Second Graduation Event Pays Tribute to 2023 Grads Virtually

To honor those graduates who could not attend the in-person Commencement, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) hosted a second virtual graduation ceremony on May 31.

Over 200 graduates from the Class of 2023 chose to end their time at the School in much the same way they began it: online. During a moving and jubilant virtual ceremony, the group gathered via Zoom, many with friends and family, to mark their milestone together.

Throughout the event, graduates were given words of advice and acknowledgement by commencement speakers, saw the faces and heard the names of their peers, met with the members of their program, and stood for the conferring of degrees.

The virtual ceremony opened with a song that set the mood for the entire event: “Celebrate”, by Kool and the Gang. Next, graduates were offered inspiring words by Commencement speakers in a series of addresses.

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, in prerecorded remarks, congratulated the graduates for their “bold decision to return to school” and likewise urged them to bring CUNY’s “great legacy forward” in support of their communities, and especially the School’s hometown, New York City.

Interim Dean Jorge Silva-Puras also praised the Class of 2023 and shared some advice. He encouraged the new graduates “…To embrace the person who you are now, the new strength and power that has allowed you to accomplish your goal so far, and starting today, to take your new self and your new degree [. . .] to help make your community a better place.”

Graduates also found themselves uplifted by the words of Asantee Mitchell, BA in Disability Studies ’23, who delivered the student address.

In a prerecorded speech, Mitchell saluted the class for the dedication and hard work that brought them all to this day. “Our journey required true time management through sleepless nights, powering through all that life has brought our way and today we can cross this achievement off our list,” she said. “When we walk across this stage, we are transitioning into a new journey…. Congratulations Class of 2023, we did it!”

At the conclusion of the remarks, the graduates were individually recognized, giving them a chance to interact and share highly personal input.

As each candidate’s name was read, it appeared on screen alongside their area of study, and in many cases a photo and/or a deeply personal quotation or message.

Many of the graduates used this opportunity to thank their loved ones; still others thanked God as well as their families.  Some graduates shared inspirational quotations, such as “Be bold, be courageous, be your best.”  At least one aimed at humor, writing “The tassel was worth the hassle.” Still another graduate grew reflective, writing simply, “One day at a time.” 

Eileen Serxner, an 80-year-old member of the class who earned an MA in Museum Studies, expressed gratitude for the chance to earn her degree. Other graduates also shared photos of their children and families, to say thanks for their support.

As the graduates’ names, photos, quotations, and thank you’s flashed across the screen, faculty, peers, friends, and relatives used the chat box to give personal shout outs in lieu of applause.

Once the name reading concluded, Interim Dean Silva-Puras officially conferred degrees or certificates on the graduates of all programs represented. He asked students to move the tassels on their caps from the right to the left, to signify that each student had officially graduated.

The formal part of the commencement ended with a shower of virtual confetti. Many faculty and graduates also lingered to add their congratulations and best wishes to the chat box.

About the CUNY School of Professional Studies

As New York's leading online school since 2006, the CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) offers the most online bachelor's and master's degree options at the City University of New York, and serves as the University's first undergraduate all-transfer college. With 26 degrees and numerous other non-degree and grant-funded workplace learning programs, CUNY SPS meets the needs of adults who wish to finish a bachelor's degree, progress from an associate's degree, earn a master's degree or certificate in a specialized field, and advance in the workplace or change careers. Consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report for its online offerings, CUNY SPS has emerged as a nationwide leader in online education. The School's renowned and affordable online programs ensure that busy working adults may fulfill their educational goals on their own time and schedule.

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