Speaker

Willem Lange, Renaissance man

Willem Lange was born in 1935. A child of deaf parents, he grew up speaking sign language and first came to New England to prep school in 1950 as an alternative to reform school in his native New York State.

During a few absences from New England, Will earned a degree in only nine years at the College of Wooster in Ohio. In between those scattered semesters, he worked as a ranch hand, Adirondack guide, preacher, construction laborer, bobsled run announcer, assembly line worker, cab driver, bookkeeper, and bartender. After graduating in 1962, he taught high school English in northern New York, filling in summers as an Outward Bound instructor.

From 1968 to 1972 Will directed the Dartmouth Outward Bound Center. From 1972 until his “retirement” in 2007, he was a building and remodeling contractor in Hanover. He’s an adopted member of the Dartmouth Class of 1957.

In 1981 he began writing a weekly column, “A Yankee Notebook,” which appears in several New England newspapers. He’s a commentator or host for Vermont Public Radio and both Vermont and New Hampshire Public Television. His annual readings of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol began in 1975 and continue unabated. He’s published several audio recordings and eight books and won an Emmy for a one-hour feature program on New Hampshire Public Television.

In 1973 Will founded the Geriatric Adventure Society, a group of outdoor enthusiasts whose members have skied the 200-mile Alaska Marathon, climbed in Alaska, the Andes, and Himalayas, bushwhacked on skis through northern New England, and paddled rivers north of the Arctic Circle.

He and his wife, Ida, have been married since 1959. After forty years in New Hampshire, they moved to East Montpelier, Vermont, in 2007. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Schedule
Thursday, May 9
3:00 p.m. ~ Robing Ceremony & Senior Awards ~ Alexander Twilight Theatre
Introduction of Faculty Speaker: Cheryl Perry-Boucher, Class of 2013
Charge to the Graduates: John Castaldo, Assistant Professor, Business Administration
Student Speaker: Margaret George, Class of 2013
Investiture of Robes: Joseph A. Bertolino, President

4:30 p.m. ~ Robing Reception ~ Theatre Lobby
4:45 p.m. ~ Senior Class Photo ~ Stannard Gymnasium with Keith Chamberlin
5:15 p.m. ~ Senior Class Photo to be posted to the Lyndon State College Facebook page!

Friday, May 17
2:00 p.m. ~ Graduation Rehearsal ~ Rita Bole Gymnasium

Sunday, May 19
10:30 a.m. ~ Faculty Line-up and Breakfast Social with Families ~ Theatre Lobby
All faculty, staff and family members are invited.

11:00 a.m. ~ Commencement Ceremony
Under the tent on the soccer field or by live broadcast in the Alexander Twilight Theatre

• Ceremonial Greeting: Taylore Aussiker, Class of 2013
• Student Speaker: Brian Stone, Class of 2013
• Special Guest Speaker: Willem Lange, author, teacher, and commentator/host for Vermont Public Radio, Vermont Public Television and New Hampshire Public Television
• Ode to the Class of 2013: Samantha VanSchoick, Class of 2013
• Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient: Jeff Danielian, Class of 1998, author, and teacher resource specialist for the National Association for Gifted Children
• Presidential Medal of Distinction: To be announced.
• Honorary Degree: Ray Griffin, Honorary Member of the Class of 1942
• Music by: Suncooked

1:00 p.m. ~ Post-Commencement Photographs and Coffee Social ~ Stannard Gymnasium
Faculty will be located by their department banners in the gym for photo opportunities with graduates and families. Live music by Suncooked.

General Information

WHEN AND WHERE IS COMMENCEMENT?

Day and Date: Sunday, May 19, 2013

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Place: Lyndon State College Soccer Field, under the tent

Receptions: Before the ceremony, Theatre Lobby, breakfast social for everyone at 9:30 a.m.

After the ceremony, Stannard Gym, coffee social for everyone. Great photo opportunity with faculty! Just look for the department flag.

HOW LONG DOES THE COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY LAST?

Typically, the ceremony lasts for two hours, until 1:00 p.m.

WHEN DO GRADUATING STUDENTS HAVE TO BE THERE?

You will be expected to line up at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2013, in the Rita Bole Gymnasium. Please wear your regalia. You may also pick up your regalia on that date.

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE CEREMONY?

You must be a matriculated, degree seeking student,

AND

You must have filed, by March 9th at the latest, a Request to Graduate, either on-line through Web Services, or on the paper form submitted along with a program evaluation signed by your advisor, with the Student Services Office, (you should apply a year prior to your anticipated graduation), and you must have been approved for graduation by the Faculty Assembly,

AND

You must have a 2.0 G.P.A. (may be higher for some majors), and a minimum of 122 credits (BA and BS candidates), 62 credits (AA and AS candidates), and must meet all degree requirements in your catalog. Master’s candidates require a minimum of 36 credits,

AND

You must be wearing green (Associates) or black (Bachelors) academic regalia in order to process,

AND

You must behave in a manner appropriate to the dignity of the occasion.

Please note: If your attendance plans have changed since you applied for a degree, please notify Evelyn Franz in Student Services at 802-626-6495.

TICKETS & SEATING

HOW MANY TICKETS WILL I RECEIVE?

Good news! No tickets are required for the Commencement ceremony. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that the traditional plastic folding seats are very close together to maximize available seating (some seats are attached per the fire code). We ask that attendees please be respectful of their neighbors and practice civility at all times!

IS THERE SPECIAL SEATING AVAILABLE?

Yes. Some students have parents, grandparents or other guests who may need special assistance at the ceremony. We have reserved spaces for wheelchairs under the tent. We also live broadcast in our Alexander Twilight Theatre, which is a climate-controlled space with easy access to restrooms. This has proven to be a very nice option for some guests when they find it too cold or too hot to be outside under the tent.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

WHERE CAN I GET FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENTS?

Please visit Balfour’s website to order announcements: www.balfour.com. Simply type in Lyndon State College on the opening page and proceed from there.

CAPS & GOWNS

WHERE DO I ORDER MY CAP AND GOWN?

To participate in Commencement, you must wear a cap and gown. Contact the Bookstore immediately at 802-626-6466 if you have not yet ordered your regalia. Please be prepared to pay for the cap & gown at the time you order. Please note that any regalia not purchased through the Bookstore must be approved by Evelyn Franz in Student Services. No three-dimensional objects will be allowed on tops of caps. It is expected that all graduates will dress appropriately for the occasion. Dress as if you were going to an important job interview!

WHEN DO I GET MY CAP AND GOWN?

Regalia will be available to be picked up prior to the 3:00 p.m. Robing Ceremony on May 9. You may also pick up your gown before Rehearsal on May 17, or you may pick up your gown the day of Commencement, before 10:30 a.m. The sooner you get your regalia, the sooner you will know whether it is the correct fit! If you have concerns regarding regalia, please call the Bookstore at 802-626-6466.

GRADUATE SASHES

The Bookstore will also have special Lyndon sashes (green and gold with the Lyndon seal) available for parents to purchase for their graduate to wear during graduate. If you wish to order one of these special sashes for your graduate, please contact the Bookstore at 802-626-6466. These sashes will also be available at Commencement.

HONORS

WHAT DOES “GRADUATING WITH HONORS” MEAN?

Students achieving academic distinction as of December 2012 will receive gold tassels (in addition to the black tassels on their caps). These can be picked up the morning of Commencement before line-up in the Rita Bole Gym.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM GRADUATING WITH HONORS?

Actual honors will be determined by your final cumulative GPA (as of May 2013) and will be indicated on your diploma. Students are awarded Latin Honors as follows: summa cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.9 or higher), magna cum laude (cumulative GPA of 3.7-3.89) and cum laude (3.5-3.69). Cumulative GPA is based on work completed at Lyndon; and students must have completed a minimum of 62 letter-graded credits at the Vermont State Colleges to qualify for degrees with distinction.

PARKING & GUEST SERVICES

WHERE DO FAMILIES PARK ON SUNDAY, MAY 19?

Since most underclassmen will no longer be on campus, there should be sufficient parking for all visitors on the campus. Public Safety officials will be on campus all day to direct guests to available parking areas, including the South Street parking lot. Please enter from College Road or McGoff Hill Road. Shuttle service and/or accommodations will be available for those unable to walk distances.

WHERE DO GRADUATES PARK ON SUNDAY, MAY 19?

In order to create maximum space in parking lots for families, we request that graduating students please park in the Rita Bole Complex or Wheelock parking lots. Thank you!

MAY I BRING MY PET?

Please leave your pet at home. Do not leave your pet in your vehicle. The only pets allowed at the Commencement ceremony are service animals.

WILL FLOWERS BE AVAILABLE?

Flowers will be sold on Commencement day at the Bookstore. Flowers can also be pre-ordered through the Bookstore. Please contact Anita Little, Bookstore Manager, at 802-626-6466.

WHEN AND WHERE SHOULD I MAKE HOTEL RESERVATIONS?

If you have out-of-town guests coming who will need to stay in the area, we suggest you make hotel reservations as soon as possible. A list of area motels, hotels and bed & breakfasts can be found at www.nekchamber.com and at www.lyndonvermont.com. Two of the larger hotels in the area to consider are The Comfort Inn & Suites (802-748-1500) and the Fairbanks Inn (802-748-5666). Both hotels are only 15 minutes away from the College. Other places to consider are The Wildflower Inn (with spectacular views) at www.wildflowerinn.com and the Lynburke Motel at www.lynburkemotel.com. Both of these establishments are only 5-7 minutes from the College.

OTHER COMMENCEMENT ACTIVITIES

ROBING CEREMONY, MAY 9, 2013

The Robing Ceremony, held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013, in the Alexander Twilight Theatre, is the official kick-off ceremony to Commencement and Senior Week. Robes are donned, awards are given, a student speaker gives an entertaining rendition of the history of regalia, and the main speaker is a faculty member chosen by the senior class.

SENIOR WEEK ACTIVITIES, MAY 15-18, 2013

The Senior Week committee plans the fun events that take place the week leading up to graduation: A barbecue, social at the President’s home, dinner cruise in Burlington, seniors vs. faculty/staff athletic event, and more. For more information, contact Hannah Nelson Manley, ’97, at hannah.manley@lyndonstate.edu or 802-626-6433.

MANDATORY REHEARSAL, MAY 17, 2013

Rehearsal is on Friday, May 17, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., starting in the Rita Bole Gymnasium. Rehearsal is the time to get important information about Commencement, to practice the processional, and to understand how you will receive your diploma by taking a practice walk across the platform.

WHAT IF I AM A DECEMBER GRADUATE? DO I HAVE TO GO TO REHEARSAL?

If you are a December graduate, it may be difficult for you to make the rehearsal, but this does not reduce its importance. If you do not attend rehearsal, you should plan to arrive at the Rita Bole Gym a little earlier on Sunday (by 10:00 a.m.) to receive full instructions from the Student Services staff.

Reminder: Alcohol is not allowed at Commencement.

PHOTOGRAPHY

WILL THE CEREMONY BE VIDEOTAPED?

Yes, a professional video production crew will tape the entire ceremony. Kingdom Access Television (KATV) will produce DVDs of the ceremony. Order forms for KATV were included in graduation packets and will also be available at the ceremony. Contact information: http://katv.org 802-751-8103, or Kingdom Access Television, 515 Bay Street, Suite 202, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

WHAT ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHS?

In addition to the videographer, a professional photographer from Graduation Images will record the moment when you are awarded your diploma folder. Approximately one week after the ceremony, a passport-sized, full-color proof will be mailed to you. There is no obligation to purchase the photograph. If you do wish to get prints of the photo, you will have the option of ordering from a variety of enlargement packages. For more information, please contact Graduation Images at www.gradimages.com or call them at 800-424-3686.

MY PARENTS WOULD LIKE TO VIDEOTAPE THE CEREMONY. WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

Guests taking photographs or taping are asked to refrain from blocking the aisles or interfering with other guests’ views of the ceremony. Please be respectful of all graduates and guests and comply with the ushers requests.

DIPLOMAS & TRANSCRIPTS

WHEN WILL I GET MY DIPLOMA?

For the 101^st Commencement Ceremony, Lyndon State College will be mailing ALL diplomas to graduates’ home addresses.  This new process will allow Lyndon State College to move to a more secure system in delivering diplomas. Diplomas will arrive at your home two or three weeks after the May 2013 Commencement Ceremony.

On the platform at the Commencement Ceremony, in recognition of this special celebration, graduates will receive their diploma jackets with a signed congratulatory letter from the President.

Please note:  If you need to have your diploma mailed to a different address other than the home address we have on file, please email Evelyn Franz in the Registrar’s office at evelyn.franz@lyndonstate.edu. This will help us to get your diploma to you in the most secure and timely manner.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Dean’s Office at 802-626-6406.

HOW DO I GET MY TRANSCRIPT?

Transcripts (for May graduates) should be available in early June. Please go to the website www.iwantmytranscript.com to order your transcript. You must not have a financial obligation to the college in order to process a transcript request.

IS THERE ANY REASON WHY I MIGHT NOT GRADUATE?

The most common reasons for students being disappointed at the last minute are:

1. Final cumulative average falls below 2.0;

2. Failure to complete degree requirements;

3. Transcripts not received from other colleges attended;

4. Incomplete grades not submitted;

5. Not passing the required graduation standards.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

WHAT IF I OWE THE COLLEGE MONEY?

Occasionally a few students forget to clear all their accounts with the College. Don’t be one of them. By Friday, May 3, 2013, all outstanding accounts with the Student Services Center, Library, Public Safety, Residence Life, etc. should be resolved. Diplomas and transcripts will be delayed if this is not done.

IF I HAVE A STUDENT LOAN, IS THERE SOMETHING I NEED TO DO?

If you have borrowed a Federal Student Loan (Stafford and/or Perkins Loan), federal regulations require that you complete mandatory exit counseling if you are graduating or dropping to below half time.

The federal exit counseling requirement for the Federal Stafford loan program is completed online. Visit www.nslds.ed.gov >Select “Exit Counseling”>Click the “Start” button. Log in using your FAFSA PIN. Approximate completion time is 30 minutes. It must be completed in one sitting. You may opt to “tour” the session first but you will not get credit for completing the requirement until you log in and start the session.

The federal exit counseling requirement for the Federal Perkins loan program is also completed online. Visit www.ecsi.net >Login to My Account using your account number and ECSI pin number > Click on the “Exit Interview” link. From the list of Pending Exit Interviews, select the appropriate exit to complete and follow the instructions provided.

If you have questions regarding this matter, please contact Student Services at 802-626-6396.

I LIVE ON CAMPUS. IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

Graduating seniors must make arrangements with residence hall staff to check out of their residence hall room before Commencement on Sunday, May 19. There will be further information provided regarding each residence halls check out procedure in May. Regular meal service in Stevens Dining Hall will end with dinner on Thursday, May 16.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Once you graduate, you are an official member of the College’s Alumni Association. Some of the benefits of being a member include the alumni online community, group savings on home and auto insurance, continued use of the library, free admission at athletic events, continued support from Career Services, and invitations to regional alumni socials. Stay connected with your alma mater through the Alumni Association! alumni.lyndonstate.edu

QUESTIONS

For general Commencement information, contact Tracy Sherbrook, Assistant to the Academic Dean, at 802-626-6406. She will be happy to talk to you! You can also e-mail her at: tracy.sherbrook@lyndonstate.edu.

If you have questions about your eligibility to graduate, please contact Evelyn Franz in Student Services at 802-626-6495 or at evelyn.franz@lyndonstate.edu.

For questions about Senior Week activities, contact Hannah Manley, Director of Alumni Relations and Development, 802-626-6433, or at hannah.manley@lyndonstate.edu.

THIS IS AN EXCITING DAY FOR EVERYONE;

WE STRIVE TO MAKE IT ENJOYABLE FOR ALL!