The Quincy Sun // Published May 18, 2017 // Quincy Sun Staff

Renowned educator and speaker, Dr. Carmen Mariano will address Quincy College graduate at the 2017 commencement event on Friday, May 26, 2017, at 10:00 am at the South Shore Music Circus in Cohasset, MA.

More than 800 students – a Quincy College record for a May commencement – will receive associate degrees in arts (AA) or sciences (AS), or certificates from the College.

When commencement speaker, Dr. Carmen Mariano was six years old, his father gave him some advice. He said “Carmen, whatever you do, stay in school!” Dr. Mariano listened to his dad. He did stay in school; for sixty four years! Yes, Carmen is seventy years old and has been in school as a student, teacher, coach, or administrator since he was six.

A Quincy native, Dr. Mariano graduated from Archbishop Williams High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in economics and math from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Boston College.

Dr. Mariano served as the Assistant Superintendent of the Quincy Public Schools from 2001 to 2007, where he led a team of 950 teachers and staff members. Prior to assuming that role, Dr. Mariano’s lifelong commitment to education and service to Quincy has included positions as a mathematics teacher; wrestling coach, assistant principal; and director of personnel for Quincy Public Schools.

Dr. Mariano has also held leadership roles at Quincy College. He founded the Quincy College Plymouth Campus in 1991 and served as its Campus Director and Associate Dean for ten years. A retired academic, his last full time positions were at Archbishop Williams High School where he served as that school’s principal and first president for a combined seven years.

Dr. Mariano has spoken to audiences in 25 states and five countries.

Additional Quincy College Commencement 2017 events include student speakers and faculty leadership participation.

Student speaker Jacqueline Polanco-Ramirez, a native of El Salvador, President of the Business 101 Club and Business student will address her fellow graduates.

The Mace Bearer for Commencement will be Quincy College President’s Award for Faculty of the Year recipient, Psychology and Sociology Professor, Dr. Kenneth Texeira. Dr. Texeira holds an Ph.D in Applied Developmental Psychology from Fordham University. In addition to his Academic roles held at Quincy College, Dr. Texeira is the Research Director of Drug Story Theater, a non-profit organization which has increased public perception of substance abuse harm and reduction in actual substance use among high school students. Dr. Texeira has authored 8 publications on topics ranging from bioethics, end of life decision making, and spiritual needs of cancer patients. Dr. Texeira’s research focus has been on quality of life and mood in cancer care to the chronic illness of addiction. Dr. Texeira is very involved in Quincy College at Plymouth Campus hosting the Open Mic Night and founder of the Quincy College Veteran Fishing Club, supporting veteran students transition to college life.

The Quincy College Faculty Marshal is Dr. David Ricca. Dr. Ricca graduated with a PhD in Environmental Science from University of Massachusetts – Boston in 2000 after earning an undergraduate degree majoring in Geography/Earth Science and Biology. He did Postdoctoral research in Iowa and Illinois, studying energy production from, and odor control of swine manure. He taught biology and earth science courses as an adjunct faculty member at Quincy College prior to being hired to teach full-time in 2014. David Ricca has worked in an environmental testing lab, as an engraver, cartographer and for a fire alarm company. He became an Eagle Scout and was previously active as an assistant scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts.

Peter H. Tsaffaras, J.D., President of Quincy College, reflecting on the 2017 Commencement: “2017 marks a celebratory year in the history of Quincy College and a seminal moment in our history. This year, we honor not only the accomplishments of our students, staff, and faculty but recognize our past in celebrating the 25th anniversary of our campus in Plymouth and usher in the future with landmark legislation granting Quincy College the ability to grant baccalaureate degrees. We continue to build upon our foundation of excellence, focused on teaching and learning, one student at time.”

The President elaborates: “We are pleased that we have played a part in the success our graduates have had to date and are confident that they have been prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them in the future, wherever their lives may take them. It is only fitting that we welcome Dr. Mariano back to Quincy College as our Commencement Speaker to celebrate such a momentous occasion for the Quincy College at Plymouth Campus and for our community. Commencement will be an inspiring day to commemorate and celebrate our students achievements and usher them toward new adventures.”

The South Shore Music Circus is located at 130 Sohier Street in Cohasset, MA. For more information about Quincy College Commencement 2016, visit: http://www.quincycollege.edu/qc-graduation.