More than 1,200 students will graduate when St. Joseph’s University, New York hosts its 104th annual commencement at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on May 25.
A joint ceremony for the second-straight year, commencement will celebrate students from all three University campuses – Brooklyn, Long Island and Online – earning undergraduate and graduate distinctions. More than 850 of the graduates are Long Island Campus students; the Brooklyn and Online campuses will graduate more than 270 and 90, respectively.
Honorary degrees will be awarded to Sherrie Van Arnam, special assistant to the president for Student Life, and Marian Russo, former director of Student Life at the Long Island Campus. Both have made invaluable contributions to St. Joseph’s during their professional careers.
The Class of 2023 has overcome unique challenges, enduring more than three years of a global pandemic during a pivotal period of personal and professional development. The University is excited to celebrate this unique class of individuals on such a joyous occasion.
Graduation festivities kick into gear April 24-28, when both physical campuses host graduate-recognition events throughout the week.
Brooklyn Campus Events
Brooklyn’s Graduates Week opens with Sunrise Breakfast on April 24 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Graduating seniors can stop into the Tuohy Hall Auditorium for breakfast before attending the Senior Chalking event – featuring chalk art and snacks – in St. Angela Courtyard at noon.
Brooklyn Campus Valedictorian Maeve McKeon
Cap-decorating and banner-signing sessions are open to graduates at the Student Life Office on April 24-25 and the Alumni Room on April 26-28. Decorating supplies will be provided.
Student Life will host Toast to the Graduates inside the Tuohy Hall Auditorium on April 26 at 6 p.m. Graduating seniors are invited for an evening of recognition and cocktail refreshments, with SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., providing remarks.
At the event, Brooklyn Campus Valedictorian Maeve McKeon will also address the Class of 2023 for the first time. A four-year member of the softball team, McKeon serves as vice president of the Student Government Association and majors in criminal justice.
Long Island Campus Events
Graduation Celebration Week on the Long Island Campus kicks off April 24 with Hats Off to Grads – an opportunity for graduates to pick up cap decoration materials at the Student Hospitality Lounge.
Long Island Campus Valedictorian Asma Hosein
On April 25 between 2-4 p.m., graduates can grab a celebratory sweet treat and take photos in Grads Corner at a gathering called Snaps and Sweets.
Long Island’s Toast to the Graduates event is set for April 27 at 6 p.m. inside the Danzi Center gymnasium. Guests can enjoy light refreshments, music, photo booths, giveaways and an opportunity to hear from speakers, including Long Island Campus Valedictorian Asma Hosein.
During her time at St. Joseph’s, Hosein has served in many leadership roles, including co-program director for the Campus Activities Board, co-founder and president of the CEC/Educators Club, president of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education and co-founder and treasurer of the Women’s Empowerment Club.
Click here for more information about SJNY’s annual commencement exercises.
