CT State Middlesex Students Celebrate Graduation
May 22, 2025 (New Britain, Conn.) — Connecticut State Community College Middlesex (CT State Middlesex) celebrated graduates from the class of 2025 with Commencement exercises that took place on Thursday evening, May 22, at Central Connecticut State University in Welte Hall.
In total, the Middlesex campus awarded 405 associate degrees and certificates to 314 graduates. The youngest graduate is 16-year-old Ryan Perusier, a homeschooled student. His sibling, 17-year-old Asia Perusier, also graduated. Both majored in liberal arts and sciences.
The oldest graduate at Middlesex this year is 64-year-old Tammy Robinson (Meriden), a general studies major. Sixteen graduates have a military background.
Through Wesleyan’s Center for Prison Education, a unique partnership with Middlesex and the Connecticut Department of Correction, seven graduates completed their degrees while incarcerated at Cheshire Correctional Institution. Jose Cordero began his studies in 1990 and by finishing this year through the CPE program, is the most persistent graduate. These students will receive their diplomas in a separate ceremony in June.
The Commencement exercises began with Stephen Krevisky, mathematics professor and campus marshal, who carried in the ceremonial mace.
Carla Cerina, a longtime Middlesex adjunct professor of English, sang the national anthem.
Kimberly Hogan, campus chief executive officer, presided over the ceremony.
“Tonight, we celebrate your resilience, your perseverance, your grit,” said CEO Hogan. “At CT State, we believe in opportunity for everyone. We believe in the transformative power of education and we believe in you.”
O. John Maduko, M.D., president of CT State Community College, gave greetings, followed by Richard Porth of the state’s Board of Regents.
“The sun might be absent, but your futures are beginning to rise and what a brilliant light you all shine,” said Dr. Maduko, alluding to the cold and rainy weather outside.
Kelsey Pringle (Meriden), a veterinary technician and biology major and recipient of the CT State Distinguished Presidential Award for Student Worker Commitment, shared her college experience as the class of 2025 student speaker.
“I implore you to find something that grounds you in the wake of a storm. Something healthy, that brings you peace,” said Pringle, who plans to pursue a four-year degree and opportunities in agricultural education. “Your adventure doesn’t end here, and neither will your challenges.”
Following an inspiring poetry reading by psychology studies graduate Sasha Zipf (Middletown), CEO Hogan announced emerita status to retired full-time academic associate, Betty Reidinger, for her 23 years of service.
Professor Krevisky, who is retiring in June after 40 years of teaching, and was bestowed with emeritus status.
CEO Hogan introduced the Commencement speaker, Lakisha Hyatt, chief executive officer of Connecticut Valley Hospital.
“Feel the awesomeness of this moment,” said Hyatt, who asked the graduates to look at each other and say, “You made it!”
“Wherever you go, challenge the world around you, and most importantly, challenge you,” added Hyatt.
Katherine Burford (Durham, general studies), Thai Chhay (Middletown, criminal justice) and Caleb Nugent (Madison, general studies) each earned the Medallion for Academic Excellence, presented by Sara Hanson, Ed.D., associate dean of student affairs. These students achieved a cumulative 4.0 GPA in an associate degree program and completed at least half of their requirements at Middlesex.
Ken Innocenzi, Middlesex Community College Foundation board chair, presented the Pritchett-Taylor Scholarship awards to Chhay and Laura Palmisano (Mystic, business administration). These scholarships are given to the graduates with the highest cumulative quality point average who have attended at least two semesters full-time and earned at least 30 credits at Middlesex.
Porth and CEO Hogan conferred an honorary degree to Barbara McClane, an author, photographer, recovery support specialist and board president of the Connecticut Community for Addition Recovery. She is also the founder of I Am Woman2, a nonprofit organization celebrating and empowering women through storytelling.
Donna Bontatibus, Ph.D., dean of students and faculty, led the presentation of candidates, who each walked to the stage to receive their diplomas. CEO Hogan officially conferred their degrees and certificates to a final round of applause.
“I challenge you to put your learning to work—in your communities, in your careers, and in your conversations. Use your voice, stay informed, vote your values, lead with integrity, and be kind,” said CEO Hogan in her closing remarks.
Launched on July 1, 2023, following the consolidation of Connecticut’s 12 legacy community colleges, CT State serves residents of 169 towns and neighboring states through its campuses and satellites in Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Danielson, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Norwalk, Norwich, New Haven, North Haven, Waterbury, Willimantic and Winsted, with a central office located in New Britain. To learn more, visit ctstate.edu.