b'24RAPPORT | Notes & NewsHigh Honors for First Bachelors ProgramCohort Graduatesith our 2020 Commencement, the CollegeDeciding to go to school full time was no easy W celebrated a milestone for the Bachelor ofdecision to make. It would mean sacrificing income by Science in Psychology and Human Servicesgoing down to part-time at work so that I could make program, as the very first graduates of the now three- school the priority in my life, said Curtis Chambers, year old program received their degrees. This programa Cum Laude graduate. There were several sacrifices milestone though, however significant, pales inthat had to be made with regard to family activities, comparison to the momentous accomplishments ofweekend trips, and even some sleep. Finding out that I the eight graduates in this cohort. am moving forward with honors is just that, an honor.This first graduating class includes both careerChambers works for The Home for Little changers and career acceleratorsthe career changersWanderers, which is where he originally learned know who they are, but the career accelerators may notabout the program. He also has a personal finance view themselves in that light, said Julia Rodenhiser,consultancy. He said receiving his bachelors degree the programs Enrollment & Retention Counselor.provides the confidence that I am equipped with The career accelerators may have upwards of 10 yearsthe interventions needed to support clients with the in Human Services with all the years of experience,psychology of money. It also [means] I have the plus their bachelors degree, the possibility of theiropportunity to further my studies in the realm of career accelerating is very likely. finances and psychology.More importantly, she added, These studentsDouglas Mariano graduated at the top of the cohort have aligned an academic program with their gift ofwith highest honors. Receiving this title is such an helping others, and I always find people that followhonor. It makes the sacrifices I experienced during their heart remarkable. this journey worthwhile. Graduating Summa Cum During a June 7 virtual gathering to celebrateLaude helps me recognize that we are much more the graduates, cohort members spoke of journeys,capable than we often realize, Mariano said. It also persistence, struggles, and supports. Eachpoints to the strength in collaborating with others graduate credited their cohort and leadershipto achieve our best. I put a great deal of individual at the College that taught, supported, andeffort into this work but the support I had around me inspired them to get it done. Most of theprovided me the opportunity to complete my degree. graduates earned their degree with honors. Like Chambers, Mariano also learned about the bachelors program through his employer (Mariano'