American International College students graduate in 140th Commencement ceremony

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - May is often the time of year when hundreds of students in higher education graduate.

More than 400 students from eight countries can proudly say they have graduated from American International College, marking Sunday as the 140th Commencement ceremony for the institution. Founded in 1885, AIC is comprised of the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences, along with Health Services and Education.

"Our students will be artists, they'll be doctors, they'll be nurses, they'll be public health officials, they'll be educators," said Frank Borelli, Assistant Dean of the School of Business, Arts and Sciences at AIC. "They will change the world, and today we celebrate."

Families and friends filled the MassMutual Center in Springfield to celebrate this special moment with the graduates. As each of the graduates took their seats, multiple speeches were given, including the Commencement address by senior political correspondent for The Hill, Amie Parnes.

"Ask what it means to fight and have that determination throughout your life," Parnes said.

Parnes delivered a message that will motivate the graduates as they received their doctoral, bachelor's, and master's degrees.