Vaughn College recognized the achievements of the class of 2023’s top students at the annual Honors Convocation Ceremony on Wednesday, May 10. The ceremony began with opening remarks from Vice President of Academics Affairs Dr. Paul LaVergne, followed by greetings from President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo. John T. Brogan, president and chief executive officer of United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG) delivered the convocation address to students.  

“Life is going to throw things at you, there’s going to be difficult decisions you’re going to have to make,” said Brogan. “What you’ll use to make those decisions are technical skills you’ve gained throughout your life including those you learned at Vaughn College.” 

The student speaker was Tatiana Jaimes ’23, a mechatronic engineering major and recipient of the Bessie Coleman Award presented to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average who also demonstrates the professional and civic values that exemplify Vaughn’s mission. Her address spoke to her peers about the challenges she faced and opportunities she was presented with during her time at Vaughn, and reminded her classmates about the importance of speaking up and encouraging them to always reach for their goals. Jaimes who has accepted a full-time position at NASA as a jet-propulsion engineer also spoke about her excitement for the future of women in engineering.  

Convocation continued with faculty distribution of departmental awards to students who excelled in engineering, technology, management and aviation with a grade point average of 3.50 and above, or those who showed exceptional leadership and athletic abilities.  

The ceremony closed with a presentation of the students graduating with high honors for cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude status.  

The 2023 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m. 

Click here for a link to this year’s convocation program. 

Click here for a livestream of the event.