Graduating senior Courtney B. Gustafson was recognized by Gov. Deval Patrick on Thursday, May 10 at the Statehouse as one of the 29 Who Shine, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education's tribute to outstanding public college and university graduates.

Gustafson was accompanied to the event by President Antonucci as well as a contingent of well-wishers from the campus, including Professor Ian Williams (English), whom Gustafson cited as a key mentor in achieving her academic success.

The celebration at the Statehouse featured an honoree from each community college, state university and University of Massachusetts campus. Students were required to be residents of Massachusetts who had a strong academic record and a history of civic engagement.

“These exceptional students have earned the respect and admiration of the whole Commonwealth,” said Gov. Deval Patrick. "I look forward to seeing all the ways they will contribute to a better Massachusetts.”

Gustafson, approaching graduation next week with a 3.99 GPA, continues her studies this fall. She has been accepted into an MA/PhD program in English rhetoric and composition at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where she has also been offered a teaching assistantship and a fellowship to cover her fees. She plans to continue teaching writing after earning her advanced degree.

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