St. Joseph’s College Holds Socially Distanced Graduation

PATCHOGUE, NY — It was a graduation ceremony like no other before it.

St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue held its 102nd commencement for the Class of 2021 on Friday, but with a twist — a series of outdoor ceremonies for over 1,100 graduates.

As part of their festivities, graduates were seated with two family members in groups of three to encourage social distancing, though “making for a more intimate and meaningful commencement experience,” college officials said in a news release.

Yicel E. Moreno, a Child Study major from East Patchogue who delivered the undergraduate address, said she was overwhelmed with excitement, but is so “grateful and blessed to have such a great support system.”

“Next stop for me will be completing my master's in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Lo hicimos, Class of 2021,” she said.

Michael V. DeCicco, a healthcare management major who delivered the graduate address, said he felt privileged to be recognized as the speaker for the Class of 2021, and is most appreciative for his role models — his mother and father, who consistently “exemplify the importance of hard work.”

“After SJC, I look forward to advancing my career as a healthcare human resources professional. Thank you, SJC, and congratulations to all of the graduates!" he added.

College President Donald R. Boomgaarden, who addressed the graduates and their families at each of the ceremonies, called it “a day of joy and rejoicing.”

“It may be your last day as a student, but it is not your last day as a learner. While we have never promised we can teach you everything, I hope that we have taught you how to learn anything,” he added.