President Leary and Noel Surprised by Drive-by Parade!
Sunday, May 17, was a classic New England spring day and what would have been our traditional 123rd Commencement celebrating the Class of 2020. And after 25 years of leading the University, it also would have been Dr. Leary’s last official event as president of Bay Path. Instead, President Leary and Noel were treated to a surprise drive-by parade!
Rather than the familiar tune of “Pomp and Circumstance,” for 20 minutes over 200 cars snaked down Route 5 in Longmeadow blasting their horns. Headed by Springfield's Mayor Sarno, the decorated cars featured a giant teddy bear, an inflated flamingo raft tied to a car roof, numerous signs with Carpe Diem--our official school motto--and, of course, balloons.
Most important, while maintaining their social distance, parade goers (alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends) shouted their thanks and wished them good luck and Godspeed. For President Leary and Noel, it will be another Bay Path memory they will always cherish.