Photo: Graduate Abdullah Kinan celebrates as he walks across the stage to accept his degree
DCC Celebrates 56th Commencement
More Than 1,100 Degrees and Certificates Awarded
May 22, 2015 – Dutchess Community College held its annual graduation ceremony May 21. Associate degrees and career certificates in 52 programs of study were conferred on 1,132 graduates, who range in age from 17 to 66. The graduation ceremony was held at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center with almost 4,000 in attendance.
Associate in Science degrees were awarded to 55 percent of the students; 20 percent received Associate in Arts degrees; 20 percent received Associate in Applied Science degrees; and
5 percent earned certificates.
In her first commencement welcome address as DCC President, Dr. Pamela Edington congratulated the graduates and reminded them that their educational achievements are just the start of great things to come.
“You have only just begun your journey,” said Edington. “But we hope DCC has equipped you with the knowledge, skills and tools you need to realize your dreams and achieve goals that may not yet be on your radar.” Posing a question directly to the graduates, she added, “What will you, Class of 2015, contribute to the world?”
Other speakers included DCC Board of Trustees Chair Thomas LeGrand, Dona Bulluck, associate counsel for SUNY, County Executive Marcus Molinaro ’01 and Dr. Ornella Mazzuca, professor of Spanish. In addition, Student Government Association President Zoe Kozma spoke about overcoming challenges.
“When things get hard, push on harder,” said Kozma. “You might not be able to see the light on the other side when facing obstacles, but I promise you it’s there.”
To view a video of graduation, visit http://original.livestream.com/dutchesscc/video?clipId=pla_27839e2e-ce1a-4201-84b2-744aa96bdefb.
At a May 20 Honors Convocation, 167 students either starting their second year at DCC or graduating and entering four-year colleges in the fall, were recognized for outstanding achievements and received scholarships totaling more than $140,000. More than $1.4 million in scholarships has been awarded by the DCC Foundation in the Convocation ceremonies since they began 19 years ago. The scholarships are funded by individuals and organizations to reward academic excellence.
Dr. Pamela Edington, DCC president, delivers remarks at the May 21 graduation ceremony.
Student Government President Zoe Kozma spoke on behalf of the Class of 2015
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Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a community college that has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding education at the lowest tuition in New York state. Its main campus is in Poughkeepsie, with a satellite campus in Wappingers Falls. For more information, visit www.sunydutchess.edu.
