• Tickets for guests are not required for Commencement on May 12, 2025, and guests are unlimited.  
• The Commencement Weekend RSVP form will be emailed to students attending graduation by April 1st.  Please complete the RSVP once received to ensure that your name is on the graduation lineup list and to help ensure a smooth ceremony.  
• Due to space capacity guest reservations will be required for Baccalaureate Mass and the Hooding Ceremony. The Commencement Weekend RSVP form will serve as your reservation for these events. 

Honorary Degree Recipient and Commencement Address

Kelsa L. Zereski

Doctor of Public Administration

A fundraising and grantmaking expert, Ms. Zereski has served as Trustee on several community non-profit boards, including the American Red Cross of Central MA, Nativity School of Worcester, the former Higgins Armory Museum, and Seven Hills Foundation. She is a community volunteer or corporator for many local organizations including Bay State Bank, Be Like Brit, EcoTarium, Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Nativity School of Worcester, Seven Hills Foundation, Stoneleigh-Burnham School, and the YMCA of Central MA. She regularly serves on local grantmaking committees and is a current Trustee of the George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation.

Honorary Degree Recipient

Mary Lou Retelle

Doctor of Humane Letters

Mary Lou Retelle began her role as Anna Maria College’s 11th President on June 1, 2015. As President, she has built a dedicated and experienced Board of Trustees along with a strong leadership team to navigate the ever-increasing challenges in higher education.

During the past decade as President, Retelle oversaw the implementation of a new Strategic Plan, the creation of Nursing Simulation and Clinical Labs in Miriam Hall, major renovations to the campus center and chapel, and several other capital improvements. She engaged donors and grantmakers as the College secured nearly $15 million in federal, state, corporate, foundations, and individual funding during her tenure. The Academic portfolio advanced with the introduction of new and expanded programs. She restructured the revenue model for online education programs and drove more enrollment and academic pathway agreements with community colleges, businesses, and area high schools. In Athletics, President Retelle secured a permanent conference home for the AMCATS in the MASCAC and saw the introduction of Men’s and Women’s Ice Hockey, and Esports. She successfully navigated the College through the pandemic. President Retelle served on multiple boards and committees representing Anna Maria College locally and regionally.

President Retelle’s journey at Anna Maria College began in 2011 when she joined as Executive Vice President. She assumed the presidency in 2015 following a year of service as the College’s interim president. She has more than 45 years of experience in higher education. Prior to Anna Maria College, she was Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Merrimack College. She also served Suffolk University and State University of New York at Potsdam in executive positions relative to enrollment and strategic planning. President Retelle obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Merrimack College and her Master of Education in Student Personnel Services from Northeastern University in Boston.

Carly Michelle Drew is the Class of 2025 Student Speaker.

A Rochester, MA resident and an alumnus of Old Rochester Regional High School, Carly Drew is a Psychology major honor student with a double minor in Sports Management and Education. After graduation, Carly will be pursuing a Master’s in School Psychology. During her four years at Anna Maria College, Carly served as a Resident Assistant, Admission Ambassador, and tutor. She was President of the Anna Maria Chapter of the American Cancer Society, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, and a student representative for the Alumni Board. In athletics, Carly was Senior Captain for AMCAT Field Hockey, a four-year member of AMCAT Ice Hockey, and a three-year member of AMCAT Women’s Lacrosse. In the community, Carly interned for Abby’s House, Paxton Center School, and Anna Maria Athletics. She volunteered for Special Olympics, Campus Ministry, and other community service programs.

We will celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass in Fuller Activities Center on Saturday, May 10th, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Baccalaureate Mass is a Catholic liturgy, celebrating the Sacrament of the Eucharist and graduating students.  All members of the Anna Maria College community and their guests are invited to attend the Mass, regardless of faith.  

The Hooding Ceremony will immediately follow Baccalaureate Mass. The hooding of the Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree Recipients by faculty recognizes your academic success.  Your hood (the scarf-like part of your academic regalia) represents the degree that you have earned, and will be placed over your shoulders by a faculty member or department chair in your field of study. 

 A reception will be held in the Bishop Flanagan Campus Center for graduating students and guests, faculty, and staff immediately following the hooding ceremony.  

 Additional events on Saturday, May 10th will include: 

Nursing Pinning, at 2:00pm in Zecco Auditorium.

 All Saturday events will be held on campus. Guests are welcome to attend – please watch your AMCATS email for information about reservations.

Our annual Social Work Pinning will take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6:00pm in the evening.

Your Senior Class Council is busy planning Senior Week activities for the spring – more information coming soon! If you have questions or ideas, please email seniorclasscouncil@amcats.edu  

Anna Maria College partners with Balfour/Build a Grad for commencement regalia (cap, gown and academic hood). Regalia are required if you are attending Baccalaureate Mass and/or Commencement.   

Bachelor’s degree/Undergraduate: Full-time (Resident and Commuter) – Order by February 23, 2025 

Pick up your regalia on campus on April 10 – details TBA. 

www.buildagrad.com/annamaria 

Bachelor’s degree/Undergraduate: Online only/Part-time/Degree Completion – Order by April 6, 2025  

www.buildagrad.com/annamaria   

Please have payment method ready when you order, as your credential fee includes diploma but not regalia.  Your regalia will be mailed to you.  

Master’s degree/Graduate/CAGS – Order by April 6, 2025   

www.buildagrad.com/annamaria  

Please have payment method ready when you order, as your credential fee includes diploma but not regalia.  Your regalia will be mailed to you. (Master’s degree regalia varies slightly from Bachelor’s degree regalia. Please reach out with any questions.)