Members of Adelphi’s Class of 2024 celebrated their accomplishments surrounded by family and friends at the University’s 128th Commencement ceremony on May 21 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
Beginning their Adelphi journey in 2020, many of this year’s graduating class spent the first year of their college careers virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the in-person Commencement celebration extra special.
This year, Adelphi held two Commencement ceremonies: one for undergraduates and one for graduate students. Each ceremony featured a keynote speech delivered by an honorary degree recipient as well as addresses by University administration and student class presidents.
Adelphi graduates celebrating at the 128th Commencement ceremony.
President Christine M. Riordan conferred the degrees of Adelphi’s Class of 2024 (graduate and undergraduate students) who hail from 34 states and 37 countries. The oldest member of this year’s class is 61 years old and the youngest is 17.
In her welcoming address, President Riordan told graduates to believe in their ability to be extraordinary. “You have already shown remarkable resilience, creativity and dedication,” she said. “As you embark on your journey, continue to expect extraordinary from yourselves and from life. Congratulations, Class of 2024. Your hard work has paid off, and now, the world is waiting for you.”
The national anthem was sung by three graduating seniors: Lara Campanella ’24, Mallory Clark ’24 and Joy DelGiorno ’24.
Among students graduating this year, approximately 1,076 undergraduate degrees and five undergraduate certificates were awarded, along with 862 graduate degrees and 131 graduate certificates. In a Doctoral Hooding ceremony held on May 20 at the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center (PAC) on the Garden City campus, 52 doctorates were conferred.
Senior Class President Kennie Dionisio ’24, a computer science major, communications minor and proud first-generation college student, addressed his fellow graduates, reminding them of the significance of their hard work and perseverance. “For the past four years, Adelphi University has given us a plethora of experiences to reminisce upon. And despite the circumstances we collectively faced in 2020, I am proud to say that we overcame so many obstacles and are finally getting the proper graduation ceremony we deserve,” said Dionisio, who received a President’s Student Leadership Award this year. “Your futures are bright, so whatever path you take, hold on to that perseverance that brought you to this point today. No matter what life throws at you, you can do anything you set your mind to.”
At the undergraduate ceremony, Eduardo Vilaro ’85, artistic director and chief executive officer of Ballet Hispánico, received an honorary doctorate and addressed the Class of 2024. In his speech Vilaro, a proud first-generation college graduate, born in Cuba and raised in New York, reflected on the profound impact of his Adelphi education as a dance major and reminded graduates of the true meaning of success. “Remember, success is not measured by the size of your paycheck, the followers on your site, handle or stream, or the number of accolades on your shelf—it is measured by the lives you touch, the hearts you inspire and the legacy you leave behind,” said Vilaro. “True success lies in finding your power and standing firmly in it and then passing it forward.”
President of Adelphi’s Graduate Student Council Alexa Amato ’24 addressed her fellow class members at the graduate Commencement ceremony. Amato, an education major going on to teach in New York City public schools, spoke about the resilience of the Class of 2024 and the potential they have to achieve anything they dream. “As we look back on our time at Adelphi, let us remember the obstacles we’ve overcome and take pride in how far we’ve come,” Amato said in her address. “Through the challenges, I remained steadfast, fueled by the people I met and the experiences I encountered, all of which shaped me into a better person and a future educator. It is through adversity that we truly grow, and it is through perseverance that we achieve greatness.”
Patrick O’Shaughnessy, DO, MBA ’13, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Health, delivered the address at the graduate student ceremony and received an honorary doctorate. “Today, perhaps more than ever, our world needs real leadership, leaders of the highest moral fiber,” said O’Shaughnessy to the Class of 2024. “Always ask yourself the why and stay centered on your true north so that your actions make a positive impact in your profession and your community. I’m confident that whatever challenges may come your way, you’ll be ready to take them on as a direct result of your time with Adelphi. You are destined to make our world a better place.”
The Commencement and Hooding ceremonies were livestreamed and can be viewed online.