Gildersleeve Graduates Colby College

Colby College announced the graduation of Chatham native Burton H. Gildersleeve II, one of 465 students who received their undergraduate diplomas on May 20.

Gildersleeve, the son of Gary and Carolyn Gildersleeve of Chatham, received his bachelor of arts degree in Latin American studies from Colby in an outdoor ceremony in Waterville, Maine earlier this year. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was the commencement speaker.

In his speech to the graduates, Blair urged them to "never stop learning. Carry on. And have the humility always to know that you can learn more," he said. "Successful people are not defined by a restless search for fame and fortune but by an insatiable desire to be better and an infinite curiosity as to how. They're perpetual voyagers on the journey of self-improvement."

Colby President William D. Adams handed a diploma to Gildersleeve and each of the graduates.

Colby College also announced the following students from Chatham were recognized for their oustanding achievement during the 2011 fall semester Each of the following students earned a 3.61 GPA or higher and were named to the Dean's List:

• Andrew D. Rhoads, a member of the class of 2014 and the son of Bradley Rhoads and Sandra M. Rhoads of Chatham. He is a graduate of .
• Stefanie A. Lai, a member of the class of 2015 and the daughter of Francis Lai and Moya Chew-Lai of Chatham. She is a graduate of Oak Knoll School of Holy Child.
• Mary C. Fitzpatrick, a member of the class of 2015 and the daughter of Edward and Mary Fitzpatrick of Chatham. She is a graduate of Villa Walsh Academy.

The following students were named to Colby College's 2012 spring semester Dean's List, which required a GPA of 3.68 or higher:

• Nathaniel N. Bard, a member of the class of 2015 and the son of Richard Bard and Susan Blount of Chatham. Bard is a graduate of Chatham High.
• Mary C. Fitzpatrick

Founded in 1813, Colby College is the 12th-oldest independent liberal arts college in the nation. The college enrolls 1,825 students.