Graduates embarked on new pathways brimming with opportunities at NYIT’s 44th annual Commencement on May 22. More than 10,000 gathered at the Old Westbury campus to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 2,200 new degree recipients. Also on hand were NYIT faculty, staff and alumni who made sure it was a sendoff the Class of 2005 would never forget.
The main ceremony began with a rousing rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner performed by graduate Rafael DeJesus III, a communication arts major who plans to return to NYIT this fall to earn a |
 |
Uchenna Agharanya, Jorida Coku and Dinesh Shastri, Class of 2005, congratulate their fellow graduates. |
master’s degree. Following the welcome address by NYIT Board of Trustees Chair Linda Davila, President Edward Guiliano, Ph.D., emphasized how NYIT has helped nurture a commitment to hard work and achievement, preparing graduates for the challenges ahead.
Other speakers included Rory Cutaia (B.A. ’82), president and CEO of The telx Group Inc., who spoke on behalf of the Alumni Federation, as well as graduates from the Class of 2005 – Uchenna Agharanya, Jorida Coku and Dinesh Shastri – who spoke proudly of their NYIT experiences.
NYIT also highlighted its international presence by bestowing honorary degrees to Dr. Wajih Owais, president of Jordan University of Science and Technology, and Professor Shi’an Wu, chairman of the board of China’s Jiangxi University of Finance and Economics. |
|
Graduate and "NYIT Idol" Rafael DeJesus III sings the Star-Spangled Banner. |
Following the main event, honorary degree was presented to U.S. Congressman Peter T. King, representative from the Third District of New York, in recognition of his civic work, philanthropic efforts and dedication to cultural diversity. Following the main event, NYIT’s individual schools held ceremonies that featured additional speakers, awards and even an engagement ring for one lucky grad. On May 23, Congressman Richard Gephardt, former majority leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, delivered the keynote address at NYCOM’s 25th annual Hooding Ceremony at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall in Manhattan.
|
|
“Incipit vita nova” or “Thus begins a new life”: President Guiliano’s message to the Class of 2005. |
