Long Island

Education

Graduations

2015 college graduations across LI

Number of graduates 227 bachelor of science degrees, four master's. 
Commencement speaker Maritime Administrator Paul N. Jaenichen Sr. addressed graduates at Saturday's ceremony in Kings Point, stressing the importance to the nation of the merchant marine's economic, security and support services. "You will fail at some point," he said. "That failure can hurt, it can demoralize you and it can demotivate you. If you let it, it can also teach you and you can overcome it." 
Valedictorian Michael Francis, a marine engineering major from Somerville, New Jersey, encouraged students to reflect on their experiences at the school while looking positively into the future. "The best cure for worry is action, no sea is too rough and sometimes in life, to get the thing you want most, you have to give up everything else," he said. "We have invested ourselves entirely in this school and have earned our success." 
Class president Dan Saldana, a marine transportation major from Tamuning, Guam, served four years as class president. "This place has taught us valuable life skills, such as time management," he said, joking about learning to fit a nap into his schedule. "Kings Point has also taught us that we are capable of much more than we can imagine." 
Diane Kalladeen, 21, logistics and intermodal transportation "It's a cheaper alternative for school," Kalladeen of Deer Park, who plans to enter the Navy Reserve, said of choosing a military school. "And it's a good opportunity later on after college." 
Lynae Harvey, 24, logistics and intermodal transportation "I knew I wanted to be a deck officer, but I didn't know if I would want to sail for the rest of my life," the Denver resident said, noting that she picked a major that "I could easily . . . transfer to a civilian life." 
Kyle Yong, 22, marine engineering "Being an engineer seemed kind of like an elusive concept to me," said Yong, of Palm Beach, Florida, adding that he will work with tugboats for Kirby Inland Marine. "I also felt that I needed to attack that opportunity and prove myself wrong." 
Raymond Sproull, 22, logistics and intermodal transportation "I wanted to go active duty at first, serve the country, and then I found out about sailing," said the Pasadena, California, native, who also has an interest in business. "You can still serve and make that a way of doing it."

Nassau

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U.S. Merchant Marine Academy 2015 commencement

Merchant Marine grads told to learn from failures

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Candice Ferrette

Nassau Community College held its 55th commencement at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Thursday night.
Number of graduates
4,175 graduates and graduate candidates for associate degrees and certificates.
Commencement speaker
NCC acting President Kenneth Saunders recognized the various paths that led to graduation day: "As differing as these routes may be that you go on after today, I predict that with persistence and passion, and skill, insight and creativity, you will also pave a common 'victory way.' "
Student speaker
Valedictorian Peter Branche, 21, of Seaford, said NCC is the real world. "Whenever you blame life or think you have it bad, you put your grievances into perspective when you realize just how difficult the person sitting next to you has it," he said.
Graduates
Joshua Rivera, 27, education
"When I got that letter saying I was graduating, I cried. People always doubted me and this has been a long time coming," said Rivera, of Long Beach, an Army veteran who served two tours of duty in Iraq. "Everything is falling into place for me right now."
Candace Lopez, 22, liberal arts
"I want to travel and teach English in other countries," said Lopez, of Farmingdale, who will go on to an accelerated bachelor's/master's degree program in applied linguistics at the College of Mount Saint Vincent. "We live in a global society -- you just never know who your neighbors will be."
Danielle DeSalvo, 19, science and mathematics
"I want to be a pharmacist. It seems like a secure field and I want to help people, but I don't want to be a doctor," said DeSalvo, of Bethpage. "I don't like blood or hospitals, so pharmacy it is."
Abdul-Malik Davies, 19, engineering
"I'm transferring to the University of Buffalo for chemical engineering. I got into their advanced honors program, so I'm looking forward to it," said Davies, of Jamaica, Queens. "I really love math, and engineering allows you to be creative, too."

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Class of 2015: Nassau Community College

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Bart Jones

St. Joseph's College held its 96th commencement at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Tuesday.
Number of degrees
883 bachelor's degrees, 218 master's degrees
Faculty speaker
Sister Loretta McGrann, provost of St. Joseph's College, said, "Everything that you have done aims to prepare you for a life characterized by integrity, intellectual and spiritual values, social responsibility, and service. We know you will be as leaven in the world as doctors, teachers, parents, lawyers, therapists, nurses, writers, historians, social scientists."
Student speaker
Anthony Sementilli, valedictorian, invoked remembrance of the college's history and heritage in his address to classmates. "One of the numerous beauties of St. Joseph's College is our spiritual tradition. We promote diversity while fostering both reverence and experimentation. . . . Spirituality leads to happiness, and happiness saves lives."
Graduates
Dionicio Brito, 50, Montauk, marketing
"I've been studying for a long time. It's been a sacrifice for me. I feel excited. I'm going to go for a master's degree."
Roland Ramkissoon, 21, Brentwood, biology
"It's a great day. It feels spectacular. I'm the first generation in my family to go to college. I hope to go to medical school soon."
Kaleigh Gorman, 21, East Setauket, hospitality, tourism management and health care
"It's a big step. It's an honor. I feel very, very privileged. It's overwhelming. It's scary, but also exciting."
Ashley Leung, 22, Coram, biology
"It's amazing to be graduating with a B.S. I'm looking to study to be a physician's assistant in September."

Suffolk

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Class of 2015 St. Joseph's College

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Number of graduates 150
Degrees 160: 4 doctorates, 10 master's, 129 bachelor's, 17 associates.
President's remarks
Susan Barr called the students "incredibly talented" and said, "My dream is perhaps some day one of them will send a limousine for me to their Emmy or Tony awards ceremony." She advised graduates "to be brave, take the risk of new beginnings and do not ever lose your integrity."
Student speakers
Valedictorian Sonia Goldberg, 23, of South Orange, New Jersey, graduated with a bachelor's degree in professional studies/music business: "We're a collective of rebels, music nerds, theater geeks and general oddballs, and we are proud. We love what we do. . . . For the past four years, we have worked in synergy. . . . We have improved each other, both as artists and as people."
Salutatorian Crystal Janke, 23, of Lindenhurst, who earned a bachelor's in fine arts/film and video, said students learned "teamwork and networking is everything" in the arts. She paid tribute to classmate Tejan Edwards, of upstate Elmsford, who died in a January car accident. Edwards received a degree in music education posthumously.
Graduates' reactions
Desmond E. Owens , 21, music business
"I went to college because I wanted a strong foundation in music," said Owens, a jazz vocalist from Central Islip who hopes to secure a record deal.
Mary C. Halter , 22, film/video
"I love film editing," said Halter, of Pennsville, New Jersey. "I want to help make films better."
Eduardo M. Duran , 25, music education
"I enjoy working with kids, but I plan to sing and travel for a few years before working in a middle school," said Duran, of Sayreville, New Jersey, whose college barbershop quartet was ranked 10th in the world.
Allison Clasen , 24, film/video
"I want to create something that affects people," said Clasen, of Farmingdale. "Film is where I felt I should be."

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Five Towns College 2015 commencement

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Joie Tyrrell

Stony Brook University held its 55th commencement ceremony Friday at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium.
Number of degrees
473 doctoral degrees; 121 MD degrees; 39 DDS degrees; 1,761 master's degrees; 3,823 bachelor's degrees; and 199 certificates.
President's remarks
Dr. Samuel L. Stanley told graduates that their Stony Brook degree represents a "very, very good investment" and "we will continue to push to do even better . . . We are committed to excellence, committed to seeing this young university achieve greatness."
Special speakers
Charles B. Wang, businessman and philanthropist who received an honorary doctor of humane letters, joked that he was the "opening act" for singer/songwriter Billy Joel and said, "I have to tell you, this is really cool
 I am truly humbled and honored and I am proud to be the recipient of this degree. I accept it with the greatest gratitude."
Billy Joel, Grammy-award-winning musician who received an honorary doctor of music, said, "I'm one of the lucky ones. I knew at a very young age what I was going to do. I knew I was going to be a musician. . . . I hope that by now you have found what it is that you love
 . . . And I wish for you the commitment to make what you love your life's work, and I wish for you the stamina to continue that work when you encounter resistance and tough times. And I believe this with all my heart: If you are not doing what you love, you are just wasting your time."
Student speaker Ashley Rizzotto, sociology major, Brooklyn
"Your personal journey of academic and social success started somewhere here, and will stay with you for the rest of your lif
. Even though we are all coming from different backgrounds and are leaving with different lessons learned, whether we started as a transfer or a freshman, we are always united as Seawolves."
Jason Charles, 22, psychology
"I'm excited to be done. I liked it, but I feel I am starting the next chapter of my life and I am excited to move on."
Sacha Sellam, 22, art history/French
"I remember my high school graduation, but this is a bigger one. It's the last chapter. This is what it means to be an adult. I'm excited, but apprehensive."
Maralyn Walker, 22, social work
"This year was like a sprint. It happened suddenly, and I'm grateful that I am standing here right now. I'm passionate about [working with] the geriatric population. I'm here without my mom; she is in Jamaica. But she pushed me, and she is here with me in spirit."
Travis Golden, 24, health science
"It's been a good experience. The classes have prepared me for the field I am going into. My concentration is in radiology, and I'm going to be a radiological technologist."

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Class of 2015: Stony Brook University

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Adelphi University held its 119th commencement at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Thursday.
Number of degrees
2,094: 34 doctoral, 831 master's, 1,137 bachelor's, eight associate's and 84 certificates
President's remarks
Robert Scott, making his last commencement address as Adelphi president, thanked the student body and said that next year as president emeritus and a faculty member, he "will march with you into the future."
Keynote speaker
Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corp. of New York, a grant-making institution, told graduates to celebrate their growth as educated, cultural citizens. "You have developed the ability to try to comprehend the incomprehensible, to make sense out of the confusion, to wrestle some logic out of the illogical -- and even find a glimmer of beauty in ugliness."
Student speaker
Sara Cinquemani, president of the Class of 2015, encouraged classmates to reflect. "Stop Snapchatting or texting your friends and live in the moment because those things will be there in a few hours, but Adelphi's path will be behind you."
Graduates
Juanita Hotchkiss, 33, social work
"The experience made me a well-rounded person, not only in getting an education in social work, but also in gaining perspective about the world."
Kenneth Murray, 22, fine arts, dance
"I'm going to be touring Poland with the Amy Marshall Dance Company in July. Then I have a few offers to do Broadway musicals for Norwegian Cruise Line. We'll see; I'm still auditioning."
Trevena Goulbourne, 22, adolescent education
"I'm anxious. I'm ready to go," Goulbourne said. "I want to get out there and teach those students who don't believe they can make a difference in this world. I want to give them a voice and a promise."

News

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CLASS OF 2015: Adelphi University

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Touro Law Center
Number of Juris Doctor degrees: 196
Number of Master of Laws degrees: 12
Commencement speaker: Richard Parsons, former chairman of Citigroup and former chief executive of Time Warner and Dime Savings Bank, told graduating students that they should embrace compassion, transparency, justice and kindness to increase the odds of being successful.
"Be the person who everybody else wants to see succeed," said Parsons, a senior adviser for Providence Equity Partners. He received an honorary degree during the ceremony, along with U.S. Rep. Peter King (R-Seaford). "If I were to tell you the biggest factor to success, it would be this: Other people, because they want to see you succeed, they help you succeed . . . Nobody gets anything done in this world by himself or herself. We all need to rely on others."
Class speaker: Student Jason Prince, 27, of Tewksbury, New Jersey, who earned a J.D. degree, recalled the days after superstorm Sandy, when the homes of some of his classmates were flooded, causing them to lose their law school materials. Other classmates stepped up and lent their books to those who lost them.
"The class of 2015 came together despite it being the most difficult part of our lives," Prince said. "Law school was a very competitive part of our lives . . . We had to form cliques and study groups to survive."
Alanna McGovern, 24, of Babylon, J.D.
"I want to do civil litigation," McGovern said. "I learned so much about myself in law school. I like being in a courtroom. I found a real passion for being in front of the judge. It is all about style."
Erica Meyer, 24, of Huntington, J.D.
"I am hoping to do criminal prosecution," Meyer said. "I am an advocate for victims of human trafficking. I hope to end up at the United Nations one day. This has been my dream since I was 14 years old. It's nice to accomplish it."
Brian Cox, 24, of Smithtown, J.D.
"I want to work for a public defender on Long Island or New York City," Cox said. "I hope to get a job. That's what I've been working towards for 24 years."
Lilit Manukyan, 37, of Brooklyn, J.D.
"I'm going to try to pass the bar exam and get a job in immigration and family law, litigating divorces and custody issues," said Manukyan, who emigrated from Armenia in 2002. "I was an immigrant when I came here. I got a green card and then my citizenship. Getting a lawyer is very expensive, and I want to help people."

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Businessman tells Touro law school grads to support each other

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SUNY Old Westbury 2015 Commencement
Number of undergraduate degrees: 1,071
Number of graduate degrees: 74
Commencement speakers:
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) asked the new graduates to take the lessons they learned at Old Westbury and carry on their legacy of making a lasting difference. She praised the class for its work to clean up after the devastation of superstorm Sandy. "You, the students, did not stand quietly by," Gillibrand said Sunday. "You made your voices heard, you inspired action and you produced real results. My hope for this class is that this determination and courage and spirit of activism will be the rule and not the exception." 
Rudolf F. Crew, president of Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, told graduates that there is no amount of adversity -- be it poverty, language barriers or otherwise -- that can stop them from reaching their destiny if they are persistent in their efforts.
"This graduation is not about your degree attainment, it's about opening the window of passion you have discovered in the process," Crew said. "You are now someone who not only has a degree, but you have a passion to do something with your life."'
Student speaker:
Frank Ilozue, a 21-year-old junior from Roosevelt and president of the college's Student Government Association, told graduating seniors that they would walk across the stage with their dreams and plans for the future -- and leave the stage having earned their degree from SUNY Old Westbury. Quoting actor Alan Alda, Ilozue said, "What you'll discover will be wonderful; what you will discover is yourself."
Aisha Imran, 24, of West Hempstead; computer science:
"I was the first person to graduate out of my family, and I had no pressure," said Imran, who came to the U.S. when she was 2 years old. "I chose computer science because I really love math. I come from a Pakistani family and they're usually really hard-core about education and you have to be a doctor or an engineer. But my family was like, 'You know what? Do what you feel like.'"
Gordon Connell, 26, of Brooklyn; computer science:
"It took me a while to get through school," he said. I had a lot of things going on with school, work, an internship, but I finally made it. It just feels good to have those weights lifted off of you. You can look forward to new things, and that's exciting."
"As you look at jobs in the tech field and the computer science field, there isn't just one position," Connell said. "They're all kind of related in some way. Right now I'm focusing on web development, which in and of itself has a bunch of different types of positions. I want to focus on making apps, because I'm really interested in being my own boss. With apps you have the freedom of creating your own thing and managing it." 
Scott Wesselhoft, 49, of Lindenhurst; industrial labor relations:
"It's a fresh start," Wesselhoft said, explaining he chose to go back to school after an on-the-job injury ended his 19-year career as a union carpenter. "I also have a paralegal degree, so I'm looking to get into a law firm that either handles labor relations or contract negotiations." 
His advice to other older people considering a return to school: "Don't be afraid to do it. It takes four years; you're still going to go four years whether you're in school or not."
Evelyn Portillo, 27, of Westbury; childhood special education:
"I have two children of my own, so this is the next step to show them that anything is possible in life," Portillo said, adding that being a mother influenced her career choice. 
"Having my children and watching them grow and teaching them ... had a big impact in my life ... I want to teach locally on Long Island, special ed, inclusion, whatever offer comes my way. "
Stephanie Dittrich, 22, of Levittown; accounting:
"I'm happy to enter the workforce," Dittrich said, adding that she is looking forward to studying for and taking the CPA exam. "I feel like all the classes I've taken at SUNY Westbury and the opportunity to do internships has gotten me ready for the corporate world." 
Gregory Cohen, 23, of Queens Village; business administration:
"I feel well-prepared, I'm actually very anxious to get my career started," Cohen said. "I graduated with management. I currently work at a bank and I really want to try the pharmaceutical sales industry."
Anam Siddiqi, 21, health information management and psychology:
"It's a new chapter and a new beginning," Siddiqi said of her graduation. "I really want to get into the Peace Corps. They have a program where you can do a master's. something related to health awareness, humanitarian work and vaccinations, and -- wherever I end up being, whether it's Africa or South America -- helping students, teaching students."

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SUNY Old Westbury grads praised for activism, passion for education

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Class of 2015 Suffolk County Community College
Number of undergraduate degrees: 4,306
Class speakers: Students Andrea DiMaria, Satoko Matthews, and Steven Curcio
Standing at the lectern, Andrea DiMaria, 20, of Brentwood snapped a quick selfie Sunday with about 1,100 of her fellow graduates at Suffolk County Community College's Brentwood campus before continuing her address at the school's 53rd commencement. 
"Suffolk has been the mold that has made us into the well-rounded and respected individuals we are today," said DiMaria, a liberal-arts major who served as a peer mentor and an active member of the Orientation Planning Committee at the Michael J. Grant Campus in Brentwood. 
"Today is a testimony of our tireless effort to commit, complete and compete," she said. 
A total of 4,306 students across the two-year school's three campuses were eligible for graduation this year, the highest in the school's history, a school spokesman said.
Satoko Matthews, 31, of East Patchogue, the second of the ceremony's student speakers, said the decision to go back to school was one she wrestled with for some time. The Eastern Campus culinary arts grad said she had "no idea" what she was getting herself into when she joined the program.
"I gave myself two rules to live by: always say yes," and "experience as much as possible," said Matthews, who served as president of the campus' Culinary Arts and Baking Club, captain of the Culinary Knowledge Bowl team and was a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award. 
The third student speaker, honors liberal-arts major Steven Curcio, 21, of Patchogue, challenged his fellow students to question the mission of their pursuits going forward. 
"So driven in the pursuit of our goals are we, that we often forget why we pursue them," he said, acknowledging family and friends in the packed venue. "Always appreciate what you have and why you're here."
For two years, Curcio rode his bike to campus four to six times a week, even braving this winter's snowfall to attend class. 
Curcio is the 2015 Daniel DePonte Student of the Year, and will be attending the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill through an annual $40,000 scholarship given to fewer than 100 students across the nation each year. He plans to pursue a degree in psychology there, and hopes to eventually return to Suffolk as a professor.
Gary Chacon, 22, accounting, Ammerman Campus
"I want to do accounting full time, but eventually I want to get enough money for a startup so I can start my own business here on Long Island," said Chacon of Lindenhurst, who hopes to open a service-related business in Nassau. 
Turryqunia Bennett, 22, business administration, Michael J. Grant Campus 
"I plan on getting my bachelor's degree, but I plan on getting it in health administration and information technology," said Bennett of Amityville, the first of her family to graduate from college. "As far as working, I'll probably come back here for [job opportunities at] Northshore LIJ." 
Derek Guiliano, 20, computer art, Eastern Campus
"The plan afterwards will probably be to go to Briarcliff College to continue education there as a 3-D animator," said Guiliano of Ronkonkoma. "I'm hoping to stay on Long Island," he said. 
Desiree Ladd, 21, accounting, Ammerman Campus
"I just got accepted into St. Joseph's, so I'm going to go there for a couple years," said Ladd, a Shirley resident who plans to get her bachelor's in accounting as well.
Kerri Cuiffo, 28, business administration, Michael J. Grant Campus
"I'm going to change my major from business to accounting, and from there I don't know," said Cuiffo, an East Islip resident and a full-time client relationship specialist at EverBank. "I plan on attending SUNY Old Westbury."

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SCCC turns out highest number of grads in school's history

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David M. Schwartz

Class of 2015 Hofstra University
Number of undergraduate degrees: 1,264
Number of graduate degrees: 867
Morning commencement speaker:
Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City) Sunday, challenged graduates to surpass the Greatest Generation, not by doing what makes them happy but by following their passions.
"Do what makes you come alive," said Rice, the former Nassau County district attorney. "People who come truly alive live with purpose and principle."
Rice said: "Your generation has more freedom than any generation in history. You have the freedom to determine for yourself who you want to be."
Afternoon commencement speaker:
Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, told residents to take chances and be unafraid.
He said his wall was papered with rejection notices from newspapers as he tried to find his first job. After Sept. 11, he traveled to Afghanistan to report. "I didn't know what I was doing. I went anyway," he said.
He said while the country is politically divided, the country's founding fathers designed the system to have tension.
"The system is built for divisions. The founders meant for it to be difficult. They meant to divide power," he said. "They wanted decisions to be made by real consensus."
Randy Michael Garcia, 50, anthropology
"My degree is going to help me understand cultures through an international lens, instead of just the lens of an American" said Garcia, of East Meadow, a diplomat at the United Nations who started attending college after a 30-year career in the U.S. Navy.
Andrew Weinstein, 22, music history
"Hofstra has been a really unique place ...," said Weinstein, of West Islip. He will be working this summer at the New York Renaissance Faire as part of the noble court cast and plans to get his master's in orchestral conducting.
Melissa Walsh, 21, exercise science
"I'm going to work at Disney World! It's a four-month program ...," said Walsh, of Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Ainsley Rufer, 22, public relations
"I'm going to get an apartment in New York City and work in the video game industry. I come from a 'cow town,' with nothing, and now I'm living in the city," said Rufer, from Oley, Pennsylvania.

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Kathleen Rice to Hofstra graduates: Follow your passions

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Number of graduates&nbsp;646
Guest speaker&nbsp;Gloria Gaynor, who sang her 1970s dance hit "I Will Survive" after her speech, said it's important to protect one's character and champion those too weak to protect themselves. "Work hard, be fair in your dealings with others, be certain that every one of your relationships has a basis in integrity, and respect the people you meet from your own culture and others," she said.
Student speaker&nbsp;Valedictorian Genese Zepmeisel, of Ridge, said people should lead by example and not fear what others think. "If you want the world to change something, change it in yourself first, show the world what it is to be that change," Zepmeisel said.
Vincent Orlando, 22, of East Meadow; education and social science
"There's no better feeling than making a difference in someone's life," said Orlando, who wants to get a master's in education and become a teacher.
Andrea Lofmark, 24, of Ronkonkoma; math
"College isn't something you can breeze through. You've got to work for what you want," said Lofmark, who wants to become a math teacher. "I've always wanted to teach, but I love math."
Evelyn Toloza, 24, of Islip; education and social science
"All our hard work, all those late nights drinking coffee paid off," said Toloza, who plans to go on to Stony Brook University in the fall to pursue a master's in social work.
Leon Taylor, 23, of Rockville Centre; business
"I want to start my own business," said Taylor, who said he has a few entrepreneurial ideas in mind. At Dowling, "I learned how to interact with people and how to grow."

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Dowling College holds 2015 Shirley commencement

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Number of graduates650 
Commencement speakerBriarcliffe president George Santiago Jr. gave students one last homework assignment: Be proud of yourselves and help others. "Graduates, understand that you are a wonder," he said. "Be keenly aware that there are others with less, often much less, than you, through no fault of their own, who need your help."
Keynote speakerRep. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) emphasized public service while pursuing the American dream. "Stay grounded and never forget where you came from," he advised. "Do what your gut tells you is right . . . There is no greater cause in life than to make this world better than you found it."
Class speakerCo-valedictorian Suzanne Caldeira, of Medford, who now holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, advised, "Cherish your family and friends and do not wake up tomorrow with regrets."

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Briarcliffe College holds 2015 commencement

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Class of 2015: New York College of Health Professions based in Syosset 
Number of undergraduate degrees: 206 
Number of graduate degrees: 37 
Commencement speaker 
Supermodel Carol Alt recalled how she overcame cancer and other health problems by adopting a diet of raw, uncooked food, instead of processed food. The author and television show host, who grew up in East Williston, said holistic medicine still isn't accepted by some. "But with your patience and the knowledge that you have gotten from this academy, you will be able to change the world one person at a time. And that's where your satisfaction will come from," Alt said. "Health care is about people. . . . I wish you good results." 
Student speakers 
Jamal Harding, 30, of St. Albans, Queens, who graduated with an associate degree in massage therapy, said New York College's curriculum suits the "person looking to empower themselves and take a hold of their life . . . [and] at the same time have a life that is not only about creating a job, but creating a career with opportunities and options." 
Kenneth Park, 58, of Randolph, New Jersey, graduated with a bachelor of professional studies/master of science degree in oriental medicine: "We all have that inner voice that says, 'You can do it.' It just comes down to whether or not we believe in ourselves. . . . Let us remain having faith in ourselves from this day forward so that we may continue to achieve our goals." 
Graduates' reactions 
Danielle Corbett, 47, massage therapy 
"I want to help people get in touch with themselves, to learn how to heal themselves," said Corbett, a receptionist from Levittown. 
Daniel Lora, 25, oriental medicine 
"My goal is to travel, to work and to educate people," said Lora of Freeport. "I would like to have my own business." 
Leung Yin Leuer, 30, massage therapy 
"I plan to study acupuncture so that I can help ease the pain of people with cancer," said Leuer of Flushing, Queens, who has lost family members to the disease. 
Amir T. Aziz, 42, massage therapy 
"I want to incorporate the healing aspect into my martial arts practice because there is a shortage of complementary health care in the community," said Aziz of the Bronx, whose business is in Harlem.

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College commencement 2015: New York College of Health Professions

Supermodel: Raw food cured my cancer

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When I was in sixth grade, I had one goal: to be on Broadway. By eighth grade, I wanted to be a teacher. The following years brought fantasies of being a baker, journalist, environmental crusader, crayon color-namer, taste tester, photographer and rock band drummer. 
I trudged off to college with a vague idea of being all those things. Now, as I'm about to graduate, I'm left with one nagging question: What do I do with my life? I'm not the only one asking. From day one, we millennials have been told we can do anything, be anyone - as if we know what we want to do and be. 
This month, masses of soon-to-be college graduates will sit through commencement speeches with the same message comedian Ellen DeGeneres gave at Tulane University in New Orleans in 2009: "Follow your passion, stay true to yourself." 
Or what Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told Saint Vincent College in Pennsylvania in 2008: "You must continue to dream the wild dream that you dreamed when you were young." "Dream" and "passion" are empty words at this point. They're meant to be printed on pillows and posters, not bandied about at graduation ceremonies. 
Dreams are finicky things, after all. They fleet. They fly. They rarely stick around for long. We flirt with dreams; we don't marry them. And yet commencement speakers - often the "1 percent" of dream achievers - tell college students year after year that dreams do, in fact, come true. 
The idea is so common that a nationwide study conducted over 17 years by Arizona State University researchers Jenifer Partch and Richard Kinnier found "never give up" and "be true to yourself" were two of the most-used college commencement speech themes. 
Which, to be honest, isn't terrible advice. But you have to take a commencement speech for what it really is: a last-ditch effort to give students well-grounded advice. It's a way to wrap up the college experience in an easy-to-digest, 15-minute package. 
What's the real best advice for students? Don't limit yourself. 
For those born with the dream-chasing gene, it won't be a commencement speech that persuades them to go after it. For every other lost college kid, though, this idea of a dream - some guiding life goal - carries too much baggage. It leaves no wiggle room and paralyzes graduates. 
So speakers, spend your precious amount of time spreading another message. Don't tell us what we want to hear; tell us what we need to hear. Remind us that it's OK to be lost, and that we don't have to define ourselves by our careers. Say it's possible to lead a meaningful, fulfilling life while working a job you only sort of like. Hobbies exist for a reason. A life lived for family, friends and Sunday afternoons is one well-lived. 
To some, this sounds like a cop-out - a scared almost-college grad's self-pacifying cry for help. A passion-free future doesn't negate the importance of hard work and determination, though. Instead, it puts an emphasis on reinvention and flexibility. 
Life is a lot less scary if you're not stuck to one version of yourself. 
Then, at the end of the day, you didn't fail. You just changed course. 
Elizabeth Greiwe is the Chicago Tribune's Editorial Board coordinator.

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Graduates: Don't let your dreams defeat you

Op-Ed: Don't let your dreams defeat you

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