As the end of the 2025 spring semester draws closer, the adolescence education faculty at St. Joseph’s University, New York offered their students one last opportunity to network before walking across the big stage to receive their degrees. On April 9, faculty and SJNY alumni hosted a spring send-off event in the Student Center’s multipurpose room.
“This was a great opportunity for our current students to interact and learn from former education students working in the field and attending graduate school. It also turned into a celebration culminating all of their hard work to become certified teachers,” said Andrew Manzo, teaching instructor of secondary social studies education at SJNY.
Adolescence education students across all disciplines were in attendance to hear from alumni who returned to the University to impart some final words of wisdom. After opening remarks and introductions by Department Chair Dr. Edward Vinski, Ph.D., students participated in a group game before guest speaker Dr. Nicholas Vasiliades took the stage.
A dedicated educator and director of curriculum and instruction at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington, NY, Dr. Vasiliades works in new teacher mentorship and organizes professional development seminars, making him the perfect choice to advise burgeoning educators.
Dr. Vasiliades recently published “John Dewey: The Dialogical Shepherd for Educators in the 21st Century” in the Journal of Educational Studies. The work reflects his interdisciplinary and social justice-oriented approach to education.
Students met with alumni from various sectors within the adolescence education space, including science, mathematics, history, special education and English. They discussed student teaching opportunities, what to expect while pursuing full-time employment and what would be expected of them as first-time educators.
“This event brought together the adolescence education student teachers to celebrate their achievements. It was a unique opportunity also for them to consider their post-graduation futures with support from recently graduated alumni,” said Assistant Professor Nadia Khan-Roopnarine.
Field Placement Coordinator Matthew Vestuto offered final remarks while giving a shout-out to the Long Island campus’ 2025 valedictorian, Caroline Marie O’Dea, who was in attendance. Vestuto reflected on how proud he was of each student and noted the glowing reviews from schools where SJNY students have had student-teaching opportunities.
Students, staff, faculty and alumni filled the multipurpose for the end-of-semester event.
Adolescence education faculty and staff.
The event would not have been possible without the participation of SJNY's willing and talented alumni
Caroline O'Dea (center) is a biology adolescence education major and the 2025 valedictorian for the Long Island campus.
Guest speaker Dr. Nicholas Vasiliades.
Placement Coordinator Matthew Vestuto delivered a short yet emotional farewwell address to students.
