566 grads take part in Stonehill commencement

The Enterprise of Brockton, Mass.
www.enterprisenews.com
After spending more than a year in Iraq, finishing the work for a Stonehill College degree in criminal justice seemed easy to Brockton native Brian Benvie.

"I've learned not to sweat the small stuff," Benvie said as he prepared to get his degree Sunday. "I had friends pulling their hair out when they had two papers due. My experiences put many things in life into perspective."

Benvie, 23, was among 566 graduates who took part in the college's 57th commencement on Sunday on the campus green. The Army Reserve member was assigned to the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq not long after the prisoner-abuse scandal.

"I worked there as a prison guard, but I make sure I tell people I was there after all that stuff happened," said Benvie, who hopes to join the Brockton police force.

He said he had "tons of appreciation" for his college experience once he returned, and he was grateful for the generosity that the college -- particularly the football team -- showed.

"The team welcomed me back when I returned to the team; it was like I never left. And they sent me a couple of care packages," Benvie said.

Another graduate, Justin Shepard of Abington, was honored for his academic achievements. He was named to the dean's list after every semester, and he studied in Australia, Ireland and Belgium.

Shepard said studying abroad helped him understand business and the world economy.

"I'd like to focus on the international part of business, and it (the travel) helped me see different things," he said.

In October, Shepard will begin working for Grant Thornton LLP in Boston. He is studying to take the certified public account exam this summer.

In June, he will begin graduate work at Babson College.

"People would be surprised I don't hit the books so hard all the time," Shepard said. "I try to enjoy things without working so much."

Danielle Mason of Salisbury, the student commencement speaker, encouraged her classmates to find passion in what they do, embrace change, keep learning and experience life.

"Life still has so much to offer us if we take chances," Mason said. "Don't miss out for fear or apathy."

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