Master of Social Work (MSW) students had their moment to shine during the second annual pinning ceremony and graduation celebration at St. Joseph’s University, New York.
Hosted on Wednesday, May 14, a week prior to the University’s 106th official commencement ceremony, the intimate event was held in the McGann Conference Center and recognized this year’s graduating class for their persistence and commitment during their time at SJNY.
The McGann Conference Center was filled with proud friends, family and faculty.
Jo Anne Durovich, Ph.D., LMSW, associate professor of social work and director of the master of social work program on the Long Island campus, organized and guided the evening’s arrangements.
Greetings and introductions were handled by LaQuetta Solomon, DSW, LCSW, an assistant teaching professor in SJNY’s master of social work program.
“You are the second class to graduate from this program, which means you are not just social workers,” Solomon told the students. “You all are trailblazers. You all are change agents, and we are honored and privileged to have you amongst the alumni of this social work program.”
After welcome remarks from Dr. Durovich, Special Assistant to the President and Professor of Adult Education Tom Travis, Ph.D., addressed the audience of students and their families.
MSW student Diana Mejia was presented with the Kevin Noonan, Jr. Foundation Scholarship by the organization’s president, Kevin Noonan, MBA.
The Foundation, created in memory of Noonan’s son, was established during the MSW program’s inaugural year at the University.
Diana Mejia (center) was the recipient of the Kevin Noonan, Jr. Foundation Scholarship.
“My condolences go out to Mr. Noonan and his family. I greatly thank him for his generosity and supporting my dream in becoming a social worker. Many in this room know how hard the struggle is and every bit of support is valued,” said Mejia.
Dawn Shedrick, LCSW, Suffolk division director of the National Association of Social Workers, delivered the ceremony’s keynote address, speaking on the importance of social work and what graduates could soon expect to experience in the field.
Before a room of proud and teary-eyed supporters, this year’s graduates were presented with their honorary pins by MSW faculty and recited the social work professional oath.
Jo Anne Durovich, Ph.D., and LaQuetta Solomon, DSW, LCSW present students with their pins.
SJNY’s 2025 MSW graduates include: Madeline Amzler, Clyde Barton, Alexandra DeWitt, Rhianna Diamond, Stephanie Kneessy, Cara LaGala, Eileen Conway, Mia Martinez, Claire Messina, Rose Marie Oliviero, Julia Peragallo, Marissa Perez and Kate Yanza.
It was not only a special night for graduates and their friends and family, but for faculty as well. In addition to seeing students graduate, attendees congratulated Adriana Silva, LCSW, a field study director and teaching instructor at SJNY, who was promoted and will be starting her new position as an assistant teaching professor at SJNY in the fall.
