Rockland Community College’s
65th Commencement Ceremony
LIVESTREAM
64TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
The 64th Commencement Ceremony was livestreamed on the Rockland CC Youtube page at 11 am on May 20, 2024. 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 19, 2025
Ceremony Begins at 11am
Clover Stadium
(formerly named Palisades Credit Union Park & Boulder Stadium)
All Summer and Fall 2024 conferred graduates as well as Spring 2025 candidates for graduation are invited to attend an in-person Commencement Ceremony on May 19, 2025 at Clover Stadium, located in Pomona, NY.
Graduation Conduct Expectations May 2025
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]
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.
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.
FIRST IN THE FAMILY
Experience the transformative power of education through the perspective of a first-generation student as they read endearing letters from their loved ones congratulating them on graduating from Rockland Community College.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Alfredo Medina, Jr., Ph.D.
Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and College Diversity Officer
Bennington College, Bennington, VT
Alfredo Medina, Jr. is the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and College Diversity Officer at Bennington College. Dr. Medina is a strategic, thought leader with a career that spans 30 years in the not-for-profit and higher education sector with a focus on diversity, inclusion, equity, civic and public engagement, coalition-building, fundraising, risk management, and compliance.
Click to read more about Dr. Medina
As Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and College Diversity Officer at Bennington College, Dr. Medina plays an integral role in strengthening the campus climate and striving to collectively create an institutional culture that is both anti-racist and equitable. Since arriving in June 2021, Dr. Medina has worked tirelessly and collaboratively with all campus constituents, including alumni and the Board of Trustees, to bring impactful, measurable, and sustainable change to Bennington College. For example, in collaboration with the Provost’s Office and Dean of Faculty, Dr. Medina’s leadership contributed to recruiting the most diverse faculty cohort in academic year 2022 – 2023 with more than 75 percent of newly hired faculty belonging to a minoritized group. Similarly, Dr. Medina worked collaboratively with Enrollment Management to recruit the largest and most diverse undergraduate classes in the history of Bennington College (Class of 2024 and 2025), with 20% self-identifying as Black, Indigenous, or Persons of Color (BIPOC) and 19% as international with a large concentration of students hailing from Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Dr. Medina’s other notable accomplishments include establishing Tapestry, the first-ever BIPOC Affinity Group for faculty and staff; establishing the College’s Multicultural Space to support student diversity-related activities and designate a space that fosters and instills a sense of community and belongingness; in collaboration with faculty, establishing the Faculty Committee on Antiracism, Equity, and Inclusion (AEI) to address academic-related policies and practices rooted in systemic racism, and most recently, was instrumental in assisting the Crossett Library achieve the inaugural 2024 Library Excellence in Access and Diversity (LEAD) Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest publication focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Before joining Bennington College, Dr. Medina was the Executive Director of the Office for Public Engagement, Associate Director of the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, and Special Adviser for Educational Engagement at Capital South Campus Center at the University of Albany. During his tenure at the University at Albany, Dr. Medina reorganized public engagement from a grassroots project-focused unit to a strategic-based and data-driven unit working collectively and collaboratively across the university and strengthening relationships — local to global. As a result, his leadership led to the University at Albany receiving the national distinction as a 2020 Carnegie Foundation’s Community Engagement Classification institution, the gold standard for community engagement.
His other notable accomplishments included co-chairing the President’s Task Force for Diversity and Inclusive Excellence and serving as a key institutional liaison with Excelencia in Education on Hispanic/Latinx matters. His efforts led to the University at Albany’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) being recognized as a finalist for the “Examples in Excelencia” award in 2020. In 2018, Dr. Medina was nominated by President Havidán Rodríguez, the 20th President of the University at Albany, for the inaugural SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI). The HLI is designed to identify, develop, recruit, and support, retain, and foster the success of Hispanic/Latinx leaders at the University President and President’s Cabinet level.
Dr. Medina was the former Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Siena College. During the early part of his career, he held management and executive leadership roles with the Urban League of Northeastern New York, a not-for-profit committed to advancing antiracism and social justice in communities of color, particularly serving African American residents living in twenty-two counties.
Dr. Medina is a well-respected national expert on DEI matters and the recipient of numerous accolades for his community engagement, social justice, and coalition-building work. He was named a 2010 Albany Business Review 40 Under Forty honoree, a 2011 Latino Rising Star recipient by New York Hispanic Coalition, Inc., a 2012 Appreciation Outstanding Leadership Award by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR), a 2013 Excelsior Award honoree by the Albany Latin Festival Association for his contributions to the Hispanic/Latinx community, and a 2016 Impact Agent Honoree by Strive Together, Incorporated for his work on addressing summer melt involving high school graduates and increasing access to and completion of FAFSA applications in the City of Albany.
Dr. Medina holds a doctorate in educational policy and leadership and master’s degrees in educational administration and policy studies, and educational psychology and statistics from the University at Albany. He has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Utica College of Syracuse University and is an alum of the Management Development Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Dr. Medina is a proud first-generation Afro-Dominican college graduate from Washington Heights in New York City. He has four children and resides in Albany, NY.
Student SPEAKER
Suzette Mcdonald-Brown
Suzette Mcdonald-Brown, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, is a devoted wife, mother of two, foster mom of one, and grandmother of two. She embarked on her academic journey at RCC, graduating last year with an Associate in Natural and Physical Science. Now, Suzette is set to graduate with an associate in nursing, driven by her passion for healthcare. Her favorite bible verse, Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me,” reflects her resilient spirit. Currently pursuing her BSN at Chamberlain University, Suzette aspires to contribute her skills to an emergency room setting, where she can make a meaningful impact in patient care.
SUNY Chancellor's Award Recipients
Jillian K. Decker holds a Ph.D. in Biology (Fordham University) and is an Associate Professor here at RCC. Over the past eleven years, Dr. Decker has taught courses in General Biology, Microbiology, General Ecology, Genetics, and Environmental Science and recently developed an Environmental Investigation course sequence to provide students with hands-on experiences. Student projects have included tree planting in a human-impacted watershed and a study design for invasive plant removal in a local park. She is currently mentoring three students from the Sam Draper Honors Program to identify key factors in harmful algal bloom initiation and duration in the Wallkill River. She also serves as faculty advisor for A.S. Environmental Science students. Her commitment to scholarship is demonstrated through her work with the Ecological Society of America, where she is creating an innovative framework for ecology education through media resources. She also serves as the Chair of the Board for the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Erik Ellingsen, Associate Professor of Human Performance & Wellness, epitomizes dedication to academics and community service. Having attended RCC himself, Erik returned to his alma mater to teach Physical Education, Sport & Exercise Science, and Recreation. His service on academic and student-centered committees reflects a "servant first" mindset, learned from mentors and family. Erik's leadership aims to inspire students to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to the community. Raised in Rockland, Erik imbibed values of faith, love, family, respect, and hard work from his parents Glenn and Linda. With his wife Kristin and children, Karsten and Kristianna, he continues to uphold these principles.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service
April D. Jones serves as the Educational Support Specialist for Teacher Education Programs at SUNY Rockland Community College (RCC) since August 2018. In this role, she acts as the primary point of contact, bridging students, faculty, and program directors. Her duties encompass advising, registration, outreach, and facilitating access to resources for teacher education students. April collaborates extensively with program stakeholders, including directors, faculty, deans, and Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA) personnel. Administrative tasks and addressing inquiries from diverse stakeholders, both in-person and remotely, are also part of her responsibilities.
RCC's 2-year teacher education program emphasizes observation hours outside the classroom, offering students opportunities to engage with various educational institutions. April's outreach efforts have expanded partnership networks, securing agreements with prominent organizations like Rockland BOCES and Jawonio Inc. She has fostered relationships with other institutions such as Green Meadow Waldorf School and Nyack Public Schools, broadening learning environments for RCC students. April's educational journey includes a B.A. in Anthropology with a Minor in Fine Arts from the College of William and Mary and an M.A. in International Education from the School of International Training.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service
Sundari Ruth, a resident of Suffern, NY, is completing her final semester at RCC. An active participant both on and off campus, she has left an indelible mark through her diverse involvements. Serving as the Student Government Association President and holding leadership positions within her Sea Scouts troop, she exemplifies dedication and leadership. Additionally, Sundari is Vice President of RCC’s chapter of the National Society for Leadership and Success, showcasing her commitment to personal growth and community engagement. As a Public Safety student assistant and Sam Draper Honors student assistant, she has demonstrated her passion for fostering a supportive environment and facilitating meaningful learning experiences for her peers.
“My favorite part about studying at RCC is the supportive community and opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences,” said Sundari. “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this institution because of the sturdy foundation it has granted me.“
Ilyssa Shapiro, a Sloatsburg, NY resident, is about to graduate as a Natural and Physical Science major within the prestigious Sam Draper Honors Program at RCC. Initially beginning her college journey as a senior in Suffern High School’s early-admit program, Ilyssa has seamlessly integrated into the RCC community. As she nears graduation, her focus shifts to transferring to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology, reflecting her deep-rooted passion for various scientific disciplines, including public health, infectious disease, and molecular biology. Throughout her time at RCC, Ilyssa has relished in the vibrant campus life, actively engaging in various extracurricular activities while fostering meaningful connections with her professors, peers, and faculty members. These experiences have not only enriched her academic journey but have also provided invaluable insights into her personal growth and professional aspirations.
“I have loved becoming an active campus community member and taking in the college experience at RCC," said Ilyssa. "I have learned so much about myself by trying out so many different things on campus. Additionally, I have really loved all the connections that I have made with my professors, peers, and faculty. They all encouraged me to continue trying new things and explore my interests."
Elizabeth Troutner holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Lycoming College and a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration, specializing in Student Advising and Counseling from Stony Brook University. Elizabeth's journey at Rockland Community College (RCC) began in 2016 and is marked by a commitment to service. Two promotions in Student Involvement highlight her focus on building community, revitalizing the Student Government Association, and establishing the RCC Chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. Elizabeth actively advocates for students and colleagues, serving on various working groups and actively seeking ways to enhance RCC’s programs and services. She is honored to receive the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service
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 2025 graduate must complete the Application for Graduation by May 2, 2025. 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]
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 6 – 10 and May 13 – 17, 11 am – 3 pm
Location: Student Involvement, Room 3208 (supplies) and Student Union Upper Lobby (tables for decorating)
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 2024, December 2024, and Spring 2025 may participate in graduation. Please confirm your eligibility with Records by applying for graduation.
Is it possible to attend the commencement even if I missed the confirmation deadline?
Although we would love to celebrate everyone, only those who took the necessary measures to complete the form and have received confirmation to attend commencement will be allowed to walk. Commencement confirmation is separate from the email that you receive from records after you have applied for graduation. It is important to read and respond by the deadlines so that you are accounted for as we must plan according to those who have confirmed their attendance by the deadline specified on the form.
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?
You will receive a link at a later date that will ask you to confirm if you will be attending commencement. There will be additional information that you must provide on the form to secure your spot. The link will only be sent to those who have applied and were approved to participate in commencement by the Office of Records.
How do I order regalia (cap and gown)?
The regalia order deadline was April 1, 2025.
If you missed the deadline, please email [email protected] for further instructions.
Students who applied for graduation and were approved by the Office of Records were sent a link to order their regalia.
- Regalia Pickup: Regalia will not be shipped home. All students must pick up their regalia in person. You will receive an email with details on when and where to pick it up once it arrives.
- Cost: $30 (The full cost is $60. Students will pay $30 at pickup, with the remaining $30 covered by SGA).
What is the deadline to order my regalia?
The regalia order deadline was April 1, 2025. If you missed the deadline, please email [email protected] for further instructions. All students must have RCC regalia to walk in commencement no exception.
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.