Manchester Community College Celebrates 48th Annual Commencement Tonight

More than 1,000 degrees will be awarded at ’s 48th annual commencement ceremony tonight. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Bicentennial Band Shell.

Daniel H. Bates, a Newington resident, is the 2012 valedictorian earning an associate in science degree in Engineering Science. The salutatorian is Kevin M. MacVane, a resident of Manchester, who will be awarded an associate in science degree in general studies.

Lewis J. Robinson, Jr. will give the commencement address to the graduates. He is a seasoned attorney with a comprehensive background in business, law and government affairs, as well as charitable organizations. He retired as General Counsel of Travelers Property Casualty, Personal Lines and has served in a volunteer leadership capacity with a variety of non-profit organizations. Most recently he was appointed by Governor Dannel P. Malloy to serve as Chairman of the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.

The Regional Advisory Council Award will be presented to Shae Ming Sau, a resident of Windsor. This award is given to a student in recognition of service to the college.

Jackie Dannaher, a resident of West Hartford, is the recipient of the President’s Student Award, which recognizes a student who has demonstrated unusual perseverance in spite of difficulties, obstacles or challenges.

The honorary degree recipient is Timothy J. Devanney, President of . He has demonstrated a commitment and dedication to Manchester Community College and currently serves as a member of the college’s Regional Advisory Council.

Posthumous recognition will be given to Thomas P. Sheridan, Esq.’ 73, of Glastonbury, who embodied the vision of a community college graduate. He was a decorated Vietnam veteran, attorney and clerk of the Connecticut State Senate. He served as a long time member of the Manchester Community College’s Regional Advisory Committee and was a valuable adviser to the presidents of MCC.