Shown from left are Hon. Talesha Saint-Marc, vice chairwoman of the Rivier University Board of Trustees, Julie Demers, executive director of the New Hampshire Tech Alliance, and Rivier President Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM during the university's 91st Commencement ceremony on May 17 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Mass. Courtesy photo/Rivier University

LOWELL, Mass. – Rivier University awarded 758 degrees ranging from the Associate to Doctoral levels during its 91st Commencement ceremony on May 17 at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Mass.

During the ceremony, Julie Demers, executive director of the New Hampshire Tech Alliance, accepted an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters on behalf of her company for its “leadership in strengthening the state’s technology and innovation economy.”

In her Commencement Address, Demers lauded Rivier for providing students with the latest technology such as cybersecurity laboratories and nursing simulators.

She also highlighted the importance of advancing technology without losing sight of humanity.

“The more advanced our technology becomes, the more valuable your humanity becomes,” said Demers. “We are entering a time where content can be generated instantly, where resumes can be optimized by algorithms, where conversations can be simulated and ideas can be replicated. In a world where so much can be artificial, what becomes rare is what is real.”

Rivier President Sister Paula Marie Buley, IHM said the Tech Alliance embodies the school’s Latin motto, Altiora et Meliora, meaning higher and better.

“Rivier University is honored to recognize the mission and vision of the NH Tech Alliance connecting a vibrant New Hampshire technology ecosystem with an engaged and skilled workforce through Rivier’s academic programs in artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity and information systems,” she said. “Rivier joins with the NH Tech Alliance in building signature partnerships in both teaching and learning and supporting a philosophy that New Hampshire can grow its own in meeting the needs of the technology industry.”

In addition, student Erin Jasper, representing the undergraduate degree recipients, spoke to her classmates about the significance of graduation.

“Education is power and a college degree is an achievement that can never be taken away,” said Jasper, who received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology. “Today, we receive the most important and probably the most expensive piece of paper that we will ever hold.”

Student Yvonne Wu, representing the graduate degree recipients, said it was always a “childhood dream” to earn her Master’s of Business Administration degree.

However, she left the program for a time to pursue professional opportunities elsewhere in the U.S. and in Canada.

“It took a loving nudge from my husband to finally complete what I began,” she said.

Wu also reminded her classmates of the unconditional support from their friends, family and professors.

“None of us arrived here alone, behind every graduate stands a network of individuals who believe in us,” she said.

In closing, Wu reflected on the words of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”