WSU president Evan Dobelle will present 1,200 graduates with degrees.
Collins Tuohy, 24, a member of the Tuohy family depicted in the book and movie "The Blind Side," will give the commencement speech at Westfield State University graduation ceremonies on Saturday.WESTFIELD – Collins M. Tuohy, 24, a member of the Tuohy family depicted in the book and movie "The Blind Side," is the commencement speaker at Saturday's graduation ceremony at Westfield State University.
The graduating class selected Tuohy because of her outlook on life and with the expectation that she will address life experiences that relate to members of the class, 2011 class president Courtney E. Sarantos said.
“We picked Collins Tuohy because of her attitude about approaching the world with an open mind and to never let race or gender come between making relationships with anyone,” said Sarantos, 21, of Scituate.
“We can relate to her because of her age and success and we are hoping she might share her experiences with us,” said Sarantos.
Tuohy’s family adopted African-American Michael Oher, who originally lived in public housing with his crack-addicted mother. Collins Tuohy was first introduced to Oher while attending Briarcrest Christian School in Memphis. She helped Oher adapt to college life and her family. He went on to become a first-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 National Football League draft.
Tuohy is a board member of the Making It Happen Foundation created by her family because of the book and movie.
“The commencement will aim at community service. She will bring a message of opportunity and community service,” said Sarantos, who will receive her bachelor's degree in communications. After a brief vacation, Sarantos will head to Disney World for an internship.
Graduation for the 1,200-member Class of 2011 will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday on the Western Avenue campus.
WSU President Evan S. Dobelle will award honorary degrees to Tuohy; David Carter, Connecticut State University chancellor; John A. DiBiaggio, former University of Connecticut, Tufts University and Michigan State University president; Marilynn Monahan, executive director of Reading Assist Institute and former secretary of National Education Association; and Laura Dubester and Alan Silverstein, both of Pioneer of Green Movement and co-founders of the Center for Ecological Technology.