August 27, 2024
Beacon College Welcomes 140 Neurodiverse Students to Academic School Year
By Cindy Peterson
Beacon College Welcomes 140 Neurodiverse Students to Academic School Year
“Many of us, myself included, we’re told throughout our entire life what we can and what we can’t do, what we are and what we’re not,” Dion said during Thursday’s Opening Convocation to the 2024-25 school year. “That may include never being able to say a full sentence in your life, and it may even include never being able to go to college.”
But the Beacon students proved they’re disbelievers and the doubters wrong, said Dion, president of the Student Government Association.
They had made it this far, so Dion and other Beacon school leaders gave the students advice and wisdom on how to make the most of their time at Beacon and grow as college students to become more independent.
The Opening Convocation is an annual tradition at Beacon and many other colleges and universities across the country to formally welcome the new school year. Bagpipes skirls filled the air, adding a formality to the day.
Later in the ceremony, Beacon College President George Hagerty weighed in with his wisdom for mining success and personal growth at the Leesburg school.
“Find a purpose,” Hagerty said. “Be in college, not simply at college.”
That means go to every class, he added. (He repeated that tip for good measure.)
“Over the course of your time here at Beacon College, you’re going to have an incredible experience,” Hagerty said. “You’re going to make lifelong friends.”
Dion challenged the class of 2028 to join clubs and get involved on campus. If they can’t find a club that interests them — start one up, Dion suggested. Get to know your professors and visit them regularly during office hours, he urged the students.
“But as for my biggest and most important piece of advice, don’t be afraid of being yourself,” Dion said. “Find people who enjoy you for yourself and take these next four years to figure out just what it is that makes you. This may be the first time in your life where you get full control of figuring out just what exactly that is.”
Throughout the convocation, a constant theme was the reminder Beacon students always have the support of faculty and staff during the school year.
“Remember, you are not alone on this journey,” said Dr. Kevin Reilly, Beacon’s vice president of academic affairs. “We are all here to help you navigate and make the most of your college experience and most importantly, we believe in you.”
Don’t forget about the parents, friends and others who have encouraged you on your journey, Dr. Richard Perrone said.
“It’s important to be grateful and have that attitude of gratitude towards those who have supported you,” said Perrone, the chair of the department of human services and psychology. “The easiest way to show your gratitude is by putting your greatest effort while attending Beacon College.”
College is a place to push yourself, Perrone also said. Get involved in clubs, sports or student organizations. Take a class that challenges your thinking.
“It’s important for you to go out of your comfort zone by taking healthy risks and dreaming,” Perrone said. “Believe in yourself and don’t give energy to unjustified fears and self-doubt. That’s very important. Believe in yourself.”
President Hagerty ended Thursday’s convocation with an exercise where the students stood up and looked at the person next to them. “We’ve got this,” the students told each other. Then the students turned to the faculty and their parents and assured them too, “We’ve got this.”
As the first college in the nation accredited to award bachelor’s degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities and ADHD, Beacon College remains committed to student success, offering academic and personal support services that help students achieve their goals. We are truly a community — welcoming, accepting, and supporting each member of it.
Story and Photos Provided by Beacon College
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
