Lewiston, Auburn residents graduate from Western NE University

SPRINGFIELD, Ma. — Students from Lewiston and Auburn were among the graduates at Western New England University’s endergraduate commencement Saturday, May 20, in the Alumni Healthful Living Center on the university campus. Approximately 600 students received degrees and several ROTC Cadets were commissioned as officers.

Shelbea D. Russell, of Auburn, graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, and Steven J. Patrie, of Lewiston, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration/management and leadership.
The top five fields of study for undergraduates in 2017 were mechanical engineering, accounting pharmacy studies, criminal justice, and psychology. In his remarks, university President Anthony S. Caprio challenged the graduates to use their educations for positivity.
“You must choose to make a difference. You have responsibility for yourself,” he said, as he congratulated the graduates in joining the more the 45,400 alumni of the university. “You must create light around you and not darkness. With this attitude, you will be the leader in your family, your community, your place of work and in your country.”