Nassau Community College students graduate

Stats: 2,942, graduates

Commencement Speaker: Donald P. Astrab, president of Nassau Community College, spoke at the college's 50th commencement. "Many of your chosen fields of expertise are at the heart of the challenges the world now faces. Issues around health care, environmental stewardship, social development and education will require your attention and energy. "

Janet Dillon-Kowalczyk, 36, the college's student trustee, addressed graduates. Dillon-Kowalczyk was a New York City firefighter who decided to return to school and graduated with an associate degree in education. She next will attend C.W. Post. She hopes to be a teacher. "I remember the first day of school, I was scared and lonely but I managed to pull through," she said. "As you continue your journey in life and begin to branch up, don't forget to branch out and entwine with those closest to you."