In her student commencement address Friday afternoon at the Community Arts Center, Olivia Magann deployed the use of a Latin phrase — Insepto ne Desistam — which she said is interpreted as “May I not shrink from my purpose!”

Magann described how she was truly grateful for being able to represent her college’s graduating class.

She was first, however, introduced by Dr. Jennifer McLean, Dean of Students.

“Olivia is the true embodiment of the qualities Penn College strives to instill in its graduates,” McLean said. Her leadership is evident in every facet of campus life. She has served as a residence life intern, resident assistant, and senior resident assistant, creating an environment of inclusivity and support for her fellow students, she said.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Penn College graduates smile during the 2025 Penn College Spring Commencement at the Community Arts Center on Friday.

As executive vice president of the Student Government Association, Magann advocated for student needs and worked to bring people together, McLean said.

“Olivia consistently seeks ways to uplift those around her, implementing new programs in and striving to make a positive impact across campus, in the broader community , and individually for everyone she meets along the way,” McLean said.

Magann was awarded a bachelor’s degree in business administration in management with a minor in business analytics.

Her commitment to excellence is reflective in her consistent Dean’s List status and her recognition with the President’s Award, the Business Management Faculty Award, the Davie Jane Gilmour Award for Leadership and Service to Penn College, McLean said.

“You fought to be here, you worked hard, you made sacrifices, you gave your time, your energy, your best effort to earn this degree,” Magann said. “Every person is on their own timeline regardless of where they are in their discovery,” she said. “We’ve shown persistence through academic pressure, personal setbacks and the choice to remain loyal, creative, courageous and true to ourselves, we kept going. We didn’t always know where we were headed but we never stopped.”

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Olivia D.A. Magann, gives the student address at the 2025 Penn College Spring Commencement at the Community Arts Center on Friday.

She credited one of the first things she heard from Kate Hummell, Penn College director of the residential experience and student engagement, say to her as helping her to solidify her purpose: “Take care of you, take care of me … take care of this place.”

“So wherever you go, whatever you do if you are following your purpose or working toward it that quote will ring true to you as it did for me,” she said.

“Let us continue to be true to ourselves and intentional in our work,” she said. “Purpose does not have to be loud or showcased. It’s a choice that we make daily to keep moving forward.”

“Your purpose is in every person you help, every click of your mouse, and every day that you show up with good intent.”

She also encouraged her friends in the room to embrace their mistakes and shortcomings as a new professional and graduate.

KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette Tamaka Carter sings the National Anthem during the 2025 Penn College Spring Commencement at the Community Arts Center on Friday.

“Our classroom learning may be done for now, but learning in life never ends. Continue to give yourself grace as you work and lead others. Keep showing up for yourself and for others, especially when it is hard.”

“Wherever you go from here. Whatever path you follow. Do not stop, do not shrink and do not settle.”

“An enthusiastic ‘Well done’ to all the graduates who are receiving their degrees and certificates today,” said Michael J. Reed, president of the college. “This ceremony will deliver milestone memories that each of you will cherish forever.”

“As a college president and educator, acknowledging students as they embark on rewarding careers and significant life passages is a privilege that I will never take for granted,” Reed said.

He stressed how as the graduates make their way into work and service he was confident that “you will make us all Penn College Proud.”

The college’s goal is to put graduates in the most competitive position for long-term success, he said.

He also said the college staff was eager to hear the accolades that will come the graduates’ way as they put forth their best efforts.

“Please stay in touch and provide your insight as a valued Penn College alum to our students who can learn so much from work and life experiences,” Reed said.

The ceremony included the distinguished Authorization for Conferral of Degrees and Certificates by state Sen. Gene Yaw, chair of the board of directors; Conferral of Degrees by Reed; presentation of the graduates and awarding of the degrees and certificates by Reed; Joanna K. Flynn, vice president for academic affairs and provost; and Anthony Pace, vice president for enrollment and academic operations.

Shouts of joy and expressions of celebration and achievement were heard at the CAC.

It was the college’s first of three spring 2025 graduation ceremonies.

It was a memory to hold on to forever for those graduates from the Schools of Business, Arts & Sciences and Nursing and Health Sciences.

Saturday the college’s School of Engineering Technologies in the divisions of Diesel Technology and Natural Resources; Materials Science and Engineering Technologies; and Transportation held their commencement and the college’s School of Engineering Technologies in the divisions of Construction and Architectural Technologies and Industrial and Computer Technologies had graduation ceremonies.