Commencement Day at the College of Staten Island last week realized the dreams and ambitions of 2,376 students, as they received degrees for their hard work and determination. Although this is the headline story, the College also celebrated the Investiture of Tomás D. Morales as CSI’s third president and recognized the contributions of members of its faculty, staff, and supporters.

After his Investiture, conducted by Matthew Goldstein, Chancellor of The City University of New York (CUNY) and Philip Berry, CUNY Vice Chair, Morales commended the graduating class for a job well done and praised the College’s world-class faculty.

In concluding, Morales expressed his enthusiasm for CSI and everyone who is working to help it achieve its goals, “Our energy is terrific. Our hopes are high. Our vision is 20/20. And looking at our graduates, faculty, and staff, I am confident. Through your work, through your devotion, you have made a CSI degree a goal to be desired and an achievement to be respected. I can’t wait for tomorrow to continue the great work we have undertaken together to move the College of Staten Island forward.”

Later that day, the CSI Library hosted an awards ceremony that honored outstanding contributions to the College. CSI Foundation Board members Sally Williams and Samir Farag received College Awards for their tireless efforts to advance the mission of the College. Associate Professor George Emilio Sanchez, Chairperson of the Department of Performing and Creative Arts was honored with the second annual Presidential Award for Innovation in Pedagogy for his unique and effective approach toward teaching theater. Also, 11 members of the CSI community received Dolphin Awards for their significant contributions to the College. They include:

-Margaret Lunney, Professor, Department of Nursing for Outstanding Scholarly Achievement by a Member of the Full-Time Faculty

-John Osakue, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy for Outstanding Teaching by a Member of the Full-Time Faculty

-Harry Cason, Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy for Outstanding Teaching by a Member of the Adjunct Faculty

-Vasilios Petratos, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the College by a Member of the Full-Time Faculty

-Mary Beth Reilly, Higher Education Officer, Office of Recruitment and Admissions, and Nicholas Saccone, Higher Education Associate, Business Office for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the College by a Member of the Non-Teaching Instructional Staff in HEO Title

-Avi Gannon, IT Senior Associate 3, Office of Information Technology for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the College by a Member of the Non-Instructional Staff in CLT and OIT Specialists Title

-Palma Eadicicco, CUNY Administrative Assistant, Office of the Registrar, and Marguerite Fuller, CUNY Administrative Assistant, Office of Finance and Administration for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the College by a Member of the Non-Instructional Staff

-Berardino Grieco, Maintenance Worker, Office of Building and Grounds for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the College by a Member of the Non-Instructional Staff in Maintenance, Operations, Security

-Alokika Fernandes-Prabu for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the College by a Currently Enrolled Student

After emcee Robert Huber, Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement, recognized the honorees, President Morales concluded the ceremony by thanking the CSI faculty and staff for their contributions to Commencement Day, as well as for their efforts since he took the helm as President.

Presidential Investiture and Afternoon Awards Ceremony Complement Commencement Day at CSI.