About 1,000 students received their degrees during the ceremony.
U.S. Marshal John GibbonsSPRINGFIELD- When her name was called during American International College’s 126th commencement ceremony, Helen Vargas, of West Springfield, rose to accept her bachelor’s degree in honor of her father.
“He only made it to the sixth grade and every day he used to tell me I had to go to college,” said Vargas, 31, who is the first of 11 children to graduate from college and one of about 1,000 students who received their degrees at the MassMutual Center Sunday.
Vargas’ journey to graduation was unlike that of her peers for many reasons.
“I have had a very tough year. There have been some major trials for me, but school is what has kept me going,” she said.
Vargas’ boyfriend passed away several months ago and shortly after he died she discovered she was pregnant with his child.
“It has been very painful for me,” she said.
Vargas also lost her apartment in a fire at an apartment complex at 170 River St. on April 30. She is currently looking for a new place to live.
Vargas has been accepted into the graduate program at the University of Connecticut, but will not attend until after her son Michael is born.
“I need to find a place to live and start making a life for me and my son,” she said. “But I plan to continue my education.”
Vargas credits her professors at AIC with helping her make it through these difficult months.
“I have to say all of my professors and everyone at the college has been so helpful and understanding,” she said. “They really made it possible for me to stay in school even through everything that has happened.”
American International College graduation.
The graduation did not include students speakers, only remarks from keynote speaker John Gibbons, who received an honorary degree in public administration. Gibbons, of Agawam, is the first African American U.S. Marshal in Massachusetts. He is a 1978 graduate of American International College.
Gibbons said when he graduated from college the idea of cell phones, the Internet and an African American president were far from reality. He told students to take advantage of the opportunities and experience they gained at AIC.
“In 1978 I was sitting where you are listening to a commencement address that I have no recollection of. I am not presumptuous enough to think my words will change your life, but what I hope is that you capture the spirit of my remarks... Remember that it was your commitment, dedication, hard work, sacrifice and the tireless efforts made over the years that allowed you to make it to this proud day,” he said.