By Kathianne Boniello
Her cap and gown appeared to be just right, but amid a number of dignitaries, professors and her fellow students Julian Gordon of Laurelton had a confession to make before last week’s graduation ceremonies at Bayside’s Queensborough Community College.
“I’m a nervous wreck,” said Gordon, who as president of the QCC student government made a speech as part of the school’s 40th annual commencement.
Gordon was not alone.
Most of Gordon’s classmates who took the long walk to the school’s sun-drenched main quad for last Thursday’s commencement ceremonies seemed to have plenty of nervous energy to work off as the roughly 1,200 graduates enthusiastically and loudly cheered and clapped throughout the long ceremony.
The commencement also marked the official installation of Dr. Eduardo Marti as the school’s president, drawing a number of officials and college presidents from throughout the borough.
It was the excitement and spirit of the graduates — who groaned and jeered when a proclamation from Mayor Rudolph Giuliani’s office was announced and read — that caught the attention of speakers at the QCC ceremony.
State Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose), whom Marti introduced as someone who is instrumental in getting funding for the college, smiled as he approached the podium.
“President Marti, you have a rowdy crowd out there,” Padavan said, “which means they’re a happy group and a vital group.”
There were more shouts, cheers and laughter when Padavan told the group to “turn to the person next to you, shake their hands and say ‘we made it.’”
The students happily obliged the senator and inspired smiles throughout the crowd of some 2,000 friends and family members who attended the ceremonies.
Marti, who took over operations at the school last summer, seemed as nervous and excited as the students prior to his installation ceremony.
Walking quickly throughout his fifth-floor office, where dignitaries, professors, and some students traditionally gather before the commencement exercises, Marti pointed to the successes of his young administration.
“I think it’s been a great year,” he said. “We have done so many things — Interim President Howard Lapidus really created a situation where a new president could come in and take off.”
Lapidus served as QCC’s interim president for the 1999-2000 school year following the retirement of Dr. Kurt Schmeller in 1999.
Marti said since he has taken over, Queensborough has become the only CUNY school to begin Internet registration for classes, added computer labs and faculty development programs and improved fund-raising efforts.
Queensborough Community College is located just off the intersection of 56th Avenue and Springfield Boulevard in Bayside.
CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein, who helped place a medallion representing the authority of the president’s position over Marti’s head during the ceremony, also spoke to the graduates.
“This graduating class, I’m told, has 1,200 students from 115 countries,” he said. “That certainly reflects the great strength and diversity of this college.”
Marti, who emigrated from Cuba in 1960 and is a graduate of the CUNY system, pointed to his own story when speaking to students.
“Go forth with the realization that you are a worthwhile member of this society,” Marti told the graduates. “Remember to be fair. Remember that roads are made as you walk.
“Don’t ever forget us,” he said “because we will never forget you.”
Reach reporter Kathianne Boniello by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 146.
