New York Tech Celebrates Its 60th Commencement

On Sunday, May 23, New York Tech’s 60th annual commencement was celebrated virtually, with students, families, friends, faculty, staff, and administration tuning in to online ceremonies that included the conferral of degrees and recognized each member of the Class of 2021 via a personalized slide.

New York Tech’s Class of 2021 includes more than 3,000 candidates for graduation. Altogether, they attend six schools and colleges at campuses in the U.S. and globally and hail from 37 states and 68 countries. About 36 percent are earning undergraduate degrees this year, with the remainder earning graduate, medical, professional, or post-graduate degrees.

Congratulating, Conferring the Class of 2021

Thousands tuned in to watch the virtual ceremonies during which President Hank Foley, Ph.D., conferred degrees upon students from the university’s campuses in New York City and Long Island, as well as from online programs.

“Graduates, go forth today to lead others but also to serve others … inspire and lift them using what you’ve learned at New York Tech,” Foley said. “As graduates of one of the most diverse universities in the United States, you have learned firsthand the critical importance of inclusivity and will stand out among your peers for perspectives that embrace both diversity and inclusion.”

On both the Long Island and New York City campuses, graduating students had the opportunity to have their seated portrait taken and participate in a “Stroll Across the Stage” event as their names were announced.

Kevin D. Silva, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Voya Financial, Inc. and chairperson of the New York Tech Board of Trustees, shared with the graduates: “New York Tech has prepared you for today’s—and tomorrow’s—challenges. Communities, governments, and industries around the world are seeking solutions to the new normal we’re finding ourselves in. You, graduates, will answer the call.”

Additionally, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, and Oyster Bay Superintendent Joseph Saladino (B.S ’93, M.A. ’95)—a New York Tech alumnus—delivered congratulatory messages to the graduates.

School and College Celebrations

Individual virtual ceremonies were held for the School of Architecture and Design, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, School of Health Professions, and School of Management that included speeches by the deans and student orators as well as the recognition of each candidate for graduation. Shanakay A. Walker, who earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and lives in Hempstead, N.Y., sang the national anthem and was featured in each ceremony.

The Class of 2021 student orators are:

• Bendangtoshi Tiajungla Dominica Jamir (Dimapur, Nagaland, India), College of Arts and Sciences, earned a master's degree in UX/UI Design and Development.
• Mikayla Klemm (Oceanside, N.Y.), School of Management, earned a B.S. in Business Administration–Accounting.
• Nicholas Spano (Staten Island, N.Y.), School of Architecture and Design, earned a B.A. in Architecture.
• Jessica M. Velez (Patchogue, N.Y.), School of Health Professions, earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
• Kathryn Vu (Shirley, N.Y.), College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, earned a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Watch videos of each school/college ceremony.

On May 20, the School of Health Professions held its hooding ceremony on the Long Island campus for students earning their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Doctoral Hooding Ceremonies

The College of Osteopathic Medicine graduation (hooding) ceremonies for its medical students in Long Island and Jonesboro, Ark., are being held on May 24 and May 27, respectively. On Long Island, approximately half of the 302 students in the class will attend the in-person ceremony, with the rest joining virtually. The military oath for the Class of 2021 for both ceremonies will be led by NYITCOM alumnus Kevin C. O’Connor (D.O. ’92), the current White House physician to President Joe Biden.

Allison Hubschmann will deliver the student address at the Long Island ceremony, and Pooja Lakshmi Kethireddy will be the student orator at the Arkansas hooding, which will be held at the First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro. Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., founding Jonesboro campus dean and former New York Tech vice president, will give the hooding address at that ceremony.

On May 20, the School of Health Professions held its hooding ceremony on the Long Island campus for students earning their Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

Kathryn Vu (B.S. ’21) and Vrund Patel (B.S. ’21) were crowned Long Island campus New York Tech royalty prior to the Glam Ball Extravaganza: Drive-in and Drag event during the Final Roar events May 3 through 8.

A Final Roar Before Graduating

In the weeks leading up to the virtual commencement ceremony, New York Tech found ways to bring the students together and enhance their experience, given that an in-person commencement was not feasible this year due to the pandemic. On both the Long Island and New York City campuses, graduating students had the opportunity to have their seated portrait taken and participate in a “Stroll Across the Stage” event as their names were announced. Up to two guests cheered them on. Traditional activities such as cap decorating and a senior toast were also part of the Class of 2021 Final Roar celebration.