While a formal commencement is not in the cards right now for St. Joseph’s College, that didn’t stop members of the College community from celebrating the Class of 2020 — through a series of compiled video clips from faculty, staff, students, alumni and SJC President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D.
Check out SJC’s “Celebrating the Class of 2020” video below.
“This is not intended to replace your special day,” Dr. Boomgaarden said, leaning on his motorcycle at SJC Brooklyn.
“We will have that day, I promise you,” he continued. “But in the meantime, this is a chance for us to celebrate together and a chance for you to reconnect with the people who you love and know so well.”
Farewells from the College Community
During the video — which was viewed more than 6,100 times in the first 24 hours since it was posted Tuesday, May 26 — students from the Class of 2020 shared messages of pride, their favorite memories and what made their journey at St. Joseph’s so special.
And although the faculty and staff are sad to see the seniors leave, they’re excited for what comes next on each of their journeys.
Proud members of the St. Joseph’s College alumni family — including Chair of the Board of Trustees Chris Carroll ’88, Esq. — joined in to welcome the newest cohort to a worldwide community that’s more than 41,000 strong.
“Despite the fact that we have to do this virtual celebration, I don’t want you to think for a moment that we’re not going to recognize you in a more formal celebration later,” Dr. Boomgaarden said after riding to SJC Long Island on his motorcycle.
“In the meantime, think a little bit about the ideals and the vision of St. Joseph’s College, and how those things are going to help you in the future, as they’ve helped so many of our alumni throughout the years. Those beliefs in social justice, intellectual rigor, spiritual development — all of those things are going to help you in life and make you a successful graduate of St. Joseph’s College.”
