Hartford, CT - Eastern Connecticut State University alumna Elinore McCance-Katz, assistant secretary for mental health and substance use in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), told the graduates and their families at Eastern Connecticut State University's 128th Commencement exercises that the current opioid crisis facing the United States is "the nation's greatest medical challenge since the AIDS epidemic of the 1990s. It is a tragedy of major proportions, and we need to work together to help those addicted get treatment and recover from this disease."

Eastern's annual graduation ceremony was held at the XL Center in Hartford on May 15, with more than 12,000 family members and friends cheering on their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, as 1,105 undergraduates and 85 graduate students received their diplomas.

McCance-Katz told the audience that Eastern had grown from a small college when she attended Eastern Connecticut State College in the 1970s to become "a comprehensive university that has flourished."

The commencement speaker also received an honorary doctor of science degree from Eastern in a special hooding ceremony during the graduation exercises. She graduated magna cum laude from Eastern in 1978 with a degree in biology. Following a sterling career in medicine, psychiatry, academic achievement and public administration, McCance-Katz's DHHS appointment in August 2017 made her the first assistant secretary-level director of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

After earning her degree from Eastern, Dr. McCance-Katz went on to earn a Ph.D. at Yale University in Infectious Disease Epidemiology in 1984, and then received her M.D. from the University of Connecticut in 1987.

After completing a residency in psychiatry, she held teaching positions at the Yale School of Medicine, Brown University, Virginia Commonwealth University, the University of California in San Francisco, the University of Texas and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Prior to her HHS appointment, McCance-Katz was Chief Medical Officer of the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals from 2015 to 2017, and served as professor of psychiatry and human behavior and professor of behavioral and social sciences at the Alpert Medical School at Brown University. 

Describing how her professional journey had taken her from treating AIDS patients in the 1990s to her current national leadership role in treating substance abuse and mental illness, McCance-Katz described federal and state efforts to develop new recovery services and support services. "We will turn the tide on this epidemic," she said, urging graduates to get involved as medical professionals, nurses, counselors and social workers.

"Be adventurous. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Be an advocate for those who have not had the advantages you have had. There is no greater satisfaction than helping others."

Other speakers at the Commencement Exercises included Eastern President Elsa Núñez; Yvette Meléndez, vice-chairof the Board of Regents for Higher Education; and Mark Ojakian, president of the Connecticut State College and Universities System. Additional members of the platform party included Justin Murphy '98, president of the ECSU Foundation; Father Laurence LaPointe; and other Eastern officials.

Núñez told the graduates their liberal arts education at Eastern was highly prized by American employers. "In five separate surveys conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities over the past decade, the vast majority of employers - over 90 percent! - say they are less interested in specialized job proficiencies, favoring instead analytical thinking, teamwork and communication skills - the wide-ranging academic and social competencies available through a liberal arts education."

Núñez also urged the graduates to give back to their communities, saying, "I know that the majority of our seniors have found ways to donate their time and good will to making our community a better place to live. Wherever you end up - in Connecticut or beyond - make sure you continue to give a portion of your time to make a difference in your community."

Lastly, Núñez encouraged the Eastern seniors to be active citizens as they participate in the American democratic system of self-governance. She quoted New York Times columnist Bret Stephens, who has written that disagreement is "the most vital ingredient of any decent society. It defines our individuality, gives us our freedom, enjoins our tolerance, enlarges our perspectives, makes our democracies real, and gives hope and courage to oppressed people everywhere."

"So never abdicate your responsibilities as a citizen to someone else," said Núñez. "Be willing to question the status quo. And stand up for the values you believe in."

More than 40 percent of the graduates were the first in their families to earn a bachelor's degree. As Connecticut's only public liberal arts university, Eastern draws students from 163 of the state's 169 towns. Approximately 85 percent of graduates stay in Connecticut to launch their careers, contribute to their communities and raise their families.

Senior Class President Charlotte MacDonald presented the Senior Class Gift to President Núñez - an annual Class of 2018 scholarship - and thanked her classmates' families, friends and faculty for supporting the senior class in its journey. Recalling the Eastern tradition where freshmen toss a penny into a fountain on campus as they make a wish - presumably to graduate in four years - MacDonald shared her own three wishes with her classmates. "My first wish is that you go confidently in the direction of your passions . . . the education you have received at Eastern has prepared you for this. My second wish is for you not only to better yourself but others around you. Contribute to your community, offer things you no longer use to those in desperate need, volunteer your time . . . My last wish is that you find a path to happiness. . . your willingness to conquer challenges is what will separate you from the majority."

Meléndez, former vice president of government and community alliances for Hartford Hospital, spoke on behalf of the Board of Regents for Higher Education, expressing gratitude to all who had supported Eastern's graduates - parents, family, friends and especially Eastern's faculty. "Their commitment to your success is what makes this university so special. Today is a significant milestone. We hope today is merely a catalyst for a fulfilling life as each of you pursues your goals."

Ojakian also offered remarks, commending Eastern President Núñez, her administrative team and "an exceptional faculty that guided you onyour journey to get to today. The journey is now yours. It is your own path and your own truth that will motivate you . . . Trust your instincts . . . You have an obligation to leave this world a better place. Take charge!"

This year's graduation ceremonies again reflected Eastern's Commencement traditions, ranging from the Governor's Foot Guard Color Guard, to the plaintive sound of the bagpipes of the St. Patrick's Pipe Band and the pre-event music of the Thread City Brass Quintet. University Senate President Maryanne Clifford presided over the commencement exercises; seniors Halie Poirier, Michael Beckstein and Hannah Bythrow sang "America the Beautiful"; Senior Nathan Cusson gave the invocation; and French Professor Michèle Bacholle was recognized as the 2018 Distinguished Professor Award recipient.