Class of 2015 St. Joseph's College
From left: Identical twin sisters Laura Marie Cohen and Christina Danielle Cohen, both 23, from Smithtown, with friend Kara Nenos, 22, of Ridge, wave excitedly to family and friends in the crowd during their graduation from St. Joseph's College, Tuesday, May 27, 2015, at Nassau Coliseum. Credit: Danielle Finkelstein
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."
