St. Joseph's College, 2011 commencement

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 Suffolk 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