More than 400 SJC Long Island freshmen gathered in the John A. Danzi Athletic Center in their academic attire Thursday, Sept. 13, for the College’s annual Investiture ceremony.
Investiture, a tradition at St. Joseph’s College for more than a century, is the first academic event of the year for the freshman class. Surrounded by family and loved ones, the Class of 2022 is formally invested into the College community after reciting the Oath of Integrity and turning their tassels — an act that symbolizes the beginning of their time as college students.
“I know that you already have developed a sense of support and devotion to your classmates,” St. Joseph’s College President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., said to SJC Long Island’s newest students. “This is a real component and characteristic of a St. Joseph’s education. That sense of love that engulfs the student body here and allows them to really participate in one another’s lives in a positive way makes us different from many schools.”
Nearly 450 students make up SJC Long Island’s Class of 2022.
Carlo and Erin Spano were proud to watch their son Vinny be invested into the SJC Long Island community.
“We’re extremely thrilled,” Mrs. Spano said. “It was a beautiful ceremony tonight, and we learned a lot about integrity and what the school stands for. It was a beautiful way to start the school year.”
Julianne Frie was excited to celebrate the beginning of her journey at St. Joseph’s.
“It’s a chapter for a new beginning, and I’m excited to transition into college, to meet new friends and to have a good time,” Frie, who’s majoring in industrial-organizational psychology, said.