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Concord, NH – On Sunday, May 19, 2019, Granite State College will celebrated the graduation of approximately 500 students from its associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs at the AllWell North Complex in Holderness, New Hampshire, with a live stream broadcast available.

“When I entered Granite State College in January of 2017, it was my third attempt at completing my undergraduate degree,” shares Mr. Paul Parisi, a member of the Class of 2019 who currently serves as the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal. A resident of Salem, New Hampshire, Mr. Parisi graduated with honors earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Service Management.

For many graduates like Parisi, achieving a Granite State College degree is not a traditional college experience. More than 80% of students transfer credits from previous college coursework, the majority of classes are taught online, over 90% of students work in full- or part-time jobs, and nearly all students are balancing academics with other major life commitments such as raising children, caring for aging relatives, or community involvement.

Dr. Susan Huard, President of Manchester Community College (MCC), received the 2019 Honorary Doctorate degree and delivere the keynote address. In addition, the College will honored valued community partners, alumni, and faculty with prestigious awards, including the 2019 Victor Montana Alumni Award recipient, Ms. Leah Salloway ’14 Education Director and School Principal for the Ivy Street School in Brookline, Massachusetts.

2019 Granite State College Graduates

Class of 2019 (PDF)
Sorted alphabetically by City with New Hampshire communities listed first, followed by other states.

2019 Award Recipients

HONORARY DOCTORATE 2019

Dr. Susan Huard, President of Manchester Community College

Since her appointment as President of Manchester Community College (MCC) in 2010, Dr. Susan Huard has built a reputation both as a champion for students and a champion for the important role that community colleges play in the greater community.

Prior to her appointment by the Community College System of New Hampshire in 2010, Dr. Huard held faculty and administrative appointments at Quinebaug Valley Community College and Manchester Community College (Connecticut), and Finger Lakes Community College (New York).

At MCC, Dr. Huard led the development of new programming in computer science, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and behavioral science. Among the healthcare innovations, Dr. Huard led the effort to create the RN to BSN Partnership between the Community College System of New Hampshire and the University System of New Hampshire. In 2016, she was tapped by then-Governor Hassan to lead the Governor’s Commission on the Healthcare and Community Support Workforce. Dr. Huard has also improved campus facilities including new construction of an advanced technologies building, a student center, and automotive classrooms, as well as expansion to welding and robotics facilities.

Throughout her professional career, Dr. Huard has demonstrated a deep commitment to fostering trust and mutual respect with committed stakeholders to develop programs that will contribute to meaningful learning outcomes and measurable, lasting impact.

GRANITE STATE AWARD 2019

Judith Burrows, Director of Student Aid at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation

Serving as the Director of Student Aid at New Hampshire Charitable Foundation since 1987, Ms. Burrows’ work has impacted the lives of thousands of New Hampshire’s college-bound students. Ms. Burrows oversees operations of the student aid program and directs activities for 365 scholarship funds, including disbursements, stewardship of funds, donor relations, and prospect development.

Ms. Burrows’ work with the Statewide Student Aid program reflects New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s broader goal of investing for today and tomorrow, working with generous and visionary citizens to maximize the power of their giving, supporting critical work happening in New Hampshire communities, and leading and collaborating on high-impact initiatives.

Ms. Burrows has been a partner for countless New Hampshire programs, including I Am College Bound, State Scholars, and File-a-FAFSA Days, which have improved the lives and prospects of our most promising students with the greatest financial need. And, she has been instrumental to workforce development programs that strengthen career pathways for all citizens.

On behalf of the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Burrows awards more than $6 million to more than 1,500 students annually. Scholarships are awarded to students for professional certificate programs, licensure, two- and four-year undergraduate degrees and graduate school. Most notably related to Granite State College’s important mission, under Ms. Burrows’ direction, adult students balancing work, family, and college, have benefited from the Adult Student Aid program.

DISTINGUISHED FACULTY AWARD 2019

Marilyn McGair, J.D. | Faculty: Undergraduate Studies

As a faculty member in Undergraduate Studies and the Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Faculty, Ms. Marilyn McGair is the epitome of dedication. Over the past seven years, she has taught over 45 courses in varied disciplines including: technology, history, critical inquiry, political science, management, and computer programming. She holds a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and is certified in computer technology from WPI.

Ms. McGair is an experienced and dedicated instructor, adept at teaching classes with a wide range of student interests and abilities. She works hard to ensure that all students are challenged intellectually and have the foundational skills and content knowledge they need to be successful academically and professionally.

In her role as Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Faculty, Ms. McGair has proven herself to be an exceptional academic administrator, as well as a trusted mentor to new and experienced faculty in varied disciplines. Ms. McGair has been instrumental in preparing new faculty through detailed onboarding/orientations for the Undergraduate Academic Center Directors. She has also served on the Petitions Committee, Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and various ad hoc committees.

Ms. McGair has shown her dedication and perseverance to both our students and faculty, serving as a shining example to the Granite State College community.

Rita Kondrath, M.A. Ph.D.

Dr. Rita Kondrath has continually dedicated herself to improving student outcomes and experiences through her involvement in professional learning communities centered around curriculum development and continuous program improvement. Her teaching approach encompasses encouragement, clarity, and robust feedback geared toward helping each of her students reach their full potential through reflective and meaningful learning.

Dr. Kondrath exemplifies professionalism in her interactions with colleagues and is willing to share her experience and knowledge to help her peers recognize the joys of teaching under her thoughtful guidance. As a mentor for the peer review process, Rita provides colleagues with useful tools and insights around the value of appreciative inquiry in Granite State College’s review approach. Her considerate, supportive nature helps to put faculty at ease as she motivates colleagues to develop new skills and ultimately improve their own teaching.

In addition to teaching at the undergraduate level at Granite State College, Dr. Kondrath served as a coach and mentor to other faculty, a peer reviewer, and key contributor to faculty development training and planning initiatives.

Dr. Kondrath passion for teaching and learning is inspirational. She is an excellent role model who touches the lives of both faculty and students and helps the college embody quality, innovation, and collaboration.

VICTOR MONTANA AWARD 2019

Leah Salloway ‘14

Education Director and School Principal of the Ivy Street School in Brookline, Massachusetts

Leah Salloway, M.Ed started her career in wildlife conservation and then returned to college to study school counseling. While pursuing her master’s degree, she worked full-time at Crotched Mountain School in New Hampshire, where her brother was treated for a brain injury.

Inspired to make a difference, Ms. Salloway turned her focus towards public schools where she felt she could help standardize the level of service special education students received. She enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification program at Granite State College to be a better advocate for special education students.

Shortly after receiving her certification, Ms. Salloway moved to Massachusetts where she became a clinical case manager at Cardinal Cushing Centers. Over the course of four years, she became the director of St. Coletta Day School.

In May 2018, Ms. Salloway joined the Ivy Street School as the Education Director and School Principal. Ivy Street School specializes in providing trauma-informed care to students and helps them achieve daily living skills to reach their highest levels of independence before they graduate.

In the community, Ms. Salloway has participated in Habitat for Humanity in Trinidad and Tobago and Chile. She volunteers as a wilderness first aid responder and wilderness steward for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and as a teacher of yoga for individuals with severe disabilities.

Today, Ms. Salloway is pursuing a Doctorate in Education and researching integrating best practices of experiential learning with study abroad experiences, combining elements from her career and volunteer pursuits.

ALPHA SIGMA LAMBDA HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTEES, 2018-2019

In a ceremony previously held, the following students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Lambda, the distinguished honor society that aims to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence while facing competing interests of home and work.

• Carisa Anctil of Gansevoort, NY
• Alexander Beckwith of Contoocook, NH
• Nolan Chretien of Farmington, NH
• Mary Dahlberg of New Boston, NH
• Kristin Desmarais of Hopkinton, NH
• Chantel Ducharme of Dunbarton, NH
• Jean Eaton of Contoocook, NH
• Susan Eaton of Salem, NH
• Brian Eibert of Dover, NH
• Adam Faulconer of Kingston, NH
• Victoria Fleury of Gilmanton, NH
• Selena Fountain of Leominster, MA
• Alexandria Gallant of Farmington, NH
• Katie Gauthier of Rochester, NH
• Adam Gonyea of Eliot, ME
• Roberta Greeley-Curtis of Milford, NH
• Kristine Groz of Northfield, NH
• Kevin Jacques of Durham, NH
• Jennifer Jolley of Hahira, GA
• Amy Joslin of Rochester, NH
• Sarah Kazakis of Webster, NH
• Anthony Kern of Star, ID
• Sandesh Khatiwada of Manchester, NH
• Andrew Koplin of Intervale, NH
• Serena Lamontagne of Charlestown, NH
• Eryn Murphy of Lee, NH
• Paul Parisi of Salem, NH
• Kelly Perkins of Somersworth, NH
• Nina Sartorelli of Hampton, NH
• Graham Schave of Portsmouth, NH
• Patrick Smart of Seabrook, NH
• Shari Starkey of Rochester, NH
• Kerri Terwilliger of Grantham, NH
• Christopher Towle of Rochester, NH
• Christian Wayss of Newington, NH
• Danica Adriane Whorton of Bedford, NH

COMMENCEMENT FACTS

489 DEGREES CONFERRED

197 participating in Commencement
September 2018 – June 2019

• 440 undergraduate students
• 49 graduate Students
• ~78% graduating with Honors (undergraduate students)
• ~80% in New Hampshire
• ~11% New England (excluding NH)
• ~9% other states

Note: Figures are approximate pending the conferral of graduates completing their degree program on June 30, 2018.

Granite State College Demographics

AGE

• 81% age 25 or older, undergrad
• 95% age 25 or older, graduate

GENDER

• Female: 73% (undergrad), 76% (graduate)
• Male: 27% (undergrad), 24% (graduate)

FULL-TIME STUDENTS

• 46% (undergraduate)
• 16% (graduate)

PART-TIME STUDENTS

• 54% (undergraduate)
• 84% (graduate)

ONLINE STUDIES

Nearly every student enrolls in multiple online courses during their tenure at Granite State College and all undergraduate and graduate programs are available 100% online. Students may register for online and on-campus courses based on their availability and personal schedule.

• 88% courses are offered online/hybrid (undergraduate)
• 87% courses are offered online/hybrid (graduate and post-baccalaureate)