Previous Commencements

Distinguished speakers included Dean John Mogulescu, the Honorable Kevin D. Kim from the Board of Trustees, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement Bridgette Bryant, in addition to our student speaker Christopher Bonet who graduated with his BS in Business and inspired us all with his personal, but relatable, venture of attaining his degree.

“I went on this academic journey because I knew my heart was in it, and I would dedicate myself,” said Bonet. “Here I am, 13 years after finishing high school, earning a degree that 20-year-old Chris never would have thought possible.”

The evening was punctuated by the timely and stirring remarks of Keynote Speaker Shaun King, who challenged our graduates to find their own ways to fight for a better world.

“You are graduating with a hard-earned degree,” said King. “But this is not the destination, it's just a transition from one phase of your life to another.  This world needs you to be your very best.  The world is counting on you.  I believe in you.  And everybody in this room believes in you.”

In 2017, we recognized over 700 graduates for their academic achievements at our 2017 Commencement exercises, held at David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, in New York City.

Speakers during the ceremony included Dean John Mogulescu, CUNY Executive Vice Chancellor and University Provost Vita Rabinowitz, and CUNY SPS Associate Dean for Academic Affairs George Otte, who offered their praise and words of encouragement to our graduates.

Brennan Marcano, who spoke on behalf of the CUNY SPS Foundation Board of Directors extolled the importance of the students to their communities, and reminded them that “The city does not run on gas, the city runs on you. You are not another cog in the wheel, you are the wheel, and it’s time you did some serious rolling out there.”

Dr. Mariette Bates, academic director of our disability studies programs, served as the evening’s faculty speaker, and recalled her long history of social activism, challenging students to find their own ways to fight for a better world. Daniel Chan, a graduate of the MS in Disability Services in Higher Education program, represented the students of the graduating class and related his inspiring personal journey that led from obtaining a GED to earning two master’s degrees.

Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Nisha Agarwal’s keynote address was the highlight of the evening. Her words were empowering and recognized the graduates’ fearlessness despite the struggles they may have encountered in their journeys towards commencement. “You chose to move forward, to work harder, to reach higher, to take risks, to struggle with uncertainty, and to not just persevere, but to succeed,” said Agarwal, concluding her remarks to the graduates’ enthusiastic applause. The graduates then each crossed the stage to receive their certificates and diplomas from their academic directors and the dean, before being pronounced as new alumni, and celebrating their achievements with their classmates, families, and friends.

Nearly 600 graduates were recognized for their academic achievements at our 2016 Commencement Exercises, held at David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, in New York City.

From the Class of 2016, the oldest student was born in 1945, when Franklin Delano Roosevelt was president, William O’Dywer was New York City’s mayor, and the microwave oven was first invented. The youngest graduate was born in 1993, during the presidency of Bill Clinton, the “David Dinkins years” in New York City, and when the Internet was in its infancy. There were eighteen states and four foreign countries –Japan, China, Canada, and Brazil -- represented in this year’s class, and women comprised more than 70% of the graduating class.

Distinguished speakers, including Dean John Mogulescu, CUNY Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Allan Dobrin, and CUNY SPS Foundation Board of Directors Blake Foote, addressed over 2,500 family, faculty, and graduates.

Academic director and faculty member Carla Marquez-Lewis offered a motivational speech and high praises to the graduates on behalf of her colleagues. Matthew Conlin, a graduate of the MA in Disability Studies program, represented the students of the graduating class, made remarks about his personal experiences at the School, and offered words of encouragement to his fellow graduates.

Sonia Manzano, actress, author, and the Commencement’s keynote speaker, famous for her role as Maria on Sesame Street, was the highlight of the evening, offering a personal and powerful address and congratulating each graduate as they crossed the stage.