Linda Finnnan is living her American dream. And the Listowel, County Kerry-born mother of two had a chance to tell it to the world when she became the first Irish-born graduate of Passaic County Community College in New Jersey and the valedictorian of the Class of 2011.
Finnan, who received her degree at the College’s recent 39th commencement ceremonies after earning a 4.0 average, overcame numerous personal challenges to graduate with highest honors in a class of 584 graduates.
Finnan delivered what PCCC described in a statement as an inspiring valedictory speech in which she expressed thanks for the educational opportunities.
“I came to the United States to pursue the American Dream,” said Finnan, who had arrived from Ireland in 1993 at the age of 20. “One aspect of that dream is to seek higher education,” she said while urging her fellow graduates to become agents of change in the world. “What will we add to the fabric of this society?” she asked.
Married to her husband John, Linda became a full-time mother to Connor, now 11, and 6-year-old Katelyn-Eve.
“We made many sacrifices so I could be a full-time mom, and I’m very grateful we were able to do it, because so many people don’t have that choice,” she said.
Finnan resumed her college education at PCCC - she had studied theatre for a time in Ireland - in 2003, but over the years faced several setbacks that included coping with the illnesses of both her parents, causing her to interrupt her studies to return to Ireland.
Finnan now plans to continue her education toward an advanced degree and hopes to become a speech pathologist to work with children with autism.
“As a theater person, I have great interest in speech. It would be a dream for me to give the gift of speech,” said Finnan, who lives with her family in Hawthorne.
