Long Island

Education

Graduations

Long Island graduations - 2011

<a href="/topics/U_S_Merchant_Marine_Academy">U.S. Merchant Marine Academy</a>, <a href="/topics/Kings_Point%2C_NY">Kings Point</a>. 205 graduating midshipmen, plus two graduates of the Master of Marine Engineering Program. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
<h4>Among the undergraduates</h4> 
<h4>&nbsp;</h4> 
&nbsp; 
David Dinota, 22, <a href="/topics/East_Islip%2C_NY">East Islip</a>. Major: Marine engineering systems 
"I'm really not sure. I'm going to try to upgrade to first engineer or chief engineer, then I plan on going back to school and getting my master's in some sort of engineering, hopefully architectural engineering." 
&nbsp; 
Cristina Fernandez-O'Toole, 21, Washington, Conn. Major: Marine transportation 
"I'm going to sail as a third mate. I'd like to work my way up to chief mate and master's license and then probably go shoreside from there to the maritime industry. . . . . I'm looking possibly at the [UN] <a href="/topics/International_Maritime_Organization">International Maritime Organization</a>, but that's a long way." 
&nbsp; 
Daniel Lagomarsino, 23, <a href="/topics/San_Mateo">San Mateo</a>, <a href="/topics/California">Calif</a>. Major: Logistics and intermodal transportation 
"I'm joining the U.S. Air Force . . . I hope to fly an F15 or an A10." 
&nbsp; 
Nicole Barriga, 22, <a href="/topics/Bayside%2C_NY">Bayside</a>, <a href="/topics/Queens%2C_NY">Queens</a>. Major: Logistics and intermodal transportation 
"I plan to join the Coast Guard. I hope to join an emergency response team. I did an internship with the Coast Guard and I enjoyed it." 
&nbsp; 
Julian Culton, 23, <a href="/topics/Dallas%2C_Texas">Dallas</a>. Major: Logistics and intermodal transportation. 
"I've got a job with Kirby Marine down in Houston. I will be a steersman, like a tug and barge company. I like that -- as opposed to deep sea -- you do a lot of maneuvering and lot of ship movement." 
&nbsp; 
Valedictorian Warren Tucker 
"It was a little over four years ago, about this time, as I was getting ready to head out here, I left my small hometown of <a href="/topics/Madera%2C_CA">Madera</a>, <a href="/topics/California">Calif</a>. . . . It's been quite a journey. There were good times, . . . visits to New York City. And the bad times, with those all-nighters . . . 
"We lived, partied and studied for the past four years. Now we're going into the real world. Everything is about to change. . . . I wish you all the best of luck and thank you." 
&nbsp; 
New York City Mayor <a href="/topics/Michael_Bloomberg">Michael Bloomberg</a> had been scheduled to be the commencement speaker, but canceled due to the death of his mother. His comments were read to the audience by Rear Adm. Philip Greene Jr.: "Whether you're going into active duty or entering the reserves and joining the maritime industry, you have a critical role to play in defense of our freedoms and the protection of our economic security. I hope that you experienced your education on the doorstep of New York City. The freest city in the freest country in the world has given you a unique understanding of these responsibilities, and in everything you do that you put your mind to. I wish you safe winds and following seas." 
&nbsp; 
Commencement speaker U.S. Maritime Administrator David T. Matsuda, filling in for <a href="/topics/Bloomberg">Bloomberg</a>. 
"It is my distinct privilege to welcome you to the ranks of the proud, talented, courageous men and women who serve America's maritime industry. . . . 
"Many of you will leave this campus and enter active duty as commissioned military officers. Others will serve U.S. flag vessels or in other maritime industry roles. . . . No matter which direction you head in months and years to come, you will be a vital part of our national security and economic well-being." 
-- COMPILED BY 
WILLIAM MURPHY

Nassau

LIMARI21.WEB

Merchant Marine Academy's class of 2011

liGRAD21

Number of graduates: 1,045
Undergraduate degrees in School of Arts and Sciences: 872
Degrees in School of Professional and Graduate Studies: 173Keynote speaker:
Shaun L. McKay, president of <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> County Community College, on the importance of integrity: "I challenge each of you to ask the question of yourselves: How will I contribute to this world after this experience? . . . Take what you believe and put it into practice."
Student speakers: 
Paul Wasser, valedictorian, School of Professional and Graduate Studies, encouraged students to work toward building a better society. "We have a moral obligation and a social responsibility to use our knowledge to serve all men and women."
Allison Mary Anziano, valedictorian, School of Arts and Sciences, said while societal ills may seem too daunting, problems can be broken into smaller pieces and then faced. "This day is certainly a benchmark in our lives. However, we should not leave this arena believing our work is done . . . We must take our skills, graduates, and become responsible for our society."
Compiled by Joie Tyrrell

Suffolk

LIJOSE01

St. Joseph's College, 2011 commencement

Number of master of laws 
recipients: 13
 
Number of juris 
doctorate recipients: 24
Keynote speaker: Shira A. 
Scheindlin, U.S. district judge for the Southern District of <a href="/topics/New_York%2C_NY">New York</a>, presided over trials for accused mobster <a href="/topics/John_Gotti">John Gotti</a> Jr., among other high-profile cases:
"Thinking like a lawyer also involves having empathy for people different than yourself and taking a principled stance on an issue, even if it's unpopular or counterintuitive."
 
Student speaker: 
Salaam Bhatti, 24, recipient of the Ronni D. Cohen Class Orator award and the Michael Aaron Silver Award for promoting tolerance and harmony, lives in <a href="/topics/Bay_Shore%2C_NY">Bay Shore</a>:"Before coming to Touro, I was nervous. I had no idea how a Jewish-affiliated school would respond to me, a Muslim
. . . But a week into Touro and I realized that this was the dumbest thing I've ever thought."
Compiled by Emily Ngo

LITOUR30

Touro Law Center 2011 commencement

Number of 
undergraduate 
degrees: 3,898
Number of graduate degrees: 2,091
Number of medical degrees: 118
Number of 
certificates: 295
 
Keynote speaker
Samuel L. Stanley Jr., president of Stony Brook University, told students their degrees have value. He urged graduates to help others realize their dreams. "Your lasting and most important achievement at Stony Brook is not your diploma, but what you have learned about learning, about people, about citizenship, and about your own desire and capabilities to make a difference."
 
Student speaker
"Class of 2011, I am so proud to be a part of the family portrait that sits before me," said senior Michelle Mbekeani, 21, who double-majored in German language and literature, and political science. "The class of 2011 is a diverse group of individuals." Mbekeani, who is Miss Black New York USA 2011, plans to attend <a href="/topics/University_of_Chicago">University of Chicago</a> Law School. "We are all united by the values of this institution," she told fellow graduates.

LISBU26

2011 Stony Brook University graduation

liflot, graduate Aneta Bose, Stony Brook University

Number of graduates 1,000 
&nbsp; 
Keynote speaker 
Elizabeth Millings, a doctoral student at <a href="/topics/Columbia_University">Columbia University</a> and a <a href="/topics/Suffolk_County%2C_NY">Suffolk</a> County Community College alumna ('08), told students: "In choosing a path in life, it's about finding what fascinates you" and that they should "reach out and grab those impossible dreams." 
&nbsp; 
Class speakers 
David Purificato, who graduated with an associate in arts degree, told his fellow classmates that "the only limits are the ones we impose on ourselves." 
Doralyn DeDios, who graduated with an associate in applied science degree, said that "no one knows their complete potential before they discover it." 
Danielle Anderson, who graduated with an associate in science degree, said "real confidence comes from challenging yourself to do things that you've always been afraid to do." 
-- JOSH SEIDMAN

LISUFF23

2011 Suffolk Community College graduation

liSUFF23

Number of undergraduate 
degrees 846 
Number of graduate degrees 26 
&nbsp; 
Keynote speaker 
John D. Maguire, senior fellow at the Institute for Democratic Renewal and <a href="/topics/SUNY_Old_Westbury">SUNY Old Westbury</a> president from 1970 to 1981, told students: "You, we, all of us must find and nurture our productive, cooperative, compassionate and caring selves. We have to begin with the task of remaking ourselves, turning away from competition to cooperation . . . We must become the very change we increasingly yearn to see." 
&nbsp; 
Student speaker 
Ashley Baehrel, a junior and president of the Student Government Association, told students, "Graduates, I envy you. You get to start the next chapter of your lives. . . . You are ready to conquer the world." 
-- JAMES T. MADORE

LISUNY23

2011 SUNY-Old Westbury graduation

commencement

Number of undergraduate degrees 1428 
Number of graduate degrees 784 
Number of law school degrees 272 
&nbsp; 
Keynote speaker 
Philip Rosenthal, bachelor of fine arts, '81, creator, producer and writer of "<a href="/topics/Everybody_Loves_Raymond">Everybody Loves Raymond</a>": 
"Now I know a lot of you have carefully planned for the future. And your proud parents are here, and they'd like me to pass on a message to you: 'Please don't move back in with us.' You're welcome, parents. 'It's just we want to put a hot tub in that room. And besides, how will you ever have any self-esteem if you don't do anything for yourself?' That's what my parents taught me." 
Speaker 
President Stuart Rabinowitz: 
"Here's my advice: Dance like there is nobody watching. Love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's no one listening and live like it's heaven on earth. That's my best advice. Wait a minute: heaven on earth? Wasn't that supposed to be yesterday afternoon?"

News

LIHOFS23

2011 Hofstra University graduation

liHOFF

Number of 
undergraduate 
degrees 1,854
Number of graduate degrees 1,717
Keynote speaker
<a href="/topics/Kareem_Abdul-Jabbar">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</a>, who won five <a href="/topics/National_Basketball_Association">NBA</a> championships with the <a href="/topics/Los_Angeles_Lakers">Los Angeles Lakers</a> and was a six-time league Most Valuable Player: "It's been 22 years since I stopped playing professional basketball. Now I can't rely on hoops. I've become a writer and a filmmaker. It all is based on the foundation I got at <a href="/topics/University_of_California%2C_Los_Angeles">UCLA</a> and my education. So many of you are also at a point where you are making such a transition. Your lives as students have come to an end and you are going out into the world to make your own way. It's a moment both scary and exciting . . . The preparation you have made here by securing a solid education will serve you well as a foundation for a successful life."
Student speakerMichael Cavalli, 21, of <a href="/topics/West_Babylon%2C_NY">West Babylon</a>: "Whether the economy is good or bad, we all want food, clothes and security. But our generation yearns for something larger -- a sense of community. I look out at you and see the community that is <a href="/topics/New_York_Institute_of_Technology">New York Institute of Technology</a>. Today marks nearly six decades of tradition that we, as the graduating class uphold, the tradition of well-rounded students, of global education, of graduates who become leaders."

LINYIT23

NY Institute of Technology, Old Westbury

LINYIT23ER

Number of graduates 
220 
&nbsp; 
Keynote speaker 
Robert Nederlander Jr., founder and president of Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment, told the graduates, "I encourage everyone to stand by their dreams and pursue them with vigor." He told the students of some of the mistakes he made in forging his company, which brings <a href="/topics/Broadway%2C_NY">Broadway</a> productions to <a href="/topics/China">China</a> and Chinese performing arts to the United States. "Everyone makes mistakes, rookie or not. Learn from them. Be resilient." 
Valedictorian 
Alexander Ferguson, 21, of <a href="/topics/East_Meadow%2C_NY">East Meadow</a>, received a bachelor's in childhood education. He's hoping to start substitute teaching in the fall and plans to get a graduate degree, probably in <a href="/topics/Special_Education">special education</a>. He spoke to his class about how much he's grown in college. "Gone is the lazy, underachieving teen who arrived here." 
He also spoke of the distressing state of the nation's economy and said education, his chosen career, is "under attack from politicians and budget-cutters." Ferguson added, "We must always remember we need not be afraid of the future for it is us who will help shape it.

LIFIVE22

Five Towns grads told to be resilient

liGRAD22

Number of graduates 
377 
&nbsp; 
Keynote speaker 
<a href="/topics/Bill_Evans">Bill Evans</a>, senior meteorologist at <a href="/topics/WABC-TV">WABC-TV</a> news, told the students, "Here you stand on the brink of your careers. You are now expected to figure out what you were born to do. Enjoy the challenge because Dowling and your family have given you the tools to figure it out." 
&nbsp; 
Valedictorian 
Jack Louis Edelson, 22, of <a href="/topics/Merrick%2C_NY">Merrick</a>, received a bachelor's degree in political science. "If you have an idea, but you never share it and you never act upon it, it dies with you," he said. "All knowledge is potentially valuable, but to make the most of it, you must use it in a way that helps you develop as a person or helps make the world a better place."

LIDOWL22

Dowling grads receive marching orders

lidowl22

Number of graduates670 
&nbsp; 
Keynote speakerNassau County Executive Edward Mangano told students, "I urge you to dream big and reach for the stars. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do what you set out to do." 
&nbsp; 
ValedictorianMichael Drennan, 46, of Selden, graduated with a bachelor's in business management with a 3.91 GPA. Drennan, assistant manager of <a href="/topics/Centereach%2C_NY">Centereach</a> <a href="/topics/Pathmark">Pathmark</a>, told fellow graduates of the tragedy he experienced seven months after enrolling, when his wife died of <a href="/topics/Breast_Cancer">breast cancer</a>, leaving him to raise his 3-year-old daughter. "Everyone had or will have some type of tragedy in their life. It's how we handle these challenges that defines our character . . . When you leave here today, go out and celebrate. But stay focused on your dreams because we can achieve anything we set our minds to do."

LIBRIA22

Mangano to grads: 'Reach for the stars'

Briarcliffe commencement 2011

Number of graduates
1,357 bachelor's 
and 1,472 master's.
 
Student
speaker
Felicia Singh, president of the Class of 2011, received a bachelor's degree in English. She told the students: "Maybe the idea of changing the world looks and sounds overwhelming. Maybe not everyone will build a school in an impoverished country or find the cure for a deadly disease, but if each one of us simply helps the person sitting next to them, then aren't we in the process of creating change in the world?"
 
Commencement address
Adelphi University president Robert A. Scott told the graduates: 
"You are set apart from others now and we celebrate you today. The world needs you to keep growing, to build on the magnificent foundation you have begun, to maintain your optimism, and to explore your special gifts for the good of family, community and humanity through basic acts such as volunteering and voting, and grander acts of commitment for bettering the lot of others."

LIADEL21

Adelphi University holds graduation

liADELhs

Former President Bill Clinton yesterday called on the graduating class of <a href="/topics/New_York_University">New York University</a> students to usher in "an age of genuine community and sharing."
Serving as the keynote speaker for the school's commencement ceremony at Yankee Stadium, Clinton shied away from current events such as the death of <a href="/topics/Osama_bin_Laden">Osama bin Laden</a> and instead addressed broad and bleak economic and environmental trends that he said must be reversed. "You have to decide what you want the world to look like when your children are sitting where you're sitting today," he said. "I want it to be a world of shared opportunities and shared responsibilities."
The "interdependent world," as it is now, is unsafe because violence, disease and financial crises spill across borders, and it's unsustainable because energy is produced and consumed in wasteful ways, said Clinton, 64. 
The approximately 8,000 students who received undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees cheered at points in the 19-minute speech. 
Clinton encouraged the Class of 2011 to unabashedly follow their dreams. He reminded them that elsewhere, students "just as hard-working as you are . . . simply don't have like chances because they don't have the systems that guarantee good consequences for hard work." 
Susan Davis, a Smithtown teacher who graduated with a doctorate in music education, applauded Clinton's "humbling and challenging" passion. 
Will Roland, 22, of Locust Valley, who earned a bachelor's degree in musical theater, said many people have told him he'd "lose the optimism that pervades college as I get older.
"The president seems like someone who never lost that optimism," he said.

New York

NYNYU19

Bill Clinton keynotes at NYU graduation

114282331SV049_2011_NEW_YOR

<h3><a href="/topics/Farmingdale_State_College">Farmingdale State College</a></h3> 
<h4>Number of graduates: 1,014</h4> 
Commencement speaker: Robert Ench, alumnus and businessman. He graduated from the school's horticulture program in 1960 and later developed Flower Time, a local garden center, into 38 retail centers in New York, New Jersey, and <a href="/topics/Massachusetts">Massachusetts</a>. He went on to become chairman of an operation that had 250 stores across the nation, including Frank's Nursery. He was selected by first lady Lady Bird Johnson to work on several beautification projects in Washington, D.C. 
He said he would tell graduates, "You don't have to start at the top. Start where there is a future." 
In his words: "Farmingdale State is a special place. It has been my honor and privilege to work on many wonderful events and have helped raise over a million dollars in horticultural scholarships," adding he has also helped maintain horticultural gardens and other campus properties. 
"My life would not have been possible without Farmingdale's education," he said. "There are some of you who will give back to Farmingdale after graduation - you will receive so much more in return, as I have over the last 50 years." 
Valedictorian: Mary O'Neil, 22, of Amityville Harbor, who received a bachelor of science in nursing, said, "Never underestimate the power of doing a good deed. I think all of you have taught me that. As we celebrate our accomplishments and look forward to our future careers, we can do so with hope and confidence. We are the leaders of tomorrow, not merely because we have a degree, but because we have a vision: a vision of a better community and a better world." 
 <a href="/topics/Kevin_Kelly">Kevin Kelly</a>, 22, Associate degree in ornamental horticulture and landscape development 
"I'm going to proceed to get my bachelor's in landscape architecture, possibly at the <a href="/topics/University_of_Georgia">University of Georgia</a>. But right now, I'm just going to enjoy the day." 
<h4>Graduates speak out</h4> 
Brittany D'Alessandro, 21 
Associate degree in dental hygiene 
"I'm going to become a dental hygienist. I got an offer to work at a hospital. I want to start off part-time because I want to continue to get my bachelor's and I'm going to come back here. Farmingdale State is great. It's been a good experience." 
Annie Sackichand, 22 
Bachelor of science in construction management/engineering technology 
"I'm going to work full-time as a field engineer at a construction company. I'm getting married, and it's my birthday next week. I have a lot going on. But I'm really excited about the future." 
Byron Romero, 22 
Bachelor of science in architectural engineering technology 
"After five years of being in school, I want to go out there and find a job, get experience and move on, maybe get into a master's program and major in the new wave, which is green technology for buildings. The main thing is to enjoy this moment and see where it leads." 
Jeremy Parris, 22 
Bachelor of science in construction management/engineering technology 
"I have a job and will be working as a project manager. I'll take it from there. I think things are looking good for the future. I'll also go back to school at some point. But as for now, I just want to enjoy the day."

LIFARM17.WEB

Farmingdale State speaker: Focus on the future

Newsday

Most Popular

Latest videos

Education video slot

Nick Cannon, host of the Wild 'N Out Live show at Barclays Center, visited Roosevelt High School on Friday.

'Excited about entertainment'

12-year-old Cesar Albarracin Guncay, a 6th grader in Sag Harbor, died during a rafting field trip in the Poconos after the raft overturned in the river.

'Cesar was a cherished member of our school family'

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland speaks to actor Gary Sinise about the Wantagh Union Free School District partnering with his foundation to raise money for field trips to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as well as a commemorative 9/11 statue in front of Wantagh High School.

'To make sure those students never forget'

Sara Lopez Garcia recorded an address to her class from her native Colombia. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Never underestimate your strength'

Sign up for The Classroom newsletter

Education Newsletter Widget

Education Article Bottom Module

Education Video Playlist

Hofstra seniors Jaime Yoos and Riana Kamath speak about the difficulties college graduates face in the competitive job market on LI.

'It felt like my resume went into a dark hole'

Chaminade twins John and Joseph Gomes were named valedictorian and salutatorian, a first for the all-boys Catholic school in Mineloa.

Twins make val and sal history

A peer mentoring program at Shoreham-Wading River High School brings students together through the joy of music.

'Enjoy the process together'

With college decision time looming, Newsday has some tips for what to keep in mind while visiting Long Island campuses. NewsdayTV's Jamie Stuart reports.

Take notes, taste the food and more

Reports of cybersecurity incidents in our schools are on the rise. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'Schools are an easy target'

Jesse Findling, of Massapequa Park, made a stop at his alma mater on Monday. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'He just followed his dream'

A federal judge approved an agreement this week to phase out the Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, Plan. The move could affect millions of borrowers. Newsday's experts break it down.

'A lot of uncertainty'

The East Meadow school district is asking taxpayers to vote yes on a $71.5 million capital improvement bond. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'It's good for the school district'

The Connetquot school district must decide whether to keep its new nickname, the T-Birds, or go back to Thunderbirds in the ongoing mascot fight. NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland talks with a panel of experts.

Island Insider: Mascot fight on LI

Dental professor Ira B. Lamster said the break with Stony Brook University was unrelated to the funding he received from Epstein. Newsday investigative reporter Joshua Solomon has more.

$100G grant from Epstein

A new report says the risks of AI in education are greater than the benefits. NewsdayTV spoke with a panel of experts on the topic.

A look at the risks of AI in education

It's been 40 years since the space shuttle Challenger disaster. Long Islanders remember where they were on Jan. 28, 1986.

'We had no idea what would transpire'

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed stops by the iconic Jamesport Country Store, your go-to destination for vintage antiques, vibrant local art, and charming homegrown goods.

Out East: Take a step back in time at the Jamesport Country Store

Dennis Arfa, the architect of the Piano Man's record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden, was inducted on Saturday into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano reports.

Billy Joel inducts longtime collaborator into LI Music Hall of Fame

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Yaphank Deli to try their "chip bag sandwich."

Trendy Bites: It's a bag of chips ... it's a sandwich ... it's the chip bag sandwich! 

NYU researchers are surveying the Eastern box turtle population to better understand how they are faring against habitat destruction, roadways and global warming.`

Turtle-sniffing dogs searching LI woods to help protect a species

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is back for a second stint with the Giants. Head coach John Harbaugh on Wednesday said Beckham seems healthier and Beckham said he is looking forward to making the most of the opportunity.

Odell Beckham Jr. back with the Giants

Recently passed state auto insurance reforms could help lower car insurance rates as much as 10% for New York drivers, according to some estimates. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

NYS takes crack at lowering auto insurance premiums. Here's what that means for LI.

If approved, it would be the first new hospital on Long Island since 1980. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

NYU Langone plans new hospital in Melville 

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visited Main Event, an entertainment center that recently opened in Deer Park.

Arcade, bowling and giant claw machine at Main Event 

Newsday food writer Erica Marcus helps make a strawberry crunch ice cream at Coyle's Ice Cream in Islip.

Making ice cream at Coyle's in Islip

Rockville Centre's Lavert Henderson-Hobbs has been a Knicks' season-ticket holder since 1969.

Rockville Centre's Lavert Henderson-Hobbs a Knicks' season-ticket holder since 1969

Long Island Trending Bar

Newsday is highlighting the passionate, engaging and innovative educators of Long Island with its Teacher Spotlight feature.

Teacher Spotlight

High School Sports

Residents in LI's more than 120 school districts weighed in on board candidates, budgets and propositions. See how your district voted. For additional information, read our article here.

Most Popular

Latest videos

Stay logged in.