SJC Long Island is set to host its annual Baccalaureate Prayer Service virtually on Thursday, May 20, at 7 p.m., honoring the Class of 2021 and celebrating everything they’ve achieved during their time at St. Joseph’s College.
“It is always a great joy in creating an atmosphere for our graduates and their families to take time out amidst the chaos of graduation events, final exams and papers that are due,” said S. Karen Donohue, C.S.J., assistant dean for scholarship maintenance and academic events, who hosts the event yearly.
“This sacred, quiet time is meant to include all our graduates in a moment of reflection and celebration of all they have accomplished during their tenure at St. Joseph’s College,” she continued. “It is a special time to consider our values and express our gratitude to family and friends and recognize the challenges and the difficulties the graduates of the Class of 2021 have had to overcome during these last two years.”
This year especially — after their senior years were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic — SJC Long Island recognizes all that the graduates have had to sacrifice, persevere through and overcome to reach where they are today.
Event Details
Participants will hear from beloved members of the SJC Long Island community, including Bryan Gill and Michelle Frati, executive director and assistant of Student Involvement, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement, respectively; Cristian Murphy, director of Campus Ministry; S. Suzanne Franck, CSJ, Ph.D., associate professor of religious studies and director of the Academic Advisement Center; Thomas Petriano, Ph.D., professor and chair of religious studies; Adriana Silva, associate director of admissions; and Janelle Hill, associate vice president for Student Life.
Student speakers Yicel Moreno and Michael Decicco will also address their classmates, discussing their impressive feats in the face of a tremendous challenge and the importance of continuing to live the College’s mission through acts of service.
Musical performances will be provided by Anna Malzone, director of SJC Long Island’s Council for the Arts, as well as students Alyssa Montes ’21 and Julia Schaefer ’22.
“Above all, this time of celebration is another recognition of the Class of 2021 in terms of their service and incredible spirit, unique to St. Joseph’s College and the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph: to seek peace and solidarity, ‘that all may be One,'” S. Karen said.
The event will premiere on the College’s main Facebook page here and YouTube account here.
