It was cause for celebration as the Class of 2025 received their degrees during St. Joseph’s University, New York’s 106th annual commencement ceremony. Hosted at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY on Thursday, May 22, the event was attended by students, staff, faculty, alumni, friends, family and guests from across the St. Joseph’s community.
This year honored the accomplishments of 1,160 students between the University’s Brooklyn, Long Island and Online campuses. The SJNY 2025 graduating class is the fourth to receive degrees under St. Joseph’s official designation as a university.
Despite the morning rain, Nassau Coliseum was filled with big smiles, hugs and handshakes as students and their families waited in anticipation of such a momentous occasion. Once attendees were seated, they were treated to a rendition of the national anthem by the St. Joseph’s Sharps.
S. Marie Mackey ’84, CSJ, delivered the invocation, and Dr. Heather Barry, provost and vice president for academic affairs, welcomed graduates and the audience.
Dr. Barry also spoke about the SJNY faculty members who were in attendance.
“As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates today, let us also take a moment to honor the incredible contributions of our faculty. Their dedication to the pursuit of knowledge, their commitment to academic excellence, and their passion for teaching has helped shape this graduating class. Thank you for your commitment to the success of our students,” she said.
SJNY President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., then addressed the Class of 2025.
In addition to recognizing their achievements, he lauded the students for their determination, hard work and commitment to the SJNY community, urging them to utilize this accomplishment to propel their future.
“As wonderful as your university years have been, you are now prepared for more beautiful years,” Dr. Boomgaarden told the crowd of graduates. “However, you have to make serious decisions, you will have overwhelming challenges… Remember what you have learned from your time with us and that you live in our hearts and are a part of a tradition of service and commitment to making this world a better place.”
Honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, NY
The president’s speech directly led into the presentation of the St. Joseph’s University, New York Board of Trustees Award, which SJNY bestowed upon the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, NY to commemorate the 375th anniversary of the founding of their order.
Founding the University in 1916 (then known as St. Joseph’s College for Women), the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood, NY created a lasting legacy of excellence, taking SJNY from a single building in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn to a globally recognized university.
S. Grace Edna Rowland, associate professor and director of the Clare Rose Playhouse on the Long Island campus, accepted the honor on the behalf of the congregation, doing so for “those wonderful sister educators who have been part of St. Joseph’s College since it was founded by our sisters in Brooklyn in 1916.”
S. Grace continued, “Beginning with a mere 12 students the college is now known as St. Joseph’s University — with two campuses and a combined graduate and undergraduate student body of close to 4,000. And here we are at the 106th graduation — your graduation.”
S. Grace, who has spent 50 years as an educator at all levels, began teaching at St. Joseph’s in 1981. It is her passion, she said. She then challenged the Class of 2025 to find their passion and use their gifts.
“We as faculty and administration, celebrate your uniqueness and thank you for the contribution you have made to St. Joseph’s University. In many ways you are not even aware of, you give our school vitality, its spark, its energy and sense of purpose and mission,” S. Grace said.
“Intellectual growth is a life-long endeavor,” she continued. “Whatever you choose to do, wherever your career path takes you, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose. Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead. I hope the experiences you have had here at St. Joseph’s and the relationships you have formed here, serve as an inspiration in your professional and personal life.”
SJNY Students
Undergraduate and graduate students from Brooklyn, Patchogue and SJNY Online walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. From Stephanie Chirino, a first generation college student who donned a special sash sent by her grandmother in Mexico, to U.S. Air Force veteran Kaylon Centers, who earned a degree through SJNY Online, to Nathaniel Villano, who earned a master’s degree while working as a janitor for an elementary school, each of the SJNY graduates had their own unique story filled with struggles and successes that brought them to this moment.
“Today it really does feel surreal being here. I spent all this time and all these years studying and working hard, and I never really expected this day to ever really come. And here I am. Now I’m on the precipice of working as a teacher and doing everything I dreamed of,” said Austin Fahey, a student from St. Joseph’s Long Island campus.
You can read about more Class of 2025 students here.
2025 Valedictorians
Following its tradition, SJNY selects two valedictorians, one from each campus. The Brooklyn campus Class of 2025 Valedictorian is Yashal Jalil, who graduated today with a B.A. in Political Science with a minor in Journalism and New Media Studies. Caroline O’Dea is SJNY’s Long Island campus valedictorian. She received a B.S. in Biology, Adolescent Education.
Both O’Dea and Jalil transferred to SJNY after spending their freshman year at other campuses. Each immersed themselves into campus life as they pursued their academic degrees. For example, O’Dea was a Golden Eagle, spending two seasons as a cross country runner, and Jalil was instrumental in the student-run newspaper, The Joe, which is published on the Brooklyn campus. Each participated in undergraduate student research and clubs, organizations and other events during their time at SJNY.
O’Dea and Jalil presented their valedictorian addresses at SJNY’s Toast to The Graduates celebrations that were held last week on each campus.
Alumni Address
Dr. Latoya O’Gere ’12, ’18, a member of the Board of Trustees, presented the alumni address during the ceremony.
“Today marks not an ending, but a beautiful beginning—your transition from students to proud alumni of St. Joseph’s University, New York. As you join our powerful network of over 48,000 alumni worldwide, remember that your connection to St. Joseph’s doesn’t end with this ceremony. It evolves. The community that supported you through study sessions, celebrated your achievements, provided opportunities, and challenged you to grow is now yours to help shape for future generations,” she said.
Dr. O’Gere asked the students to stay connected to SJNY and to “give back when you can, whether through your time, talent or treasure.”
In fact, the Class of 2025 is well on their way in doing just that.
Many of the graduates today were wearing a green philanthropy cord—a new tradition for the University that celebrates graduating seniors who have made a donation to what is now their alma mater. According to Dr. O’Gere, their efforts helped raise more than $2,800 for the Student Emergency Fund.
“Please remember that the most important aspect to being part of the SJNY alumni community is to carry the St. Joseph’s University spirit and pride with you. Our alumni change lives in boardrooms, classrooms, hospitals, courtrooms and communities worldwide. You now join their ranks and we can’t wait to see what you do,” Dr. O’Gere concluded.
After the distribution of degrees, S. Helen Kearney ’67, CSJ, Ph.D., delivered the benediction to end the ceremony.
