Anna Maria College held its 76th Commencement on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the DCU Center in Worcester. The ceremony marked a significant transition for the 355 graduates and served as a milestone for President Mary Lou Retelle, who presided over her last commencement before retirement.

The ceremony began with faculty members “clapping in” the Class of 2025 followed by a welcome from President Mary Lou Retelle.

In her address, President Retelle focused on the graduates. “You are the authors of the next chapter in the American story of opportunity,” she said. “Embrace your potential. Serve with empathy. And never forget that success is measured by the lives you touch and the hope you generate.” She added, “Mission and values are not abstract concepts here — they are lived experiences woven into every aspect of your education.”

The ceremony featured the conferral of honorary degrees to President Retelle, who received a Doctor of Humane Letters, and Kelsa Zereski, President of Reliant Foundation, who received a Doctor of Public Administration before delivering the commencement address titled “Community and Courage on the Unclear Road Ahead.” She told graduates that “the world doesn’t need perfect people. It needs courageous, compassionate, hopeful people. It needs you.”

Psychology major and student-athlete Carly Drew spoke for the students. “Great things never come from comfort zones,” she emphasized, sharing how this mantra helped her through her college journey.

Three exceptional graduates received special recognition: Caterina Krusas earned the Bishop Timothy J. Harrington Award for compassionate service in promoting peace and justice; Mensur Bacaliu, the inaugural graduate of the Forensic Science Program, received the Sr. Yvette Bellerose Award for embodying the college’s mission; and Carly Drew was honored with the Dr. Bernadette Madore Award for Academic Excellence.

As the ceremony concluded with the traditional moving of tassels and the benediction by the Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, the graduates prepared to carry forward their Anna Maria education into their careers and communities.

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“After graduation, I’m moving to Boston and hope to work in victim advocacy. I’m looking forward to living in the city and meeting new people and exploring new opportunities,” said Katherine. “I met some of my best friends for life and have made countless connections through the tight-knit community of Anna Maria. My professors have been great, and I feel like I’ve gotten a very hands-on experience as most of them work in the field. One of the best things about Anna Maria is that it offers close relationships with professors. My senior year took a turn when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer early into the fall semester. My classmates and professors have shown me nothing but support and have made getting through one of the scariest times of my life a bit easier. This experience has shown me that the community at Anna Maria is what makes it different from other colleges.” 

Katherine is a Dean’s list student, a writing tutor, and was volleyball manager for the 2023-24 season. 

She added, “I’m excited to be finishing college with a lot of familiar faces who I’ve known since freshman year. It’s comforting walking into a new class at the beginning of the semester and already knowing most of the people around you. I especially notice at Anna Maria that we all want each other to succeed. We’re all willing to help each other to get to graduation.”

Good luck Katherine!

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I’ll share something from academics and athletics. A favorite memory of mine as a student-athlete on the women’s ice hockey team was playing Worcester State at the DCU center as well as all of the playoff hockey over the years. This year we had our most wins in program history. In academics, presenting my senior thesis before my faculty and fellow students last fall was another great memory from my time at Anna Maria.

What’s your biggest post-grad goal and how will your AMC education help you achieve it? 

My biggest goal following graduation is to earn a master’s or doctorate degree in physical therapy. While this is a competitive and rigorous program, my time here as a health science student has provided me with the knowledge and tools to achieve this. Various courses such as anatomy & physiology, neuropsychology, and genetics have fuelled my interest in the sciences and challenged me academically. I have also had the opportunity to shadow physical therapists in the community which has allowed me to better understand the profession and gain experience in the field.

What was your go-to study spot? 

My favorite spot to study would be NU kitchen in Worcester. This is typically where I would go to work on my senior thesis. Another great spot is a study room in St. Anne’s where I usually go to study with friends to prepare for an exam.

Who has been your favorite professor? 

Every health science faculty member has had such a great influence on my academic experience that I can’t pick one favorite. Dr Marden, Dr. Gow, Dr. Griffon, and Dr. P are a few professors who have really helped me through the last four years. I am so grateful for their guidance and support.

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As soon as Mensur Bacaliu heard that Anna Maria College had approved the new Forensic Science major, he immediately enrolled as the first Forensic Science student. With a strong interest in science and a desire to serve the community, the Forensic Science major was a perfect fit for him. At Commencement on May 12, Mensur will be the first Forensic Science major to graduate from Anna Maria College. 

“Graduating as the first forensic science major from Anna Maria College means so much to me. It’s been a rough road- classes like Organic Chemistry and Physics II really tested me- but every late night and challenge was worth it. The program not only pushed me academically but also prepared me for real world work in the field. I’m leaving my undergraduate program with the skills, experience, and confidence to make a difference.” 

As Coordinator of the Forensic Science major, Dr. Kerriann Marden reports that “since joining the major, Mensur has been a real trailblazer, not only taking advantage of every opportunity available but also carving out new opportunities for himself.” He undertook two professional internships—one with Sequegen, a Worcester-based DNA sequencing company, and the other with the Worcester Police Department Crime Lab, during which he conducted research comparing different methods of luminescent development of latent fingerprints. He presented his results at the college’s 2025 Academic Symposium and is currently working on publishing an article in a peer-reviewed journal.

Department Chair Dr. Joan-Beth Gow remarked, “What stands out the most to me about Mensur is his genuine interest and engagement in everything he does. When you have a student like Mensur who doesn’t want to leave class when it’s over because he thinks the things he is learning ‘are just so cool’ you know his love of learning will take him far.”

Last spring, Mensur attended the annual conference of the New England Division of the International Association for Identification (NEDIAI) in a professional capacity, assisting WPD Crime Lab Staff member Amanda Lloyd. He has also served as a Lab Assistant for the Survey of Forensic Science class and as a tutor for the winter session course “Stranger than Fiction: Case Studies in Forensic Science.” 

Mensur is currently applying for positions in the field of Forensic Science, and we have absolute confidence that he will make Anna Maria proud in his upcoming endeavors. We can’t wait to see what Mensur will do with his future, and we will continue to support him in every way possible!

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Working alongside students from The College of St. Scholastica, a Catholic college in Minnesota, the students spent Spring Break at Bethlehem Farm in West Virginia. They lived in a large lodge on the farm, ate home-cooked meals using sustainable practices, and had an opportunity to experience Appalachian culture. During the week they worked on projects such as feeding farm animals, cutting wood, preparing vegetable beds in the fields, or going out in the community to build wheelchair ramps, replace flooring, and work construction on a large garage. They also cooked for community members, cleaned an area home that had suffered fire damage and helped an elderly woman remove old windows from her home.

“During the week of spring break, I learned a lot of new valuable information,” said sophomore Ashley Jorge. “The farm staff taught us how to use new tools and we appreciated the opportunity to be a part of their community. The week in West Virginia was a fun experience, a great time to learn, and an amazing way to try new things.”

The most touching aspect of the service trip was “community night.” Local residents came to the farm for a community potluck. Just like a large family dinner, the locals brought their favorite dishes and stories to share. The evening was full of gratitude, shared faith, and good times.

“What struck me most was the warm welcome we received upon arrival,” said Campus Ministry Director Joe Jorge. “We weren’t greeted with handshakes or formal introductions but with heartfelt hugs and the phrase ‘Welcome Home.’ These simple words created an immediate sense of belonging that set the tone for our entire experience.”

This journey provided lessons that can’t be found in the classroom. Students learned practical skills and more importantly, they experienced the profound impact of community service and the connections that can form when we step outside our comfort zones.

Students interested in future alternative break experiences should contact Campus Ministry.

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“Living moment by moment at your highest potential” is the mantra of Men’s Soccer Head Coach Joe Dincecco and the team has taken these words to heart. In this episode, we hear from team captains Valter Santiago and Iweka Iweka about how teamwork and leadership lessons from the field and in the classroom have equipped them with the resilience necessary to tackle life’s challenges.

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Hometown: Rutland, MA 

Major: Nursing  

Why did you choose Anna Maria College? 

I chose Anna Maria College due to how close it was to home and the generous financial aid I received. 

What are some of your favorite memories? 

My favorite was finding out that I was going to actually pass the current semester and continuing forward in the program with all my friends. 

What was your greatest accomplishment during your time at Anna Maria? 

My greatest accomplishment was that I passed nursing school while working full time for all four years. 

What will you miss the most about Anna Maria? 

I will miss working closely and hanging out with all the friends I have made along the way. 

What are your plans for the future? 

After graduation, I will be working in the Emergency Department at UMass Memorial Hospital’s University Campus. One of my future goals is to also receive anesthesia training. 

Any advice for the Class of 2027? 

My advice for the class of 2027 is to remember that balance is everything. It is important to take time to have fun and do the things that make you happy. 

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I come from a small town in Georgia and was the first in my family to graduate from high school, let alone attend college. I’ve always had big dreams and a desire to make a difference in people’s lives. I chose Anna Maria for the psychology program, and because the campus community felt personal and like home while offering lots of opportunities and potential for growth.

Initially, I thought about being a counselor, and although the classes were interesting, something was missing for me. Thanks to the nurturing atmosphere at the College, where faculty really get to know their students, I received the support I needed to find my passion. I took a screenwriting elective with Professor Travis Maruska, and that course instantly resonated with me. It was there and then that I knew what I wanted to do, which it so become a narrative designer – that is, to tell a story through media.

Anna Maria doesn’t offer any media-related majors, but that didn’t stop me – and the school encouraged me by providing the tools I needed to success in a self-designed major: media writing and communications. It follows the guidelines found for most communication degrees, but mind provides in-depth study in a unique concentration: writing for film, television, and even video games.

Through the College, I did an internship with a filming company in Worcester, which was an amazing experience and I made many connections there. After graduation, I plan to go to Salt Lake City where I’ll be assisting a narrative team at a company called Avalanche, a branch of Warner Brothers Studios that specializes in game development.

My hope it to inspire others and affect lives by way of my art and creativity. This is my passion and I appreciate and am humbled by the journey that helped me make my big dreams a reality.

Note: This article was first published in the summer 2019 issue of the Anna Maria Alumni Magazine. The College has since launched Digital and Social Media Design, Graphic Design, and Video and Photographic Arts as three new majors for students pursuing similar passions.

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A Student Spotlight:
Ashley Garcia, Double Major in Forensic Criminology and Psychology
Anna Maria College, Class of ’22

By Maureen Halley
Director Marketing Communications, Anna Maria College

Growing up in a small town in upstate New York, Ashley Garcia knew that she wanted to make a difference in the world, she just needed to find a path that would help her get there. With encouragement from her supportive family, Ashley was able to explore a variety of local opportunities to engage within her community. Early on, she recognized the importance of serving others, especially as an advocate for those without a voice. “My life – what I think and how I act – is my message to the world,” said Ashley. “If I can be a catalyst for change in anyway possible, nothing will stop me from achieving that.”

As a dual Forensic Criminology and Psychology major, Ashley is studying to become an expert on criminality working in tandem with the legal system. She aims to bring an understanding of the nature of crime itself and how it occurred through behavioral analysis. “It’s vitally important to me to help ensure justice for the victim, while at the same time, using the proper techniques of forensic science to prevent wrongful convictions,” Ashley remarked. “No one should suffer because of the actions of another; with my double major, I hope to be the voice for those unable to speak.”

When searching for a college, Ashley knew that she wanted to pursue a degree in the areas of human service and criminal justice. After researching many schools, Ashley chose Anna Maria College. “At Anna Maria, Forensic Criminology goes beyond DNA and dives into the legal aspect of crimes, human behaviors, and all the analytics and techniques used while solving a crime,” said Ashley. “It encompasses the sociological, psychological, and biology theories and factors that go into crime. I like that it’s an applied discipline and not purely an academic one.”

During her campus visits to other colleges and universities, Ashley never really felt at home. That changed when she visited Anna Maria. “As soon as I stepped on campus, I was comfortable,” she said. “I wanted to be known by my name, not by a student ID number, and I wanted to benefit from hands-on learning. At Anna Maria, we don’t just learn through lectures, we have valuable discussions and real-world engagement.”

When asked about the faculty, Ashley’s eyes lit up. “They do everything in their power to expand learning beyond the textbook. They impress upon us the relevance of what we are studying and how it applies to life. Our professors know what they’re talking about because they are practitioners, too. They had successful careers working in the fields that we study and they bring real-life experiences into every class,” she said. “Faculty along with staff really care about you and will work with you – no matter what it takes – to make sure that you succeed. Here you are a professional-in-training and they make it known very early on that they will do anything to help you succeed.”

In addition to the passion that Ashley has for her studies, she loves being involved on campus. She has participated in the alternative break service trips with Campus Ministry, traveling to Puerto Rico to help get communities back on their feet after devastating natural disasters. Ashley has served as a freshman peer mentor; a National Society of Leadership member; Latino Unidos member; president of the Class of 2022; a member of a student-run group, “Once Upon a Campus,” that visits terminally-ill children in hospitals while dressed as princesses and super heroes; and a member and Board Secretary of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. In addition, Ashley is a student athlete who has served as captain of the Anna Maria College softball team since her freshman year, was recipient of the 2020 team MVP award, and the 2021 softball team leadership recipient. She was also named to the GNAC Academic All-Conference team. “Ashley Garcia is the heart and soul of our team,” said Larry Sasso, head coach of the Anna Maria College’s softball team. “She always puts other people first; her selflessness is both genuine and inspiring. The sky is the limit with her, and I am so proud of how far she has come. Coaching Ashley has made every day a win for me!”

Coach Sasso chose Ashley to be the team liaison with You’re With Us, a charitable nonprofit organization that creates inclusion opportunities for people with disabilities. As part of this partnership, Ashley has weekly conversations with her honorary teammate, Alexis. “Alexis and I have a video chat every week since quarantine began and I love seeing her smiling face and the time we have to connect,” Ashley shared. “Under normal circumstances, Alexis would be in the dugout with us during home games, but I really enjoy talking with her about our favorite shows and musicians – and she enjoys it, too.”

“When I was in high school I wasn’t involved in as many clubs as I would’ve liked so when coming to Anna Maria, I was really focused on going outside my comfort zone,” said Ashley. “I never thought I would be able to participate in all of the clubs, sports, or even further explore my faith. But I realized that at Anna Maria, you can be anyone you want to be. Everyone is so incredibly accepting and it’s a place where you actually can be yourself. We all come from different backgrounds and no matter our race, ethnicity, gender, or even religion, we are simply one community. Everyone knows everyone – and this includes President Retelle; she’s a strong leader but very approachable. She’s the biggest cheerleader for students and is always present, whether it’s at a game, a concert, or a drama production – you’ll always see her!”

Ashley is a merit scholarship recipient and shared that Anna Maria’s Financial Aid Office really worked with her to make her college education affordable. She has a strong work ethic and believes that nothing in life is ever just handed to you. “My Anna Maria academic scholarship and grants make it possible for me to attend college and also sets a good example for my younger sister that hard work really opens doors,” said Ashley. “I’m also in the work study program which has provided me with a lot of opportunities to serve on committees with other students, faculty, and staff – and that experience has been awesome.”

In closing, Ashley said that Anna Maria College has prepared her in so many ways. “It has taught me that my journey will never follow a straight line, but to welcome change and always challenge myself to grow because those people that I want to serve will be counting on me.”

Ashley Garcia, captain of the Anna Maria College Softball team, serves as the College’s liaison with You’re With Us, a charitable nonprofit organization that creates inclusion opportunities for people with disabilities.

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New England NATS is comprised of voice teacher members from six district chapters: The Canadian Atlantic Provinces, Connecticut, New Hampshire/Vermont, Maine, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. There were over 300 participants in the NE NATS Competitions this year, which makes El and Chloe’s achievements even more laudable! 

Anna Maria College also had three other talented voice students who participated. Catie Verostick ’22 was a Regional Semi-Finalist in the Musical Theater Category and Katelyn Sable ’21 and Raschelle Roberts ’22 also participated in the Preliminary Rounds of the Competition. 

You can watch the award-winning videos of El Bowen’s performance here: https://youtu.be/6Eii29nvXTs and Chloe Panico’s here: https://youtu.be/7GNBYpIKaGY and https://youtu.be/lE-RJo8gtLI. Best of luck to El and Chloe as they move forward in the next round of the National NATS Student Auditions!!

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