During his Commencement speech, Senior Class President and Newman Civic Fellow Joe Sawma told Adelphi’s Class of 2025, “Don’t knock on doors. Kick them down.”

Observing this graduating class, it’s clear they are poised to make a significant impact across many fields, at every stage of their careers.

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The exceptional range in age, program and country of origin prove that Adelphi is making significant progress in a stated goal of our strategic plan, Momentum 2, to “open our doors to more graduate and professional students … to grow our impact locally, nationally and globally.”

In fact, in this single academic year, 906 students earned master’s degrees, 54 earned doctorates and 85 earned graduate certificates to advance their careers in dozens of fields.

Strong U.S. News & World Report Rankings for Graduate Programs

Adelphi prepares graduate and doctoral students for the next phases of their careers with more than 95 advanced degree programs across a diverse range of disciplines—from social work to education to business to nursing. Three new graduate degrees—a doctorate in social work, a PhD in learning sciences and an MS in artificial intelligence—will launch in Fall 2025. These innovative programs expand Adelphi’s commitment to cutting-edge research and professional development, equipping students with advanced skills for high-demand fields.

Graduate rankings are keeping pace. The University earned a position on seven 2025 , five with significant upward trends:

• Best Graduate Nursing School
• Best Psychology School
• Best Public Health School
• Best Speech-Language Pathology Program
• Best Graduate Part-Time MBA Program

U.S. News also honored Adelphi with Best Audiology Program and Best Clinical Psychology Program rankings.

Christopher Storm, PhD, provost and executive vice president, noted, “We are incredibly proud of the recognition ������Ƶ has received in this year’s rankings … . This reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff and students in continuously striving for excellence in education, research and service to our communities.”

The Top Four Most Popular Graduate Programs at Adelphi

For many of Adelphi’s graduate students, social work is their calling. Adelphi’s School of Social Work, a distinguished social work program with a history of excellence for more than 70 years, granted 192 degrees of Master of Social Work this year—the largest share of Adelphi’s master’s degree recipients. Thirteen earned their PhDs. In addition, Joanne Corbin, PhD, dean, noted, “Our School of Social Work is growing into the future, adapting and responding to the needs of our community, helping our students live our mission of social justice.”

Seventy-one students in the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business earned their master’s degrees in the rapidly growing field of Business Analytics, a STEM-designated degree program. Graduates are trained to optimize business results in companies around the globe in what MaryAnn Hyland, PhD, dean of the Willumstad School, calls “a business degree of the future.”

Graduates of the 4+1 Scholar Teacher Education Program (STEP), a six-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program that saves students a year of time and tuition and which is offered by the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education and Health Sciences, was the third-most-popular degree program, with 65 graduates taking leadership roles in classrooms around New York and the United States.

���������’s Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology—the first university-based professional school of psychology—graduated the largest group of doctoral students, 25 in all. Adelphi’s newest clinical psychology doctoral graduates are poised to deliver insights and drive change in mental health across clinics, hospitals, private practice, research and teaching.

Home States—and Home Countries—of Adelphi’s Graduate Students

While most of the U.S.-based students hail from New York (90 percent) or New Jersey, the graduate student body also represented 26 other countries from around the globe. Adelphi is a welcome community for international graduate students, offering visa support, academic tutoring and career guidance.

The most graduate students, by far, are from India, with 11o students earning their master’s degrees here at Adelphi; China follows with 11. Others came from as far away as Vietnam, Uganda, Spain, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Singapore and Egypt—bringing their varied cultural perspectives to classrooms here and increasing Adelphi’s global footprint when they return to their home countries.

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������Ƶ President Christine Riordan.

������Ƶ’s Class of 2025 celebrated their accomplishments, surrounded by family and friends, at the University’s on Tuesday, May 20, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.

This year, approximately 1,244 undergraduate degrees, four undergraduate certificates, and 1,131 graduate degrees and 93 graduate certificates were awarded. At the Doctoral Hooding ceremony held on Monday, May 19, at the ������Ƶ Performing Arts Center on the Garden City campus, 54 doctorates were conferred.

Adelphi President Christine Riordan kicked off the Commencement celebration by encouraging graduates to remember that they are in charge of their own destiny and to believe in themselves. “As you choose your path forward, continue to expect extraordinary from yourselves and from life,” Dr. Riordan said. “Each one of you has the power to create change, to innovate and to lead. Believe in yourself and your ability to shape the future.”

Adelphi Senior Class President Joe Sawma addressing the Class of 2025 at the undergraduate ceremony.

Words of Inspiration for the Class of 2025

���������’s Senior Class President, Joe Sawma ’25, an international student from Lebanon, delivered an inspiring address to his fellow graduates, reflecting on the strong relationships he built with his classmates, the adversity he has overcome and his hopes for the future.

James Stavridis, PhD, retired U.S. Navy admiral and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander receiving an honorary doctorate.

“Classmates turned into friends, and friends turned into family, and I mean it when I say family,” said Sawma. “As long as the Brown and Gold shine bright at ������Ƶ, nothing—and I mean nothing—will ever dare to stand in your way! Class of 2025, don’t just knock on doors, kick them open!”

An honorary degree was awarded to James Stavridis, PhD, retired U.S. Navy admiral and former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, as well as partner and vice chair of global affairs for and chair of the , during the undergraduate ceremony. Addressing the Class of 2025, Admiral Stavridis passed on words of wisdom and encouraged graduates to be of service to others, remain optimistic through challenging times and to go out into the world and “make some history.”

President of ���������’s Graduate Student Council Melissa Garber ’24, MA ’25, speaking to the Class of 2025 at the graduate ceremony.

President of ���������’s Graduate Student Council Melissa Garber ’24, MA ’25, addressed her fellow classmates at the graduate Commencement ceremony, reminding her peers never to underestimate the power of courage and connection. ”Trust in the connections you have made here, and use them to fuel your courage to take on new challenges,” Garber said. “Don’t be afraid to fail, because those moments are often when we grow and learn the most. And if you do stumble, lean on those who love and support you to lift you up.”

“Be bold. Use your voice. Be a superhero. Be authentic,” urged Joseph Moscola, MBA ’06, executive vice president for shared services strategy and operations at , who delivered the keynote address at the graduate Commencement ceremony. “Be in the business of investing in people and you will be amazed at where this road will take you.”

Academic Excellence, Outstanding Outcomes

Joseph Moscola, MBA ’06, executive vice president for shared services strategy and operations at Northwell Health, addressing the Class of 2025 at the graduate ceremony.

Students graduated from ���������’s highly ranked academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, Robert B. Willumstad School of Business, Ruth S. Ammon College of Education and Health Sciences, Honors College, College of Nursing and Public Health, College of Professional and Continuing Studies, Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology and School of Social Work.

As the highest-ranked private university on Long Island, Adelphi has been named a Best College among national universities by U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years and ranked in the top 4 percent of universities in the nation by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Adelphi has also been recognized as among the top 25 percent of universities in the nation for social mobility, and its graduates, on average, outearn their peers by 30 percent, year after year.

The Commencement and Hooding ceremonies were livestreamed and can be viewed online.

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“���������’s Commencement speakers are selected because they are inspirational figures whose work aligns with important aspects of our University mission,” said Christopher Storm, PhD, ������Ƶ provost and executive vice president. “We are grateful to Adm. James Stavridis and Joseph Moscola for playing such an important role in our 129th Commencement, inspiring ���������’s Class of 2025 and their guests with their wisdom, success and positive impact on society.”

Adm. James Stavridis,  Retired U.S. Navy Four-Star Officer and Former Supreme Allied Commander

Adm. James Stavridis, PhD, is partner and vice chair of global affairs for and chair of the . Previously, he spent five years as dean of The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. A retired four-star officer in the , he led the NATO alliance in global operations from 2009 to 2013 as supreme allied commander, with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counterpiracy and cybersecurity. Adm. Stavridis also served as commander of the U.S. Southern Command, with responsibility for all military operations in Latin America from 2006 to 2009. He won the Battenberg Cup for commanding the top ship in the Atlantic Fleet and the Navy League John Paul Jones Award for Inspirational Leadership, along with more than 50 U.S. and international medals and decorations, including 28 from foreign nations.

Adm. Stavridis earned a PhD in international relations from Tufts University and has published 15 books on leadership, character, risk, the oceans, maritime affairs and Latin America, as well as hundreds of articles in leading journals. His books include the novel (Penguin, 2021), a New York Times bestseller, and (Penguin, 2022). His most recent book, (Penguin, 2024), was published in October 2024.

Joseph Moscola, MBA ’06, Northwell Health Executive VP for Shared Services Strategy and Operations

Joseph Moscola is executive vice president for shared services strategy and operations at , New York’s largest health system, which cares for more than 2 million people each year and employs more than 85,000. For 25 years, he has been a transformational leader, driving culture, innovation and outcomes on the provider side of health delivery.

In his role as executive vice president, Moscola leads the strategy and execution of critical functions that drive and the care that team members provide, including digital transformation, facilities and property management, construction, real estate, and oversight of the enterprise’s centralized budget and resources. He also creates and leads strategic business initiatives that drive down costs while generating new revenue for the health system. In his previous role as chief people officer, Moscola led the organization to a 40 percent jump in team member engagement and a spot on and. Previously a cardiothoracic surgery physician’s assistant, he brings a unique customer perspective to his executive leadership roles.

Moscola has served on the ������Ƶ Board of Trustees since 2023, providing crucial leadership and ensuring that Adelphi continues to deliver a transformative education to our students.

Learn more about ���������’s 2025 Commencement ceremony.

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This year, the University honored two alumni who are leaders in their fields and their communities: Eduardo Vilaro ’85, artistic director and CEO of , and Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA ’13, president and CEO of .

The honorees stand out not only for their successes. “They are inspiring proof that education and persistence offer endless possibilities,” President Christine Riordan said in introducing them.

The Addresses

“Inspire greatness in other people as you find the greatness in yourself.”

Vilaro, who was the first member of his family to earn a college degree, talks about the way his curiosity and passion were stirred by the conservatory-like atmosphere of ���������’s dance program. His advice to graduating seniors? Embrace who you are, and lead with empathy, kindness and curiosity.

“Changing the world begins by changing your small corner of it.”

Dr. O’Shaughnessy believes that starting small is the way to make a big impact. In his address to the graduating Class of 2024, he offered five pieces of advice the new advanced-degree holders can use to guide their careers and their lives.

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As virtually all of the graduating students had some part of their education disrupted by the pandemic, it is no wonder that perseverance was a focus of many of the addresses. So was a mention of the uncertain times in which we live. But so was the call to stay true to dreams and to your purpose in life.

Be inspired by these Commencement addresses from leaders of our University, our faculty and our student body.

“Stay curious, keep learning.”

President Christine Riordan congratulates the Class of 2024, encouraging the graduates to expect extraordinary from themselves and follow in the footsteps of six recent and present graduates who have already gone on to make an impact on the world.

“This is your time. We need you.”

Marc S. Strachan ’81, chair of the ������Ƶ Board of Trustees, recalls the impact his Adelphi education has had on his life and inspires the Class of 2024 to take the values they learned at the University to make a difference in the world and “live life extraordinary.”

“‘I am always learning.’”

Quoting Michelangelo, Provost and Executive Vice President Christopher K. Storm, PhD, encourages the graduates to continue seeking knowledge, noting that the artist never considered himself an expert.

“If you have a goal, nothing will stand in your way.”

Carl Mirra, PhD, associate professor and chair of the Faculty Senate, talks about resilience and the importance of having a meaning and a purpose in life.

“If there’s perseverance, there will be stew.”

Recognizing the unique challenges overcome by members of this year’s graduating class, Kennie Dionisio, president of the Class of 2024 and a first-generation college student, quotes a Filipino proverb passed along to him by his father. Before doing that, though, he explained he was still on deadline for his social media job and needed to take a moment to pose with the class for a quick selfie.

“‘The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.’”

Alexa Amato ’23, MA ’24, president of the Graduate Student Council, asks her classmates to carry these words with them and to chase their dreams with conviction.

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This May, 862 master’s degree graduates and 53 doctoral graduates received their degrees at Commencement, joining more than 1,000 bachelor’s degree recipients at the ceremony. This strong class of graduates reflects Adelphi’s increasing emphasis on graduate education, a priority of our Momentum 2 strategic plan.

Adelphi is also proud to have three programs ranked in the top 100 of the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools: our master’s degree programs in nursing, Doctor of Audiology (AuD) and Master of Social Work (MSW). Three other Adelphi grad programs are ranked as U.S. News Bests: our part-time MBA, master’s degree programs in psychology and Master of Public Health (MPH).

Read on to learn more about this year’s accomplished degree recipients and ���������’s plans for the future of graduate education.

Picture of the Class of 2024

Four of our colleges and schools conferred more than 90 master’s degrees:

These programs graduated the most students:

Master’s degree graduates ranged in age from 20 to 64. The youngest received an MBA, and the most senior member of the class earned an MS in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The broad range of ages demonstrates the flexibility and accessibility of our programs for people at all stages of their careers and professional lives.

Adelphi’s Newest Doctoral Graduates

Adelphi’s distinguished Derner School—the first university-based professional school of psychology—graduated the largest group of doctoral students, 31 in all.

The PhD in Nursing program, like our MA in Art Education, is one of the growing number of graduate degrees Adelphi offers fully online. The University now offers 17 fully online graduate degree programs, all delivering the same quality education and personalized experience as traditional on-campus courses.

A remarkably diverse class

This year’s graduate degree recipients come from across the United States and around the world. Members of the class are from 23 states and 24 countries. The largest group of students from this country are from New York state; students from China and Pakistan compose the largest groups of international students.

Opening doors to rewarding careers

Jonay Jackson was one of 66 MBA students celebrating graduation at Commencement. This was her second Commencement in two years, as she received her BBA from the Willumstad School in 2023, just three years after entering Adelphi. This past summer, she had a 10-week internship at the Swiss luxury group Richemont, which turned into a part-time job during the school year. Now she’s joining the company full-time as a sustainability coordinator.

“The Adelphi MBA program has expanded my professional competencies and strengthened my ability to lead with confidence,” Jackson said. “I was surrounded by administrators eager to help me succeed, which further enriched my experience.”

Sarah Baksh is another new graduate of the BBA/MBA program and soon will be starting her career as a full-time tax consultant for PwC.

“These relationships that I built with faculty have allowed me to complete multiple internships across New York City and Long Island during my time at Adelphi,” Baksh said. “These experiences have been invaluable in teaching me transferable skills that will surely help me as I enter my professional career postgraduation.”

Stephanie Waslin, who just earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology, also spoke about the value of her education at Adelphi. She is now starting a postdoctoral fellowship at the Child and Adolescent Fear and Anxiety Treatment Program at the Boston University Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders.

“The clinical psychology program gave me so many opportunities to find my niche,” she said. “The Child and Family concentration allowed me to focus my coursework, clinical experience and research in the area that interests me most. I also gained valuable experience—and many chances to give back to the Adelphi community—through a teaching fellowship and Derner’s Mentoring Future Psychologists program.

“I may not have had these opportunities without the support and leadership from Derner’s faculty. They are incredible mentors, teachers and supervisors.”

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Most seated in the arena hadn’t been able to gather for their high school graduations four springs ago when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. And most spent their first year at Adelphi taking virtual classes online, alone at home.

“Many of you missed your high school graduations because of the global pandemic, so today is very special for you,” Adelphi President Christine M. Riordan told the crowd. “This ceremony is a testament to your hard work and dedication.”

A Look at the Class of 2024

The class that overcame so many unprecedented obstacles included graduates from 28 states and the District of Columbia and 26 countries.

Four of Adelphi’s colleges and schools conferred more than 100 bachelor’s degrees:

The class also included 74 graduates of our Honors College and 26 students who participated in our Levermore Global Scholars Program, which promotes global awareness and prepares students for leadership positions.

These programs graduated the most students:

Academic honors were bestowed on students from across the University. The 2024 class included 186 students who graduated summa cum laude and 304 who earned magna cum laude honors.

The youngest student to march at Commencement was a 17-year-0ld who earned an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. The most senior members of the class are 61. Three of those four earned degrees from Adelphi’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies—one with a , another with a BA in Social Science, and the third with a BS in Nursing. The fourth 61-year-old was awarded a BS in Nursing.

The broad range of ages demonstrates the flexibility and accessibility of our programs for people at all stages of their careers and professional lives.

A Valuable Degree

Graduates of the Class of 2024 earned degrees that have greatly increased in value thanks to Adelphi’s growing national reputation. The University surged in the 2024 rankings from U.S. News & World Report. Adelphi is now in the top 100 in three U.S. News lists—No. 32 for Best First-Year Student Experiences, No. 55 in Top Performers on Social Mobility, and No. 67 in Best Value Schools. A perennial Best College, we moved up 19 spots on that list this year.

Commencement speaker Eduardo Vilaro ’85, artistic director and CEO of Ballet Hispánico, told the students that Adelphi launched him on his own journey to success. “I was the first person in my family to graduate college,” the native of Cuba said. “My story, like many immigrant stories, was filled with struggles and challenges. But through it all education has been the cornerstone of my journey towards achieving my goals.” He said the Adelphi community supported and shaped him. “It’s where I honed my craft as an artist, an educator … and discovered the power of education.”

Graduates Reflect on Dreams Achieved

The students tell the story behind the rankings. Adelphi put them on a path to their dreams.

“As a first-generation college student, these past four years have been a dream come true for me and my family,” said Kenny Dionisio, the 2024 Class President who got his BS in Computer Science and a minor in communications. “I have big aspirations of making it in the media industry, and my time here has helped me grow.”

Kate Ackley graduated from the Honors College with a BA in Economics. She has already landed a job as a global capital markets analyst. “Adelphi and the Honors College helped me succeed by encouraging the development of meaningful relationships with my professors and peers,” she said.

“Adelphi has helped me grow as an individual, daughter, sister and a friend,” said Jolisa Lynch, president of Black Students United, who earned a BS in Health Sciences, concentrating in Healthcare Administration and Leadership, with a minor in African, Black and Caribbean Studies. “I was able to get involved in many things on campus, and that helped me clarify the values that are important to me.” Lynch was recognized as an outstanding student leader at the Brown and Gold Awards ceremony a few weeks before Commencement.

“Adelphi provides a path to students who are driven,” said Kevin Carratu, an Honors College graduate who got his BS in Neuroscience, concentrating in Molecular Neuroscience, and is applying to medical school. “I got the support and encouragement I needed to go on to medical school from my professors and fellow students.”

Adelphi serves more than 7,400 students at its main campus and at learning hubs in Brooklyn, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online. More than 121,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.

Adelphi Commencement 2024: Memorable Moments

Relive highlights and unforgettable moments from ������Ƶ’s 128th Commencement.

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Saying Goodbye to My Senior Trip to Disney

In the spring of 2020, my senior year of high school, I was looking forward to our senior trip to Disney, our senior send-off boat trip (our version of prom) and saying goodbye to everyone at graduation. Then, in March, everything that I was excited about, everything that was preparing me to begin a new chapter of my life, wasn’t happening.

Instead of senior celebrations, my classmates and I were home, only seeing one another on computer screens.

Starting College in September 2020

I would describe starting college as lonely and intimidating. Instead of ���������’s previous Orientation—where you stay on campus for a couple of days, do fun activities, and learn about campus clubs and organizations—our Orientation was held online in Zoom sessions.

I only had one in-person class during my first semester. Everyone on campus was required to wear masks both inside and outside, in addition to social distancing. Before entering any building, we had to answer questions on the AU2Go mobile app and show a green screen (meaning we were cleared and without COVID-19) to someone stationed at the door. Vaccinations were also required, with some exceptions, to ensure the campus was a safe place for all students.

The Ruth S. Harley University Center was still under construction, but it hardly mattered, as there was barely anyone on campus (which made for great parking). There were really no events besides the occasional tabling event with free stuff.

It was hard to make friends and even harder to enjoy my time on campus when there were hardly any activities or people to talk to. It was a time of isolation for our class, a first-year experience that we’ll never get a chance to do over again.

But in my first semester as a communications major, I joined The Delphian. It was fully online at this point, with only Zoom meetings once in a while. I continued the next semester, this time having all my classes online. I think I was on campus a total of three times the entirety of the spring semester. In fall of 2022, the paper was finally brought back to print, which was so exciting to me. I was able to hold a newspaper that I wrote for and give copies to family, friends and teachers. This was particularly rewarding to me being that I was a journalism concentration.

The Ups—and Downs—of Online Classes

The past couple of years have made up for it, with Adelphi going to all lengths to provide on-campus activities and promote togetherness, and I have never felt more welcome.

Even though we are a generation that is used to technology, I definitely think that the transition to online classes and spending our days in little boxes on bright computer screens had a direct effect on my class. It became draining and easy to lose patience or become distracted. Asynchronous classes made it difficult for me to connect with the professor and classmates, but they also taught me to use my time management skills more effectively. I think that having hybrid classes, which are combined in-person and online, was the most effective for me. But at the end of the day, I prefer the in-person experience to Zoom.

The mask wearing continued until March of 2022, when I was a sophomore. This is when the campus truly started to open back up, as the cherry blossoms bloomed a bright pink all over campus—something I didn’t get to see during the previous spring semester.

Reshaping Education Through AI

But another big change was coming—artificial intelligence large language models like ChatGPT launched in the fall of 2022. Professors and students are still grappling with how to use AI. While AI type formats are meant to help humans, they offer a frightening suggestion of what’s to come. AI can be very useful in regard to giving background information, brainstorming ideas or just being quick with information release. However, we live in a world where it is up to us how we want to use it, and that may not always be for the right reasons.

I think we live in a scary and unique time. Scary, in that we can’t predict how AI will impact jobs and careers.

Case in point: I will close this story with a Chat GPT entry. I just gave this prompt: Conclude this article about graduating in 2024 with COVID and AI experiences. Here is what AI created:

As the Class of 2024 steps into the future, we do so with a blend of experiences that uniquely prepare us for the evolving world. The trials of the COVID-19 pandemic have instilled a resilience and adaptability that are invaluable in facing unforeseen challenges. Concurrently, their immersion in an era of rapid AI advancement equips us with the skills and knowledge necessary to harness these technologies for innovation and progress. As we transition from students to professionals, we are poised not only to navigate but to shape the future, using the lessons learned from both the pandemic and the rise of artificial intelligence to build a more resilient, connected, and intelligent world.

Impressive—and yes, a little scary.

Overall, even though it’s been a roller coaster of technological adjustments and changes, Adelphi has been a wonderful experience for me, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.

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This year, Adelphi held two Commencement ceremonies: one for undergraduates and one for graduate students. Each ceremony featured a keynote speech delivered by an honorary degree recipient as well as addresses by University administration and student class presidents.

Adelphi graduates celebrating at the 128th Commencement ceremony.

President Christine M. Riordan conferred the degrees of Adelphi’s Class of 2024 (graduate and undergraduate students) who hail from 34 states and 37 countries. The oldest member of this year’s class is 61 years old and the youngest is 17.

In her welcoming address, President Riordan told graduates to believe in their ability to be extraordinary. “You have already shown remarkable resilience, creativity and dedication,” she said. “As you embark on your journey, continue to expect extraordinary from yourselves and from life. Congratulations, Class of 2024. Your hard work has paid off, and now, the world is waiting for you.”

The national anthem was sung by three graduating seniors: Lara Campanella ’24, Mallory Clark ’24 and Joy DelGiorno ’24.

Among students graduating this year, approximately 1,076 undergraduate degrees and five undergraduate certificates were awarded, along with 862 graduate degrees and 131 graduate certificates. In a Doctoral Hooding ceremony held on May 20 at the ������Ƶ Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the Garden City campus, 52 doctorates were conferred.

Senior Class President Kennie Dionisio ’24, a computer science major, communications minor and proud first-generation college student, addressed his fellow graduates, reminding them of the significance of their hard work and perseverance. “For the past four years, ������Ƶ has given us a plethora of experiences to reminisce upon. And despite the circumstances we collectively faced in 2020, I am proud to say that we overcame so many obstacles and are finally getting the proper graduation ceremony we deserve,” said Dionisio, who received a President’s Student Leadership Award this year. “Your futures are bright, so whatever path you take, hold on to that perseverance that brought you to this point today. No matter what life throws at you, you can do anything you set your mind to.”

At the undergraduate ceremony, Eduardo Vilaro ’85, artistic director and chief executive officer of Ballet Hispánico, received an honorary doctorate and addressed the Class of 2024. In his speech Vilaro, a proud first-generation college graduate, born in Cuba and raised in New York, reflected on the profound impact of his Adelphi education as a dance major and reminded graduates of the true meaning of success. “Remember, success is not measured by the size of your paycheck, the followers on your site, handle or stream, or the number of accolades on your shelf—it is measured by the lives you touch, the hearts you inspire and the legacy you leave behind,” said Vilaro. “True success lies in finding your power and standing firmly in it and then passing it forward.”

President of ���������’s Graduate Student Council Alexa Amato ’24 addressed her fellow class members at the graduate Commencement ceremony. Amato, an education major going on to teach in New York City public schools, spoke about the resilience of the Class of 2024 and the potential they have to achieve anything they dream. “As we look back on our time at Adelphi, let us remember the obstacles we’ve overcome and take pride in how far we’ve come,” Amato said in her address. “Through the challenges, I remained steadfast, fueled by the people I met and the experiences I encountered, all of which shaped me into a better person and a future educator. It is through adversity that we truly grow, and it is through perseverance that we achieve greatness.”

Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA ’13, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Health, delivered the address at the graduate student ceremony and received an honorary doctorate. “Today, perhaps more than ever, our world needs real leadership, leaders of the highest moral fiber,” said O’Shaughnessy to the Class of 2024. “Always ask yourself the why and stay centered on your true north so that your actions make a positive impact in your profession and your community. I’m confident that whatever challenges may come your way, you’ll be ready to take them on as a direct result of your time with Adelphi. You are destined to make our world a better place.”

The Commencement and Hooding ceremonies were livestreamed and can be .

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