Class of 2015 St. Joseph's College

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."