Rockland Community College’s
66th Commencement Ceremony
LIVESTREAM
65TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
The 65th Commencement Ceremony was livestreamed on the Rockland CC Youtube page at 11 am on May 19, 2025. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Apply for Graduation
Applying for Graduation is not the same as reserving your seat for Commencement.
- A $30 fee is required to apply for graduation.
- Details about attending the Commencement ceremony will be shared after your application is processed.
Please complete your graduation application to ensure eligibility.
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
May 18, 2026
Ceremony Begins at 11 am
Clover Stadium
(formerly named Palisades Credit Union Park & Boulder Stadium)
All Summer and Fall 2025 conferred graduates as well as Spring 2026 candidates for graduation are invited to attend an in-person Commencement Ceremony on May 18, 2026 at Clover Stadium, located in Pomona, NY.
Guest Ticket Information
Please check back for more information.
Graduation Conduct Expectations May 2026
As we celebrate Rockland Community College’s commencement ceremony we would like to remind our attendees of our conduct expectations for our ceremony. This is a joyous celebration for our graduates and their family and friends.
The Rockland Community College Code of Conduct is in effect for this event.
Bags and packages are subject to search upon entry into the event. We recommend that you only bring in what you need while attending graduation.
The following restrictions apply:
- Containers such as coolers or thermoses are not permitted.
- Lawn Chairs are not permitted.
- Banners or signs of any kind are not permitted.
- Non-Service Animals are not permitted (Emotional Support Animals are not considered Service Animals). If you have special accommodations, please contact [email protected] and copy [email protected] for further assistance.
- Weapons of any kind, even with a concealed weapons permit are not permitted.
Finally, remember that Rockland Community College reserves the right to remove any persons whose behavior is considered unruly or found illegal.
Click for More About Commencement
May 20, 2024 at 11AM.
The College will hold an in-person celebration for students and their families at Clover Stadium in Pomona, NY on May 20, 2024 at 11AM. The Ceremony will consist of brief comments from dignitaries followed by a procession of all students in attendance. Each school will be represented by their dean and faculty members.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Ceremony, please email [email protected].
Contact Information
RCC Commencement
[email protected]
Records and Registration
Technology Center
Room 8110
845-574-4328
f: 845-574-4499
Student Hotline: 845-574-4110
[email protected]
Apply for Graduation
To obtain a degree or certificate from Rockland Community College, students must apply for graduation. Students who believe they have met all degree requirements must complete the online Application for Graduation form in order to notify Records & Registration to review their academic history. Records & Registration will notify the student of their eligibility for graduation or outline the student’s remaining course requirements.
In order to have your name appear in the Commencement Ceremony program, a potential Spring 2026 graduate must complete the Application for Graduation by May 1, 2026. Applications can be completed after the deadline but your name may not appear in the Commencement program.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum of a 2.00 GPA is required for graduation
- Degree-seeking graduates are required to have 60+ credits and certificate-seeking students must have 25+ credits
Apply for Graduation
Steps to apply for graduation:
- Check that you have completed all of your degree requirements in your Self-Service Student Profile by clicking “View DegreeWorks Audit.” Contact your Faculty or Student Success Advisor if you need assistance.
- Complete the online Application for Graduation.
- Pay the $30 fee that will be charged to your account. This charge will appear 7 – 10 days after completing the Application for Graduation.
After you apply to graduate, Records & Registration will review your application and degree requirements to confirm your eligibility to graduate. Upon review, a response will be sent to your college-issued email. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns regarding the Commencement Program or Graduation Application, please email:
Commencement Program – [email protected]
Graduation Application – [email protected]
Commencement Information Sessions
The Commencement Ceremony will be held at Clover Stadium, in Pomona, NY, on May 19, 2025. Please join one of our information sessions to learn about the Ceremony logistics, graduation photos, regalia (cap & gown), and more.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Virtual
Join via Teams
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Ellipse
(Technology Center, Room 8180)
Thursday, April 24, 2025
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Virtual
Join via Teams
Participating in Commencement does not automatically mean that you are eligible for graduation. During the information session, a representative from Records will be available to answer any questions pertaining to degree requirements and applying for graduation.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Crismelly Morales, Esq.
Crismelly Morales is an immigration attorney who advocates for immigrants and their families. As the founder of the Law Office of Crismelly Morales, Esq., P.C., Ms. Morales focuses on family-based immigration, humanitarian relief for vulnerable immigrants, and non-detained removal defense. Her passion for immigration law is deeply personal—she immigrated from the Dominican Republic and understands firsthand the challenges and hopes of pursuing the American dream. She has since built a career championing the rights of immigrants.
Click to read more about Crismelly Morales
A proud graduate of SUNY Rockland Community College, Ms. Morales excelled academically during her time here, earning membership in the Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Beta Gamma honor societies. In 2012, she received the Hispanic Heritage Award for Academic Excellence. She graduated with an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies in 2013. She credits her time here with shaping her academic and professional journey. She went on to earn a B.A. in Legal Studies from SUNY Purchase College and her law degree from New York Law School. In 2023, Ms. Morales returned to RCC as an adjunct professor for the Legal Studies Program and now serves on its advisory committee.
Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Morales is actively involved in the legal community. She currently serves on the board of directors of the Rockland County Women’s Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, Inc. She also co-chairs the Immigration Law Committee of the Rockland County Bar Association and previously served on the board of directors of the Dominican Bar Association. Additionally, she is deeply committed to giving back, volunteering with local nonprofit organizations, and providing pro bono representation to individuals in need.
Today, as the keynote speaker, she returns to where her journey began, eager to inspire graduates to embrace their own paths with courage, resilience, and purpose.
Student SPEAKER
Harmina Valeris
Harmina Valeris is a second-year student at Rockland Community College with a strong interest in entrepreneurship and leadership. During her time at RCC, she represented the college at the New York State Business Plan Competition, was a member of the President’s Society, and participated in RCC Global Solutions. She also served as a Student Government Senator and was a student representative on the Rockland Community College Foundation Board.
Harmina held leadership roles in the Entrepreneurship Club, and Habitat for Humanity and was a member of the Marketing Club, Investment Club, Haitian Club, and Unity & Diversity Club. While staying active on campus, she also balanced multiple jobs and began building her own business. Guided by faith, resilience, and a desire to create impact, she hopes to continue learning, growing, and helping others along the way.
SUNY Chancellor's Award Recipients
My name is Rhishma Ashton, and I’m a proud December graduate of Rockland Community College and a newly registered nurse. I was honored to receive the SUNY Chancellor Award for Student Excellence, a recognition that reflects not only my academic dedication but also my deep commitment to service and leadership.
I began my journey at RCC during the post-COVID period, when many things were still remote and students—myself included—often felt isolated. That experience fueled my drive to get involved. I made it a personal goal to ensure that students felt welcomed, supported, and seen. I wanted to be the kind of peer others could turn to when they felt lost or alone.
Throughout my time at RCC, I served in several leadership roles that allowed me to live out that mission. I worked as a Student Ambassador in the Admissions Office, a Peer Mentor under SOMOS, and was involved in the Student Involvement Department as both an Orientation Leader and Chair of the Student Activities Board. I also served as a Student Government Senator and was an active member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the President’s Society.
These experiences shaped not only my college journey, but the nurse and leader I have become. My time at RCC left me with lasting memories, meaningful connections, and many mentors who I hope to keep in contact with as I continue to grow. I carry with me a strong passion for making a difference in the lives of others through empathy, advocacy, and excellence in care.
Hello, my name is Ronny Sanchez, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at Rockland Community College. I am deeply engaged in campus life and have had the privilege of serving in leadership roles within the Student Government Association as both Treasurer and Vice President. Additionally, I have worked as a Peer Mentor for the Somos El Futuro program, supporting and guiding fellow students throughout their academic journey.
Outside of academics and student leadership, I am passionate about music and the performing arts. I have hosted several open mic events and performed in various concerts on campus. All and all, I am truly honored and grateful to be nominated for and to receive the prestigious CASE Award. My sincerest thank you's go out to everyone who has supported and helped me throughout this journey.
Susanna Santiago, M.S., MHC-LP, leads the Somos El Futuro program at Rockland Community College, where she oversees DEI initiatives, student success programs, and cultural events that promote belonging and academic achievement. She holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and began her journey at RCC as a mental health counseling intern. A strong advocate for Applied Learning opportunities, Susanna believes in giving students hands-on, transformative experiences. She created the First-Generation Ceremony to celebrate students breaking barriers and leads the Somos Peer Mentoring Program to support academic and personal growth. Known for her strategic collaboration with faculty and staff and her data-informed approach, she is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and empowering historically underrepresented students. She currently serves as Chair of Steps Beyond Statements (the College’s Diversity Committee) and Co-Chair of Commencement, the First-Generation Ceremony, and Hispanic Heritage Month.
Order Your Cap & Gown
We are no longer accepting regalia orders. If you have purchased regalia, please pick up your order before May 12. The details of how to pickup your cap and gown were sent to your college-issued email after you applied and were approved for graduation. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Pickup Location: Game Room, First Floor of Student Union, Room 3102
Pickup Hours (May 2 – May 12)
Monday: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Tuesday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Wednesday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Thursday: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Friday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
GRADUATION PHOTOS
In commemoration of this momentous milestone, we have made arrangements with a professional photography company to take photos of our RCC graduates. You must schedule the time and date to take your photos using the link below. All photos will be taken in the Student Union, Room 3214.
Students must bring their regalia with them as it will not be provided at the event.
Wednesday, May 7, 10 am – 7 pm
Thursday, May 8, 10 am – 7 pm
Monday, May 12, 10 am – 7 pm
Tuesday, May 13, 10 am – 7 pm
Wednesday, May 14, 10 am – 7 pm
Graduate Salute
Decorate your cap for graduation. Student Involvement will be hosting cap decoration stations as a part of their Grad Salute. Stop by Student Involvement in the Student Union, Room 3208, to grab your materials before joining the other graduates decorating their caps at the tables in the Student Union Upper Lobby!
Dates: May 5 – 12, 10 am – 2 pm
Location: Student Involvement, Room 3208 (supplies) and Student Union Upper Lobby (tables for decorating)
Recognition Ceremonies for Graduates
As part of our 2025 Commencement celebrations, Rockland Community College is proud to honor the unique journeys and accomplishments of our graduating students through the following special ceremonies. Registration is required for both events.
Lavender Graduation Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Student Union, Room 3214 (Nelson Mandela Room)
The Rockland Community College LGBTQIA+ Commission and the Connection Center cordially invite you to the 2025 Lavender Graduation Ceremony, a celebration honoring lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, intersex, questioning, and ally graduates. This meaningful ceremony recognizes your achievements, leadership, and contributions to the RCC community.
All are welcome to attend! Graduates and guests please register here by Friday, April 25, 2025.
About Lavender Graduation:
Started in 1995 by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, Lavender Graduation is now held at colleges and universities across the country. Lavender, a mix of the pink triangle (used during the Holocaust to identify gay men) and the black triangle (used to mark lesbians), has become a symbol of pride and resistance in the LGBTQIA+ community. This celebration provides a positive, affirming space to honor your college journey.
First-Generation Graduate Recognition Ceremony
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Cultural Arts Theater
RCC proudly celebrates our first-generation college graduates—students whose parents or guardians did not earn a four-year college degree. Join us for a special ceremony where you’ll be recognized for your resilience, dedication, and success.
Graduates will receive a first-generation graduation cord and a certificate to commemorate this important milestone. Family and loved ones are encouraged to attend. Beverages and pastries will be provided.
Participation is by invitation only. Kindly email [email protected] if you are a first-generation student, but have not received notifications about the event)
Student Loan Information Session
If you have borrowed student loans and want to learn more about your repayment responsibility after graduation, please contact Edwin Rivadeneyra at [email protected] to book an appointment. Appointments are available from May 13 through May 24.
During your personal counseling session you will be provided with: contact information for your loan service provider; glossary of key loan terminology; specific dates for when your first payment will be due; a breakdown of the various repayment options available; an opportunity to clarify any questions you may have regarding your student loans.
BECOME THE STUDENT SPEAKER
As we prepare to honor the achievements of the graduating class of 2025, we’re in search of an extraordinary individual to deliver a commencement address that will inspire, uplift, and motivate our graduates as they embark on their next chapter. Join us in shaping the future by lending your voice to this momentous occasion.
All applicants must be in good academic standing and judicial standing, and must meet all requirements to be a May graduate for the current academic year. Those requirements include:
- You must be a degree-seeking graduate with 60+ credits or a certificate-seeking graduate with 25+ credits.
- Showcase leadership, service, and RCC pride!
Complete the Application for Student Speaker by Thursday, April 3 at 5 pm. If your application is selected, finalists will be contacted for an interview to be held during the week of April 7-11.
Thank you for your interest. It is a great honor and privilege to represent your graduating class as the student speaker. For more information, contact Michael Albin, Director of Student Involvement at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Please continue to check this document as it is updated frequently.
How do I apply for graduation?
Students who are set to complete all degree requirements for August 2025, December 2025, and Spring 2026 may participate in graduation. Please confirm your eligibility with Records by applying for graduation.
Will I have an opportunity to take graduation pictures?
Yes! In celebration of this significant milestone, we’ve partnered with a professional photography company to capture your graduation photos. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements as dates in April and May will be released soon for scheduling your photo session.
Photos will be taken in the Student Union, Room 3214, during the scheduled dates. Please be sure to register for your photo session once the dates are confirmed.
A reminder: you must apply for graduation and order your regalia before the week of the photo sessions.
As the graduation photo session is an RCC-sponsored event, students are required to bring their own regalia, as it will not be provided on-site.
How can I attend the commencement ceremony?
When you apply for graduation, please indicate on the application that you would like to participate in the Commencement Ceremony. Please note that only students confirmed by the Registrar as eligible to graduate will be permitted to participate in the Commencement Ceremony.
Do guests need tickets to attend the Commencement Ceremony?
More information will be provided in the coming months about securing access to the ceremony for your guests.
Do I need to have a cap and gown to participate in the Commencement Ceremony?
Yes, to be a part of the ceremony—the procession, walking across the platform to receive your diploma, and the recession, you must wear an RCC cap and gown.
How do I order regalia (cap and gown)?
Students may order their regalia through our partner Herff Jones. Order regalia here.
- Regalia Pickup: Regalia will not be shipped home. All students must pick up their regalia in person. Below are the dates for regalia pick up at the RCC Bookstore.
- May 5, 2026 – 10 am – 3 pm
- May 7, 2026 – 10 am – 5 pm
- Cost: $30 (The full cost is $60. Students will pay $30 at pickup, with the remaining $30 covered by SGA).
- Please note that only students that have been approved by the Registrar to participate in Commencement exercises will be permitted to pick up their regalia.
- Regalia Pickup: Regalia will not be shipped home. All students must pick up their regalia in person. Below are the dates for regalia pick up at the RCC Bookstore.
What is the deadline to order my regalia?
April 1, 2026
What fees are associated with Graduation and Commencement?
Students must pay a $30 graduation application fee. In addition, when you pick up your regalia, you will be required to pay $30. These fees are separate.
Are any activities occurring prior to Commencement?
Yes, Student Involvement will be hosting events the week before Commencement. Please continue to check your RCC email for more information. They will also be listed online at sunyrockland.edu/events.
What time should I arrive?
Kindly arrive at 9:30 am.
What should I wear to the celebration?
Graduates are encouraged to wear semi-formal dress for the celebration and all students must have on RCC regalia to participate in commencement, exceptions. Regalia must be purchased prior to commencement.
What shoes should I wear?
Flats or wedges are recommended.
Why should I attend Commencement?
Commencement is a graduation ceremony to celebrate this memorable moment of your success. We encourage you to attend and celebrate your accomplishments.
Why do I need to complete the Name Card?
Graduates will receive a “Name Card” upon arrival on the day of the ceremony. The “Name Card” is used to read your name as you walk across the stage. Your name is announced from this card, so please spell your name phonetically (So‧phi‧a) to assist the reader with the correct pronunciation. In addition, please ensure that you have a pen with you the day of the event.
If I don’t want to participate in any of the ceremonies, do I need to apply to graduate?
Yes, you must apply to graduate, regardless of ceremony participation. For information on how to apply for graduation, visit Click Here for Graduation Application.
Do I need to participate in a ceremony to graduate?
No, if students do not choose to take part in any ceremony, but their academic requirements are met, students will receive their diplomas in the mail.
When will I receive my diploma?
Your diploma will be mailed to the address on file with Records, approximately one month after Commencement–as long as you do not have any outstanding financial obligations, and all graduation requirements have been met.
Who can I speak to if I have additional questions?
Questions about graduation eligibility should be sent to Records by email at [email protected].
Questions about the Ceremony should be sent by email to [email protected].
How long will the Commencement Ceremony be?
Please plan for two hours.
Is the commencement venue accessible for individuals with mobility impairments?
Yes, the commencement venue, which is at the stadium, is accessible for individuals with mobility impairments.
Are there designated seating areas for guests with disabilities?
Yes, there are designated seating areas for guests with disabilities available at the stadium.
Can I request accommodations such as sign language interpreters or captioning services for the ceremony?
Two ASL interpreters will be present on the field, and their interpretations will be displayed on the jumbo screen for visibility.
Can I bring my service animal to the commencement ceremony?
Yes, you can bring your service animal to the commencement ceremony. For further information or to provide details about your service animal, please email [email protected].
Are there any resources available to help me navigate the commencement venue?
Yes, staff members who volunteer for the event will be available to assist with navigating the venue. If you require additional assistance or have specific needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Will there be a lift on stage for those with mobility impairments?
Yes, there will be a lift on stage to accommodate individuals with mobility impairments.
What should I do if I require additional time to cross the stage due to my disability?
If you require additional time to cross the stage, please email [email protected] to notify us of your needs. Rest assured, it will not be a problem.