commencement 2021 A MESSAGE FROM Ninety-Seventh Commencement President Frank H. Wu THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021 | 9:00 IN THE MORNING VIRTUAL CELEBRATION | https://rebrand.ly/QC/2021Commencement PRESIDING Frank H. Wu, President of Queens College CHIEF MARSHAL Robert Engel, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry PROCESSIONAL Edward Elgar (arr. Claire Grundman), “Pomp and Circumstance” Brass Students from the Aaron Copland School of Music THE NATIONAL ANTHEM CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2021! EARNING YOUR my first Commencement this way, looking at you through my Amy Guarino MM’21 DEGREE IS NO EASY ACHIEVEMENT. It takes years of hard computer screen, I am excited for a new future that will be better work, dedication, and resiliency to graduate from Queens than the life we had before. We are approaching the end of this GREETINGS College. That is especially true for this year’s class. You have pandemic, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Queens The Honorable Charles Schumer, U.S. Senate Majority Leader had to endure challenges and obstacles that no other class in College has a vital role to play in the rebuilding process. I’m Grace Meng, U.S. Congresswoman Queens College history has ever faced. You’ve spent the past excited to be a part of that process. I know there are better days Toby Ann Stavisky, New York State Senator year learning remotely and overcoming challenges such as ahead. Nily Rozic, New York State Assemblymember adjusting to different teaching methods, being separated from Kathy Hochul, New York State Lieutenant Governor Donovan Richards, Queens Borough President your classmates, and even Zoom fatigue—all while you’ve As you receive your diploma today, you have a bright future James Gennaro, New York City Councilmember worried about the health and safety of yourself and loved ones ahead of you. A Queens College degree is a major step towards Kevin Kim, CUNY Board Trustee during the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ve missed out on some a successful and fulfilling career. As this chapter in your life The Honorable Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, Chancellor, City University of New York of the joys of college life this past year that you enjoyed earlier comes to a close, you turn the page to a new chapter filled with in your college experience, like spending time with classmates, unlimited possibilities. I know you will go on to do amazing GRADUATE ADDRESS attending a Knights sporting event, or just walking around the things while bringing to life the motto of Queens College: “We Anna Savva ’21 campus Quad on a beautiful spring afternoon when the cherry learn so that we may serve.” You will join the ranks of thousands trees are in full bloom. You’ve overcome all these challenges, of outstanding QC alumni before you who have helped to BLUE AND SILVER thrived despite these struggles, and come through on the other get you to this great milestone. Whatever career you choose, Queens College Alma Mater side stronger than ever. This makes your achievement today you will be armed with the leadership skills and knowledge Students from the Aaron Copland School of Music even more admirable. I commend all of you for persevering and you’ve gained while a student at Queens College. You are well Arranged by Professor Joel Mandelbaum earning your degree today. positioned to contribute your abilities to help improve conditions in our society. CONFERRING OF THE HONORARY DEGREES During the heart of the American Revolutionary War, it was Presented by Frank H. Wu, President of Queens College Thomas Paine, a founding father of the United States, who once I am proud of all you, and I hope to meet you all in person soon Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa wrote, “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. at a future homecoming or alumni gathering—or perhaps you Miriam Rafailovich What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; ‘tis dearness will choose to come back to QC to further your education. I only that gives everything its value. I love the [person] that can look forward to shaking your hand, chatting with you in person, CONFERRING OF THE QUEENS COLLEGE PRESIDENT’S MEDAL smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow and seeing the smile on your faces without the aid of a computer Presented by Frank H. Wu, President of Queens College brave by reflection.” screen. That day will be here before you know it. Adriano Espaillat Today, I commend you on the strength and bravery you Stay safe, stay strong, and be well. Congratulations once again COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS possessed to earn your Queens College degree. I join you in to the Class of 2021! You have certainly earned it! Adriano Espaillat celebrating with profound joy what is sure to be one of the great triumphs of your life. RECESSIONAL Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 1 in C, op. 21 (1800) performed by Queens College Orchestra This is my first Commencement as president of Queens College. Conducted by Professor Mark Powell, Director of Orchestral Studies, Aaron Copland School of Music While I certainly never imagined I would be presiding over 2 3 A MESSAGE FROM U.S. SENATOR A MESSAGE FROM U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN Charles E. Schumer Grace Meng 4 5 A MESSAGE FROM NEW YORK STATE SENATOR A MESSAGE FROM NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYMEMBER Toby Ann Stavisky Nily Rozic 6 7 A MESSAGE FROM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR A MESSAGE FROM QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT Kathryn Hochul Donovan Richards 8 9 A MESSAGE FROM NEW YORK CITY COUNCILMEMBER A MESSAGE FROM CUNY BOARD TRUSTEE James Gennaro Kevin Kim 10 11 A MESSAGE FROM CUNY CHANCELLOR Félix V. Matos Rodríguez 12 13 Miriam Rafailovich Adriano Espaillat Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa Queens College President’s Medal the National Science Foundation. The research performed at the Together with other U.S. representatives, you worked to pass Garcia Center is relevant to the development of cutting-edge more than 900 bills during the 116th Congress, including technologies across a diverse group of U.S. industries. bipartisan legislation to clean up government, defend access to affordable health care, lower prescription drug costs, respond to Each year, the center partners with Queens College for its annual the COVID-19 pandemic, invest in the nation’s infrastructure, Science Open House for High School Students, which welcomes and support policies for job creation and economic growth. hundreds of students to the Queens College campus and features You also introduced more than 40 bills and resolutions aimed at demonstrations and presentations from a wide range of sciences. helping small businesses become more competitive and recover The event has inspired thousands of students who dream of a from the pandemic, and at protecting the rights of immigrants. career in science. You previously were elected to the New York State Senate Your research has spanned a broad spectrum, which includes in 2010 where you served as the ranking member of the polymer nanocomposites for additive manufacturing, Senate Housing, Construction, and Community Development biopolymers, biosensors, tissue-engineering scaffolds, Committee; chairman of the Senate Puerto Rican/Latino Caucus; nanotoxicology, flame-retardant composites, and polymers for and a member of the Environmental Conservation, Economic green energy applications. Development, Codes, Insurance, and Judiciary committees. While a member of the New York State Assembly from A BRILLIANT SCIENTIST AND AN OUTSTANDING You are a pioneer in integrating research with education. AN EXEMPLARY ALUMNUS OF QUEENS COLLEGE, you 1997–2010, you chaired the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and MENTOR, you have performed groundbreaking research You have graduated more than 60 PhD and master’s students enrolled in the Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Program as an Asian Legislative Caucus, and committees on small business and throughout your storied career and have mentored generations and mentored several hundred undergraduate and high school undocumented immigrant, and since graduating with a political children and families. of future scientists. students from across the United States and abroad. On Long science degree in 1979, you have dedicated your career to public Island, you are celebrated for mentoring numerous high school service. Prior to your time in elected office, you worked for many worthy You received your PhD from Stony Brook University in applied students who advance to the semifinals and beyond in the causes, including as director of the Washington Heights Victims nuclear physics and did post-doctoral work at Brookhaven Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most For more than 25 years you have served our city, state, and Services Community Office, an organization offering counseling National Laboratory and the Weizmann Institute. Early in your prestigious pre-college science competition, previously known federal government. You are a champion for working- and and other services to families of victims of homicides and other career, you were an associate professor of physics and astronomy as the Intel Science Talent Search. You have co-authored more middle-class New Yorkers and an advocate for improving crimes, and as the director of Project Right Start, a national at Queens College. Now you are a distinguished professor at than 400 publications in peer-reviewed journals and technical educational opportunities and making smart investments in initiative aimed at combating substance abuse by educating the Stony Brook University in the Department of Materials Science review articles. economic development, infrastructure, and environmental parents of preschool children. You also served as the Manhattan and Engineering. You are also a Lady Davis Foundation Scholar protection. Court Services Coordinator for the New York City Criminal and a fellow of the American Physical Society. Your support has enriched the education of many students, and Justice Agency, a non-profit organization that provides legal you have been an ardent supporter of academic excellence.