The Threshold Program's Graduation

Graduates commemorated their completion of the Threshold Program during a Graduation Ceremony held Friday, May 3, 2013, in the Harvard-Epworth Church in Cambridge.

Jim Wilbur, Director of the Threshold Program, welcomed the graduates and their families and friends; members of the Lesley University Board of Trustees including Vice Chair Hans Strauch; Threshold faculty and staff; and Dr. Arlyn Roffman, founder of the Threshold Program and a Professor at Lesley.

“We honor all the wonderful men and women in this class,” said Wilbur. “Just look at what these young men and women have accomplished in a mere two years,” he marveled. Wilbur also praised students’ families and noted to the graduates, “We know you guys didn’t get here by yourselves."

Student Speakers Hanna Adams, Daniel Dubinsky, Sarah Hay-Smith, Phillip Murray, and Anna Schwartz-Cohen addressed their classmates during the ceremony. Each speaker emphasized the importance of the friendships they developed at Threshold and the faculty’s support and mentorship to help them grow and gain confidence. “It has been an incredible journey and I’ve grown into a different person,” said Adams.

The student speakers reflected on memories and milestones, from learning to cook and pay bills, to voting in the Presidential election last fall and navigating the T to Faneuil Hall and the Boston Garden. "Threshold is not just a school, but it’s also a stepping stone in my life,” said Murray.

Threshold graduates heard an inspiring Graduation Address from Michael Kersjes, an innovative special education teacher and mentor who established a program to send special education students to space camp. Founder of the Space is Special organization, Kersjes wrote a book about the experience that was adapted into a movie starring John Corbett as Kersjes. "You must take yourself to the next level every time,” Kersjes urged the graduates. “Challenge yourself.”

Lesley President Joseph B. Moore also addressed the graduates and their families, and he conferred their certificates at the conclusion of the ceremony. “Any education is a partnership, and we have certainly been honored to partner with all of you,” said Moore, who lauded the students’ courage to enroll in Threshold, move to Cambridge, make new friends, join the larger Lesley University community, push boundaries, and more. “Congratulations for what you’ve done, and what you’re about to do.”

Musicians Billy Novick and Barry Johnston provided music throughout the ceremony, and Threshold Alumnus Daniel W. Levin ‘06 gave a vocal performance of “This is the Moment.” Graduate Olivia Smulyan performed a duet on violin with her father, Gary Smulyan, on saxophone, playing “They Can’t Take That Away from Me

Past Graduation Guest Speakers

Each graduation features a speaker who addresses the graduates on their accomplishments and offers advice on the challenges ahead. Recent guest speakers include:

• Steve Walker-President and Chief Executive Officer of New England Wood Pellet, LLC
• Jothy Rosenberg- Author, Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker
• Quinn Bradlee, author and adult with an LD
• Attorney Robert Crabtree,
• Dr. Robert Desimone, Director of the McGovern Institute at MIT
• Paul Reville, Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Dr. Annette Jenner, Holy Cross professor, researcher and adult with an LD
• Timothy Shriver, LD expert and author

In addition to graduates and families, the ceremony is attended by:

•  The President of the University
•  A representative from the University's Board of Trustees
•  Dr. Arlyn Roffman, the founder of the Threshold Program
•  Threshold Program faculty and staff, and alumni

Post Graduate Options

The majority of graduates apply to enroll in Threshold's Transition Year Program. Other Threshold graduates may participate in Threshold's Bridge Year Program. Many graduates of the Bridge Program apply to participate in Transition Year.