On Saturday, May 9, the Class of 2015 at La Roche College learned the importance of agile career strategies for uncertain times. Management consultant Christine Spadafor delivered the College's 50th commencement address, advising graduates on lessons learned during her career as a lawyer, board advisor, management consultant and entrepreneur. La Roche conferred 392 degrees at the ceremony. "Aspire to develop an uncommonly effective "toolbox" of skills and capabilities," Ms. Spadafor told the graduating class. "Then apply those tools boldly in the service of others - addressing the complex challenges where talent and commitment are always in demand." La Roche presented Ms. Spadafor with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters - awarded in recognition for her longstanding service on behalf of at-risk children and individuals unable to advocate for themselves. For nearly 10 years, Ms. Spadafor served as CEO of St. Jude's Ranch for Children, a nonprofit organization caring for abandoned and abused children. She also has served as a CEO, fundraiser, board advisor and volunteer to charitable groups and causes. Ms. Spadafor is president of the SpadaforClay Group, a management consulting firm specializing in board advisory services and the turnaround of under-performing organizations. Before founding her own firm, Ms. Spadafor was a partner in the Boston Consulting Group and other global management consulting firms. An alumna of La Roche College, Ms. Spadafor went on to earn an Sc.M. Degree from the Harvard School of Public Health and a Juris Doctorate from the Harvard Law School. During the ceremony, the La Roche College Woman of Providence Award was presented to Sister Myra Rodgers, CDP, whose life of service, as part of the mission of the Congregation of Divine Providence, is a compelling example of God's Providence made visible. The College also presented the President's Awards for Leadership and Scholarship, which are the most prestigious awards offered to undergraduate students of La Roche College. These awards are conferred by President Sister Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., to two graduating students: a traditional-aged student and nontraditional-aged student who have exemplary academic records, who exemplify the values and characteristics of the College's mission statement, and who are effective leaders either on campus, in the workplace, or in the community.
October 2, 2019