Manor College Celebrates Annual Commencement Ceremony

Nearly 100 Blue Jays received their diplomas on May 11, 2023.

Dr. Jonathan Peri, Manor College President, gives a speech during the 2023 Commencement Speech.

Monica Maury told the crowd of Manor College graduates, their families and institution faculty that the idea of even registering for college terrified her more than delivering one of the day’s Commencement speeches did.

She challenged her fellow students to be resilient, to not let the difficulties of life keep them from being who they are.

“I challenge you to refuse to be reduced by the things that have happened to you,” Maury said. “You and you alone get to decide who you are going to be. You can choose to make different choices than those who have come before you. You can choose to break cycles. You can choose your path.”

Maury was one of several speakers at Manor College’s annual Commencement ceremony on May 11, 2023. Maury, who graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, spoke on behalf of all Bachelor’s graduates.

The day began with Anthony Caristo, who received his Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice and spoke on behalf of all Associate’s Degree graduates.

“Manor College has instilled in me a need to bring about change and stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves,” said Caristo. “No matter your field of study, we all have the capability to impact our communities. Our degrees are the ticket to change the world in a meaningful and lasting way.”

During the Commencement ceremony, Manor College honored Tracy Davidson with a Doctorate of Humane Letters. Davidson, a 13-time Emmy Award winning journalist, is passionate about community service. Her mission lies in empowering women and girls, personally and professionally, by teaching women how to transform their lives by focusing their time, energy and attention and embracing their true selves.

“Take time to be quiet – to hear and believe in your own voice,” Davidson said. “What do you want, how do you want to live and believe you can. You know what noise is loud? The voice of doubt. Don’t just tell it to be quiet – replace it with your true voice… your roaring voice that says, ‘you can and you will.’”

Davidson became the second person ever and first female to receive a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Manor College. In 2022, Manor College conferred a degree to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“I’m honored to be part of this significant milestone that takes the graduates into their next chapter of lifelong learning and service,” Davidson said.

The ceremony concluded with Manor College Alumni Speaker Rimmon Greenidge ‘03. Greenidge, the System Director for MainLine Health Imaging, encouraged graduates to be proud of the moment.

“Remember the journey, your early classes, your long commutes and your disappointments,” Greenidge said. “You have worked hard. You deserve to be proud of this achievement and take this opportunity to celebrate.”