The Long Island Campus at St. Joseph’s University, New York celebrated its seniors with a special Toast to the Graduates event, hosted by the Office of Student Involvement, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement on Thursday, April 21, in the John A. Danzi Athletic Center.
During the evening’s celebrations, students heard from Long Island Campus valedictorian Taylor Hanscom; president of the Long Island Alumni Board Melissa Henn Michaud ’01; and Long Island Campus Executive Dean Eileen White Jahn, Ph.D., who shared a special toast to the graduates.
“Although we are graduates of St. Joseph’s, our journey down the learning pathway will continue indefinitely, to be the light of our future,” Hanscom, a Nursing major with a 3.95 GPA and president of Project Sunshine, said to fellow members of the Class of 2022. “I encourage you to remain curious, innovative and a lifelong learner — to embrace new opportunities, and to never close a door before it opens.”
This year’s Donald R. Boomgaarden Leadership in Action Award was also presented to Long Island Campus recipient Brooke Shellman by St. Joseph’s Board of Trustees member Susan Somerville ’90, R.N.
“This award is a recognition of Dr. Boomgaarden’s leadership on behalf of the board,” said Somerville, vice president of strategic initiatives for Northwell Health’s eastern region. “The award was created to recognize leadership in a student.”
Shellman, a Biology major with a 3.9 GPA, was an active member of the University community throughout her time here, demonstrating leadership through her involvement in the Biology and Chemistry Clubs, the Nicaragua Project, the Sustainability Committee and as founder and president of the Green Team. She was also the recipient of this year’s Francis W. Antonawich Memorial Award for Environmental Stewardship.
Snapshots from the Toast to the Graduates
