The Brooklyn Campus celebrated the Class of 2023 on Wednesday at its annual Toast to the Graduates event in the Tuohy Auditorium.
The evening’s festivities – hosted by the Office of Student Involvement, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement – provided an opportunity for faculty, staff and students to reflect on the accomplishments of this year’s graduating class.
Speakers included campus class valedictorian Maeve McKeon, who delivered the valedictory address and spoke of the unique challenges the Class of 2023 endured.
“Let’s not forget that it was our freshman year when the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic shook our world,” said McKeon, a criminal justice major with a minor in Spanish. “We took the circumstances we were given, and turned them into successful college careers.”
Executive Dean Phillip Dehne, Ph.D., served as emcee and led the celebratory toast.
“Always choose the path of happiness and fulfillment,” Dr. Dehne told the Class of 2023. “Please remember we are always here for you. May the best times of your life be the times to come.”
This year’s Donald R. Boomgaarden Leadership in Action Award winner was Taylor Callahan. Neal Bermas, Ph.D., a member of the St. Joseph’s University, New York Board of Trustees, presented the honor to Callahan, who embodies the essence, mission and motto of the University: Esse non videri – “To be, not to seem.”
Ayana Kone ’07, MBA ’09, vice president of the Brooklyn Campus Alumni Board, welcomed the future graduates to the Alumni Association and offered words of encouragement as they begin their transition into professional life.
After Dr. Dehne conducted the toast, attendees enjoyed dessert, music, dancing and a photo booth.
Photos from the Event
