The Sixty-Fourth Commencement Exercises Tuesday, May 18, 2021 2:00 PM at Palisades Credit Union Park
President Daly’s Message to the Class of 2021
STAC Class of 2021:
As my first-ever STAC graduating class, I would like to congratulate you on your graduation and thank you for the respect and resilience you have demonstrated this past year.
While the history books will document the devastating COVID health and economic impacts that have continued into 2021, I will always remember how my first graduating class navigated these challenges and safeguarded the entire STAC community. I will also remember how, together, we launched our Center for Social Justice and began to listen and learn from one another in our commitment to ensure that all voices are heard and that we become part of the solution in the turbulent days ahead.
As you now graduate, you immediately become my first-ever group of STAC alumni, so I look forward to supporting one another in our future journeys. Please know that my door is always open for career guidance ... grad school assistance ... alumni support ... or just to share stories and discuss how best to support one another and our future students.
My ask of you is that you remain active and loyal to STAC and that you always proudly represent the College and carry the “Spartan Torch.” My offer to you is to share the secret to fulfillment in life: always be your best self and support one another.
This mantra was embodied by Jackie Robinson, who said:
“A life is only important in the impact it has on others.”
I know you will be your best self ... and I know you will make an impact. You have made an impact on me ... and you have left an indelible mark here at the College.
Now, go forward, graduate, live your life to the fullest, and make a “STAC impact” throughout your life.
Warm Regards,
President Daly
The Commencement Program
INTRODUCTION Robert D. Murray, Ph.D. Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM By Francis Scott Key Matthew Ray Quinones
INVOCATION Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C., Ed.D. President Emerita
WELCOME Kenneth D. Daly President ~ Peter Skae Chair, Board of Trustees
THE COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS Philip O. Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D. President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine
PRESENTATION OF HONORARY DEGREE Philip O. Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D. Doctor of Public Service by Kenneth D. Daly
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES Robert D. Murray, Ph.D.
CONFERRING OF DEGREES Kenneth D. Daly
AWARDING OF DIPLOMAS
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES FOR THE DEGREES OF BACHELOR OF ARTS, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE, ASSOCIATE IN ARTS, AND FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE Heath Bowen, Ph.D. Dean ~ SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Michael J. Murphy Dean ~ SCHOOL OF EDUCATION FOR THE DEGREES OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION AND FOR THE DEGREES OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION, MASTER OF SCIENCE IN TEACHING, AND THE POST MASTERS PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE Meenakshi Gajria, Ph.D. Dean ~
COMPLETION OF HONORS PROGRAM OF STUDY Ryan D. Wynne, Ph.D. Director, Honors Program Suzanne Renee Clarke, Kayla Cobelli, Sarah Louise Colotti, Nghi Thanh Bao Dang, Samantha Nicole Davila, Nicholas Austin DiPietro, Mary Elizabeth Dristle, Ibrahim Elayan, Gianna Philomena Galu, Timothy William Henion, Abigaile Therese Kimbrell, Kevin Thomas Lynch, Rebecca MacLeod, Christina Carla Maretzo, Niamh Ellen McKevitt, Daniel Alan Monarchi, Mekenzi R. Moreau, Jessica Amanda Moro, Alyssa Noelle Ponella, Morgan Helena Santora, Rachel Leah Spagnola, Jason Wai-Sing Tom ~
COMPLETION OF AQUINAS LEADERS PROGRAM Mary Vota Director, Student Success Harrison V. Amicucci, Michelle Nicole Arico, Danielle Anna Cajou, Joseph Daniel Carlone, Thomas Edward Carty, Giselle Castro, Lauren Jennifer Conti, Matthew T. Domville, Thomas Jonathan Gardner, Jade Alexis Hall, Lillyann Hansen, Kyle T. Kondracki, Anthony Michael Malfitano, Camille Rose Martinez, Victoria Ann McNamara, Alina Isabella Peña, Elise Oliande, Felicity Erica Popovich, Alexandra Rose Presti, Matthew Ray Quinones, Michael Robert Sakmann, Andrea Rose Saladino, Amanda Nicole Sturm, Taylor Brooke Trinidad
REMARKS FOR THE CLASS OF 2021 Niamh Ellen McKevitt Salutatorian ~ Daniel Alan Monarchi Valedictorian
PRESENTATION OF THE CLASS SERVICE AWARDS Kirk A. Manning, Ed.D. Vice President and Dean for Student Development
GOLD KEY SERVICE AWARD Michael Paul Gonoud Abagaile Therese Kimbrell Samuel Harris Naveran Matthew Ray Quinones
SILVER KEY SERVICE AWARD Nicholas Austin DiPietro Mary Elizabeth Dristle Gianna Philomena Galu Hayley Nicole Kousoulas Kristina Nicole Lodato Christina Carla Maretzo George Meizah Nkrumah Michael James Rappo Alexandra Rose Presti Sadiki E. St. George Paige Louise Toothaker
THE TERENCE CARDINAL COOKE AWARD Awarded annually to a student who has demonstrated outstanding and meritorious service. Anabel Garcia
PRESENTATION OF THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Robert D. Murray, Ph.D.
THE JON ROBERTS AWARD Awarded annually to the highest academic excellence in the field of Literary Studies. Felicity Erica Popovich
THE SISTER REGINA ROSAIRE DOLAN AWARD Awarded annually for highest academic excellence in the School of Education graduate program. Taylor Marie Gorman
THE FRANCIS CARDINAL SPELLMAN AWARD Awarded annually for highest academic excellence in the undergraduate program. Hayley Nicole Kousoulas Daniel Alan Monarchi
THE BETTY LASALA AWARD Awarded annually for highest academic excellence in the Sciences. Abagaile Therese Kimbrell
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BENEDICTION Rabbi Daniel Pernick Campus Ministry
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MUSIC PROVIDED BY Imperial Brass Quintet
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
Philip Ozuah, MD, PhD President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine
Philip Ozuah, MD, PhD, is the President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine, the umbrella organization for the 11 hospitals and over 200 outpatient ambulatory sites of Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. A nationally recognized physician, leader, executive, researcher, teacher and author, Dr. Ozuah leads a healthcare system that performs more than six million patient interactions a year. He previously served as President of Montefiore Health System, Professor and University Chairman of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Physician-in-Chief of the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM).
Throughout his career, Dr. Ozuah has worked to expand access to health care for underserved communities, recruited and cultivated outstanding talent, advanced programs of excellence, fostered innovations in medical education, and improved financial and operational performance by integrating care across a rapidly growing and evolving Montefiore system that sees over six million patient interactions a year. Under his leadership, Montefiore Health System’s specialties ranked in the top 1 percent of the nation’s hospitals, and CHAM was recognized as one of “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” according to U.S. News & World Report.
Dr. Ozuah has been recognized locally and nationally for excellence in teaching and patient care, including as an inductee into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and a two-time recipient of the Academic Pediatric Association’s prestigious Helfer Award for Innovation in Medical Education. Along with his various awards for teaching and clinical excellence, Dr. Ozuah has also been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the “Top 25 COOs in Healthcare.”
Dr. Ozuah earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Southern California and a PhD in Educational Leadership and Administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He completed his Pediatric Internship and Residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore, and his Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Medical Education at the University of Southern California School of Medicine.
Today, Dr. Ozuah will receive the Honorary Doctor of Public Service from St. Thomas Aquinas College.
THE CLASS OF 2021
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Gerald L. Abillar Bridget N. Duarte Alex Mack Management Management Sport Administration With Distinction Amanda Theresa Agro Michael Robert Morgan Management Jennifer Kris Farrell Finance Marketing Daniela Lucia Bronson Caroline Scala General Kaitlyn Anne Gee General General With Distinction Matthew James Corsie Management Tyler Himmelfarb Frank J. Schiavone With Distinction General Finance With Distinction Daniel Patrick Cremin Shannon Marie Thompson Marketing Gregory Thomas Iannicelli General Marketing With Distinction Anthony Joseph Culhane With Distinction Finance Oscar D. Velasquez Tyler Robert Kopac Marketing Laura Ashley DeLorenzo Finance Management With Distinction Brian Patrick Lacey Management
MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
John Fazal Bhatti Molly Rose Conner Jonathan Meaney Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Criminal Justice
Meaghan Kathleen Burke Mindy R. Elkins Tyiana Marrie Nunez Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Criminal Justice With Distinction Joy A. Gallagher Criminal Justice
POST MASTERS PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION Erin Nicole Albin Anthony Michael Mancino Kristen M. McLaughlin Literacy Literacy Literacy
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION
Juliana Marie Brown Taylor Marie Gorman Dena Elaina Pallogudis Special Education Special Education Special Education With Distinction With Distinction Ciara Mary Donohue Special Education Mikaila Elizabeth Hulse Melissa Ann Peters With Distinction Special Education Literacy With Distinction Francesca Fanelli Sarah Patricia Lawler-Urso Literacy Special Education Gina Marie Velardi Literacy Donald Foley Jillian Bridget Lynch Special Education Special Education Gabrielle S. Voorhees With Distinction Special Education Brianna Rose Garcia Special Education Lauren Nicole Orta Special Education
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN TEACHING
Heba V. Abdou Michelle Jennie Macalena Olivia M. Payne Childhood / Special Education Childhood / Special Education Adolescence Education With Distinction Students with Disabilities / Biology Roseanne Marciano With Distinction Christopher Carroll Childhood / Special Education Adolescence Education With Distinction Lisa Nicole Poquette Students with Disabilities / Art Adolescence Education Students With Distinction Kyle McDonald with Disabilities / Art Adolescence Education With Distinction Judith Lillian Collins Students with Disabilities / English Adolescence Education Kara Anne Marie Quinn Students with Disabilities / Physics Ashley Marie McPherson Adolescence Education With Distinction Childhood / Special Education Students with Disabilities / Chemistry Danielle Nicole D’Ambrozio Shayna Anne Meehan With Distinction Childhood / Special Education Adolescence Education With Distinction Students with Disabilities / Melanie Rodriguez Social Studies Childhood Education Kathleen Mary Dougherty With Distinction Students with Disabilities / Art Childhood / Special Education With Distinction With Distinction Jacqueline Marie Morris Childhood / Special Education Lisa Ellen Ross Justine Marie Gizzi With Distinction Childhood / Special Education Adolescence Education With Distinction Students with Disabilities / John Austin Muldoon Mathematics Adolescence Education Victoria Ann Rousseau With Distinction Students with Disabilities / Childhood / Special Education Social Studies With Distinction Michael Christopher Goff Childhood / Special Education Patrick Joseph Muscari Michael Lawrence Rufo Adolescence Education Childhood / Special Education Daniela Gonzalez Students with Disabilities / Adolescence Education Earth Science Kelly Anne Sheridan Students with Disabilities / Spanish Childhood / Special Education Kayla Dee Nash With Distinction Brittany Carol Lilos Adolescence Education Adolescence Education Students with Disabilities / Valentina Valencia Valladares Students with Disabilities / Biology Social Studies Adolescence Education With Distinction Students with Disabilities / Amanda Nicole Nicastro Mathematics Sean M. Lockhart Adolescence Education With Distinction Adolescence Education Students with Disabilities / Biology Students with Disabilities / Physics With Distinction Sarah Joan Vela With Distinction Adolescence Education / English Suzannah Panaro With Distinction Katlynn J. Ludwig Adolescence Education Childhood / Special Education Students with Disabilities / With Distinction Social Studies
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Raymond Daniel Amato Callie Noelle Ecay Jennifer Orozco Communication Arts Art Therapy Art Therapy Summa Cum Laude Sydney A. Appelbaum Patrick Anthony Owens History Stephen Richard Finkel Communication Arts Communication Arts Michael Thomas Babington Sport Management Studies Minor Pamela Maria Peralta Communication Arts Communication Arts Leanna Paige Gallagher Marketing Minor Madeline Quinn Buechli Communication Arts Communication Arts Ryan Patrick Quinlan Michael Francis Gavin Communication Arts Marina Elisa Caceres Communication Arts Education Minor Philosophy / Religious Studies Summa Cum Laude Danielle Rene Gentile Joseph Silverio Ruotolo English Communication Arts Kristi Carmen Calvaire Biology Minor English Emma Mae Sheedy Magna Cum Laude Jennyfer Huerta Communication Arts English Public Relations Minor Alison Patricia Cassidy Education Minor Social Media Minor Art Therapy Magna Cum Laude Daniel Timothy Johnson Sofiia Shutko Communication Arts History Giselle Castro Marketing Minor Visual Art Sadiki E. St. George Derek Thomas Kelly Communication Arts Jessica Grey Crofoot Communication Arts English Gabriella Testa Anthony Lulgjuraj English Lucas De Freitas Guimaraes Communication Arts Communication Arts Sean Thomas Trapp Marketing Minor Niamh Ellen McKevitt Communication Arts History Taylor Ann Drain Economics Minor Jade Alexis Westhoven Art Therapy Summa Cum Laude Visual Art
Connor Durkin George Meizah Nkrumah Johan Joseph Worum Communication Arts Art Therapy Art / K-12 Certification Communication Arts Minor Summa Cum Laude
Kelly J. Nicholson Communication Arts
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Carly Angel Agresta Dante Brown Kristen Lauren Chiarella Social Sciences Sport Management Studies Educational Studies Performing Arts Minor Summa Cum Laude Alexander J. Bruen Sung Min Cho Criminal Justice Management Osman Ahsan Magna Cum Laude Finance Daniel Patrick Burke Sport Management Studies Roberto Martin Chong Maura Homayoun Alidad Cum Laude Management Accounting Patrick Thomas Burns Suzanne Renee Clarke Harrison V. Amicucci Sport Management Studies Accounting Sport Management Studies International Business Minor Alexandra Cacciola Summa Cum Laude Andres Fernando Aponte Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Kayla Cobelli Dionna Marie Caiati Management Ysabel Aquino Diaz Psychology Psychology Minor Educational Studies Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude
Alyssa Marie Armandi Thomas Cameron Rachel Sydney Cohen Psychology Criminal Justice Biology Forensic Psychology Minor Thomas Backmon Cum Laude David F. Collado Criminal Justice Psychology Brandon Robert Cangro Justin Thomas Baeyens Sport Management Studies Siobhan Mary Collins Criminal Justice Educational Studies Anthony Raul Cannella Alvaro Barranco Computer Science Sarah Louise Colotti Finance Magna Cum Laude Exercise Science
Gianna Elizabeth Bavuso Nicholas Anthony Capote Lauren Jennifer Conti Social Sciences Management Marketing Management Minor Josten Beato Christian R. Cardona Magna Cum Laude Computer Science Accounting / Finance Cum Laude Crystalyn Yoanny Contreras Shaun Michael Benson Educational Studies Social Sciences / Adolescence Joseph Daniel Carlone Education Computer Science Angelica Cortez Magna Cum Laude Criminal Justice Vincent A. Berretto, III Creative Writing Minor Sport Management Studies Anthony John Carpentieri Social Sciences / Adolescence Daniel John Costello Yash Kamal Bhagat Education Social Sciences Biology Spanish Minor Thomas Edward Carty Magna Cum Laude Josef Karlos V. Bitanga Social Sciences / Adolescence Educational Studies Education Julia Crespo Magna Cum Laude Educational Studies Kevin Raymond Celestin Jonathan Breyer Criminal Justice Kameron Cruz Finance Psychology Minor Sport Management Studies Magna Cum Laude Luke Aren Broderick Elizabeth Czerwinski Criminal Justice Nathan Richard Celestin Educational Studies Forensic Psychology Minor Management Nghi Thanh Bao Dang Andrew Patrick Brooks Jonnathan Cepeda Psychology Sport Management Studies Sport Management Studies Forensic Psychology Minor Marketing Minor Cum Laude Kimberly Erin Chiarella Educational Studies
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Samantha Nicole Davila Nicholas Flannery Henry Erskine Hawkins Social Sciences Visual Communications in Natural Sciences / Chemistry Magna Cum Laude Graphic Design Adolescence Education
Nicole DeGraw Tim Theodorus Martinus Fleerkamp Emily Ann Hayden Accounting Finance Marketing Management Minor Nicholas Diamond Cum Laude Aaliyah Hemmings Computer Science Educational Studies Joseph Frias Christopher Diaz Computer Science Timothy William Henion Computer Science Finance Nikole Alila Gabriel Economics Minor Alexandra DiNardo Natural Sciences / Biology Magna Cum Laude Educational Studies Summa Cum Laude Bodhi T. Gallo Maria de Lourdes Henriquez Marketing Educational Studies Michela Pilla DiPietrantonio Cum Laude Marketing Gianna Philomena Galu Biology Katherine Hilario Severino Matthew T. Domville Psychology Minor Criminal Justice Biology / Adolescence Education Psychology Minor Cum Laude Anabel Garcia Psychology Daniel George Intrator Mary Elizabeth Dristle Business Administration Minor Criminal Justice Biology / Psychology Cum Laude Sergio Garcia-Santamarina Martin Leighana Guo Zhen Jagow Sport Management Studies Educational Studies Joel Duran Management Ryan Michael Gardner Jeanine Jamal Computer Science Criminal Justice Peter Sebastian Dutan Criminal Justice Thomas Jonathan Gardner Melvin John Forensic Psychology Minor Mathematics Computer Science Physics Minor Cum Laude Anne Gabrielle Katherine Earthman Education Minor Criminal Justice Summa Cum Laude Juvonte Joseph Johnson Psychology / Criminal Justice Ibrahim Elayan Skylar Jeanne Gibb Biology Psychology Matthew Nicholas Johnson Magna Cum Laude Criminal Justice Minor Marketing Cum Laude James Patrick English Jisa Maria Jose Exercise Science Michael Paul Gonoud Computer Science Sport Management Studies Summa Cum Laude Jason Steven Enriquez Marketing Jasmine Ivette Gonzalez Patrick Jude Kennedy Social Media Minor Marketing Criminal Justice Cum Laude Manuel Ralph Gutierrez Abagaile Therese Kimbrell Kiarra Renee Facey Computer Science Natural Sciences Visual Communications in Biology Minor Graphic Design Jade Alexis Hall Summa Cum Laude Public Relations Minor Biology Dylan T. Klock Timothy Faranda Casey Ann Hannon Criminal Justice Marketing Criminal Justice Psychology Minor Patrick Knapp Jenna Nicole Feinberg Marketing Marketing Lillyann Hansen Biology Kyle T. Kondracki Sean Daniel Flaherty Magna Cum Laude Management Hospitality Management Summa Cum Laude Kevin Robert Hargrove Zachary Paul Kronenberg Sport Management Studies Educational Studies Katie Mary Flanagan Psychology Chelsea Breeze Harrison Education Minor Criminal Justice
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Kyle LaGrutta Kevin A. Meredith Paul Matthew Pesenti Management Criminal Justice Educational Studies
James Lang Daniel Alan Monarchi Maximillian Joseph Peterson Marketing Social Sciences / Adolescence Management Education Dylan Michael Leahy Summa Cum Laude Ashley Michelle Pirrera Sport Management Studies Criminal Justice Odalis Monge Gutierrez Franklin Liriano Psychology Kaylee Pistner Marketing Forensic Psychology Minor Exercise Science Psychology Minor Valerie Lopez Irene Elizabeth Montchal Psychology Biology Salvatore Francis Pizzolo Cum Laude Criminal Justice Brandon Reid Morales Rebecca MacLeod Accounting Alyssa Noelle Ponella Biology Accounting / Finance Summa Cum Laude Mekenzi R. Moreau Summa Cum Laude Mathematics / Adolescence Evert David Magana Education Felicity Erica Popovich Mathematics Magna Cum Laude Psychology / English Summa Cum Laude Aljaz Mak Nicholas James Moro Hospitality Management Computer Science Alexandra Rose Presti Anthony Michael Malfitano Kevin Joseph Mulgrew Criminal Justice Exercise Science Criminal Justice Computer Information Psychology Minor Science Minor Kaitlin Michelle Malin Magna Cum Laude Psychology Stephanie Muserlian Communication Arts Minor Criminal Justice Emily Preston Forensic Psychology Minor Exercise Science Christina Carla Maretzo Sociology Minor Social Sciences / Adolescence Michelle Dareya Previtali Education Samuel Harris Naveran Therapeutic Recreation Psychology Minor Sport Management Studies Summa Cum Laude Matthew Ray Quinones Lauren Nicole Nobilione Sport Management Studies Michael S. Marron Educational Studies Performing Arts Minor Management Summa Cum Laude Hospitality Management Minor Maura Ann Nolan Criminal Justice Michael James Rappo Camile Rose Martinez Magna Cum Laude Social Sciences / Adolescence Psychology Education Art Therapy Minor Kyle Roland Norbeck Magna Cum Laude Exercise Science Samantha Reyes Criminal Justice Joelle Martino Aslin Serena Nunez Educational Studies Sport Management Studies Timothy Connor Rockey Marketing Christopher K. McAvoy Lily Meg O'Brien Criminal Justice Liberal Arts & Sciences Camilo R. Rodriguez Magna Cum Laude Mathematics John P. McCarter Educational Studies Jean Raymond Occil Brayan Antonio Rodriguez Mathematics Sport Management Studies Samantha Nicole McDonald Educational Studies Elise Oliande Cassandra Michaela Rohr Psychology Visual Communications in Ryan McKenna Graphic Design Criminal Justice Pennie Panagiotou Marketing Minor Communication Arts Minor Educational Studies Summa Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Ryan John McManus Sport Management Studies Jessica Elizabeth Pearson Magna Cum Laude Educational Studies
Connor Charles McMorrow Alina Isabella Peña Finance Psychology
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Christopher Roldan Mahmoud Shidid Casandra Torres Management Computer Science Criminal Justice
Justin Richard Rosenberg Michael Morahan Shine Krystle Ann Torres Psychology Marketing Educational Studies
John Ryan Belen A. Shinin Kimberly Travezano Social Sciences Accounting Educational Studies
James William Ryan Travis Devon Short Taylor Brooke Trinidad Marketing Management Accounting Social Media Minor Sarah Ann Skinner Jadyn Nicole Vargas Madelyn Kay Sabatino Psychology Psychology Psychology Erica Marie Smith Naomi Anais Ozoria Vasquez Michael Robert Sakmann Marketing Psychology Computer Science Biology Minor Magna Cum Laude Georgia Caroline Smith Exercise Science James Anthony Verdicchio Arielle Meredith Salmon Sport Management Studies Minor Exercise Science Therapeutic Recreation Sport Management Studies Minor Alexandra Squillaro Magna Cum Laude Jason Moises Salva Exercise Science Exercise Science James Thomas Versage, Jr. Emily Rose Staub Social Sciences Diana Sanchez Educational Studies Computer Science Magna Cum Laude Paul Voigt Finance Yessenia Santana Matthew Stevens Economics Minor Psychology Mathematics / Adolescence International Business Minor Education Summa Cum Laude Morgan Helena Santora Mathematics / Natural Sciences Stavros Strati Ryan Walsh Computer Science Minor Exercise Science Sport Management Studies
Federico Scaglioni Amanda Nicole Sturm Erin R. Weidel Finance Psychology / Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Summa Cum Laude Magna Cum Laude Christina Lisette Willems Nicholas Scarangello Kanchai Surinarintr Psychology Finance Social Sciences Summa Cum Laude Marketing Minor John Anthony Schewerer Michelle Joanne Winter Criminal Justice Carter E. Taylor Hospitality Management Forensic Psychology Minor Sport Management Studies Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Rachel Lauren Schneider Taulant Xhakli Psychology Zachary Teats Computer Science Criminal Justice Minor Criminal Justice Forensic Psychology Minor Annissia Ayaila Olivia Young Samantha Nicole Schulok Psychology Psychology Michael Thomas Tighe Criminal Justice Minor Marketing Jennifer Juliana Zeas Magna Cum Laude Psychology Jason Wai-Sing Tom Criminal Justice Minor Amanda Marie Schweitzer Forensic Science Therapeutic Recreation Magna Cum Laude
Jaren Paul Scott Paige Louise Toothaker Psychology Psychology Sport Management Studies Minor Criminal Justice Minor Biology Minor Tyler John Senatore Summa Cum Laude Sport Management Studies
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION
Michelle Nicole Arico Ethan V. Goya Julia Elizabeth Michalak Childhood / Special Education Childhood Education Childhood Education English History Science & Technology
Magna Cum Laude Danielle Anna Cajou Natalie Anne Kavanagh Childhood Education Childhood Education Emily Paige Millman Mathematics English Childhood Education
English Anastasia Creighton Hayley Nicole Kousoulas Magna Cum Laude Childhood Education Childhood Education English English Jessica Amanda Moro Cum Laude Summa Cum Laude Childhood Education
Social Science Nicholas Austin DiPietro Haley Ann Leiter Summa Cum Laude Childhood Education Childhood Education History English Dolores Anna Rinaldi Summa Cum Laude Early Childhood / Childhood
Jessica A. Ligeiro Education Fiona Elizabeth Donohue Childhood Education English Childhood Education Mathematics English Cum Laude Arielle S. Rodriguez Summa Cum Laude Childhood Education
Kristina Nicole Lodato Mathematics Allison Eliopoulos Childhood Education Cum Laude Childhood Education English Social Science Caeleigh Alanna Ryan Summa Cum Laude Kevin Thomas Lynch Childhood Education
Childhood Education History Cheyenne Rose Ferreri Science & Technology Cum Laude Early Childhood / Childhood
Education Meghan Colleen McCarren Andrea Rose Saladino English Childhood Education Childhood / Special Education
Social Science English Lauren Annette Fontana Summa Cum Laude Childhood Education Jordan Schofield Social Science Victoria Ann McNamara Childhood Education Cum Laude Childhood Education Social Science
Mathematics Magna Cum Laude Sheila Kate Gilmartin Magna Cum Laude Early Childhood / Childhood Rachel Leah Spagnola Education Childhood Education English Science & Technology
Magna Cum Laude
ASSOCIATE IN ARTS
Ethan Asch Dominick John Pisano Humanities & Social Science Humanities & Social Science
ALMA MATER written by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
Lead us safely Alma Mater Through the tumult of the world Prove a citadel and shield us With the truths that you’ve unfurled.
Chorus To St. Thomas sing our anthem Let the mighty portals hold Echoes ringing our allegiance In refrain our trust is told.
Yours is spirit never dying Radiant Scion of great love Yours is courage never fading With a wisdom from above.
Academic Heraldry
The caps, gowns, and hoods worn at college and university functions date back to the Middle Ages. The hood gives color and distinction to the academic costume. The hood—a black shell-like affair of varying size for the three degrees—is lined, stressing the colors of the institution conferring the degree. The hood is then bordered with velvet (2” for Bachelor hood, 3” for Master and 5” for Doctor) of the color signifying the respective fields of learning.
The College President will wear St. Thomas Aquinas College’s academic regalia. Maroon and gold are the St. Thomas Aquinas colors. Some of the institutional colors to be seen at this academic ceremony are: Boston University, scarlet and white; Catholic University, lemon yellow with white chevron; University of Chicago, maroon and white; City University of New York, blue and orange; Columbia, light blue with white chevron; Fordham, maroon; George Washington University, lemon yellow and dark blue; Harvard, crimson; New York University, violet; Notre Dame University, gold and blue; Ohio State, scarlet and gray; Rutgers University, scarlet; St. John’s University, bright red with white chevron; The University of Pennsylvania, red and blue; The University of the State of New York, purple and gold; Yale University, blue.
The student population at St. Thomas Aquinas College is becoming increasingly diverse and multicultural. Exemplifying that diversity, candidates for our degrees have come from Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, Trinidad, and the United Kingdom.
Latin Honors for Academic Performance
Like most colleges and universities, St. Thomas Aquinas College observes the great tradition of recognizing students who have an overall record of high academic achievement by granting what many call “Latin Honors” on Commencement Day. To be so honored, students must have earned 60 credits or more at St. Thomas Aquinas College, have never received any grade lower than a C, and have the appropriate Grade Point Average for the level of honors.
The Academic Latin Honors Cum Laude (With Honor) means the student is graduating with an overall Grade Point Average of 3.50 or higher. Magna Cum Laude (With High Honor) means the student is graduating with an overall Grade Point Average of 3.65 or higher. Summa Cum Laude (With Highest Honor) means the student is graduating with an overall Grade Point Average of 3.80 or higher.
St. Thomas Aquinas College enrolls approximately 2,000 full and part time students. Undergraduates enroll in over 100 programs offered in three schools: The School of Arts & Sciences; The School of Business; and The School of Education, with plans to launch a school for STEM. The College offers Honors Program students a 70% tuition scholarship, which usually provides students with a Summer Study experience at The University of Oxford in England which has been halted at this time until conditions are safe. In addition, there are several study-abroad opportunities and strategic alliances designed to offer expanded opportunities for students.
Further, St. Thomas Aquinas College offerings include a Master of Science in Education, a Master of Science in Teaching, and a Post Masters Certificate in Education. The College offers a Master of Business Administration program, including an online MBA program, a Master of Public Administration in Criminal Justice Administration, a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Education, and an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science degree, the latter two offered at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. St. Thomas Aquinas College is also the host for a Master of Science in Social Work offered by New York University.
When safe, St. Thomas Aquinas College offers study abroad in Ireland, Italy, Hungary, France, Spain, Canada, England, Brazil, and Japan. The College's 72-acre campus includes modern buildings and classrooms, including the Fitzpatrick Village 500 Residence Hall, which features 36 two-person bedrooms with a large common area on each of the two floors. The College’s administrative and academic buildings feature state-of-the-art classrooms, faculty offices for business and education, and executive offices. The Spartan Athletic Complex facility hosts our women’s softball, lacrosse and men’s and women’s soccer programs and serves as a practice facility for activities year-round.
St. Thomas Aquinas College Mission St. Thomas Aquinas College is an independent liberal arts college, which provides education at the undergraduate and graduate levels for students from all traditions. In continuing its Catholic heritage and the spirit of its founders, the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill, the College is committed to the principle of enlightening the mind through truth, as exemplified by Thomas Aquinas, and to the Classical and Judeo-Christian ideals which have contributed to the development of humanity. Accordingly, the College is dedicated to the development of each student consistent with the individual's resolve to work and ability to achieve.
Consistent with its commitments, the College requires each undergraduate to attain a broad foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. The College provides a range of undergraduate majors and graduate programs to assist students to prepare for careers or for further education through a sharper focus in a major field of study. The College creates a welcoming, caring, and challenging environment for learning. Intensely student-centered academic activities and vigorous student-life programs are purposefully combined to enhance the educational process and to foster intellectual, moral, social, and spiritual growth.
Within this environment, St. Thomas Aquinas College assists each student in the effort to develop as an articulate and independent member of society, who uses a reasoned approach to all issues, who strives to become a responsible citizen and leader in shaping the diverse world community, who lives in a manner exemplifying the principles of service, mutual respect, and individual responsibility, and who appreciates the value of learning as a life-long endeavor. The College Seal The Dominican Sisters adopted as the College motto: “Illuminare Mentem Per Veritatem” — “To Enlighten the Mind Through Truth.”
For its escutcheon, they used the shield of the Dominicans overlaid with a smaller shield containing symbols related to St. Thomas and the Dominican Order. The torch symbolized the light of truth; the sunburst reflects the great light spread by St. Thomas: the star symbolizes the radiance that shone from St. Dominic; and the crown is emblematic of the Queen of the Holy Rosary. Since 1952, St. Thomas Aquinas College has been serving the needs of the community by providing advanced education in the liberal arts tradition. Within the framework of our Judeo-Christian values, we have striven for an atmosphere of mutual understanding, concern, and cooperation.
Today, as we celebrate Commencement, we reflect on our heritage and our dynamic growth, which that heritage has inspired.
A U.S. News & World Report Top Tier Institution 125 Route 340, Sparkill, NY 10976 | 845.398.4100 www.stac.edu