BRIDGEWATER, Va., May 19, 2010 — John R. Doyon from Northfield who majored in psychology has graduated from Bridgewater College.

President Phillip C. Stone – in his last commencement as chief executive of the College – delivered the commencement address, “The Empty Stage” to 302 graduates on May 16.

He alluded to Shakespeare’s several references to the stage as a simile for life, especially “all the world’s a stage,” from As You Like It. He reflected on the empty stage as the departure of another graduating class – and president – from the campus, and that another set of “actors” will take their places. Stone urged the graduating class to not yield to roles in life by default or passivity, and exhorted them to write their own roles on life’s stage by “Daring to take risks, living life fully, serving others, always learning and aspiring to the greatness within you.

Among the 302 students in the Class of 2010, 79 earned Bachelor of Arts degrees, 192 earned Bachelor of Science degrees, one has earned a Bachelor of General Studies degree and 30 are scheduled to complete degree requirements during summer school sessions, which conclude July 30. The College’s president, Dr. Phillip C. Stone, conferred the degrees at the May 16 ceremony.

Four members of the class graduated summa cum laude – the top academic honor which requires at least a 3.9 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Three graduates earned magna cum laude honors – a 3.7 or better average. Cum laude honors, requiring a 3.4 grade point average, were earned by 57 graduates. In addition, academic honors at each level require students to meet certain standards on a comprehensive exam; those earning summa cum laude and magna cum laude also much achieve required grade levels on an honors project.

Bridgewater College, a private, four-year liberal arts college, enrolls more than 1,500 students. Founded in 1880 and located in the Central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, it was the state’s first private, coeducational senior college.