QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE, NEW YORK STATE’S HIGHEST-RANKED COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HELD ITS 64th GRADUATION CEREMONY THURSDAY, MAY 2
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QUEENSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE, NEW YORK STATE’S HIGHEST-RANKED COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HELD ITS 64th GRADUATION CEREMONY THURSDAY, MAY 29
Valedictorian's Message of Triumph Over Adversity to Achieve 4.0 GPA Receives Standing Ovation
(May 29, 2025) Bayside, NY--Dr. Christine Mangino, President of Queensborough Community College, presided over Queensborough Community College’s 64th Commencement Ceremony, held on May 29.
Extending a warm welcome to graduates, family and friends as well as faculty and staff mentors, President Mangino exclaimed, “This morning you will become official graduates of Queensborough Community College!” adding that “More than 1600 students are candidates for graduation today! Congratulations to each of you.”
Special guests included Officers of the University, representatives of the CUNY Board of Trustees, Officers of the College, Chairpersons of the College’s 16 academic departments and elected officials.
Queens Borough President Richard Donovan greeted graduates, saluting their strength and diversity. “Education is the great equalizer that unlocks the potential of our communities.” New York City Council Member Linda Lee (District 23), said, “You are our leaders, our future—representation matters!
Several graduates received awards for academic excellence, exceptional athletic and scholarly achievement, outstanding college, and community leadership, and for promoting harmony and appreciation of cultural diversity.
Valedictorian, Emmanuel Ford addressed the Class of 2025. He recounted how, despite being born blind with cerebral palsy, he proved the naysayers throughout his early life wrong. In high school he was told that he was not college material, but he knew who he was and Queensborough did too: a promising student (who graduated from Queensborough with a 4.0 GPA), a natural leader of his peers and an empathic person. Emmanuel advocates around the world for differently abled people. His mom is his champion, and so is Queensborough, opening doors to success for Emmanuel through its many student support services, internship opportunities and dedicated mentors who encouraged his tenacity. Emmanuel graduated from Queensborough with an associate degree in liberal arts (A.A.) and a Valedictorian certificate in braille.
Salutatorian, Daniel Volin, proves that every story can be rewritten. Prior to enrolling at Queensborough, COVID rendered him unemployed, and a second pulmonary embolism left him gravely ill. However, thanks to some soul searching and plenty of encouragement from family, he found his passion in technology and came to Queensborough where he graduated with an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree in Internet & Information Technology.
The first time Cynthia Saravia-Reyes heard of Queensborough Community College was during a high school volleyball match at the Long Island Knights Club. Her coach, an alumna of Queensborough, had encouraged her to enroll and join the volleyball and track team. “I’m so glad I took her advice!” Now, after two years of athletic and academic achievement, Reyes was awarded the John P. Bevilacqua Athletic Scholarship Award. Cynthia graduated from Queensborough with an associate in liberal arts & sciences (A.A.) degree.
Soraya Bouhiza, who will graduate with an associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree in accounting, said her experiences as a Student Success peer mentor and a Tiger Advisor sparked her confidence to run and get elected the 2023-24 Student Government Association (SGA) Vice President for Evening Students. “It was an honor to serve on behalf of students and make sure their voices were heard.” Queensborough salutes Soraya’s leadership skills with The John F. Kennedy Award given to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in the College and the community.
Nazmul Arefin, who will graduate with an associate in science (A.S.) in Liberal Arts and Sciences, made important contributions to the culture of student life at Queensborough. As Student Government President for fall 2024-spring 2025, Nazmul’s represented the student body while promoting leadership, inclusivity, and community engagement. He founded the Bangladesh Student Association, is a delegate with the University Student Senate (USS) and worked in the Queensborough Male Resource Center (MRC) as a peer mentor. In recognition of his many accomplishments serving the community, Nazmul has been awarded The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award for demonstrating exceptional leadership in promoting racial harmony and appreciation of cultural diversity. “One of the most important lessons I’ll take from QCC is that real growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone and serve something greater than yourself.”
Additional distinguished guests and community partners were recognized: Shirley Chen, who represented the QCC Fund Board and Business Technology Early College High School Principal Patricia Henry (Queensborough collaborates with the Department of Education on this early college initiative).
From the City University of New York (CUNY): Dolly Martinez, Chancellor’s Chief of Staff and Associate Vice Chancellor for the Executive Office, and Daniel Reden, Chairperson of the University Student Senate and Student Trustee of the CUNY Board of Trustees.
From Queensborough Community College: Dr. Scott Litroff, Chairperson of the Academic Senate and Dr. Jonathan Cornick, Chairperson of the Faculty Executive Committee.
Queensborough Community College is New York State’s highest-ranked community college and one of the best community colleges in the United States, according to a 2024 report released by WalletHub.com. It is the sixth year in a row Queensborough has been listed as a top institution of higher education by WalletHub for its education outcomes, career outcomes, and affordability. Queensborough was also ranked among the best community colleges in New York in 2024 by the online publication Intelligent and number two in New York in 2024 by the online publication Niche. These rankings reflect Queensborough’s commitment to developing students holistically in a nurturing and diverse environment that prepares them to be successful in a dynamic, global workforce.
Press Contacts:
Alice Doyle
Tanisha Mallette
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