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Keene State Graduates Bumper Crop - May 7 Commencement Celebrates Largest Class in 102-year History

Keene, NH, May 5, 2011: Keene State College (KSC) today announced the graduation of its largest class in its 102-year history. On Saturday, May 7, President Helen Giles-Gee will award 1,171 degrees to 1,093 students at KSC’s Commencement ceremony. The event begins at 1 p.m. on Fiske Quad.

The size of the 2011 graduating class is a milestone that speaks directly to Vice President Joe Biden’s call to action to increase college graduation rates across the country. In February 2009, President Obama set a goal for the United States to lead the world in college attainment by 2020.

The College has maintained its enrollment record during challenging economic times.

“This year’s graduating class embodies all of the ideals of a liberal education, including heightened intellectualism and service orientation,” said Keene State College President Helen Giles-Gee. “I fully expect our graduates to further their education and enter the workforce as self-directed citizens who will contribute to the quality of life within their communities and forge opportunities for growth in the state’s economy.”

Among the graduates at this year’s Commencement ceremony are two long-standing students: Selleck Scofield and the Honorable Philip “Dale” Pregent, Mayor of the City of Keene.

Lifelong learner Selleck Scofield will graduate magna cum laude with a BA degree at 94 years young. Scofield began his education at KSC in 1995 by taking one course at a time. In 2007, he earned his associate’s degree in general studies. After deciding to continue his education, Scofield collaborated with faculty and Dr. Ann Marie Rancourt, Associate Provost, to put together an individualized major in criminal justice studies.

Mayor of Keene Philip “Dale” Pregent will receive his BA in social science, a degree he began more than 50 years ago. Pregent attended the College in the late 1950s, but soon left to pursue his education at the former Northampton Junior College. After a brief return to his KSC studies in the ’80s, Pregent returned in summer 2010 to complete his coursework.

David B. Staples will be honored with the Granite State Award for his professional accomplishments and dedication to service. After serving in the army, Staples graduated from Keene in 1955. He went on to earn an MEd in elementary administration, a certificate in advanced graduate studies, and a master’s degree in guidance counseling. He held several teaching posts and worked as a guidance counselor in Concord for 20 years, retiring in 1988.

Staples is a model alumnus, dedicated to the mission of the College and generous with his time, expertise and resources. He has attended every reunion since 1959, except for one. He has served on the KSC’s Alumni Association Board of Directors, the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees and has also served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Keene Endowment Association.

In 1983 he and his wife, Elizabeth, established the David B. Staples Family Endowment Scholarship in memory of their son. The KSC Alumni Association awarded Mr. Staples the Sprague Drenan Award in 1977 and the Outstanding Service Award in 1986.

Staples is recognized for his tireless efforts on behalf of the College and the State of New Hampshire and for his commitment to enriching the lives of others.

The Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters will be presented to Stephen H. Taylor who will address the graduates. Taylor is a farmer, journalist and former commissioner. His outstanding contributions to New Hampshire include his extensive public service and commitment to civic and charitable organizations.

For 25 years, Taylor served as commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets, and Food, and as a member of the University System of New Hampshire Board of Trustees. As commissioner, he developed New Hampshire’s organic certification program and the New Hampshire Farm and Forest Exposition. His research established New Hampshire Made, that boasts more than 700 New Hampshire business members.

Taylor was founding executive director of the New Hampshire Humanities Council that promotes scholarship and public engagements in humanities, and a founding board member of Leadership New Hampshire. He established Taylor Brothers Sugarhouse and Creamery, a family farm in Plainfield, NH. He serves as a trustee of the Society of Protection of New Hampshire Forests and director of the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, the Cornish Fair Association and Yankee Farm Credit Bank.

Taylor is honored for his dedication to the people and culture of New Hampshire and for his effective leadership and demonstrated success with public policy and advocacy.

For more information on Keene State College’s 2011 Commencement, please visit www.keene.edu/commencement.

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1-800-KSC-1909
229 Main Street
Keene, New Hampshire 03435