Laura Peters

lpeters@newsleader.com

STAUNTON - More than 300 people gathered atop the hill of Mary Baldwin College representing the end to not only their time in school but to an era.

Sunday marked the last time Mary Baldwin graduated students as a college, before it officially becomes a university in August.

“In this moment, dreams are reality,” said President Pamela Fox. “You have created your way forward. Class of 2016, congratulations, this is your day.”

History was being made in more than one way Sunday — with a shedding of a name and providing a path to the future for the graduating class.

“You have been a part of a long history at Mary Baldwin as we move to Mary Baldwin University Aug. 31,” Fox continued. “You are the final graduating class of Mary Baldwin College.”

Sunday was a bittersweet moment, said Crista Cabe, vice president of public relations. Graduations always have that nostalgic undertone, but Cabe said this year was different.

Mary Baldwin 'University' isn't just a name change

“It’s an important milestone,” she said. “It’s sort of a bittersweet moment, but it’s also a step forward. We also want to cherish where we are today.

“Our students are always the center of these things and that is true this year,” Cabe added. “I think they kind of feel a little wistful.”

Mary Baldwin graduated 342 people — 138 in the Residential College for Women, 134 in the Adult Degree Program and 72 students in MBC’s graduate programs — from all walks of life, Fox said.

“As you come to this day, no two of you come from the same experience,” she said. “You are graduates at the age of 17 or 71.”

The oldest graduate from the class of 2016 is Adult Degree Program student Faith Bedford, 71. The youngest is Cassandra Bumford, 17, who is enrolled in MBC’s Program for the Exceptionally Gifted, according to Liesel Crosier, director of news and media relations.

Honors and awards: Algernon Sydney Sullivan Student Award: Betsey Suchanic

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Non-Student Award: Rita Wilson ’82

Martha Stackhouse Grafton Award (highest grade point average): Emma Reger

Adult Degree Program Outstanding Student: D’Evi McCauley

MLitt/MFA Ariel Award for Outstanding Program Service and Leadership: Kendra Emmett-Goldwasser

The College of Education: Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Erin Hart

The College of Education: Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award: D’Evi McCauley

Keynote speaker Tracy “Lolita” Burks-Healy, 1987 Mary Baldwin graduate, spoke of moments.

“Can you believe you’re here today?” she asked. “The moment has finally come. This truly is your moment. I know a little bit about moments, this is one of those moments that will be seared into your mind.”

Burks-Healy said fear needs to be overcome.

Penning Mary Baldwin honors since 1980s, With Distinction

“You’re not afraid to go out there in the world,” she said. “When we become complacent, we are dodging the bullets that are out there. Life throws us a lot of punches, but even at a very deep low, you can pull yourself out of it.”

The 2016 graduates will take with them not only a degree, knowledge and experiences, but the name of Mary Baldwin College — the last time it will ever be offered.

“It’s OK to start somewhere,” Burks-Healy said. “Just prove it to yourself ... listen to your intuition and go with your gut. Pay attention to that.”

Follow Laura Peters@peterslaura and@peterpants. You can reach her at lpeters@newsleader.com or 213-9125.