

Mason

Samuel Nadeau, Business, B.A.

Meriden

Connor Dodge, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S., Cum Laude

Merrimack

Manar Altekreeti, Business, B.A. (December 2023)

Alexander Cox, Business Administration, A.S. (December 2023)

Tara Duffy, Neuropsychology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Samantha Karam, Communication Arts, B.A. (September 2024)

Milford

Taylor Lawrence, Biotechnology, B.S. (December 2023)

Joshua Smith, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Ian Swenson, Neuropsychology, B.S.

Milton

Timothy Woodward, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Nashua

Alexis Boucouvalas, Computer Information Systems, B.S.

Jonathan Cashman-Aussant, Neuropsychology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude (December 2023)

Nicholas Cordova, Business: Accounting, B.A.

Abigail Gendron, English Teaching, B.A., Summa Cum Laude

Benjamin Heney, Computer Science, B.A., Summa Cum Laude

Bhavana Kolaparthi, English Studies: Literary Studies, B.A.

Arjun Kumar, Business, B.A., Cum Laude

Aron Laborera, Computer Science, B.A. (September 2024)

Daniel Lougee, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Michael Magliozzi, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude (December 2023)

Laura Ospina, Homeland Security, B.S.

Leah Salcito, English Teaching, B.A.

Daniel Stough, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Raunak Vijay, Biotechnology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude (December 2023)

Lydia Whitby, Public Service & Nonprofit Leadership, B.S.

New Boston

Kelsey Wynn, Business, B.A. (September 2024)

New Ipswich

Mahala Damery, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S.

Matthew Wilkins, Business, B.A., Cum Laude

Newfields

Matthew Swanton, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Northfield

Madison Creswell, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S.

Pelham

Dylan Conroy, Biotechnology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Kenneth Paquette, Biotechnology, B.S., Magna Cum Laude

Pembroke

Ryan Johnson, Neuropsychology, B.S. (September 2024)

Zachary Sawyer, Business, B.A.

Gwendolyn Tupman, Biotechnology, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Pittsfield

Bryana Morris, Business, B.A. (December 2023)

Plaistow

Tanzila Khan, Biological Sciences, B.A. (September 2024)

Malina Popa, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2023)

Raymond

Andrew Getchell, Computer Science, B.A. (December 2023)

Janessa Pilotte, Business: Accounting, B.A. (September 2024)

Rochester

Jessica Harley, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S.

Sandown

Bryan Robbins, Computer Science, B.A.

Windham

Chandler Dreyfuss, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2023)

Alexander Lincoln, English Studies: Literary Studies, B.A.

Lingard Whiteford, Business, B.A. (December 2023)

Paul Wrampe, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S.

Wolfeboro

Erika Burgess, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Claire Patnaude, ASL/English Interpreting, B.S., Summa Cum Laude

Out-of-State Students (alphabetical by state)

Athol, Mass.

Jasmine Alvarez, Neuropsychology, B.S. (September 2024)

Beverly, Mass.

Alexa Grant, A.S.L/English Interpreting, B.S.

Chelmsford, Mass.

Ian Alton, Electrical Engineering Technology, B.S. (December 2023)

Chelsea, Mass.

Eric Lester, Communication Arts, B.A. (December 2023)

Ludlow, Mass.

Lauren Martins, A.S.L/English Interpreting, B.S., Cum Laude

North Chelmsford, Mass.

Ashley Wenning, Biotechnology, B.S. (September 2024)

Northbridge, Mass.

Robert Breault, Neuropsychology, B.S. (December 2023)

West Roxbury, Mass.

Hudson Charles, Business, B.A.

Belvidere, N.J.

Robert Menegus, Mechanical Engineering Technology, B.S., Cum Laude

Albany, N.Y.

Claire Patnaude, A.S.L/English Interpreting, B.S., Summa Cum Laude
 

 

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