It was a picture-perfect day for the Class of 2026, as well as their mentors, families, and friends, to gather on the Great Lawn for the College of Staten Island’s 77th Commencement. This year, a total of 2,247 students received their degrees, celebrating their accomplishments and looking forward to the next steps of their lives. In an inspiring ceremony, President Timothy G. Lynch reflected on the resilience of the graduating class, while acknowledging those who supported them along the way.
“Looking out at this extraordinary Class of 2026,” he said, “I see future teachers, nurses, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, lawyers, public servants, and leaders. I see stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination. And I see the people who helped make this day possible—your families, your loved ones, your mentors, your friends—the people who showed up for you, sometimes quietly, sometimes at great cost to themselves. Please take a moment right now and look back at them. They earned today too.”
As he concluded his remarks, Dr. Lynch imparted some advice to the Class of 2026: “Remember where you came from… Lift others as you climb… Be bold.”
The ceremony also featured a video message from CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez and remarks from CUNY Trustee Michael Arvanites.
Disability rights advocate, leader, and educator Laura Kennedy received an honorary degree. In her keynote, Kennedy described the impact of parents who struggled on behalf of their children with disabilities to improve not only their lives, but those of others. After underscoring the critical role that the College of Staten Island has played in the fight for disability rights, she encouraged the graduates to make the world a better place.
“Graduates, today you celebrate the skills and knowledge you have worked so hard to obtain. You now have the tools to make meaningful contributions in whatever field you choose,” she said.
After congratulatory words from 23rd District Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton ‘11, the audience heard pre-recorded remarks from the Class of 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian.
Ashley Villalva, a Macaulay Honors student who received a BA in Political Science, reflected on her identity and the shared experience of her CSI community. Valedictorian Michelle Danglade, who earned a BA in History, led the graduates in a mini mindfulness exercise, urging them to focus on the sensations, sounds, and sights of what was happening around them.
“This is a huge lesson I learned from my time at CSI, and one I feel is important to reiterate during this moment: do everything with integrity. I do not know what the next phase of life will hold; we are all on our own journeys, writing our own stories, but whatever comes, we must face it with integrity.
“With every trial, blow, and injustice witnessed, you must constantly look inwards and be assured that how you respond aligns with your own code and honesty. At the end of the day, you must always be able to lie your head comforted by the knowledge that no matter what the day threw at you, you were able to face it in a way that you are proud of.”
CSI Alumni Association President Elizabeth Nieto ’19, ’21 Formally welcomed graduates into the alumni community, encouraging them to stay connected.
“Come back to campus often. Attend alumni events. Network with fellow graduates. Share your accomplishments. Support the next generation of students. The connections you made here do not end today…in many ways, they are just beginning.”
The conferral of degrees officially took place as each Dean called their respective School or Division presented their graduates, and President Lynch invited students to move the tassels on their caps from right to left. The Class of 2026 degree totals include:
-Associate in Arts: 258
-Associate in Science: 109
-Associate in Applied Science: 228
-Bachelor of Arts: 438
-Bachelor of Fine Arts: 11
-Bachelor of Science: 943
-Master of Arts: 41
-Master of Engineering: 8
-Master of Science: 86
-Master of Social Work: 33
-Master of Science in Education: 102
-Specialized Certificate Programs: 38
-Doctor of Physical Therapy: 20
-EDD in Community Leadership: 9
Departmental Commencement exercises followed the main ceremony at various locations across campus.
By Terry Mares
