Keene State holds special graduation for student athletes

KEENE, N.H., 5/9/10 – Unable to attend Keene State College’s graduation on Saturday, May 7, Bryan Kolacz (Brentwood, N.H.), a four-year track athlete, as well as eight senior members of the Owl women’s lacrosse team were awarded their degrees in a special commencement ceremony on Monday. The lacrosse players included Emily Persano (Somers, Conn.), Jill Kirk (Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.), Shannon Palumbo (Guilford, Conn.), Jamie Albert (Southington, Conn.), Annie Brown (Westwood, Mass.), Lauren Sawyer (Westbrook, Me.), Jenny Lillis (West Islip, N.Y.), Missy Luzzi (Oakland, N.J.), and student assistant coach Meghan Ledoux (Standish, Me.)

While the rest of the senior class was graduating last Saturday, Kolacz was winning the hammer and setting a school record in the discus at the New England Division III track championship, while the women’s lacrosse team was capturing the Little East Conference championship.  

Trading in their uniforms for caps and gowns, Kolacz and the eight Owl lacrosse players and coach received their degrees in front of an audience of family, friends, and teammates in Centennial Hall at the college’s Alumni Center.

“While I can’t recreate the rain storm from Saturday’s graduation, we are grateful to honor you for your academic achievement,” Dr. Emile Netzhammer, Keene State’s provost and vice-president of Academic Affairs, told the graduates.

Kolacz and the senior lacrosse players appreciated the special ceremony. “This means a lot to all of us,” said Albert, who earned a degree in communication. “We had to make a big decision earlier in the week, going to graduation or winning a championship, and we were able to do both. It’s great to be able to graduate with the people I spent the most time with in college.” 

 “Graduating with a small group really personalizes the ceremony,” said Kolacz, who received his degree in physical education. “People who attended the larger ceremony on Saturday might be a little jealous.”

Bryan’s mother Lisa was pleased that her son was able to participate in a graduation ceremony. “It was a nice ceremony and we really appreciate the College for honoring him for all that he’s done and all his hard work,” she said. “He hasn’t been forgotten.”

The spring season is not over for the athletes. Kolacz will compete at the NCAA Division III track championships, while the Owl lacrosse team has earned a berth to play in the NCAA tournament.

Lillis says she’s been overwhelmed by all the excitement of the past few days. “It’s an amazing feeling that no words can describe,” said Lillis, who earned her degree in health promotion and wellness. First we win the Little East championship and get to go to the NCAA tournament, and then we have a special graduation with all our senior teammates. I couldn’t ask for a better end to my four years at Keene State.”