2011 Suffolk Community College graduation

Number of graduates 1,000

Keynote speaker

Elizabeth Millings, a doctoral student at Columbia University and a Suffolk 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."

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