Burlington College celebrated the graduation of its 34th class Saturday morning at the its campus on North Avenue.

Fifty-three students earned a host of degrees at a ceremony that was marked by acknowledgements of the college's recent financial struggles and bold pronouncements for the institution's future.

President Carol A. Moore, who assumed office in February, said the future of Burlington College is bright.

"Although it has seen challenging days over the past few years … I can assure you that Burlington College's doors will be open to welcome many future generations of potential graduates."

Commencement speaker Jay Craven, an Emmy-award winning Vermont filmmaker who has taught courses at Burlington College, commended the graduating class for choosing to finish their studies when many wondered if the school would close.

"Congratulations, not just for the completion of your college studies, but for the sacrifices involved to make that happen, and for the loyalty and courage to stick with your school even when it was openly struggling to regain its footing," Craven said. "That is extraordinary."

(BurlingtonFree Press)