Mariano Rivera, Shiba Russell and Alice Gallin Honored at CNR Commencement

The College of New Rochelle bestowed honorary degrees on legendary Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera and scholar and higher educational leader Alice Gallin, OSU, during its 107th Commencement today at Radio City Music Hall. The College also awarded approximately 1,000 baccalaureate and master’s degrees to graduates of its four schools. During the event, CNR alumna Shiba Russell, Anchor/Reporter, NBC 4 New York conducted a live interview with Rivera and delivered the commencement address, following introductory remarks from College of New Rochelle President, Judith Huntington.

“We are proud to honor Mariano Rivera and Sr. Alice with degrees from The College of New Rochelle. These two honorees, individuals of great generosity, integrity and service to others, are reflections of our mission and the essential element of service,” noted Huntington.

In explaining how the recipients exemplify Serviam  (Latin for “I will serve”) Huntington shared two quotes that echoed their goals and accomplishments. One, from pioneering baseball star Jackie Robinson: "A life is not important except in the impact it had on others." The other, from St. Angela Merici: "You have a greater need to serve others than they have to be served."

In her commencement address , alumna Shiba Russell, encouraged graduates to use their imagination for the courage to dream and the stamina to accomplish their dreams. "Everyone sitting here at Radio City Music Hall, we all share that imagination," she said. "You imagined a degree, and you made it happen. Bottom line, do not let fear get in your way. And don't let you get in your way -- step out of your comfort zone once in a while."

After delivering her heartfelt message to an attentive audience, Russell ushered Rivera to a small set on the right of the stage and encouraged him to talk about his philanthropic work in New Rochelle which led to his honorary degree. Rivera’s foundation, Refugio de Esperanza (Refuge of Hope), recently renovated an old church in New Rochelle where Clara, his wife, serves as senior pastor. In addition to religious services, the church will offer education, food, an after-school program for youths, and more. Inspired by their childhood challenges with poverty, they established the Mariano Rivera Foundation in 1998, seeking to "share with the community a portion of the blessings God has bestowed on them and their family."

"We're trying to help by bringing the word of God," said Rivera during his interview with Russell. Rivera revealed that he has a soft spot for the city of New Rochelle, because it was where he first lived in New York.

Rivera said he first started learning about Jackie Robinson, with whom he shares the uniform number 42, when it was retired from all of Major League Baseball. "It was a challenge to me, a privilege and an honor to represent that number," he said. "Every day, I was so proud, being a minority, coming from Panama, and representing Mr. Robinson."

Asked about returning to baseball as a coach, manager, or owner, the recently retired Rivera said he loves teaching the game. "That's what I know," he said, although he'd prefer to share his knowledge with minor leaguers, who need more guidance.

Rivera proved to be a good sport during the conferring of degrees, as many students marching across the stage stopped to shake his hand, give him a hug, or take photos with him.

Judith Huntington, President of The College of New Rochelle, and Elizabeth LeVaca, Chair of the Board of Trustees bestowed a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, degree upon Rivera for “fulfilling the Gospel message of sharing one’s God-given gifts and talents and advocating for issues of social justice and equality for all, for his commitment to education and for his outstanding leadership both on and off of the baseball field”

Alice Gallin, OSU, a distinguished scholar and leader in higher education with extensive research, teaching, and leadership experience as well as notable contributions to American Catholic higher education, also received the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, degree.  Gallin received hers for being “a genuine model of Serviam and demonstrating outstanding leadership, diplomacy, and influence on American Catholic higher education, for possessing remarkable wisdom, courage, temperance and commitment during historic periods in higher education, and for her deep faith and advocacy for social justice.

Russell, who described The College of New Rochelle as her home away from home, said it had been an emotional day for her, along with the graduates. "I was unable to hold back tears," she said.

The first Catholic college for women in New York State, The College of New Rochelle was founded in 1904 by the Ursuline Order.  Today, it comprises the all-women School of Arts & Sciences, and three schools which admit women and men: the School of New Resources (for adult learners), the School of Nursing and the Graduate School.  The main campus of the College is located in lower Westchester County, 16 miles north of New York City.  The College maintains five other campus locations in New York City for the School of New Resources in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan.  Visit the College’s website at www.cnr.edu.