ECCO Summer 2014 Graduation Issue

OBSERVER ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE STUDENT MAGAZINE

SUMMER 14

THE

CLASS OF

2014

‘THIS IS OUR TIME’

AMIRI BARAKA 1934 - 2014

POET. PLAYWRIGHT. ACTIVIST.

ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE MISSES YOU!

GRADUATION SPECIAL 14

13

9

4|NEW IDENTITY

5|SUPER

INSIDE THE OBSERVER

3|GRADUATION

Commencement speaker Rev. Floyd ECC Launches New Branding With Fresh Logo, Tagline Flake tells ECC’s record class of 1,502 to embrace changes, resist becoming ‘stagnant’

7|SCHOLARS ECC Honors Program Students Medina, Huerta win prestigious Jack Kent Cooke scholarships

13|MLK LIBRARY TO

UNDERGO HIGH-TECH RENOVATION ‘Library is being transformed into a state-of-the art Information Commons’

8|SPRING

FLASHBACK Springs Memorable Moments

14|TOP CLASS ‘Exceed Expectations’

SOPHOMORES Disabled Student And Oldest Member Of Class ‘14 Overcome The Odds To Graduate

9|METHOD MAN

Bio Professor Larry Pitts Retires From ECC After 44 Years

16|DEGREE RECIPIENTS

List of degree candidates

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 1

EDITOR’S LETTER Welcome to the new face of the Essex County College Observer (ECCO)!

In celebration of our 45th anniversary last year, the ECCO team is proud to debut the first edition of our news magazine. As part of our conversion to a multimedia product, this exciting news magazine has been a long time in the making. Both the magazine and the online edition offer must-have insight into what is happening in and around the ECC community.

With the digital edition -- ECCObserver.com -- readers will have the ECCO on the go, anytime, anywhere. Our readers can also follow us on social media for instant updates about current events. Like the pieces you enjoy and share them with friends on Facebook! Give us your feedback on Instagram and Twitter! From academic news and features to sports and lifestyle, the ECCO will keep you informed.

ALISSA L. LOPEZ

The ECCO team is very proud to debut our magazine as a special Graduation issue, especially because the Class of 2014 is extraordinary. Not only is the class of 1,502 students the largest in ECC’s history, it boasts an impressive list of academic achievements. Inside this edition, readers will be captivated by the stories of graduates who overcame the odds and sought change through a college education. Congratulations to the Class of 2014 and enjoy our spotlight on graduates who are poised to do great things.

Our writers will help you gain insight into the lives of some of our top graduates who endured challenging paths in order to climb to the top of the Class of 2014. They include Valedictorian Angelic Forde who enrolled at ECC when she was only 17 years old but will transfer to Rutgers-Newark this fall as a seasoned 19-year-old, with a 4.0 GPA, to major in psychology. Salutatorian Joseph LoCascio quit his punk rock band two years ago to return to ECC to follow his dream of studying literature. LoCascio graduated with a 4.0 GPA and will begin classes at Columbia University this fall. Like LoCascio, many of our graduates transfer to Ivy League schools such as Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and more.

Our graduates represent 17 different nations, two of which Sofia Medina and Silvia Huerta originated. The best friends initially faced financial challenges and fears concerning their undocumented status, but they chose to defy the odds by pursuing a college education. Huerta and Medina graduated with perfect 4.0 GPAs and became recipients of the prestigious $90,000 Jack Kent Cooke transfer scholarship. ECC is now number one in producing JKC scholars among New Jersey’s two-year colleges.

And we say goodbye to one of our most gifted and popular professors, Larry Pitts, who is leaving ECC after 44 years of teaching Biology. We also welcome ECC’s new identity: an innovative branding initiative that includes a fresh logo and bold, positive tagline: “Exceed Expectations.”

Again, enjoy our debut news magazine and be sure to stay in touch with us. We are your voice and we want to hear from you.

Enjoy your summer vacation. You have undoubtedly earned it.

Sincerely,

ALISSA LOPEZ | Editor in Chief

THE

OBSERVER

ESSEX COUNTY COLLEGE STUDENT MAGAZINE

ALISSA LOPEZ Editor In Chief | ALEXANDRA GUILLOTY Managing Editor | LEV ZIBERMINTS Student Life Editor | OMAR ALY Sports Editor | JOSH ALEXANDER Graphic Arts Editor | JUSTIN RICH Social Media Editor | MICHELLE LONGMORE Creative Advisor | MICHAEL A. WATTKIS Editorial Advisor | EILEEN DEFREECE , JENNIFER WAGER Advisors | PATRICIA SLADE Associate Dean, Student Life and Activities

All Graduation Photos Courtesy of the Department of Marketing & Communications

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 2

EMBRACE CHANGE AND RESIST BECOMING STAGNANT

‘transformation is a necessity’ Commencement speaker Rev. Floyd Flake tells ECC’s record class of 1,502 to embrace changes, resist becoming ‘stagnant’

BY THE ECCO STAFF

E

ssex County College held its 45th commencement ceremony on May 30, 2014. As the graduates prepare for another chapter in their lives, hundreds of family, friends and colleagues attended the commencement to join in celebration of their accomplishments.

The Class of 2014 was implored to resist the temptation of becoming “stagnant” in their journey through life but instead continuously seek to “transform” themselves as they confront changes and new opportunities.

The Prudential Arena in downtown Newark was full of pomp and circumstance as the lively event began. After a brief array of shouts and applause from every corner of the audience, President Gale Gibson took the stage to remind graduates that the “same energy, focus and determination” that drove them to complete ECC

is what will propel them to the next level.

In a 3-hour long graduation that began with President Gibson spotlighting an impressive list of academic successes, she told the graduates that they “represent the best and the brightest talent we nurture and grow at ECC.” The 2014 successes include: •

17 different nations are represented by our graduating students

•

A record 13 students graduating with perfect 4.0 GPAs

•

ECC sending more transfer students to Rutgers, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Montclair State University than any other two-year institution in New Jersey

•

2 of our graduates are only 18 years old.

•

ECC is the only two-year college in the state that is designated both a Predominantly Black and a Hispanic-serving institution

•

35 percent of graduates have 3.5 GPAs which qualifies them as graduating with honors.

•

The college is first in producing Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer scholars among New Jersey’s two-year colleges in the last three years

The ceremonial podium featured ECC’s new logo. Evoking ECC’s new tagline, “Exceed Expectations,” the president said, “When you exceed expectations, you go beyond the ordinary. You outperform. You obtain something greater than normal. You soar. You excel. You accomplish your goals.”

CONTINUED ON PG. 10 SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 3

new identity ECC LAUNCHES NEW BRANDING WITH FRESH LOGO, TAGLINE

BY LEV D. ZILBERMINTS | STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

F

or its 45th anniversary, Essex County College has a new identity.

In April 2014, after two years of research, redesigns and college-wide input, the college debut its new identity – logotype, color and fresh, bold tagline -- “Exceed Expectations.” It was prominently displayed during graduation.

Jocelyn Allen, web designer and developer with ECC’s Department of Marketing and Communications, explained that the new identity was part of the institution’s strategy to create “brand consistency.” It also represents the college’s strategic direction of embracing “our strength of being a nurturing, supportive and empowering environment where students can excel and exceed expectations.”

More than 1,350 ECC students and more than 150 employees, as well as an additional 700 adults and high school students throughout Essex County, participated in surveys and interviews that tested the key marketing messages. The messages evolved from focus sessions held last spring that were attended by more 300 internal and external stakeholders.

The consistent use of a tagline, logotype, color, and visual identity in concert should convey the spirit of a college’s brand platform in the minds of all constituents. But this has not

been the case with ECC. Allen said that over the years about a half dozen or so different logos have been used by the college, as well as by different departments and programs, creating confusion with the institution’s brand.

In order to keep the brand streamlined and consistent, there will be “one look, one style” for the college’s new identity, Allen said.

The new branding initiative will be officially unveiled during the Fall 2014 convocation. “The school’s seal is no longer used as a logo,” she said. “This summer is transition for the logo.”

The fresh branding includes new, bright colors and a bold logotype that began popping up across campus in the weeks leading up to graduation at the Prudential Center in downtown Newark on May 30. The new logo was splashed on the large, well-lit overhead Jumbotron inside the 18,000-plus-seat arena and the tagline frequently scrolled on the bright LED displays that ringed rafters of the spacious arena.

“With all of the new promotional items, we want the students to see themselves reflected so the brand campaign is image heavy, driven by photographs,” Allen said.

Allen said the new logo and tagline creates a “consistency” in the look and feel of the college’s

new brand, but does not represent a complete break from identity that has defined the institution since it was founded in 1968.

“Even though you have a new face for the brand, you want to have it tied to history,” Allen said. “You don’t want to break the connection because it is important where it [logo] came from.”

The new branding is the product of two years’ work. Allen said work on the branding project began in February 2013 during the administration of former president Edythe Abdullah.

But “we really did not start doing the work until Dr. Gibson took office,” she noted.

During the design process, Allen said ECC reached out to the college community -- students, faculty, administration and staff -- as well as to local high schools for their input.

“The high schools took the survey and helped to define what we [ECC] would create.”

The branding assignment went to CLARUS Corp., a Nebraska based marketing firm that works exclusively with community colleges across the country “with enrollment, marketing plans, and branding.”

CLARUS eventually presented six design options that were subsequently pared down to two. ECC then launched a college-wide “Branding Logo Survey” where stakeholders CONTINUED ON PG. 6

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 4

SUPER SOPHOMORES Disabled Student And Oldest Member Of Class ‘14 Overcome The Odds To Graduate

BY LEV D. ZILBERMINTS | STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

Hilda Moore, 70, is the oldest member of the Class of 2014

CONTRIBUTED BY ALISSA LOPEZ | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

T

homas Carswell has been blind since childhood, but that did not stop him from becoming a graduate of Essex County College.

According to Carswell, he went to college just to prove to friends and family that a blind student could successfully get a college degree.

Carswell started school in Spring 2010, majoring in Business Administration.

Once enrolled at ECC, Carswell was able to overcome math, a challenge many other blind students faced. Carswell credited his professors, assistants and classmates with helping him out with what he needed.

Some of the other challenges that Carswell faced included losing his father in 2013 and his grandmother in 2012. However, Carswell persevered in his dream of obtaining an Essex County College degree. He also was involved with a number of student organizations, including the Student Government Association.

“I was involved with the Business Club and the Education Opportunity Fund Club. I helped [outgoing SGA Vice President ] Shawn [Yearwood] with the SGA occasionally, “ said Carswell.

Prior to attending ECC, Carswell worked at the Mariott Hotel doing preparation work in the kitchen cutting up potatoes and onions.

Asked about his loss of eyesight, Carswell said, “I lost my vision when I was seven years old because

of glaucoma. It was easy to adapt to because I was young. I learned Braille at an early age, so it was easy to read.”

When not in college, Carswell tries to keep up with the sighted people. He is trying to start a foundation to aid families with funeral expenses in times of tragedy. According to Carswell, some companies do not want to insure people who are overweight.

Carswell thinks this is just plain wrong.

“I want to help the people who don’t have funds to put away their loved ones without having to worry about financial circumstances, “ said Carswell.

Carswell plans to transfer to Montclair State University where he will major in Business Administration in September. Carswell is confident of familiarizing himself with MSU quickly, despite it being a larger campus than ECC.

Carswell advised ECC students to be persistent and stubbornly pursue their dreams. “Never give up on your dreams. Even if you don’t get to it right away, never stop dreaming on what you plan to build,” he said.

Hilda Moore

Hilda Moore, 70, is the oldest member of the Class of 2014. She has been a part of the ECC community for about 40 years. During this time Moore has received five degrees in different major from the college.

A native of Fairfield, Moore first started ECC as a part time

student in 1974. After her father died three years later, Moore said she dropped out of school. “I just could not get back in the swing of going to school full-time,” she recalled.

According to Moore, life is a challenge. After getting hit by a car in 2002, she became disabled and got around in a wheelchair. She went into rehab and currently gets around with the help of a cane. But she said her motivation to go back to school came about as a result of self-pity.

“I was sitting one day looking out the window and feeling sorry for myself. I then decided to finish my degree and went back to school,” Moore said.

Once she made the decision to come back to school, Moore had to make herself more informed. Times had changed since she last attended ECC in the 1970s.

“When I made up my mind that I was going to be a full-time student at ECC, I did not even have an email address or know how to get started. I went to Fairfield library (because I ‘m always in a library every day or at least every other day) and the librarian helped me get an email address. That librarian helped me with the Internet and I have been using it since,” Moore said.

Five years ago, Moore had the unique experience of graduating from two colleges and going on an overseas trip to Malta and Sicily. Two weeks after graduating from ECC, Moore got a degree from Caldwell CONTINUED ON PG. 6 SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 5

College.

Asked why she was attending ECC again, Moore laughed and said, “I am looking for a job. This will be my fifth degree from ECC. I have degrees in Criminal Justice, Education, Social Science, and now, in Communications. I also have a certificate in Human and Social Science.”

Moore described her experience at ECC as “interesting and challenging. A lot of senior citizens do not know that they can go back to school on a waiver.”

Before attending ECC for the sixth time, Moore worked as a jailhouse nurse. According to Moore, the guards used to joke that she showed too much compassion for the inmates. Moore said she told the guards, “No. Who I am to say that you are a bad person because you are in jail? Just make sure that when you get out you do not come back.”

This fall, Moore said said she plans to return to ECC to take journalism classes and also attend the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station to study juvenile justice.

She wants to help children stay out of gang-related problems by catching them before they get involved with a gang. One way to do that is to show children that they can help people by reading to children in schools or seniors at nursing homes.

“Sometimes the way others tell young people things sets them off. When I see young men with their pants sagging, I say, ‘Now baby, I don’t want to see your butt and I don’t think anybody else would’ – in a sweet voice – and they pick up their pants, “ said Moore.

The oldest graduate says that her first challenge was in high school, when a counselor told her “not to take

college courses because most Negroes don’t go to college and I can get you a job doing housework.” Moore recalled, “I told her [the counselor], ‘ You can get a job doing housework’.

According to Moore, people asked her many times how she could keep up with younger students.

Many wondered why she was going to school at her age.

Moore told her critics, “I do not try to keep up with the kids.

I’m going for an education.”

Moore credited Professor of English Paul Cameron with making the “class so interesting that kids wanted to participate.” She also credited former Dean of Student Affairs Phil Linfante with making the Understanding Death and Dying class interesting by bringing in speakers and making the classroom very interactive.

When not in class, Moore volunteers in literacy programs in the Newark school system. For the past 15 years, Moore has been volunteering with the NJ Training School, which will be closing on July 1. Moore also enjoys doing arts and crafts and reading stories to kids.

For ECC students, Moore has some sound advice.

“Do not let anybody put you down. Just because you are a minority doesn’t mean that you can’t do, you can do.”

CONTINUED FROM PG. 4

NEW IDENTITY were asked to vote online for the winner. The voting was supported by a social media campaign and promoted across campus with large, colorful banners emblazoned with the final two design concepts. The voting ended March 21 at 5 pm.

Voters were asked to choose “which logo embraces our strength of being a nurturing, supportive and empowering environment where students can excel and exceed expectations.”

In addition to ECC’s official school colors -- green and yellow -- there are a number of secondary colors like orange, red, sky blue and blue in the palette.

The new branding, Allen said, will be accompanied by strict guidelines for its usage. “The guidelines will communicate the college’s core benefits to current and prospective students, parents, faculty and staff, alumni, and the Essex County community,” she said.

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 6

“Rules on how to use the logo will be revised over the summer and will be posted online around July,” Allen said. “Right now [June] there is slight freedom as to how the logo is used for all promotional uses.”

Branding projects are not new to ECC.

According to the April 1992 ECCO, a contest was held to change the logo for the college’s 25th anniversary. The logo contest ran from March 16 through June 19 and involved the entire ECC community. Graphics design professionals judged the final three selections. The Office of Marketing and Publications oversaw the 1992 contest.

During the 1992 contest, $250 cash was awarded to the winning designer. The runner-up was offered a pair of tickets to a local restaurant while the third place winner was given complementary tickets to a performance at Mary Burch Theater. All entries in the 1992 contest were displayed in the Gallery.

TRANSFER SCHOLARS ECC Honors Program Students Medina, Huerta win prestigious Jack Kent Cooke scholarships

BY ALEXANDRA GUILLOTY | STAFF WRITER

W

hen Sofia Medina started her first semester at ECC back in Fall 2011, she was full of doubt and fear. Undocumented and facing economic hardship, Medina was not sure if and how she would fulfill her dream of getting a college degree.

Medina explained how ECC’s supportive environment and its affordability helped to quickly erase her deep concerns.

The 21-year-old sophomore from Bayonne not only graduated on top of the Class of 2014, but Medina was recognized at the college’s commencement ceremony as one of two ECC students who were recipients of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Transfer Scholarship.

As part of the award, Medina and her best friend, Silvia Huerta -- both of whom earned associate degrees in biology / pre-medicine -- will each receive a transfer scholarship of $90,000 to continue their studies.

Medina will study public health at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore while Huerta will study medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

“When I started at ECC, it was a great opportunity. I didn’t have any other means because of my parents’ financial circumstances. So when I graduated from high school, it was very devastating because I thought I wouldn’t be able to get a higher education,” said Medina.

The scholars, who were active members of ECC’s highly selective Honors Program, were the 10th and 11th scholarship recipients in ECC’s history. The College is also the only two-year institution to have eight Foundation recipients in three consecutive years. This year, the Foundation awarded 85 transfer scholarships

Medina and Huerta Win

to community college graduates.

Medina and Huerta, both of whom had multiple acceptance letters from top colleges across the country, credited the supportive environment at ECC for their academic success and for creating the opportunity to capture a slice of that prestigious transfer scholarship that will help them focus more on greater academic challenges and less on financial challenges.

“Essex County College was [like] my huge door to access an education,” said Medina, who came to the US from Ecuador nearly 14 years ago. “It kick-started my collegiate journey.”

Medina’s journey began in the mid 1990’s when she was only six years old. Her family emigrated from Cuenca, Ecuador to New Jersey to seek better educational opportunities and to escape the looming economic crisis in Ecuador. Around the same time, seven-year-old Huerta and her family left Mexico to escape the harsh realities of crippling unemployment

and heart-breaking poverty. The family made Perth Amboy, New Jersey their new home.

As undocumented immigrants, Huerta and Medina said they initially ran into difficulties trying to connect with a college they could afford -until they came to ECC. Their paths led them to the open doors of ECC because it was an affordable option to achieve their dreams of higher education. Escaping the harsh realities of their homeland helped to shape their drive to achieve academic success.

Both students recalled their application process for the Jack Kent Cooke scholarship. Medina explained that she believed she was selected because of her strong academics and the compelling story of her family’s financial challenges. “I was honest about my struggles…especially as an undocumented student,” Medina explained. Huerta “opened her heart” in speaking about her background amidst poverty in Mexico.

Huerta recalled the day in early June when she approached BiCONTINUED ON PG. 12 SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 7

S

pring flashback

BY ALISSA LOPEZ | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

T

here was never a dull week on campus during the Spring 2014 semester. From inspirational academic lectures and conferences to colorful cultural expos and hip poetry jams to gritty championship runs by our sports teams, the academic and social calendar was abuzz with excitement.

Among the most notable was the Africana Institute’s annual memorial tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in February, which paid special tribute to civil rights giants, the late Amiri Baraka and Nelson Mandela. Newark’s Arts High choir inspired the audience with a special rendition of “We Shall Overcome” and keynote speaker Junius W. Williams, a noted attorney, educator, musician and community advocate, recalled his personal experiences during the height of the Civil Rights Movement and his encounters with King.

The Africana Institute, also in February, hosted the Garvey Nkrumah Lecture Series that featured Dr. Leonard Kweku Jeffries, Professor Emeritus at City College of New York, as the keynote speaker. It was a Pan-African presentation showcasing the continuity of the philosophy of operational unity amongst African people both in the United States and throughout the SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 8

world.

In April, the Humanities Division presented “Vortices: from Modernism to Mid-Century,” a two-day conference which covered a wide range of the Humanities including art, architecture, literature, music and history.

“Humanities are central to our lives as humans,” said Humanities Instructor Jennifer Wager.

In March, ECC’s Caribbean International Club (CariClub) presented a colorful and lively daylong cultural expo that showcased the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean. The expo featured live music, visual and performing arts, fashion, sports and food.

Internationally renowned songwriter and composer Irving Burgie, best known as the writer of classic calypso tunes such as “Day-O” and “Jamaica Farewell,” was the special guest.

In track and field, ECC won the Region XIX Outdoor Track & Field Championships from May 2-3 in Newark and the women’s team finished eighth at the national championships held from May 15-17 in Mesa, Arizona.

Coach Michael Smart, who is president of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCA) Track & Field Coaches Association, was named Region XIX Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Coach of the Year.

Off the tracks, ECC’s track and field greats Alleyne Francique (Class of 2000) and Melanie Walker (Class of 2004) were recognized as the first ECC student-athletes to be inducted into the NJCAA Track & Field Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

In Basketball, the men’s basketball team was the runner-up in the NJCAA Division II national title game, losing 71-67 to Phoenix College (AZ).

In ECC history, this is the furthest the basketball team has ever advanced in the tournament. The Wolverines, under Head Coach Corey Lowery, finished the season at 28-6. Days earlier, the Lady Wolverines came up in short in the championship preliminaries in Overland Park, Kansas.

ECC’s Dream Team made a big difference in the lives of a number of local immigrants. Through a successful rally outside of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices (ICE) in Newark and public conferences held in the courtyard of the main campus, the team was able to successfully stop the deportation of Jennifer Anadarajah’s family. She is a former ECC Honors Program student and ECC Dreamer.

“The spring semester was a lot of fun,” said Lev Zilbermints.

METHOD MAN

BIO PROFESSOR LARRY PITTS RETIRES FROM ECC AFTER 44 YEARS

BY CATRINA CHATELAIN | STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY LUDOVIC CHATELAIN

F

or Biology Prof. Lawrence (Larry) Pitts, who is retiring this summer after 44 years in the classroom, his long tenure teaching several generations of ECC students has not been a “job” but a “labor of love.”

Serving as the Grand Marshal for the Class of 2014, the largest in the school’s history, Pitts was recognized for his distinguished service to the college. It is the biggest honor that can be bestowed on a faculty member.

“Throughout these 44 years, this has not been a job,” Pitts said during his charge to the graduates at the commencement ceremony on May 30 at the Prudential Center in Newark.

“It really has been a labor of love. It’s coming to an end, but it still feels like love.”

The affable Pitts, who is known for his passionate teaching

style and his sense of humor, told the graduates that his most sincere hope is that they too are “fortunate enough to find that job, that field of endeavor, that labor of love that you can follow, like I have followed mine, for the rest of your life.”

A native of New Jersey, Pitts came to ECC in 1969 after graduating from Virginia’s Madison College, now James Madison University. He began working as a graduate assistant in the old experimental science/mathematics program, a grant funded initiative.

His later duties included work as a biology instructional assistant and coordinator of biology labs. He was promoted to faculty after earning a masters degree at Montclair State.

Pitts has also served in administrative roles – including chair and associate dean within the Division of Biology & Chemistry – before returning to his

passion: teaching.

“When I first came here, it was such a great place to start that I stayed; I stayed for 44 years,” Pitts fondly recalls. “Over those years I met a lot of people, a lot of really great colleagues and a lot of great staffers and administrators.”

Professor Pitts told the graduating class that his more than four decades at ECC has been a joy and that it was a “great honor” to serve as their grand marshal. “Every student that I have had, every interaction that I have had with students has been great -- except for a couple of times -- but usually great.”

That Pitts found his calling in science is of no great surprise when one considers that his father, an engineer, encouraged his interest in studyCONTINUED ON PG. 12 SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 9

COURTESY OF THE STAR LEDGER

Commencement Speaker Floyd Flake CONTINUED FROM PG. 3

GRADUATION

Highlights of the commencement ceremony included honoring Dr. Clement Price, a Rutgers-Newark professor and a Newark historian, with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. President Gibson introduced the keynote speaker, Rev. Floyd Flake, as the “modern day renaissance man.”

“Transformation is a necessity,” explained Flake, an influential New York pastor, to ECC’s 1,502 graduates.

This is the college’s largest graduating class ever.

In his address, entitled, “Paradigms Shift,” Flake told the graduates that they must “deal with the reality of changing paradigms” as they advance in life because things are always shifting. “You think you have done the best, but you have not seen the best yet. Your life is a life that must be continually moving. It cannot stagnate.”

The question is: are graduates willing to allow themselves to get caught in a “capsule” where they do not grow, or are they going to “move forward and do some extraordinary things” in their lives?

“One thing I have learned is that life is about one learning how to make appropriate paradigm shifts -- to move from one level to another,” Flake explained. “We can never get to where SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 10

we want to be until we understand the power of paradigms. The power of moving when opportunities are presented to you. The power of putting yourself in that position where other people challenge you, telling you that you cannot do it and you must decide for yourself that you have the power to do it.”

Flake told the graduates that their departure from ECC is just another beginning, another opportunity, another time that you will “move to do something extraordinary” in life.

Flake echoed Gibson, “You must dare to believe that you have the ability, the capacity to be able to achieve so much more than what this degree represents.”

He told the graduates that their degree represents a starting point where there are many things necessary to accomplish in life. In a final note, Flake urged the graduates to find “new ways to live, new ways to think about things, new ways to allow yourself to not become stagnant and understand that there is power within you to do anything when you put your mind to do it.”

Following the commencement address, Michael Ortiz’s chilling and inspirational rendition of the song “This is My Time” ended with a thunderous ovation and beaming smiles of approval. Zaiditu Persaud, a Liberal Arts graduate, explained, “It feels amaz-

ing!”

Earlier, Valedictorian Angelic Forde told her classmates that her two-year journey through Essex County College and to the top of her class was a series of “unpredicted steps” that helped to deepen her passion for studying psychology and broadened her thinking -- “a time of great challenges and stimulation,” she explained.

The 19-year-old native of the Caribbean island of Barbados, who graduated with a degree in Social Sciences and a 4.0 GPA, reminded the class to always remember that “every step you take, trailing from the bottom of your feet is a legacy -- a legacy that has branched from various paths, merged in the halls of Essex County College, and will once again disperse to different destinations.”

Xaire Pacheco, a Liberal Arts graduate, boomed, “Finally! It took a lot of work and a lot of stress.”

Log on to Livestream.com to view the 2014 commencement ceremony from start to finish.

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 11

CONTINUED FROM PG. 7

SCHOLARS

ology Professor Jeffrey Lee to inquire about the status of her scholarship application. “I was on the verge of crying. I told him that I don’t know how I am going to pay for NJCU (her initial choice to transfer). I don’t have any money.” Prof. Lee, Medina recalled, responded playfully: “We’ll figure it out kid” -- already knowing that she had won the prestigious scholarship.

“I feel very lucky,” said Huerta after the scholarships were announced. “There are so many other students in the Honors Program who deserve this honor as much as I, maybe even more.” Medina described the feeling as “surreal.”

The two were in their Physics 104 class when congratulatory balloons and floral bouquets from

President Gale Gibson, along with a number of administrators and Honors Program professors, were presented.

At the commencement ceremony, President Gibson told the packed Prudential Arena in downtown Newark that students such as Medina and Huerta “represent the best and brightest talent we nurture and grow at ECC.”

In his salute to the graduates, Dr. Edwin Knox, vice president and chief academic officer at ECC, spotlighted the Medina family -- all of whom were “educated at ECC.” They include Medina’s mother and father, as well as her three brothers. Medina’s eldest brother, Jose Jr., graduated ECC in 2006 as a Jack Kent Cooke scholar.

Huerta said she will miss the

ECC family. “I built a family here and I’m not sure I will be able to do that anywhere else.”

Medina said she was thankful for the opportunity ECC has opened up for her, insisting that an education is not only a “moral argument” but also an “economic one.” She observed that “the more people can access an education, the better it is for the country and the overall welfare for all.”

Founded in 2000 by the estate of Jack Kent Cooke, a Canadian entrepreneur, the foundation has awarded over $120 million in scholarships to community colleges that support the advancement of hard working low-income students. Huerta and Medina were elected from a nationwide pool of applicants.

CONTINUED FROM PG. 9

PROFESSOR PITTS ing animals and his grandfather, with whom he had a close relationship, instilled in him a love of gardening.

Young Lawrence’s proclivity towards investigation of the function of living things was solidified by the influence of his high school biology teacher. Professor Pitts is overwhelmingly described by many of his current and past biology students as “beloved.” His classroom techniques and personal touch goes far and above the average fare.

“His method (of teaching) is effective,” observed ECC student Laquana Ross during the spring semester. “I feel like he’s really teaching me. He makes biology very interesting. I never thought I’d be the kind of person who likes to go to a science class, but his class is my favorite.”

Henrietta Williamson, a member of the Class of 2014, concurred.

“He’s excellent. He really is a great teacher.”

Professor Pitts said his classes have been popular over the years because of his credo of being open and fair with his students.

That “method” Ross spoke of is the core of Pitts’ teaching philosophy, which he said evolved out of his SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 12

desire “to not repeat the behavior of the bad teachers that I had.” The concerted effort to properly educate his students can be summarized as Pitt’s “Six Fundamentals”: •

Keeping students informed of their academic standing in his classes, primarily by always returning exam results the next day

•

Establishing clear academic and behavioral expectations from the first day of class

•

Refusing to engage in test trickery; if material was not covered during class time or in the assigned readings, then it was not on the test

•

Making class sessions fun and engaging and making material attainable to all students. A vital component was shaping lesson plans to serve both visual and auditory learners

•

Maintaining a safe and respectful classroom environment

•

Being considerate of the lives of his students. That is, maintaining certain flexibility for life events that interrupt student studies.

As part of his method, Pitts

said he is a big proponent of students being prepared for class and consistently encouraging his students to read relevant material prior to class so that they become familiar with scientific language, and therefore able to lose themselves in the fun aspect of science.

Pitts’ method was the agency to his success as a teacher, and the success of the generations of ECC students he has taught – parents, their children and their grandchildren. While his professional skills are immense, it is the essence of his spirit that is most remarkable.

His students, as well as his colleagues, recall him as funny and witty, making it almost impossible to spend one minute with him and not find oneself engulfed in laughter. But by far, it is Pitts’ sincerity that shines brightest: he genuinely cares about his students and their academic success.

MLK Library to undergo high-tech renovation

BY THE ECCO STAFF

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

T

he Martin Luther King Jr. Library is being transformed into a state-of-the art “Information Commons” to increase digital access and improve academic resources for students.

The $6.7 million renovation to the library will include a lounge that has a waterfall wall, 145 new computers, new color printers, image scanners and software for making spreadsheets and presentations.

“The joy of learning will be well-reflected in this environment,” said ECC President Gale Gibson during an June 11 on-campus press conference with Gov. Chris Christie, Secretary of Higher Education, Rochelle Hendricks, and Essex County Executive, Joseph DiVincenzo Jr.

Gov. Christie said the Information Commons project demonstrates the importance of investing in institutions of higher learning. “By doing so, we are choosing to invest in our students, in a dynamic and skilled workforce, and in the future of the Garden State,” the governor said.

The 2012 New Jersey “Building Our Future” Bond Act makes this

renovation possible. Essex County College was awarded more than $19 million, the most of any two-year state institution, to fund five large capital improvement projects.

In addition to the computers, there will be four “SMART” classrooms, multi-purpose rooms for student meetings and collaboration and Skype workstations designed for collaboration through technology.

“We are pleased that Gov. Christie supported the Bond Act and approved the funds for Essex County College. With access to these academic databases, digital information and enhanced facilities, the MLK Library renovations will empower our students and enable them to function more effectively and efficiently,” said President Gibson. “We look forward to future projects with the State and appreciate Gov. Christie’s backing academic improvement initiatives.”

In addition to the Library, the other College projects to be funded by the Bond Act include: •

mental math and English instruction.

•

New construction and renovation for the West Essex Campus.

•

Addition of state-of-the-art mannequins and related lab support equipment for the Health Science Center.

•

Upgrade to the campus-wide technology infrastructure including computer labs and structural facilities and equipment.

Construction of 18,000 square feet of new classrooms for developSUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 13

top class

Valedictorian Angelic Forde and Saluatorian Joseph LoCascio ‘Exceed Expectations’

BY LEV D. ZILBERMINTS | STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

F

or seven years after high school, Joseph LoCascio flirted with life as a rock star. But in 2011, he gave up the live stage with his punk rock band for the quiet confines of the classrooms at Essex County College. And it paid off.

With a perfect 4.0 and an impressive list of volunteer work on and off campus, LoCascio graduated in May as Salutatorian of the Class of 2014 and with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts.

“I never saw myself still playing in a band when I was 40,” said LoCascio, now 29, of Nutley. “I saw it as an artistic outlet, definitely not as a career.”

LoCascio is headed this fall to Columbia University where he will major in English and comparative literature.

On the stage at graduation he joined Valedictorian Angelic Forde, who at age 19 was also rocking a perfect 4.0 and an equally impressive list of academic achievements and extracurricular activities.

In the days following the college’s 45th commencement, Forde and LoCascio took time out from their busy schedule of making transfer plans to reflect on their remarkable journey at ECC.

Forde said she was just 17 when she started at ECC. A native of the Caribbean island of Barbados, Forde had planned to enroll in a four-year school but decided she was not quite ready.

“I saw Essex County College as a bridge between high school and a four year university, but what a bridge the college has become for me. Little did I know that the next two years would be so life-changing.”

LoCascio said he too was not ready when he first enrolled as a teenager fresh out of high school in 2004.

LoCascio felt that he had failed miseraSUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 14

bly and left ECC with a 0.0 grade point average. That’s when he picked up his bass guitar and formed his rock band.

When he returned to ECC, LoCascio felt that he was better prepared. In order to excel and make up for lost time, LoCascio put in extra effort in his schoolwork and club activities. “I tried to get involved with the college as much as I possibly could. I wanted my college experience to be a success this time around,” he recalled.

Valedictorian Forde, 19, explained how her two years at ECC embodied an “unplanned” journey that yielded “unexpectedly great results.”

In her valedictory address, Forde told her classmates that her “unpredicted steps” through that journey helped her to discover a “deepened passion for psychology” and broadened her thinking. The rigorous Honors Program, she said, was challenging but “stimulated” her curiosity and intellect.

During her first year at

ECC, Forde was focused on getting straight As and she never deviated from that mission. “I always took my work personally and I was willing to make sacrifices,’’ she said.

But like LoCascio, Forde was able to balance academics with an active social life of volunteer work on and off campus.

Through ECC’s Urban Institute, Forde tutored third and fifth graders. As a member of Phi Theta Kappa, she was involved in a myriad of volunteer work, including a Hurricane Sandy relief mission.

Forde graduated with an A.S. in Social Science and plans to transfer to Rutgers-Newark where she will major in psychology this fall. Forde urged her fellow graduates “to make every step from this point onward a conscious one. Know that with every step you take, trailing from the bottom of your feet is a legacy; a legacy that has branched from various paths, merged in the halls of Essex

County College, and will once again disperse to different destinations.”

Despite the constant challenge to balance a part time job and other extracurricular activities, Forde kept her focus. “With the support of encouraging parents and dedicated professors, I was able to continually excel semester after semester,” she said.

Salutatorian LoCascio said when he returned to ECC after his layoff, he joined the staff of the college newspaper, The Observer, where he worked as a copy editor. LoCascio was later ac-

cepted into the Honors Program where he served as a student ambassador.

His extracurricular work continued with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, serving as vice president of public relations.

LoCascio also helped to charter a Writing Club during the Fall 2013 semester.

In addition to his academic and extracurricular accomplishments, LoCascio has a number of hobbies, including reading, painting, playing the bass guitar, cooking and volunteering as an English tutor. LoCascio aspires to become an author.

“I am an avid writer of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. I hope to publish my first novel in the coming year (2015),” said LoCascio, but quickly adding: “I always made sure to put my studies first.”

His advice to future graduates is to “treat school like it is your job.”

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 15

Degree Recipients for August 2013 This is a list of degree candidates and not an official list of graduates.

Degree candidates will have to be officially certified for graduation by the Registrar. ***Highest Honors 3.85 to 4.00 grade point average **High Honors 3.65 to 3.84 grade point average *Honors 3.50 to 3.64 grade point average

DIVISION OF NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH TECHNOLOGY RADIOGRAPHY Ruth Cajuste-Civil, A.A.S. *** Wanda Clydesdale, A.A.S. Erica Cruz, A.A.S. ** Johanna Galarza, A.A.S.* Ryann Gonzaga, A.A.S. James Hunter, A.A.S. *** Christopher Jadoonanan, A.A.S. Kamola Johnson, A.A.S. Shanna Maza, A.A.S.* Yani Morel, A.A.S.* Marie Noel, A.A.S.* Jeannine Ojeda, A.A.S. Lourdes Ortiz, A.A.S. Danielle Pacillo, A.A.S. Chimene Park, A.A.S. Gladys Protocollo, A.A.S.* Ray Rivas, A.A.S.* Yesenia Silverio, A.A.S. Sajan Simon, A.A.S. ** Alvaro Torres, A.A.S. *** Joseph Wayo, A.A.S. **

RESPIRATORY CARE

(Joint degree program with Rutgers University –School of Health Related Professions) Jeffrey Charles, A.S. Josephine Gyening, A.S.* Pollyana Rocha, A.S. **

VISION CARE TECHNOLOGY Sarah Abedrabbo, A.A.S.*

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 16

DIVISION OF BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY PRE-MEDICINE Rayan Paul, A.S.* Derrick Pinkrah, A.S.

GENERAL SCIENCE Adline Eke, A.S. ** Ime Essien, A.S.*** Christopher Foulkes, A.S. Juthsie Pierre-Antoine, A.S.

DIVISION OF BUSINESS ACCOUNTING Ali Alsamna, A.S. Myriam Jacintho, A.S. Samrawit Kassa, A.S.*

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION William Anderson, A.S. Deshana Burnside, A.S. Viktoria Florke, A.A.S. Watson Guillaume, A.S. Bryan Mera, A.S.* Joy Miller, A.S. Melissa Moreira, A.S. Desmond Prime, A.S.* Lochard Raymond, A.S. Derell Shipman, A.S. Tyrone Wheeler, A.S. *** Natasha Wilkes, A.S.** Somali Wright, A.S. Devon Young, AS*

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: HOSPITALITY MANAGMENT Salomon Aparicio, A.A.S.

DIVISION OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES & COMPUTER SCIENCES ENGINEERING Jeffery Appiah, A.S.

LAND SURVEYING TECHNOLOGY Carlos Griffith, A.A.S.

DIVISION OF HUMANITIES ART Hasana Clark, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS Curtis Cutler, A.A. Joseph DiMichele, A.A.* Lorena Dominguez, A.A. Gregory Glenn, A.A. Shannon Gray, A.A. Kennedy Murray, A.A. Shamid Parker, A.A. Camilo Rosas, A.A. Erika Roscioli, A.A. Maria Velasquez, A.A. Terelle Walden, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS: COMMUNICATION Jayson Hull, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS: JOURNALISM Brandon Best, A.A. **

LIBERAL ARTS: SPANISH LANGUAGE Tatiana Guzman Read, A.A.

DIVISION OF MATHEMATICS & PHYSICS MATHEMATICS Carlo Duncan, A.S. **

DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES CRIMINAL JUSTICE Brian Bucknor, A.S. Pascale Charles, A.S. James Dorval, A.S. Deshawn Ginyard, A.S. Rosa Jaramillo, A.S.* Stephanie Malave, A.S. Tahir Parks, A.S. Christine Petgrave, A.S. Sakinah Shivers, A.S. Christian Vasquez, A.S.

EDUCATION Dina Flores, A.A. Kathy Harris, A.A. Akora Maynard, A.A. Jennifer Mercado, A.A.* Candace Moses, A.A. ** Andre Wilkins, A.A.*

HUMAN & SOCIAL SERVICES Gabriel Ali, A.A.S. Valerie Roberson, A.A.S. Walter Zegarra, A.A.S.*

PARALEGAL CERTIFICATE Branden Hall, Certificate Bonita Morgan, Certificate

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Daniela Almeida, A.S. Michael Lewis, A.S.

SOCIAL SCIENCES Joshe' Bernadel, A.S. Carolina Blacio, A.S. Maria Crisostomo, A.S. Evrans Dangervil, A.S. Valerie Davis, A.S. Octavia Echols, A.S. Amilcar Elam, A.S. Oksana Gritsan, A.S.* Norma Jumbo, A.S.* Landia Lane, A.S.*** Michelle Mahabir-Begazo, A.S. Katina McCain, A.S. Priscilla Robinson, A.S. Vanessa Rohoman, A.S.* Joseph Saintil, A.S. Najiyyah Webb, A.S. Jessica Willis, A.S.

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 17

Degree Recipients for December 2013 This is a list of degree candidates and not an official list of graduates.

Degree candidates will have to be officially certified for graduation by the Registrar. ***Highest Honors 3.85 to 4.00 grade point average **High Honors 3.65 to 3.84 grade point average *Honors 3.50 to 3.64 grade point average

DIVISION OF NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH DENTAL ASSISTING (Joint degree program with Rutgers University –School of Health Related Professions) Elizabeth Davila, Certificate Janel Kelly-Bailey, Certificate Annie Mohammed, Certificate Carol Montoya, Certificate Angelika Strama, Certificate Alfonsina Valdez, Certificate

DENTAL HYGIENE (Joint degree program with Rutgers University –School of Health Related Professions) Alexandra Fedotova, A.A.S. Danna Garcia Carpio, A.A.S. Jessica Lalley, A.A.S. Yina Lopez, A.A.S. Girishma Patel, A.A.S. Massiel Rossel, A.A.S.

HEALTH SCIENCE Realene Gray, A.S. Diana Gonzales, A.S. Cecelia Pantlitz, A.S.* Concepcion Wesley-Tartini, A.S.

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE Joycelyn Acebedo, Certificate Abosede Badmus, Certificate Fatou Bamba, Certificate

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 18

Bernice Boateng, Certificate Tiarah Cobb, Certificate Eric Cutliff, Certificate Marlo Deleon, Certificate Cinthya Dominguez, Certificate Venus Everett, Certificate Simone Hanson, Certificate Oluseyi Johnson, Certificate Agnes Kesse, Certificate Don Prem Legaspi, Certificate Katiria Melendez, Certificate Kehinde Ogbebor, Certificate Moboluwaduro Remi-Johnson, Certificate Stephanie Sainterme, Certificate Elisha Salahuddin, Certificate Lissette Valerio, Certificate Latwana White, Certificate Latoya Williams, Certificate

NURSING Brian Abrahamsen, A.A.S. Jeanifer Aggarao, A.A.S. ** Wounsseau Akpo, A.A.S. Shalena Alexander, A.A.S. Carlton Blaize, A.A.S. Coral Branch, A.A.S. Patrena Chapman, A.A.S. Mark Coddett, A.A.S. ** Roxanna Edwards, A.A.S. ** Tara Forlenza, A.A.S. Kayla Dawn Gillespie, A.A.S. Pamella Ignacio, A.A.S. Rosa Lopez, A.A.S. Budeshree Mangal, A.A.S. Marvia Meggo, A.A.S.* Edward Nyamwembe, A.A.S. Amali Ratnapala, A.A.S. ** Koku Somenou, A.A.S. Natalee White-Smith, A.A.S. ** Naderge Zacharie, A.A.S. Sasha Zephyr, A.A.S.

VISION CARE TECHNOLOGY: APPRENTICE Benjamin Casablanca, Certificate

DIVISION OF BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY PRE-MEDICINE Megumi Araseki, A.S. Melanie Caria, A.S. ** Stefanie Caria, A.S. ** Erick Coaguila, A.S. Thalita Da silva, A.S. ** Manfred Germain, A.S. *** Darshana Guzraty, AS Ariell Hopkins, A.S. Noha Ibrahim, A.S. *** Bria Johnson, A.S. Nilda Lanao, A.S. Jason Marquez, A.S.* Diane Nieves, A.S. Zelma Roberts, A.S. Ruth Tannis, A.S. Dawnette Williams, A.S.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Abel Oni, A.A.S.

GENERAL SCIENCE Motunrayo Adesanya, A.S.* Michael Andrade, A.S.* Jacinta Aniebue, A.S. *** Chy-Chy Anyaegbu, A.S. Cadisha Beckett, A.S. ** Adele Blamo, A.S. Jacqueline Comtiag, A.S. Tamika Conner, A.S. Yassohoba Coulibaly, A.S.

GENERAL SCIENCE (con’t) Akuvi Djidotor, A.S. Sakeenah Dowell, A.S. Robert Lee Draguin, A.S.* Silvia Duarte, A.S. *** Anna Elias, A.S. Emmanuela Forges, A.S. Claude-Alix Hage, A.S. Pauline Holmes, A.S. Joi Jackson, A.S. Shari Jacobs, A.S.* Saradjine Jean, A.S. Avery Jenkins, A.S. Firmine Jno-Baptiste, A.S. Lileena Johnson, A.S. Khadijah Jones, A.S. Nirva Joseph, A.S.* Hyejin Kim, A.S. * Isaac Kwakye, A.S. Nadege Mafouo Tiokeng, A.S. *** Carmen Moyano, A.S. Chinenye Nebeolisa-Lewis, A.S.* Ivana-Gail Ocansey, A.S. Taiwo Ogbebor, A.S. Godfrey Ohikhuare, A.S. Raymond Oppong, A.S. Nira Patel, A.S.* Jenny Rodriguez, A.S. Nicole Saenz, A.S. Yaba Sery, A.S. Erline Souveus, A.S. Monique Staron, A.S.* Adeoti Taylor, A.S. Keicia Tiller, A.S. Ciolie Veillard, A.S. Rose Yekeh, A.S.

DIVISION OF BUSINESS ACCOUNTING Zubaidah Abdul-Hakim, A.S. Manuel Alvarez, A.S. Maria Alves, A.S. Mark Apah, A.S. Relwende Bangre, A.S. Glendalys Caba, A.S. Pamela Congleton, A.S. Deonna Cooper, A.S. Juden Dalce, A.S.* Abdoul Diop, A.S. Trang Do, A.S. *

Joel Freire, A.S. Rosa Goizueta, A.S. Julia Hendriks, A.S. ** Julio Lanao, A.S. Karina Micic, A.S. Christian Montoya, A.S. Carmen Munoz Pena, A.S.* Lillian Ongera, A.S. *** Jhuliana Ontaneda, A.S. ** Andrea Ordonez, A.S. *** Theodore Pendleton 2nd, AS Sandra Rodriguez, A.S. *** Charles Sanchez, A.S.* Terry Sanford, A.S. ** Andy Saroop, A.S. Alan Sledge, A.S. Agnieszka Sondej, A.S. Daphnee Tunis, A.S. Dennys Vicuna, A.S. Franklin Wilson, A.S.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Olarimisi Adeogun, A.S. Marcelle Allen, A.S.* Pia Almeida, A.A.S. ** Kikelomo Ashorobi, A.S. ** Maria Batallas, A.S.* Benedicke Beltran, A.S. Yadira Bravo, A.S. Mayra Calva, A.S.* Jose Castillo, A.A.S. Diana Castro, A.S. Jessika Charles, A.S. Pamela Congleton, A.S. Deonna Cooper, A.S. Jeffrey Cunningham, A.S. Daniel Daquila, A.S. Mohammed Eddabdoubi, A.S. Vanessa Enriquez, A.S. Chuka Enworom, A.S. Lady Carla Espino, A.S. Yenquis Fermin, A.S. ** Dominic Ferry, A.A.S. ** Yaa Frempong, A.S. ** Diana Gonzalez, A.S. *** Natacha Graca, A.A.S. David Grandy, A.S. Messiah Haygood, A.S. Amanda Hinds, A.S.* Son Hoang, A.S. John Ihling, A.S. Steven Isabel, A.S. Genesis Jaya-Ron, A.S. ** Shakira Lawson, A.S.

Ndeye Lo, A.S. Eric Lowe, A.S. Luis Maldonado, A.S.* Nelly Ouedraogo, A.S. ** Beverley Phillips, A.S. Paolla Piedade, A.S.* Catherine Pierre, A.S. Megue Quive, A.S. Deborah Randall, A.A.S. Wilber Regalado, A.S. Charles Sanchez, A.S.* Ashly Seaz, A.S. Sonam Sherpa, A.S. Keiko Smith, A.S. Krista Taylor, A.S. Ivelisse Torres, A.S. Julio Valdez, A.S. Tanisha Walton, A.S. Regina Wilkins, A.S.*

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS Maria Reynoso, A.A.S.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT Elise Banks, A.A.S. Mark Hand, A.A.S. Franthony Mendoza, A.A.S. Omafume Onaodowan, A.A.S.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: OFFICE ADMINISTRATION AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Iona Smith, A.A.S.

BUSINESS CAREER DEVELOPMENT Charles Bright, Certificate

OFFICE ASSISTANT Katrice Howell, Certificate Monica Ramos, Certificate

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 19

DIVISION OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES & COMPUTER SCIENCES ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY Silvia Bronder, A.A.S. John Nunoo, A.A.S.

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Mina Fahmy, A.A.S. Rafael Guerrero, A.A.S. Chris Kidangan, A.A.S. Rosa Villa, A.A.S.

COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Ali Mahmoud, Certificate

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Omar Nunez, A.S. Kyle Przekop, A.S.

COMPUTER SCIENCE Norbert Aminzia, A.S. Jean Loizin, A.S. Samuel Rexach, A.S.

ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Malik Ammar, A.A.S. Alberto Loachamin, A.A.S. Dwight Mitchell, A.A.S.* Xuefeng Yin, A.A.S. ** Luis Zamora, A.A.S.

ENGINEERING Samir Abdo, A.S. *** Mario Barahona, A.S. Jason Cevallos, A.S. ** Oscar Chaves, A.S. Javier Idrovo, A.S. Krishna Joshi, A.S.

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 20

Rana Khalid, A.S. Chito Luna, A.S. Miklos Nyary, A.S. ** Donald Osafo-Darko, A.S. Boris Palomino, A.S. Hector Rojas, A.S. Onyinyechi Ubaechu, A.S. Kaival Vaishnav, A.S.* Freddy Vijay, A.S. ** Vanessa Faye Villaluz, A.S.*

LAND SURVEYING TECHNOLOGY Osiris Ramirez, A.A.S. ***

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Mostafa Ahmed, A.A.S. Carlos Espinoza, A.A.S.

RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY Rick Casaretto, Certificate

TECHNICAL STUDIES

David Frischman, A.A. Jamil Gayle, A.A. Jordan Hardy, A.A. Gloria Hillson, A.A.* Bruno Jerome, A.A. Joseph LoCascio, A.A. *** Ana Lopez, A.A. Joy Miller, A.A. Christa Nunn, A.A. *** Nancy Ostine, A.A. Ryan Palumbo, A.A. Diya Parraway, A.A. Peter Philhower, A.A. Walter Pinkston, A.A. Natalia Plachta, A.A. Joseph Rossi, A.A. Melanie Rudden, A.A. Christianne Schaible, A.A. Lindsey Scoloveno, A.A. Amber Scott, A.A.* Tracey Scott, A.A. Karla Silva, A.A. Juniel Spruiel, A.A. Christine Tax, A.A. Sibel Yuksel, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS: COMMUNICATION

David Daugherty, A.A.S. Meredith King, A.A.S. Sidney Leon, A.A.S. Keith O'Donnell, A.A.S.

Jeffrey Elkashab, A.A. ** Hilda Moore, A.A. Alwyn Smith, A.A. Danielle Sykes, A.A.* Steven Vilar, A.A.

DIVISION OF HUMANITIES

LIBERAL ARTS: JOURNALISM

ART

Christian Blair, A.A. ***

Darlene Anico, A.A. ** Catherine Cobon, A.A. Talib Johnson, A.A. Daniel Pagan, Certificate Angel Vazquez, A.A. Cynthia Zajkowski, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS: SPANISH LANGUAGE

LIBERAL ARTS

Michael Ortiz, A.S. ** Nicolas Walker, A.S.

Hora Abdi, A.A. *** Luis Becerra, A.A. Brian Courtney, A.A. Marisa Delmonico, A.A. ** Melissa Enrriquez, A.A. Theodore Ezike, A.A. Penny Fitzpatrick, A.A. Dawn Fraser, A.A.

Martha Pozo, A.A. **

MUSIC/MUSIC EDUCATION

NEW MEDIA TECHNOLOGY Tashawn Cald, A.A.S. Ralph DePiro, A.A.S. Cesar Enrriquez, A.A.S. Kyonna Estes, A.A.S.*

DIVISION OF MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS MATHEMATICS Ibin Abdul-Hakeem, A.S. Donald Coleman, A.S. *** Marla Faigenbaum, A.S. *** Yasmine Jammal, A.S.** Julien Laboisseret, A.S. *** Ronice Marc, A.S.

DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES CRIMINAL JUSTICE Peter Barbier, A.S. Davion Buchanan, A.S. Maria Cayamcela, A.S. Joelle Chalet, A.S. Tochukwu Ekedede, A.S. Joseph Fayiah, A.S. Jose Febo, A.S. Kevin Fiory, A.S. Eduardo Gonzalez-Bravo, A.S.* Devin Hall, A.S. Jennifer Joseph, A.S. Samuel Joseph, A.S. Sondra Layton, A.S.* Sabrina Lucius, A.S. Derrick Macken, A.S. Stephanie Montagna, A.S.* Paulo Sergio Moreira, A.S. Mecca Newton, A.S. Yolimaris Pizarro, A.S. James Quarry, A.S. Nichole Randolph, A.S. Jantel Reid-Ivy, A.S. Zeeta Roberts, A.S. Jorge Rodriguez, A.S. Robert Russoman, A.S. Wilfredo Santisteban, A.S. Kevin Sommers, A.S. Ruth Torres, A.S. Christopher Velez, A.S.

EDUCATION Adebunmi Adefolu, A.A. Alexandria Ataide, A.A. Sharhonda Barron, A.A. Vanessa Carrillo, A.A. Sasha Carty, A.A. Lakeya Clark, A.A.

Quanisha Crosby, A.A. Stephanie Elisee, A.A. Jehan Elkorany, A.A. Catherine Gomes, A.A. Alexandra Gonzales, A.A. Massiell Guzman, A.A.* Kim Hawkins, A.A. Arlene Hernandez, AA Gloria Hernandez, A.A.* Maylin Hernandez, A.A.* Roselyn Hooks, A.A. Hermine Hyatt, A.A. Oluwakemi Idowu, A.A. Shannon King, A.A.* Dekwon Lawton, A.A. Gilma Llerena, A.A. Aptwanea Lucas, A.A. ** Milania Martinez, A.A. Deborah Mcghee, A.A. Christina McGill, A.A. Danielle McMillian, A.A. Clarie Mercado, A.A. Asi Nimely, A.A. Ashley Ollivierre, A.A. Mary Beth Pappas, A.A.* Susan Rodriguez, A.A. Crystal Rojas, A.A. Joanna Sylvain, A.A.

HUMAN & SOCIAL SERVICES Yolanda Chandler, A.A.S.* Tamika Flores, A.A.S. Shendonah Lewis, A.A.S Ashley Merced, A.A.S. Doris Odoemene, A.A.S.* Elsy Rodriguez, A.A.S. Loretta Scales, A.A.S.*

MASSAGE THERAPY Marie Alcius, Certificate

PARALEGAL Yaovi Bekou, Certificate Sybil-Sandra Eugene, Certificate

PARALEGAL STUDIES Mina Ekladious, A.S. Bridget Gooding, A.S.* Kamilla Liu, A.S. *** George Mikhail, A.S. Eilleen Pastuisaca, A.S. Sandra Tracy, A.S. ** Hellen Tuckett, A.S.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Peterson Azille, A.S.

SOCIAL SCIENCES Patrick Adams, A.S. ** Fabiola Alexandre, A.S. Alonya Anderson, A.S. Erik Anico, A.S. Miguel Bengochea, A.S. Porshia Bennett, A.S. Amberlyn Borden, A.S.* Rosane Braz, A.S. Maria Camacho, A.S.* Christine Carter, A.S. Jennifer Clark, A.S. ** Victoria Cooper, A.S. *** Jannalee Correa, A.S. Shakira De La Torre, A.S. Donald DeBruhl, A.S. Elaliene Dernier, A.S. Adline Eke, A.S. ** Sara Espinoza, A.S.* Marie Forges, A.S. Carmen Garcia, A.S. Roosevelt Gildersleeve, A.S. Cierra Gordon, A.S. ** Marcius Hopkins, A.S. Oluwakemi Idowu, A.S. David Isibor, A.S. Samantha Jackson, A.S. Jameishah Johnson, A.S. Leona Johnson, A.S. Shantel Jones, A.S. Yasmine Laguide, A.S. Jahjah Lisimba, A.S. Fabienne Loriston, A.S. Brian Mantle, A.S. Shanika McCray, A.S. Denise Medina, A.S.* Katherine Morales, A.S. Shakima Neely, A.S. Philomise Noel, A.S. Jazmin Quiles, A.S. Alexis Robinson, A.S. Juan Rodriguez, A.S. Ruth Sanchez, A.S. Sukhjit Sandhu, A.S. Janice Smith, A.S. Jennifer Smith, A.S. Myriame Suffrard, A.S. Johnny Wallace, A.S.

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 21

Degree Recipients for May 2014 This is a list of degree candidates and not an official list of graduates.

Degree candidates will have to be officially certified for graduation by the Registrar. ***Highest Honors 3.85 to 4.00 grade point average **High Honors 3.65 to 3.84 grade point average *Honors 3.50 to 3.64 grade point average

DIVISION OF NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH HEALTH SCIENCE LaShonda Battle, A.S. Shawanda Culver, A.S. Tiffany English, A.S. Monike Leake, A.S. Caren Mamaradio, A.S. Kesha Yearwood, A.S.*

LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE

Joane Pierre, A.A.S. Nancy Rodriguez, A.A.S. Olubunmi Segun, A.A.S. Basimah Sewell, A.A.S. John Strazza, A.A.S. ** Dhyana Velez, A.A.S. Adriana Zamora-Padilla, A.A.S.*

RESPIRATORY CARE (Joint degree program with Rutgers University –School of Health Related Professions) Octavia Bryant, A.S. **

Lisa Byfield, Certificate Ashley Jackson, Certificate

PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

NURSING

Manal Abdelaziz, A.A.S. ** Lori Amati, A.A.S. *** Andrew Atalla, A.A.S. Anchalee Bunthanawong, A.A.S. *** Jason Peter Cecilio, A.A.S. Sam Depasupil, A.A.S. Bradley Edwin, A.A.S.* John Emmons, A.A.S. Cajetan Ibeneme, A.A.S.* Brian Ike, A.A.S. Melanie-Ann Llanes, A.A.S.*** Catherine Lopez, A.A.S. *** Angie Mohamed, A.A.S. *** Eric Munn, A.A.S. *** Andy Nam, A.A.S. ** Palak Panchal, A.A.S. *** Megan Scully, A.A.S. *** Jacqueline Sierchio, A.A.S.* Lauren Spallone, A.A.S.* Catherine Tapia, A.A.S. *** Kevin Thomas, A.A.S. *** Christian Tiongson, A.A.S. ** Mary Rose Villegas, A.A.S.* Jennifer Wathne, A.A.S.*

Eleonora Ackerman, A.A.S. ** Felicia Adelaja, A.A.S. Kudirat Almi-Harris, A.A.S. Abigail Alcantara, A.A.S. Victoria Aljure, A.A.S.* Twana Bowling, A.A.S. Daphne Chung, A.A.S.** Joseph Columbo, A.A.S. Nicaise Eloi, A.A.S.* Kristen Gerard, A.A.S. Vania Lorvanis-Gore, A.A.S. Michael Gyamfi, A.A.S. Monae Haskins, A.A.S. Shaquanna Hawkins, A.A.S. Minouge Hyppolite, A.A.S. Roseline LaFleur, A.A.S. Catherine Manza, A.A.S. Happy Mapunda, A.A.S. Mirelle Marcellus, A.A.S. Vennetta Martin, A.A.S. Gwyneth Ingrid Mutah, A.A.S. Maureen Nwazuoke, A.A.S. Moses Oduro, A.A.S. Omotayo Olanrewaju, A.A.S. Karl Onaiwu, A.A.S.* SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 22

VISION CARE TECHNOLOGY Khuloud Basuf, A.A.S. *** Shayne Cortes, A.A.S. ** Samantha Danubio, A.A.S. Maggie Fahmy, A.A.S. ** Timothy Griffith, A.A.S. *** Jason Hirsch, A.A.S. *** Mustapha Kaddour, A.A.S. Hemal Kumar Patel, A.A.S. Jasmine Todd, A.A.S. Monica Wilburn, A.A.S. ** Jennifer Zdyrski, A.A.S. ***

DIVISION OF BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY PRE-MEDICINE Ademola Akinmade, A.S. Jannah Amatul-Muid, A.S. Marcia Apablaza, A.S. Mamadou Bah, A.S. *** Nicole Kelvia Lucy Bonny, A.S. Tamara Christiani, A.S. Kehinde Cole, A.S. *** Claudia Costa, A.S. ** Amarachi Ezumah, A.S.* Moreen Famosa, A.S. ** Nader Gapreal, A.S. *** Silvia Huerta, A.S. *** Noha Ibrahim, A.S. *** Albertha Joseph, A.S. Edmond KanKam, A.S.* Sofia Medina, A.S. *** Sara Noor, A.S. ** Francis Nunoo, A.S. Jean Paul Obando, A.S. Diane Ouedraogo, A.S. Gunnidhi Patel, A.S. ** Ruchita Patel, A.S. Taisha Suarez, A.S.

CHEMISTRY Folarin Adedeji, A.S. Ralph Fleurant-Jean, A.S. Marie Jean-Pierre, A.S.*

GENERAL SCIENCE Bolatito Adeniran, A.S. Ayodele Akiode, A.S.* Patricia Amamoo, A.S. Isma'il Amin, A.S. Emely Aramboles, A.S. Richard Asankunde-Talaji, A.S. Dompatrick Asoegwu, A.S. Melina Badillo, A.S. ** Michelle Benson, A.S. Kijafa Brown, A.S. Sharondah Clark, A.S. *** Ashley Cooper, A.S. Jennifer Cuevas-Lorenzo, A.S. Paula Dieugrand, A.S. Luciano Dos Santos, A.S. Brianna Duhaney, A.S. Stephanie Duval, A.S. Amarachi Enwere, A.S. ** Faith Eriata, A.S. *** Frantzcia Francois, A.S. Darcele Frederique, A.S. Nicois Gordon, A.S. Ibeabuchi Iloghalu, A.S. *** Jeneba Jallah, A.S. Johanne Jasmin, A.S. Keith Kohlmann, A.S. *** Merlyn Litus, A.S. Andrea Logan, A.S. Shaka London, A.S. Claudette Louis, A.S. Miranda Matiashvili, A.S. ** Belinda McFarland, A.S. Gebrehiwo Mindesel, A.S. Nuria Morales, A.S. Josselyn Moreno, A.S. Jackson Ngatia, A.S. Dolette Ngoutsop-Manetio, A.S. ** Innocent Nwachukwu, A.S. Onyinyecukwu Okeke, A.S. Nancy Olango, A.S. Jacqueline Ouedraogo, A.S.* Angela Pangilinan, A.S. Charles Petit Homme, A.S. Sadate Philemon, A.S.* Kieshell Phillips, A.S. Donnica Ricketts, A.S. Shaniqua Robinson, A.S. Franklin Rodriguez Colon, A.S.

Nyreen SeGuinot, A.S. Shondell Smith, A.S. Nongobzanga Tassembedo, A.S. Fabienne Thermitus, A.S.* Rose Tompson, A.S. Vivian Vazquez, A.S. ** Jaelynn Vizzi, A.S. ** Valline Whitsett, A.S. Aliyyah Williams, A.S.* Cheyenne Williams, A.S.

DIVISION OF BUSINESS ACCOUNTING Karem Alfaro, A.S. Ricardo Alvarado, A.S. Noshin Ameri-Colon, A.S. *** Cindy Arrieta, A.S.* Oxana Balakina, A.S. *** Othello Benson, A.S. Samuel Bernard, A.S. Jennely Burgos, A.S. ** Ketler Cajuste, A.S. Alima Camara, A.S. ** Jhanet Claros, A.S. Camisha Conover, A.S. Karla Coronel, A.S.* Odalys Cueva, A.S.* Ana Diaz, A.S. Chantel Fernandez, A.S. Steven Franco, A.S. Exmil Gonzalez, A.S. Tamika Gray, A.S. Martin Kalapos, A.S. ** Craig Langley, A.S. Mynor Lopez, A.S. Sharonada McClain, A.S. Vicenta Narvaez, A.S. Thinesha Nesaratnam, A.S. Mercy Ngatia, A.S. Joe Noreiga, A.S. Carlos Nunez, A.S. Junior Orelus, A.S. Karen Peters, A.S. *** Nataly Podobulkina, A.S. *** Lemar Reyes, A.S. Joyce Roberts, A.S. Lashikeerah Walker, A.S. ** Matthew West, A.S. ** Rogina Williams, A.S. Edith Wizilamu, A.S. Maria Yepez A.A.S.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Ubasineke Achilike, A.S. Alexander Arcelay, A.S. Alexander Ballard, A.S. Diane Bambara, A.S. Nelly Fleur Beugre, A.S. *** Sherina Blackwell, A.S. ** Shirley Blanc, A.S. Victor Brannon, A.S. Jennely Burgos, A.S. ** Danny Caceres, A.S. Luis Caldeira, A.S. ** Anthony Calderon, A.S. Jennifer Calle, A.S. John Capra, A.S. Lawrence Carsillo, A.S. Alexandria Castillo, A.S. Ebony Clark, A.S. Claude Croal, A.S. Amanda Culleny, A.S. Michael Cumming, A.S. John Cunha, A.S. Monique Decartaret, A.S. Gnina Diallo, A.S. Jackie Diaz, A.S. Vafoumba Dosso, A.S. Claudette Folkes, A.S. Jose Garcia, A.S.* Kwesi Gibson, A.S. Regina Gomes, A.S. Marsha Gonzalez, A.S. Sunita Gordhan, A.S. ** Annette Grabowski, A.S. Jazlyn Johnson, A.S. Jason Josaphat, A.S. Reyaz Karim, A.S.* Mouhid Laguide, A.S. Yakeema Lee, A.S. Arnoldo Martinez, A.S. Tomika McCall, A.S. Jordan McKeon, A.S.* Isaiah McTeer, A.S. Mygasnov Michel, A.S. Renira Morris, A.S. ** Daniela Paucar, A.S. Timeon Peters, A.S. Bryce Pointer, A.S. Fritz Gerald Profit, A.S. Wendy Quintanilla, A.S.* Alena Quiroga, A.S. Carla Rivera, A.S. Laurie Robinson, A.S. Hebert Rocha, A.S. ** Linus Rogers, A.S.

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 23

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (con’t)

ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY

Darwin Ruiz Lopez, A.S. Vilma Saavedra Monteza, A.S. ** Imaani Sanders, A.S. Charles Scott, A.S. Shira Seals, A.S. Joannie Serrano, A.S. Atilla Simsek, A.S. Craig Smith, A.S. Mark Thompson, A.S. Andrea Vel-Baque, A.S. Brandon Velez, A.S. Maritza Velez, A.S. Dani Verdugo, A.S. Jawad Watson, A.S. Amir Wiley, A.S. Chase Wilt, A.S. Donna Wright, A.S. Gladys Yanqui, A.S. Shawn Yearwood, A.S.

Devon Balbosa, A.A.S. Branden Balkum, A.A.S. Saulo De Araujo, A.A.S. Jeremy Ereno, A.A.S. Joseane Gunther, A.A.S. Maria Silva, A.A.S.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT Paullee Diogene, A.A.S. Lamar Kehinde, A.A.S.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE ADMISTRATION AND COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY Shanerah Green, A.A.S.

OFFICE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT Danielle Jarrett, A.A.S. **

DIVISION OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES & COMPUTER SCIENCES APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE Gabriel Gonzalez, A.S. ** Marshey Kernizan, A.S. Ulysee Thompson, A.S.*

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 24

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Frederic Apiou, A.A.S. Sobner Jean Louis, A.A.S. Obed Ondara, A.A.S. Darryl Passmore, A.A.S.

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN TECHNOLOGY Silva Bronder, Certificate Saulo De Araujo, Certificate Elias Inaty, Certificate

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

ENGINEERING Bassem Abdelhamid, A.S. David Abdullah, A.S. Adolf Addawoo, A.S. Adeyemi Adelaja, A.S. Samy Amar, A.S. *** Ibrahim Diab, A.S. Dung Do, A.S. *** Ton Duong, A.S. *** Ogochimere Ezendokwere, A.S. Omar Gonzales, A.S.* Norberto Hernandez, A.S. Sarah Michelle Labrador, A.S. ** Shaun Lane, A.S. Gustavo Lourenco, A.S. ** Walid Omer, A.S. *** Romulo Quiliche, A.S.* Mohammad Shahid, A.S. ** Paul Shupak, A.S. **

MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Juan Taco, A.A.S.

TECHNICAL STUDIES

Myrson Cherette, A.S. Ahmed Rahim, A.S. Blazer Rosario, A.S.

Jozef Szarlej, A.A.S.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

ART

Mubarak Adam, A.S. ** Phinehas Alabi, A.S. Luis Angamarca, A.S. Enrique Castelan-Barrales, A.S. ** Donald Coleman, A.S. *** XiaoTong Dang, A.S. Ibrahima Jalloh, A.S.* Ashwini Kolloju, A.S. Ronice Marc, A.S. Dev Patel, A.S. Urvish Patel, A.S. Totaram Ramrattan, A.S.* Chad Richards, A.S. Drashti Shah, A.S.

Jimmy Buitrago, A.A.* Laribel Montilla, A.A.* Daniel Pagan, A.A.

ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Ali Epps, A.A.S Corey Kennedy, A.A.S.

DIVISION OF HUMANITIES

LIBERAL ARTS Yoomee Abdon, A.A. ** Irene Acevedo, A.A. *** Frank Aiello, A.A. Chepell Anderson, A.A. Alexia Berlangieri, A.A. McKinley Blezin, A.A. Richard Brewster, A.A. Matthew Broadfoot, A.A. *** Teresa Buque, A.A. Jenna Caso, A.A. *** Catrina Chatelain, A.A. *** Lolita Cruz, A.A.* Melanie Da Luz Mendes, A.A. ** Susanne Devlin, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS (con’t) Alyssa Donadio, A.A. Kevin Edwards, A.A. Diego Gonzalez Cordero, A.A. ** Halina Henry, A.A. ** Elie Jean, A.A. ** Erik Lipkin, A.A. Athena Lynch, A.A. Collis Marrow, A.A.* Dolly Mendez, A.A. Traci Migliaccio, A.A. Wilquin Minaya Rodriguez, A.A.* Dominique Mongelli, A.A. Ella Muravska, A.A. ** Tiago Neiva, A.A. Isaac Nelson, A.A. Aaron Ocasio, A.A. Nancy Padilla, A.A. ** Sashay Parchment, A.A. Deanna Pepe, A.A. Christopher Portee, A.A. Edna Portillo, A.A. Maria Jose Quinchiguango, A.A. ** Geuel Ramirez, A.A. Jessica Rendon-Quiceno, A.A. Edgar Rivas Jr., A.A. Sonia Rocha, A.A. Yoqueyri Rodriguez, A.A. Que Atiya Rogers, A.A. Gisselle Romoleroux, A.A. Dimitrios Roussos, A.A. Kevin Salas, A.A. Melissa Sanger, A.A.* Michael Schoch, A.A. McKenna Smith, A.A. Nashia Smith, A.A. Mary Taylor, A.A. Julie Travers, A.A. *** Lydin Vega, A.A. Payton Warren, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS: AFRICANA STUDIES Sean Stafford, A.A. ***

LIBERAL ARTS: COMMUNICATION Carolina Abreu, A.A. Mariana Abreu, A.A. Brenda Alexander, A.A. Brinson Bridgett, A.A. Krystal Colon, A.A.

Danielle Cooper, A.A. Quincy Fulmore Fowlks, A.A. Elisa Hunter, A.A. ** Daniel Koo, A.A. Erik McRimmon, A.A. Andrea Orcon, A.A. Raymond Spencer, A.A.* Rosa Velastegui, A.A.* Andre Williamson, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS: JOURNALISM Catherine Costello, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS: SPANISH LANGUAGE Raisi Cardona-Blanco, A.A.

NEW MEDIA TECHNOLOGY Daniel Abotchie, A.A.S. Ayten Caliskan, A.A.S.* Dashawn Dennis, A.A.S. Markus Evans, A.A.S. Daniel Williams, A.A.S.

DIVISION OF MATHEMATICS & PHYSICS MATHEMATICS Albert Garcia, A.S. Cesar Rodriguez-Cruz, A.S.

DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES CRIMINAL JUSTICE Oscar Acevedo, A.S. Aly Ahmed, A.S. Paxieyah Allen, A.S. Humberto Anderson, A.S. Jennifer Arce, A.S. Mecca Asturias, A.S.* Najeya Banks, A.S. Steven Castillo, A.S. Charles Cineus, A.S. Fatou Dagno, A.S. Catherine Duerre-Cieri, A.S. Maxwell Fanfan, A.S.

Stephanie Garrido, A.S. Terthil Georges, A.S. Evione Graham, A.S. Kaneesha Helms, A.S. Clorretta Holliday, A.S. Daniel Johnson, A.S. Khaliah Johnson, A.S. Margaret Kearney, A.S. Andrew Khadaroo, A.S. Lorenzo Lee-Copeland, A.S. Natacha Lorenzo, A.S. Hiram Melendez, A.S. Anthony Nimely, A.S. Charlinise Normil, A.S. Enrique Nunez, A.S. Tracey Omare, A.S. Alex Penalva, A.S. * Jose Perez, A.S. Michelle Raza, A.S.* Michael Reece, A.S. *** Tatiana Rivera, A.S.** Ajele Sackey, A.S. Abdullah Saeed, A.S. Stephen Saldutto, A.S. Lorenzo Soto, A.S. Roxanne Swan-Inman, A.S. Hugo Tenorio, A.S. Zachery Tormo, A.S. Alexander Trigo, A.S. Robinson Vital, A.S. Cristian Zeas, A.S.

EDUCATION Corey Achong, A.A. Laquanah Anderson, A.A. Marjorie Annylus, A.A. Jennifer Arrington, A.A. Dolores Barraza, A.A. ** Yeimi Barrios, A.A. Evelyn Bazan, A.A.* Sharifa Brown, A.A. Mark Bylancik, A.A. ** Anner Campbell, A.A. Yeni Canela, A.A. Krysten Castro, A.A. Mariuxi Chimbo, A.A. Shannon Coleman, A.A. Tino Cook, A.A. Gisenia Criado, A.A.* Jasmine Dixon, A.A. Marie Etienne, A.A. Jennifer Fernandes, A.A. Danny Flores, A.A. Marie Rose Fodlor Genelus, A.A.**

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 25

EDUCATION (con’t) Kimberly Gonzalez, A.A. Ophelia Gorwor, A.A. Fabienne Gourdet, A.A. Santeyonne Jackson, A.A. Miosotis Javier, A.A. La Toya Jenkins, A.A. Daniela Jimbo, A.A.* Nyeshia Kearney, A.A. Debra Keizer, A.A.** Maury Madrigal, A.A. Monica Marrero, A.A. Betty Matthews, A.S. * Kenyetta Mc Cray, A.A. Illiana Mena, A.A. Fatima Muhammad, A.A. Rafiah Muhammad, A.A. Jenny Ojeda, A.A.* LysMarie Perez, A.A. Carmen Ponte, A.A. Gloria Regalado, A.A. Oleksandra Rodriguez, A.A. Jaclyn Rosenblatt, A.A. Iddis Sanchez, A.A. Yesenia Sanchez, A.A. Karen Santos, A.A. Bertange Severe, A.A. ** Raven Shannon, A.A. Ayesha Shearin, A.A. Patricia Silverio, A.A. Dieunel Simon, A.A. Cenequia Smith, A.A.* Zayn Sroya, A.A. Stacey Tavares, A.A. Jaslyn Taveras, A.A. Gary Taylor, A.A. Danielle Thorpe, A.A. Alexandra Toribio, A.A. Kimyada Ward, A.A. Judice Waugh, A.A.*

HUMAN & SOCIAL SERVICES Karriem Able, A.A.S. Jose Abril, A.A.S. Stanley Agwanihu, A.A.S.* Asoluka Bart, A.A.S.* Chante Boynes, A.A.S. Farida Campbell, A.A.S.* Deborah Carter, A.A.S. Jeffrey Cooper, A.A.S. ** Shayla Dunn, A.A.S.*

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 26

Cherie Frazier, A.A.S. Dawn Honorat, A.A.S. Lenita Jackson, A.A.S. Edward Jamison, A.A.S. Audrey Johnson, A.A.S. Sherry Ricks, A.A.S. Tiffanie Rodriguez, A.A.S. Virginia Roudette, A.A.S. Aline Saboia, A.A.S. Anthony Salter, A.A.S. Vanessa Santander, A.A.S. Natay Thomas, A.A.S. Novella Thomas, A.A.S. Joshua Thompson Quartey, A.A.S. Tracey Wise Quick, A.A.S. *** Ivori Wright, A.A.S. Alpha Yekee, A.A.

MASSAGE THERAPY Cynthia Delva, Certificate Gliceria Fader, Certificate Dana Parker-Crosby, Certificate

PARALEGAL Rodney Pollard, Certificate Cortez Charles, Certificate

PARALEGAL STUDIES Sheila Goins, A.S.*

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Jason Coleman, A.S. Alex Constante, A.S. Michael DeLucca, A.S. ** Anna Vilchez, A.S. Stevenson Vilus, A.S.

SOCIAL SCIENCES Noreen Ambani, A.S.* Charles Bracey, A.S. Crystal Brotherson, A.S. Michael Burgess, A.S. Suely Burgos, A.S. Brenda Calle, A.S. Idressa Carter, A.S. Emily Coote, A.S. Camille Chambers, A.S. Rose Creech, A.S. Kathielee Cruz, A.S. Scarlett Cruz, A.S.

Garrett DeFalco, A.S. Diana Del Gross, A.S. Gabriella Disesso, A.S. Junia Estenor, A.S. Nehemie Etienne, A.S. Angelic Forde, A.S. *** Alene Gervais, A.S.* Tikima Gillespie, A.S. Jennifer Giordano, A.S. Robert Givens, A.S. Jennyfer Gonzales Flores, A.S. Dawn Greene, A.S. *** Nadirah Harrington, A.S. ** Alanna Henry, A.S. Daphne Jacobs, A.S. Joseph Johnson Jr., A.S. Karen Jones, A.S. Tamora Kirby, A.S. Joseline Lantigua Ventura, A.S. Vanessa Layedra, A.S.* Ronda Mahone, A.S. Florencia Martinez, A.S. Pauline Masango, A.S. Tamia Mays, A.S. Britney McFarlane, A.S. Derrick McKie, A.S. Star McQueen, A.S. Floyd Melvin, A.S. Tanika Miller, A.S.* Risa Milton, A.S. Annette Muhammad, A.S. Kaliah Nowlin, A.S. Frayni Nunez, A.S. Lauren O'Donnell, A.S. Michelle Pallino, A.S. Patricia Perlas, A.S. Michelle Poff, A.S. Arielle Quevedo, A.S. Murlene Raymond, A.S. Joshua Retamar, A.S. Kayla Rodriguez, A.S. *** Irma Roman, A.S. Barbara Rosario, A.S.* Stevilyn Scarola, A.S. Sierra Spriggs, A.S. *** Maritza Suero, A.S. Kiara Thom, A.S. Dauna Thompson, A.S. Christine Tiseo, A.S. *** Elena Torres, A.S.* Harrison Uwadia, A.S. ** Waheedah Walden, A.S. Saphia Williams, A.S. Maria Yunga, A.S.

Degree Recipients for Summer 2014 This is a list of degree candidates and not an official list of graduates.

Degree candidates will have to be officially certified for graduation by the Registrar.

DIVISION OF NURSING & ALLIED HEALTH TECHNOLOGY HEALTH SCIENCE Shonda Lassiter, A.S. Theresa Subhan, A.S. Tawanna Williams-Sami, A.S.

NURSING Syndie Bosquet, A.A.S.

Onyedikachi Aligbe, A.S. Isaac Poku Appiah, A.S. Dipo Avungbeto, A.S. Emily Ballenilla, A.S. Olesah Bediako, A.S. Erika Bernal, A.S. Jose Boisrond, A.S. Kerwin Clement, A.S. Stephine Harding, A.S. Prince Okonkwo, A.S. Edda Pantocin, A.S. Raphjoyce Seignon, A.S. Sildevie Tchiekoua, A.S.

DIVISION OF BUSINESS

RADIOGRAPHY

CHEMISTRY

Joanna Blicharz, A.A.S. Aida Boling, A.A.S. Alexander Colon, A.A.S. Megi Craig, A.A.S. Maureen Dunbar, A.A.S. Randy Gopal, A.A.S. Amita Gupta, A.A.S. Sonia Mirenda, A.A.S. Richard Moon, A.A.S. Vicky Nazario, A.A.S. Daniela Pacheco, A.A.S. Satyananda Parmeshwar, A.A.S. Sharlene Powell, A.A.S. Ruqaiyah Sultan, A.A.S. Chandni Tarpara, A.A.S.

Ana Schiavino, A.S.

VISION CARE TECHNOLOGY Elie Alexandre, A.A.S Aneesha Crowley, A.A.S.

DIVISION OF BIOLOGY & CHEMISTRY BIOLOGY PRE-MEDICINE Jelesia Adams, A.S. Adedolapo Adeniji, A.S. Maria Aguirre, A.S. Chima Akparanta, A.S.

Milson Michel, A.S. Eli- Hannah Newell, A.S. Jesumene Noel, A.S. Nina Opoku, A.S. Jasmeenah Ragland, A.S. Lakia Ransom, A.S. Linda Santiague, A.S. Shamira Scott, A.S. Khadine Smoot, A.S. Samuel Tettey, A.S. Iana Thomas, A.S. Stella Ugoaru, A.S.

CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY Talisa Johnson, A.A.S.

GENERAL SCIENCE Abdul Salam Abdul Razak, A.S. Akuavi Agumanu, A.S. Aleeya Allman, A.S. Nina Ankomah, A.S. Darcy Bautista, A.S. Joseph Bickersteth Sr., A.S. Valery Byron, A.S. Christine Clarke-Clough, A.S. Dora Commey, A.S. Mayisha Dalmacy, A.S. Stephen Daroy, A.S. Abbacculyn Dokie, A.S. Johan Enciso, A.S. Jonas Ezea, A.S. Sandra Gonzales, A.S. Brizia Gonzales, A.S. Julia Hinojosa, A.S. Lisa Joseph-Butler, A.S. Valorie Julu, A.S. Claudine Lacroix, A.S. Ketsia Lambert, A.S. Maria Lliguicota, A.S. Utride Louis, A.S. Maggie Melendez-Cevallos A.S.

ACCOUNTING Anderson Braz, A.S. Nathalie Ceus-Gaspard, A.S. Yu Deng, A.S. Jason Forsythe, A.S. Teyya Goldston, A.S. Lizandra Granda, A.S. Colleen Holland, A.S. Mateo Lopez-Alvarez, A.S. Jeffrey Morton, A.S. Annie Myers, A.S. Levita Pickett, A.S. Flerida Rodriguez, A.S. Jonas Saint Louis, A.S. Rommell Santos, A.S. Jiasi Sun, A.S. Carmela Torres, A.S. Maria Vallejo, A.S.

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Richardo Bernard, A.S. Idris Bhatti, A.S. Keesha Braithwaite, A.S. Sady-Ann Bramwell, A.S. Gilbert Caraballo, A.S. Thomas Carswell, A.S. Hilda Castellanos, A.S. Wayne Cort, A.S. Natassha De Toledo, A.S.

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 27

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (cont’d) Pedro Denoronha-Duarte, A.S. Ricardo Dusson, A.S. Tajai Ford, A.S. Danielle Garcia, A.S. Hammad Iqbal, A.S. Haneesha Ligon, A.S. Mateo Lopez-Alvarez, A.S. Felipe Maldonado, A.S. Jessica Maldonado, A.S. Melissa Marques, A.S. Shalonda Marshall, A.S. Evelyn Martinez, A.S. Johanna Munoz, A.S. Nicos Nicolaou, A.S. Jennifer Obonna, A.S. Theresa Osborne, A.S. Cindy Ospino, A.S. George Paredes , A.S. Bernado Pierre Paul, A.S. Victoria Poth, A.S. Shanaya Ricard, A.S. Anissa Roper, A.S. Alaysia Saint Furcy, A.S. Lucila Silva. A.S. Chris Skidmore, A.S. Keisha Spigner, A.S. Dexter Springer, A.S. Travis Taylor, A.S. Vaudelson Therlonge. A.S. Magally Velez A.S.

ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Hirendra Bakhtarwala, A.A.S.

ENGINEERING Peter Boulos, A.S. Anthony DeFranco, A.S. Jorge German, A.S. Esteban Lalvay, A.S. Marconi Limage, A.S. Owen Thompson, A.S.

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY Welvens Florestal, A.A.S. Michael Glinoga, A.A.S.

TECHNICAL STUDIES

APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE Binu Maliel, A.S.

COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS Zymon Aguila, A.S.

COMPUTER SCIENCE Bryan Villafuerte, A.S.

SUMMWE 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 28

Imane Errayes, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS: COMMUNICATION Qeysan Amos, A.A. Angie Blas, A.A. Marlene Brown, A.A. Africa Darden, A.A. Jeineken Ortiz, A.A. Zaiditu Persaud, A.A. Alfredo Salgado, A.A. Ana Zatta, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS: JOURNALISM Laila Abuelhawa, A.A. Xaire Pacheco, A.A.

Ahamed Elkhalifa, A.A.S. Fernando Fernandez, A.A.S.

LIBERAL ARTS: SPANISH LANGUAGE

DIVISION OF HUMANITIES

Noelia Camargo, A.A.

ART

NEW MEDIA TECHNOLOGY

Derrick Harris, A.A. Ashley Rivera, A.A.

LIBERAL ARTS DIVISION OF ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES & COMPUTER SCIENCES

LIBERAL ARTS: AFRICANA STUDIES

Felipe Barbosa, A.A. Melissa Bazan, A.A. Dwayne Daly, A.A. Joseph Eggert, A.A. Venus Everett, A.A. Kevin Fernandes, A.A. Aamir Khawaja, A.A. Nicole Lassiter, A.A. Diaamah Lindsay, A.A. Angel McGriff, A.A. Christopher Murphy III, A.A. Steve Pereira, A.A. Marie Pierre, A.A. Rosilien Pierre-Louis, A.A. Paola Romero, A.A. Adara Salomon, A.A. Kehinde Sanni-Thomas, A.A. Habiyba Shabazz, A.A. Jade-Morgan Stone, A.A. Michelle Tello, A.A. Belen Tineo, A.A. Almetra Wilson, A.A. Obinna Woko, A.A.

Olajuwon Crawford, A.A.S. Arcadio Cruz, A.A.S. Eric Chisolm-Fuller, A.A.S. Joshua Perez, A.A.S.

DIVISION OF SOCIAL SCIENCES CRIMINAL JUSTICE Kelly Agurto, A.S. Wayne Aikens, A.S. Brittany Bennett, A.S. Shekkiphia Bishop, A.S. Michael Burggraf, A.S. Na-Keya Campbell, A.S. Jim Choy, A.S. Carlos Chuquimarca, A.S. Brandon Collymore, A.S. Shante Daniels, A.S. Jo-Daliz Diaz, A.S. Shafiyatu Eklu, A.S. Edison Escobar, A.S. Beverly Garcia, A.S.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE Ryan Hasan, A.S. Mujahid Henry, A.S. Nakia Horsley, A.S. Juanita Ihegbu, A.S. Ebonye Jacobs, A.S. Sharaiya Jiggetts, A.S. Ruben Lescano, A.S. Edwin Lopez, A.S. Vesna Lopez, A.S. Alex Majewski, A.S. Jaleesa McEachin, A.S. Adrian McQueen, A.S. Aristide Meronvil, A.S. Tracy Moses, A.S. Katia Nieves, A.S. Adamson Odige, A.S. Jose Perez, A.S. Aja Smith, A.S. Elizabeth Taylor, A.S. Angelica Velazquez, A.S. Ashley Valle, A.S. Robinson Vital, A.S. Cristian Zeas, A.S.

EDUCATION Wesam Albajes, A.A. Catherine Albanese, A.A. Patricia Alcius, A.A. Kattia Atahualpa, A.A. Saher Chaudhry, A.A. Kiara Coates, A.A. Vanessa Criado, A.A. Tiara Davis, A.A. Maya Doucoure, A.A. Maria Finale, A.A. Takiyah Gilchrist, A.A. Brandon Guanoquiza, A.A. Brandy Holland, A.A. Latifah Lacy, A.A. Marisol Lopez, A.A. Desiree Lopez Martinez, A.A. Alyssa Louis, A.A. Enayet Mahmoud, A.A. Gabriela Maldonado, A.A. Amber McEachin, A.A. Carolyn McIntyre, A.A. Al-Neisha McClain, A.A. Ana Moscoso, A.A. Keshia Murray, A.A. Adestine Nazaire, A.A. Licelot Ortiz, A.A.

Samuel Paul, A.A. Nafeesha Peak, A.A. Lisa Penalver, A.A. Radaysi Perez, A.A. Sthephanie Roman, A.A. Gabriela Sanchez, A.A. Valentina Torres, A.A. Maria Vazquez, A.A. Julia Veloso, A.A. Marya Shirly Vimalarajah, A.A. Alexia Wah, A.A. Peta-Gaye Watson-Russell, A.A. Ndouba Zahui, A.A. Marlene Zinnah, A.A.

HUMAN & SOCIAL SERVICES Charmane Copeland, A.A.S. Patricia DaCosta, A.A.S. Stacey Davis, A.A.S. Sharice Dillard, A.A.S. Katrina Harper, A.A.S. Ivy Hodges, A.A.S. Taihisha Jenkins, A.A.S. Noeline Jeune, A.A.S. Tracey Karim, A.A.S. Katrice Kemp, A.A.S. Nadia Laberth, A.A.S. Asia Phelps, A.A.S. Carolyn Reed, A.A.S. Manderly Stewart, A.A.S. Jeanne Zalla- Kabore, A.A.S.

MASSAGE THERAPY Siedah Battle, Certificate Grace Hoyos, Certificate Solange Santos, Certificate Martha Valentin, Certificate

PARALEGAL STUDIES Armando Chapilliquen Gallardo, A.S. Christopher Halleran, A.S. Shanika Semple, A.S. Keisha Weise-Germe, A.S.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Jayme Alves-Filho, A.S. Elliot Banks, A.S. Emma Block-Frederiksen, A.S. Quatisha Bronson, A.S. Angelo Jack, A.S.

George Mendez III, A.S. Kevin Morris, A.S. Franklin Vega-Navas, A.S.

SOCIAL SCIENCES Patricia Acosta, A.S. Bernard Asante, A.S. Elylisa Baldwin, A.S. Taisha Brown, A.S. Catrice Byrd, A.S. Camille Chambers, A.S. Kathlyne Charles, A.S. Tabatha Cheeseboro, A.S. Elisa Coteron, A.S. Andrea Covin, A.S. Carolyn Cruz, A.S. Antonio Cunningham, A.S. Camille Darius, A.S. Dana DePasquale, A.S. Chemarva Dew. A.S. Sean Edmond III, A.S. Feyikemi Fashola, A.S. Diana Ferreira, A.S. Roy Hardeman, A.S. Oshea Henry, A.S. Christopher Hercules, A.S. Laura Hernandez, A.S. Jacinda Jones, A.S. Tashia Jones, A.S. Krystal Lockerlar, A.S. Stella Lopez, A.S. Michelle Lozano, A.S. Cheick Mbaye A.S. Suanny Moreira, A.S. Temitope Oloko, A.S. Bethsaida Pacheco, A.S. Raven Parker, A.S. Christina Pereira, A.S. Thameera Ramesar, A.S. Joshua Retamar, A.S. Arnetta Roberts, A.S. Khadijah Roundtree, A.S. Shenu Semple, A.S. Ahleekah Smith, A.S. Ashley Trindade, A.S. Kalid Venable, A.S. Victoria Williams, A.S. Henrietta Williamson, A.S. Kashonda Wright, A.S. Brenda Yepez-Ramirez, A.S. Lumbeh York-Mitchell, A.S.

SUMMER 2014 | GRADUATION SPECIAL 29

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