Speakers:
2020 speaker Meredith Strang Burgess
Meredith Strang Burgess of Cumberland, Maine, is President and CEO of Burgess Advertising & Marketing, a 32+ year old communications company located in Falmouth.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999, she is an active and outspoken advocate for cancer awareness and prevention. She is the past president of the Maine Cancer Foundation and helped create the successful pink ribbon Maine specialty license plate program in 2008. She has completed fourteen triathlons and has the great honor of being the last finisher at the annual Maine Tri for a Cure triathlon every July, the largest single-day fundraiser in Maine.
In addition, Meredith has served in the Maine State House of Representatives and is a dedicated leader and volunteer for numerous organizations, including the Maine Development Foundation, the University of Maine, Hebron Academy, and the Maine Historical Society. She has also served on the boards of the Maine Cancer Consortium, the Maine Public Health Association, and the Portland Ronald McDonald House.
Stephen Reid – Undergraduate Division
Representing the Undergraduate Division is Stephen Reid. Stephen is from York, Maine, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications – Public Relations and Marketing. Stephen has been an outstanding leader making an impact on nearly every corner on campus – from the Student Philanthropy Team, Love Your Melon Club, and Special Olympics Club to representing our school as an orientation leader and student ambassador.
Stephen is already a valued member of the admissions team as an admissions counselor, having finished his studies in December 2019, and is entering the part-time M.B.A. program.
Cassandra Contigiani – Graduate Division
Representing the Graduate Division students will be Cassandra Contigiani. Cassie is originally from Belmont, New Hampshire. Cassie graduated cum laude with her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management with a Coaching minor in May of 2019, and she will be graduating today with her Master of Business Administration degree from our accelerated master’s program.
Cassie has been a true leader in our community, especially in the world of athletics as President of the Thomas College Student Athlete Advisory Committee for three years, North Atlantic Conference Student Athlete Advisory Committee Vice President last year and President this year, and creator of the Special Olympics Club.
Thomas Scholars:
The Thomas Scholar award recognizes superior academic achievement at the undergraduate level at the College. This year’s award goes to four individuals who all earned the Class’s top GPA. The 2020 Thomas Scholars are Ryan C. Hablitz, Katrina M. Booth, Samantha Ann Mercier, and Cabot Andrew Lancaster.
Ryan C. Hablitz is from Melrose, Massachusetts. Ryan is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education- Math. Ryan is a member of the men’s cross country and track and field teams and the President of the Alpha Chi honor society.
Katrina M. Booth is from Manchester, Maine. Katrina is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education- English. Katrina is a member of the Alpha Chi honors society. She has already landed a job as a teacher after graduation.
Samantha Ann Mercier is from Berlin, New Hampshire. Samantha is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Samantha is a member of the Criminal Justice Club, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Terrier Action Club, a resident assistant and tennis player and caption. She plans to attend law school after graduation.
Cabot Andrew Lancaster is from Winthrop, Maine. Cabot is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. Cabot is a member of the Alpha Chi honor society.
Marshals:
Denisse Villacis from Grays, United Kingdom and Troy Worster, from Mount Vernon, Maine, as marshals, will be receiving hand-crafted batons from Jim Raddatz, former member of the Physical Plant staff.
