Daughter walks in honor of late father at his URI graduation ceremony: “I knew I wanted to honor his lifelong dream”
By Kirsten Glavin
@kirstenglavin
FOSTER, RI – Just 3 days after her 70-year-old father’s death, Jennifer Gaudiana walked dressed in his cap and gown at the University of Rhode Island’s graduation ceremony, Sunday.
"I was shaking going across the stage, but I was doing it for him,” said Jennifer Gaudiana.
Anthony Gaudiana was killed in a car crash, Thursday, in Scituate after a stroke caused him to hit two other cars at the intersection of Routes 102 and 6. After years of both studying and working at URI, Sunday was supposed to be his ‘big day.’
"When this happened I knew I wanted to honor his lifelong dream. I wanted to wear the cap and gown. I wanted to walk in his place and it was an honor for me to do that,” said Jennifer Gaudiana, Monday evening.
Jennifer went to the ceremony with her family by her side. “It was such a sense of accomplishment for him. He was so proud,” she told ABC6 News.
Anthony Gaudiana earned a psychology degree after 5 years of studying. He was the oldest member of his class.
"When Jennifer crossed the stage and she went like this (waving), I knew he was up there just smiling,” said Mary Ann Gaudiana, Anthony Gaudiana’s wife.
The family told ABC6 News there was a time when they thought to 70-year-old would never be able to complete his undergrad at URI. A few years ago, Anthony Gaudiana suffered a stroke that kept him in the hospital for several weeks.
After graduation, Jennifer, MaryAnn and the family said they took his degree down to the ocean in Narragansett, one of his favorite places.
"What meant to be sadness was really turned out to be happiness in some way,” said MaryAnn Gaudiana.
The University of Rhode Island issued the following statement Monday:
KINGSTON, R.I. — May 22, 2017 — The University of Rhode Island was deeply saddened by the loss of a member of the Class of 2017 just days before commencement on Sunday, May 21. Anthony Gaudiana of Foster, R.I., was tragically killed in a three-car accident in Scituate, Mass., on Thursday, May 18.
Gaudiana was 70 years old and was to earn his B.A. in psychology from the College of Education and Professional Studies. He would have been the University’s oldest graduating senior in the undergraduate class.
As a result of this tragic loss, Interim Associate Dean Theresa A. Deeney read a statement and presented his degree to Mr. Gaudiana’s daughter as part of the college ceremony.
Deeney said: "When Anthony’s name was called in the sequence of graduates, Dean Tammy Warner announced that his degree would be accepted by his daughter, Jennifer. When she processed across the stage in his stead, the entire auditorium stood and applauded. It was one bright light in a terrible time for his family."
Gaudiana was a continuing adult student at URI’s Feinstein Providence Campus where he also held student jobs in the Office of Academic and Student Affairs, and the Facilities Office. After many years and despite recent health struggles, he was scheduled to receive his diploma at the May ceremony.
Warner said: "Many of us last saw Anthony on Wednesday night at our College’s Senior Celebration. He was so excited and proud to finally complete his dream of attaining a college degree. With a big smile on his face, he made sure to congratulate his fellow graduates and tell each of us what a great time he had at the celebration."
Read at the College of Education and Professional Studies Commencement Ceremony on May 21:
"Although today is about celebrating the accomplishments of all of our wonderful graduates, sometimes life throws us a bittersweet curveball. Sadly this week, we lost one of our graduating seniors from the Providence Campus’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies, Anthony Gaudiana, who passed away Thursday afternoon after a fatal automobile accident.
Anthony, a continuing adult student, was just a summer session away from completing his degree in psychology, after many years away from school, and despite recent health struggles. He had planned on walking across the stage with us today at the age of 70. Anthony is survived by his wife of 47 years, MaryAnn, along with his children Jennifer and Anthony, and his grandchildren, Joe, Justin, Jared and baby Luke, who are here with us today.
Those of you knew Anthony, or met him and his wife at the Senior Celebration on Wednesday, might know that Anthony was a dedicated student, a truly nice person, and full of life. Please join me in taking a moment of silence to honor Anthony’s memory."
