June 20, 2011
Greenville, RI
Letter to MEC Alumni

Hello all "my girls",

My husband and I attended the first graduation ceremony at Mater Ecclesiae College as an accredited institution Saturday, June 18. It was so beautiful that I had to share it with all of you.  The morning started with breakfast outside behind the house with picnic tables set up for everyone. There were many parents, family members and faculty in attendance. There was a large tent set up for the ceremony and, luckily, the weather was gorgeous - sunny but not too warm, a slight breeze.  After breakfast, everyone went to the chapel for Mass which was celebrated by Bishop Gelineau. No matter how many times I attend mass in that chapel, I always leave with goose bumps (piel de gallina) because the singing and the mass make that place the most wonderful experience.  After mass, the parents and guests went outside to their seats under the tent and the faculty and students went to dress in their caps and gowns.  It was quite an impressive sight to see faculty in their academic regalia with the hoods in the various colors of areas of specialization and the students in their black caps and gowns with tassels waiting to be moved from right to left, indicating graduate status. Faculty and graduates processed out the back door to the tent which was set up in front of the statue of our Lady. We were led by President Fernández, Dean Camarero, Bishop Gelineau, and the commencement speaker, Dermott Mullan, father of consecrated Margaret Mullan, who gave a wonderful commencement address.

The best part, of course, was watching as each graduate was called to the podium to receive her well-deserved diploma.  Maritza was there, como siempre, to take a picture of each one.  In addition to the graduates of the class of 2011, there were members of previous classes there who also received their diplomas. I thought of all of you so you were there in spirit. There were a few tears since we were saying goodby to Luly who is leaving as president to go to her new assignment in Washington, DC. Needless to say, we will all miss her tremendously but look forward to working with our new president, Deb Bauer. Luly announced this during the graduation.  The choir entertained us with one of their songs and then we recessed out to the front of the school where we took pictures in front of the new Mater Ecclesiae College sign that is on the front lawn. Check the website for pictures!

Please know that I think of all of you often and pray for you. You are all part of the process that made this possible.

Con mucho cariño,

Barbara Hampson