Over 750 Graduate in 54th Commencement Ceremonies
Over 750 graduates received their associate’s degrees and career certificates on May 20 and May 21 in the 54th Commencement ceremonies at Passaic County Community College.
Against the backdrop of banners representing the various birth nations of the Class of 2026 the mood was both proud and poignant, a celebration of achievement marked by the recent passing of Dr. Steven Rose, who served as the beloved college president for three decades and who called every commencement “the happiest night of the year.”
Introducing the ceremony, Dr. Bassel Stassis, the interim Senior Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs called for a moment of silence in honor of Dr. Rose.
Dr. Jacqueline Kineavy, Interim President, offered the welcome, congratulating the graduates on what she predicted would be just one “of more graduation ceremonies to come,” as they continue in their educational journey.
Class of 2026 Fun Facts
The youngest graduate is 17 and the oldest 68. Some 67% are female. Of the immigrant graduates, most hail from the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Colombia. One of the graduates started at PCCC in 1993 and graduated in 2026. Among the graduates were a group of public high school dual enrollment students who received their associate’s degrees before their high school graduations next month.
The Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem was led on May 20 by Thais A. Maurera Suarez (AAS, Music Technology) who graduated with a 4.0 GPA and on May 21 by Danielle Krumbein (AS Human Services) who received over $90,000 in scholarship awards. Both told of their victory over hardships to arrive at this day.
A decade ago, Thais “ran for her life” from Venezuela “with $1,000 and no plans,” missing her college graduation ceremony there, to come to the U.S., “to make my dreams come true.” She is convinced that her love of music and education will one day “get me to the Grammy Awards stage.”
Danielle and her sister Samantha, who graduated a day earlier, overcame a life of family, financial, and addiction difficulties to earn a college degree at PCCC. “There was a time in my life when I never imagined I would stand here today,” Danielle said. “Addiction convinced me that my story had already been written…Choosing sobriety and returning to school as an adult were two of the hardest and most important decisions I ever made.”
The national anthem was sung by Thais, Aaron Galloza (AAS), and Linel Flores (Class of 2027) to accompaniment on guitar by music professor Chandler Carpenter.
Valedictorian – May 20 Thomas Melani (AA Humanities, 4.0 GPA) described the educational challenges he faced as a high school student with autism and ADHD. After dropping out twice, he took the GED test and enrolled at PCCC. “This was, without a doubt, the best decision I ever made,” he said, adding, “The professors here were invested in my flourishing and my success, and this inspired me to put my best foot forward.” Using a Buddhist parable about three darts, Thomas suggested that the “darts” representing life’s challenges will always come, but we must resist the darts of self-doubt and defeat to achieve our goals. To fellow graduates, he added, “This is an extraordinary accomplishment for which we should all be proud.” Thomas has transferred to Rutgers University where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He plans to eventually earn a doctoral degree and seek a career in higher education.
Valedictorian- May 21 James Snyder (AS Physical Science, 4.0 GPA) commented that his experience at PCCC brought him “passion, strength, and most importantly companionship.” James singled out for special acknowledgement physics professor Wayne Warrick, math professors Janet Delaney and Yon Kim, and academic specialist Cassidy Bell, as well as the entire physics department for “their commitment to providing a rigorous and fulfilling education that set forth for me, and many others, a path forward filled with ample opportunities.” A member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) James will pursue his bachelor’s degree in physics on a full PTK scholarship at Rutgers-New Brunswick. He plans to earn advanced degrees to prepare for a career as a college professor.
Other speakers included Dennis F. Marco (Chair) and Joel D. Ramirez (Vice Chair) of the PCCC Board of Trustees, Cassandra Lazzara (Director) and Orlando Cruz (Deputy Director) of the Passaic County Board of Commissioners. And Dr. Aaron R. Fichtner, President of the New Jersey Council of County Colleges.
Student Leader Address – Jazmin E. Cortes Sandoval (AS) confessed that her initial dream of attending a four-year university was financially out of reach, so she came to PCCC and decided to make the best of it by getting involved. “Running for the Student Government Association was the best decision I could have made. I had the chance to make a difference, meet incredible people, and grow as a leader.” Jazmin came to appreciate the sense of community “that makes PCCC so special.” Grateful for all the support she received at PCCC and from family, Jazmyn noted two important lessons she learned as a student leader: “Everything happens for a reason and “growth happens in the moments you feel most uncomfortable…those are the moments that shape you, strengthen you, and prepare you for what comes next.”
Adorned with some creatively decorated caps and academic gowns, the graduates approached the dais to receive their degrees as their families and friends cheered from the gymnasium bleachers.
Charge to the Class of 2026 and The Thunderclap – Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh
Each year, Dr. Rose delivered the charge, exhorting the graduates to go out into the world, achieve their dreams, and live good lives. This year, Mayor Andre Sayegh, a longtime adjunct professor at PCCC, did the honors…but what happened at the Wednesday ceremony will be long remembered.
As Mayor Sayegh began his speech, a huge thunderclap roared outside, almost shaking the walls. Mayor Sayegh said what was on many minds. “Usually this speech is given by the late, lamented, Dr. Steve Rose…who’s still with us…he’s still bringing the thunder.”
It’s well-known that Dr. Rose was a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, and Mayor Sayegh called him the embodiment of Springsteen’s songs: “He was born in the USA, and he brought PCCC to Glory Days.”
A charismatic speaker, Mayor Sayegh held up one of the diploma folders each graduate received at the ceremony and opened it to show the empty interior. (Graduates receive their actual diploma by mail).
“It’s empty inside,” said the Mayor. “But what’s inside this doesn’t matter. It’s what’s inside you, that matters.” He went on. “I know what’s in you…the courage to go to class…the confidence to go to class…the commitment to go to class.
“I want you to take that courage, that confidence, and that commitment and go into the world to make a positive impact.”
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PCCC CLASS OF 2026. WE ARE #PCCCPROUD OF YOU!
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