Briarcliffe College graduates 600

Number of graduates: 600

Keynote speaker: "You are graduating at a time of great challenge for our nation," Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) said. "But it is also a time of great opportunity." Bishop said "education is the doorway to the American dream" and noted that an educated society is essential if America is going to compete in the global economy. "With the degree you've earned today," he said, "you are set to become a key contributor to our economy." Bishop gave the graduates three pieces of advice. The first was "to get involved, to participate in your community." Secondly, he said, "If you're going to get involved, you have an obligation to be informed." His final piece of for graduates: "to value civility in all that you say and do."

Class speaker: Valedictorian Anna Lynskey, 53, of Bethpage, called graduation "a time of excitement" during which she and her classmates "look back on our accomplishments as we celebrate our successes." Lynskey, an alumna of Bethpage High School who has two daughters, went on to say that "as graduates we have overcome some of life's difficulties." She added that each member of Briarcliffe's graduating class has it inside of himself or herself "to overcome life's challenges" and that after graduation each person should "go out there and be empowered by your accomplishments."