College of New Rochelle Graduates the Class of 2011

The beaming smiles on the faces of the ’s Class of 2011 shone brighter than the sun falling on the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City Thursday.

More than 1,000 graduates from the college’s four schools, eager to grasp their degrees, flooded the ceremony held in the recently completed North Hall of the Javits Center.

The graduates wanted to begin the next step in their lives, but for college president Dr. , it was the culmination of 35 years of service to the New Rochelle school.

During his tenure at the college, Sweeny was named the 12th president of the college. Under his leadership the school expanded to include six city campuses sprinkled throughout New Rochelle and New York City.

In the 14 years that he has presided over the college, he expanded the school of nursing and directed the renovation of the Gill Library. But while Sweeny recognized the physical expansion of the school, he wanted the graduates to take one thing away from their time at the school.

“When you walk out with your degree, press it into the service of the world,” said Sweeny.  

The school recognized Sweeny for his years of service and awarded the long-time Blue Angel an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.

“The graduates need to be flexible and versatile but they also have to be confident in themselves to pursue their dream job,” Sweeny said to New Rochelle Patch, adding, “I want them to be knowledgeable experts but I also want them to be people of conscience.”

Lina Coleman, 32, a communication major, was full of excitement having reached this day.

“I’m ecstatic. I will continue on into grad school for therapy. But I’ll work on the side,” said Coleman.

Another graduate, Ingrid Birthwright, 45, remembers one of the many things the college did for her.

"It gave me the confidence to go out and talk in front of people and make a difference," she said. Birthwright received a degree in psychology and plans to attend grad school and continue working to support her studies.

“They have succeeded,” said Sweeny. “They have been discouraged and told not to waste their time. But they persevered. They all have the talent. It’s locked in there; let it out,” Sweeny said.  

The graduates all clapped and cheered as they were told that they could move their tassels from the right to the left, the culmination of the graduation ceremony, which was met with thunderous applause from the sea of parents, family members and friends that filled the hall.

"I just wish that all of you could have the vantage point that I have,” said Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who also received an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.

“I wish you could see those few seconds when your name is called and your parents and friends and loved ones rise and cheer and clap. You can see that you are loved,” he told the graduates.

He left them with one charge: “Go out and live a life of purpose of love. But most importantly, live a life full of wonder.”