Rockland Community College’s
63rd Commencement Ceremony

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LIVESTREAM

62nd COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

The 62nd Commencement Ceremony was livestreamed on the Rockland CC Youtube page at 11 am on May 23, 2022. You can watch the recording of the event using the following link to recording. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].

Link to Recording
Commencement Photos

Click to Download the Program for the 2022 Commencement

COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY
MAY 22, 2023

Ceremony Begins at 11am
Clover Stadium

(formerly named Palisades Credit Union Park & Boulder Stadium)

Click here for directions to the stadium.

All Summer and Fall 2022 conferred graduates as well as Spring 2023 candidates for graduation are invited to attend an in-person Commencement Ceremony on May 22, 2023 at Clover Stadium, located in Pomona, NY.

Follow our social media sites to check out other highlights from the ceremony and our graduates. You can also look up the hashtag #RCCgrad2023 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

May 22, 2023

The College will hold an in-person celebration for students and their families at Clover Stadium in Pomona, NY on May 22, 2023. 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. Photos will be taken in compliance with health regulations and recommendations.

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
24/7 Student Hotline: 844-505-8071
[email protected]

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.

WATCH THE VIDEO

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

LYNDA BAQUERO

Consumer Reporter

Emmy® Award winning Lynda Baquero is NBC 4 New York’s consumer reporter. Lynda’s “Better Get Baquero” segments resolve consumer complaints and provide updates on the latest consumer alerts. “Better Get Baquero” can be seen Monday through Friday during the 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. newscasts.

Baquero’s reporting was a key component of NBC 4 New York’s award-winning COVID-19 coverage, honored in January, 2021 with the prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for “creat(ing) a 360 view in real time of the coronavirus pandemic, with courageous and thorough reporting on the virus’s explosion in New York City.” The duPont has long been recognized as the broadcast, documentary and on-line equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize, also awarded by Columbia University.

She is also host of the long-running series “Visiones” which highlights issues that affect the Hispanic community by presenting informative conversations from newsmakers, community leaders and celebrities on arts, education and health.

Baquero has been with NBC 4 in a variety of high-profile positions and has filed reports both at home and abroad. Lynda reported live from Puerto Rico on the country’s economy and tourism and President Obama’s visit to the island in 2011; Pope John Paul II’s visit to the Holy Land; Cuba’s economy and the state of religion as the country prepared for the Pope’s historic visit. She covered the Salt Lake City and Atlanta Olympic Games; traveled to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Puerto Rico to cover the arrival and devastating aftermath of Hurricane Georges and to Fort Bragg, North Carolina for a series of reports titled “Women in Combat.” Lynda covered also covered President Obama’s 2012 visit to New York.

Baquero has co-anchored NBC 4’s “Weekend Today in New York;” “News 4 New York at 6 P.M.” and “NewsChannel 4 at 6 P.M.”. She has also served as host of the nationally broadcast business program, “Hispanics Today”. The recipient of a 1998 local Emmy Award for “Religious Programming” for her coverage of the Pope’s visit to Cuba, Baquero also received a 2006 Emmy award for “Best Evening Newscast” with Chuck Scarborough.

Lynda joined NBC 4 from NY1 News where she was an anchor, consumer reporter and video journalist responsible for researching, writing, shooting and editing her own stories. At WCBS-TV, she worked in every aspect of the newsroom from desk assistant, to researcher, to assignment editor, and finally associate producer of the daily consumer action segment, “Troubleshooter.” Baquero was an associate producer of “NELY!” a talk show produced at WCAU-TV, Philadelphia, and for Telemundo where she wrote and co-produced various Spanish-language network specials.

Baquero has received numerous awards and recognitions. She was named one of El Diario La Prensa’s “Mujeres Destacadas” (Outstanding Women) and received the Consulate General of Israel’s “Woman of Valor” award. She was honored by New York University College of Arts and Sciences with their “Alumni Achievement” award and received the “Excellence in English Language Media” award from the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors.

Dedicated to helping young people achieve their potential, Baquero is on the Board of Directors of Let’s Get Ready, a non-profit organization that serves the educational needs of New York City students. She also serves on the Board of the Byram Hills Education Foundation, supporting students in Westchester County. She is also an active supporter of El Museo del Barrio’s arts and education programs.

Fluent in Spanish and French, Baquero is a graduate of New York University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism. She delivered the 2013 Commencement Address at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for her alma mater Cathedral High School.

Baquero and her husband have two daughters.

Follow Lynda Baquero on Facebook and Twitter.

Need help on a consumer issue? You can reach out to Lynda and her team at NBCNEWYORK.COM/GETHELP or by calling the Consumer Tipline at 1-866-NEWS-244 and pressing 2 for consumer.

q&A WITH OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Lynda Baquero, NBC Consumer Reporter, sat down with Jolie Santiago, RCC Graduate of 2022, for an interview leading up to the Rockland Community College 2022 Commencement.

SUNY Chancellor Award Recipients

Monica Jackson is the Director of Accessibility Services. Monica studied Sociology and Counseling as an undergraduate at SUNY Old Westbury, and in her graduate program at Mercy College. Originally from Westchester County, NY, Monica started at RCC in 2012 and was attracted to the College for the students and diversity. “I have found and embraced a strong circle of Sisters. Our mission is to strengthen our personal and professional development by nurturing and empowering each other to reach our fullest potential. Monica is a member of the Rockland Transition Consortium, Library Advisory Committee, Behavioral Intervention Committee, is a SUNY EIT Officer, and serves on the Board of Directors for Jawonio. She has been an integral part of making RCC ready to help its students by establishing the Accessibility Services Faculty Advisory Committee, ASL Interpreter Services Program, and AS Technology Loan Program. “Accessibility Services seeks to foster an environment that encourages all students to reach their highest level of achievement. Through various student services and programs, we emphasize the importance of recognizing and embracing individual differences and are committed to providing equal access and opportunity for all.”
Monica R. Jackson
Monica R. Jackson Excellence in Professional Service
Lisa Jacobson is a Clerk-Typist in the office of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. A SUNY Rockland alumna, Lisa studied Business Administration before starting her career here in November of 1993. “Being a front-line employee and helping the students has been very rewarding. I like what I do because it’s helping those students who need the help, and most of all, want it. I've watched so many of our students succeed here at RCC and beyond, and have been very proud to work with them and our amazing staff, who really care about the students, and have had a big part in their success,” said Lisa. Since starting at RCC, Lisa has been involved as a member of the Veterans Advisory Board, Commencement and Tuition Appeals Committees, a member of Leadership Academy and in the planning of the Black Achievement Awards. Outside of RCC, Lisa is an Honorary Life Member in the New York State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Inc., and is a lifelong member of the Nanuet Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, where she was honored for her service as an “Unsung Hero” in the Rockland County Times.
Lisa Jacobson
Lisa Jacobson Excellence in Classified Service
Dr. David Lucander is an Associate Professor of MultiCultural Studies. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Westfield State College in History and Education, and his Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Originally from Springfield, MA, Dr. Lucander started teaching at RCC in 2009. In addition to teaching, Dr. Lucander is a part of the Faculty Senate and has been heavily involved in the planning of African American and Women’s History month events on campus. “Working here is incredible because I get to be part of a team that makes a difference just about every day. The nature of community colleges is that we have so many students who come here on their way to making a better life for themselves and their families, and it's a total honor to have a career where my job is to help people succeed.”
David Lucander
David Lucander Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities
Jane McGrath MS, RN-BC, CCM is an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Nursing Department. An alumna of RCC, Jane earned her BSN at Dominican College and her MS in Nursing from Pace University. In addition to her work at RCC, Jane is also a Case Manager at NY Presbyterian Hospital Columbia, a certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse ANCC, and is a member of numerous professional organizations including the Commission for Case Management and Oncology Nurses Society of Rockland, and is an Executive Board member of the Professional Nurses Association of Rockland County. “I came to RCC as a surprise, after being recommended by a nursing colleague who was an instructor at RCC and praised the program. When I researched the program, I knew that I wanted to be a member of the esteemed nursing program, teaching new nurses who worked in and supported Rockland County and beyond. As a life-long resident of Rockland, it is a privilege to give back in a small way to the community in which I live.”
Jane McGrath
Jane McGrath Excellence in Adjunct Teaching
Amanda Ng is graduating with a degree in Liberal Arts Math and Science on the Honors Track. After graduation, Amanda is transferring to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University to study Biological Sciences. Amanda is a second generation student from Queens who chose SUNY Rockland for the Sam Draper Honors Program, but stayed for the amazing opportunities she was offered. “SUNY Rockland's welcoming and supportive environment helped me get acquainted with college and prepared me for transferring to a 4-year university. The affordable cost and understanding faculty and staff members made the experience at RCC better, and allowed me to thrive in a college environment,” said Amanda. While at RCC, Amanda made sure to stay involved as Vice President of PTK, Treasurer of SGA and the Honors Newsletter, a member of the Chemistry Club, Active Minds, and SAB, and is an EMT Trainee for the Ramapo Valley Ambulance Corps. “I am thankful to have been a part of such a supportive and encouraging community. My professors and advisors provided so much help, especially Dr. Lynch, who assisted me with the transfer process, and always had her door open to us for any advice, or if we just want to chat.”
Amanda Ng
Amanda Ng Student Excellence
Meghan Nolan, MFA, MA, PhD is an Assistant Professor of English and the Director of the Reading and Writing Center. Meghan earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Lehigh University in Journalism/Communications, an M.F.A. in Creative Writing (Poetry) from The New School, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from St. John’s University. Meghan moved around as a child, living in Aurora, CO, Hillsdale, MI, and South Bend, IN. She started at RCC in 2016, and says, “The students here have incredible potential and they are also living in the real world… they have jobs, children, and other commitments that sometimes can impede learning. I enjoy helping people and encouraging them to continue on the academic path, and connecting them to helpful resources. I am able to better do this at a school like RCC than I would be able to at a four-year institution where the faculty and students are often disconnected in so many ways.”
Meghan Nolan
Meghan Nolan Excellence in Teaching
Krista Quinn is the Coordinator and an Instructor in the English Department. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from New York University in English Education, and is currently working toward her Doctorate at New Jersey City University, in Community College Educational Leadership. Originally from Wyckoff, NJ, Krista started working at RCC in the Fall of 2011 as an adjunct in the English Skills Department, then began teaching on the credit side of the English Department in 2014. “The students who attend RCC are truly the heart and soul of the College. Every semester I wonder how I got so lucky to have such wonderful groups of students. And, my husband is a proud RCC graduate, so RCC is very much a part of our family's history,” Krista said. Additionally, Krista is a member of the Adjunct Academy for Professional Development, works with the Trio students, and assists Student Success during peak enrollment periods.
Krista Quinn
Krista Quinn Excellence in Adjunct Teaching
Jolie Santiago is graduating with a degree in Liberal Arts and Humanities on the Honors Track. After graduation, Jolie plans to attend a four-year university where she will pursue her degree in journalism. A resident of New City, Jolie chose SUNY Rockland after the pandemic forced her to rethink college expenses, and she was happy she was able to find all the amazing opportunities RCC had to offer. “I have so many great memories from my time at RCC: hanging out with the Street Team in the office, meeting prospective students at Accepted Students Day, talking on the quad with staff during Fall and Spring Fest, having the best professors, getting food at the Hawk’s Nest and making it to the NJCAA National Championships with the RCC Volleyball team for the first time in program history,” said Jolie. Jolie has been busy on campus as the RCC Volleyball Captain, Co-President of Marketing Club, member of the President's Society, Outlook Student Newspaper, SAB, and the RCC Association Board. Outside of RCC, Jolie volunteers at People to People, is a Girl Scout National Delegate, and works at the New City Library. “As I leave RCC, I just want more students to know that RCC is the best choice when starting your college journey. I hope more students make the decision to attend RCC, then do what they want - whether it's attending a 4-year school, working or starting a business. RCC has the resources, you just have to take initiative. This is your one life, use it wisely!”
Jolie Santiago
Jolie Santiago Student Excellence
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decorated graduation caps

Graduate Salute

Decorate your cap for graduation. Student Involvement will be hosting cap decoration stations as a part of their Grad Salute. Sign up for a time and come to the Student Involvement, in the lobby of the Student Union, where we will provide materials for you to decorate your cap!

Dates: 5/12 – 5/20
Time: 12 pm – 2 pm
Location: Student Union Lobby

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.

Monday, May 8, 10 am – 6 pm
Tuesday, May 9, 9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday, May 10, 9 am – 2 pm
Thursday, May 11, 9 am – 2 pm
Friday, May 12, 12 pm – 5 pm

Register for Grad Photos

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 2023 graduate must complete the Application for Graduation by May 5, 2023. Applications may be completed after the deadline but your name may not appear in the Commencement program.

  • 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

Steps to apply for graduation:

  1. 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.
  2. Complete the online Application for Graduation.
  3. 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].

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 16 through May 31.

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

Order Your Cap & Gown

Details on how to purchase and pickup your cap and gown will be sent to your college-issued email after you have applied and been approved for graduation. The pickup location will be at the RCC Bookstore, located behind the Library on the main campus in Suffern, NY.

 

Deadline to Order: April 1, 2023

Submit Your Video Shoutout

Congratulations on achieving this momentous milestone. Show your love and appreciation to your fellow graduates and the family, professors, mentors and friends who helped you get to this point by submitting a short, 10-second video shoutout that will be montaged together with videos submitted your fellow graduates.

It’s simple, just answer this one question:

“What advice do you have for your fellow graduates?”

We hope to embrace the diversity of the College and encourage you to speak in whatever language you prefer. Please read the guidelines below before filming your video.

Submit your video by sending an email with the video as an attachment to [email protected] with the subject line, “Commencement Video Shoutout.”

Deadline to submit your video: April 15, 2022

  • Length – Make sure your video is no longer than 10 seconds.
  • Language – You may speak in whatever language you prefer. We embrace diversity at RCC.
  • Pick a Clean Background – If you can, pick a neutral background. Try to avoid personal items in your shot.
  • Hold the Camera Steady – If you do not have assistance, attach your camera to a tripod. If you are using your phone, rest it up against a surface.
  • Framing – Make sure you are in the center of the picture and get close enough to frame from the mid-chest area up. Make sure to look into the camera and do not move around too much.
  • Horizontal – Record yourself with the camera held horizontally. This position will record video in a landscape format, which is ideal.
  • Lighting – Make sure there is plenty of light. Avoid standing in front of a window because it may make you appear too dark.
  • Audio – Make sure there isn’t any additional noise around you. Remember to speak loudly and clearly.
  • Dress Professionally – Wear what you would if you were giving your speech live. Do not wear anything with logos or a busy pattern.
  • Practice – Make sure to practice what you are going to say a few times so you will be more confident when the camera is rolling.
  • Submit – You can submit your video by sending an email with the video as an attachment to [email protected] with the subject line, “Commencement Video Shoutout.”

BECOME THE STUDENT SPEAKER​

Leave your legacy by inspiring and sharing common experiences with your graduating peers. The student who is selected to represent the graduating class will deliver their speech during the Commencement Ceremony.

Complete the Application for Student Speaker form by April 25, 2022 at 5pm. If your application is selected, finalists will audition before the Graduation Speaker Committee on April 25 and 26. Times will be announced at a date closer to Commencement.

Thank you for your interest. It is a great honor and privilege to represent your graduating class as the student speaker.

Watch the 2021 Commencement Student Speaker

Frequently Asked Questions

Please continue to check this document as it is updated frequently.

Students who are set to complete all degree requirements for August 2022, December 2022, and Spring 2023 may participate in graduation. Please confirm your eligibility with Records by applying for graduation.

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.

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.

May 16 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
May 17 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 18 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
May 19 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
May 20 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The graduation photo session is an RCC-sponsored event, therefore students will need to show proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative test to take a photo. Students must bring their regalia with them, as it will not be provided at the event.

You will receive a link at a later date that will ask you to confirm if you will be attending commencement at Clover Stadium. 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.

Students must apply for graduation, and upon approval, Records will send a link to order regalia. You will need your Student ID to place your order. Please note that your ID is under the Student Profile section in Banner (number beginning with R00). The deadline for purchasing your regalia is April 1, 2023. Regalia will not be shipped home. All students must pick up their regalia in person. You will be sent an email once the Regalia arrives with information about where and when you may come pick it up.

Students must order regalia by April 1, 2023. All students must have RCC regalia to walk in commencement no exception.

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.

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.

There will not be a rehearsal. Students are encouraged to attend one of the three Grad Info sessions to hear more about what to expect for commencement. The Grad Info dates will be posted at a later date. Two sessions will be offered in April and one in May. You will be able to ask questions during this event.

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.

Commencement is a graduation ceremony to celebrate this memorable moment of your success. We encourage you to attend and celebrate your accomplishments.

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.

Yes, you must apply to graduate, regardless of ceremony participation. For information on how to apply for graduation, visit Click Here for Graduation Application.

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.

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.

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].

Please plan for two hours.

No, however, please be mindful that your peers will also be celebrating and will have guest as well.