The Western Connecticut State University Class of 2016 will be addressed by two fellow graduates at this year’s commencement exercises.  This is the first year in recent history that the graduating classes will be addressed by a member of their own.  Nicole Mair will address the undergraduate class while Dr Monica Sousa will be the keynote speaker for the graduate class. 

Mair, who is graduating with her twin sister, Colleen, played rugby while at Western and was a competitor with the Roger Sherman Debate Society.  Mair will receive a bachelor’s degree in Economics.

Sousa, an assistant professor of nursing at Western, will receive a degree in Educational Leadership in Nursing at Sunday’s commencement.  Sousa has taught at Western for the past six years and worked in the healthcare industry for more than a decade.  Sousa also created the Alumni Nursing Society.  The alumni society organizing community activities, networking events and connects with the undergrads.  Sousa started as nursing faculty member at Western six years ago. 

Commencement will be held Sunday at the Webster Bank Arena at Harbor Yard.