What a Celebration! 2017 Spring Term Graduation

We had an excellent Spring Term Graduation last night at our Guild home base in Braintree. There was a special energy in the room as our 50 graduates listened to speeches, sang, celebrated, and received their diplomas.

The program was packed with inspiring words from a number of Guild community members.

Guilder Paul McCarthy emceed the event, keeping up the energy and speaking to the power of a Guild education. Sr. Marie-Therese Browne (Sister Tess) led a beautiful invocation, sharing words from a speech by Corretta Scott King made shortly after her husband’s death in 1968. We also had two stellar speakers. Jim Mastandrea, President, Machinists Local Lodge 264 gave the keynote speech, discussing the dangers of privatization of the MBTA and the cost that would have on workers, riders, and more. Fred Floreal, Boston Bus Drivers USW 8751, was the valedictorian, and gave an inspiring speech about the power of knowledge.

Following the speeches, everyone in attendance participated in a rousing chorus of Solidarity Forever and Union Maid. Students, their families, and instructors mingled, enjoyed delicious cake, and watched proudly as each graduate received a diploma.

Below are just a few pictures from the event. You can see many more here, and check out a special rendition of Solidarity Forever, sung by the Guild Chorus (video below, link here)!

CONGRATS TO OUR 2017 SPRING TERM GRADS!

Valedictorian Fred Floreal speaks to the crowd

Keynote speaker Jim Mastandrea

Emcees for the evening (L – R): Allyson Every, Executive Director, The Labor Guild; Mark Smith, Guild Registrar; Paul McCarthy, Guilder and Education Committee Chair; Sister Tess, Guilder and Labor Nun

Students sing “Solidarity Forever”