Photo Caption: Western New England University President Robert E. Johnson address graduates at the May 15 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies.

Mariana Rose Goncalves graduated Summa Cum Laude from Western New England University with a BSBA in Accounting.

The undergraduate ceremony was held on Saturday, May 15. More than 480 students received degrees. The top five fields of study for undergraduates in 2021 were Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacy Studies, Accounting, Criminal Justice, and Psychology.

In his remarks, President Robert E. Johnson charged the Class of 2021 to go out as global citizens and transform the world. "This journey that took place over the course of the last year has prepared you for that next stage and step in your life as you leave Golden Bear country and go out into the world," he said congratulating the graduates as they join the more than 48,000 alumni of the University. "There were times where we could not necessarily see the end, but we made it. Each and every one of you hung in there. You are now prepared for the next step in your life. You are prepared for the journey."

The Western New England University graduating class of 2021 hailed from 27 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Graduates were also from Canada, China, and India.