Providence College Awards Undergraduate Degree to Local Resident, Matthew Berard, During 93rd Commencement Exercises

2011 May 24

Matthew Berard, a resident of Coventry, RI, was among the 38 students who received undergraduate degrees from Providence College's School of Continuing Education during the College's Ninety-third Commencement Exercises held on Sunday, May 15, 2011. Berard received a bachelor's degree in Liberal Studies, Cum Laude.

The Commencement address was delivered by John Ratzenberger, the former Cheers TV star who has been a leading voice in the most successful animated films in movie history and a champion of charitable causes involving healthcare, education, and the environment.

Four other distinguished individuals, all PC alumni, received honorary degrees from the College. They are: William J. Christie '61, David A. Duffy '61, John J. Partridge, Esq. '61, and Dr. Stephen B. Fawcett '69. Christie, Duffy, and Partridge celebrated their 50th class reunions this year.

The College also presented honorary bachelor's degrees – for the first time in College history – to members of the U.S. Army Specialized Training Program who attended the College in 1943-44 but were deployed to combat in World War II and never returned to complete their education.

Providence College is the only college or university in the United States administered by the Dominican Friars. The Catholic, liberal arts college has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 3,900 students and offers degrees in 49 academic majors. Since 1997, Providence College consistently has been ranked among the top three regional universities in the north according to U.S. News' America's Best Colleges.