By Mark Hallum
Queensborough Community College held its commencement Friday morning with school and civic leaders addressing the graduating class of 2016. In attendance were Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows) and state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flushing), as well as Yi (Jane) Jiang, Vicky Chan, Yueli Chen, and Daomi Burch, who received honors for high academic achievement.
QCC President Diane Call began by recognizing the varied origins of the students
“Graduates, you came to Queensborough from all parts of the world, representing over 132 countries, 78 native languages. Each of you has a personal story of courage, determination and sacrifice to achieve the dream of a better life for you and your families through education,” said Call.
Stavisky’s speech started with a quote from Abraham Lincoln and went on to discuss the importance of quality, accessible education.
“‘If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I would spend six hours sharpening my ax.’ You have been doing the same thing. You have been spending two years sharpening your skills, studying and learning, and now you’re ready to chop down a tree,” said Stavisky.
The address delivered by Assemblyman Weprin explained the contribution he has made to Queensborough in the past and will continue to make in the future.
“I was happy to have allocated $250,000 in capital funds for Queensborough last year, and I’m very excited to announce that I will be able to allocate the same amount in additional capital finds for this year,” Weprin said. “Students of QCC are representatives of the world’s borough. I admire your steadfast determination and your hunger for success.”
Yi Jiang and Vicky Chan each received associate degrees in Liberal Arts and Sciences, and were selected to receive the 2016 Phi Beta Kappa Association of New York Scholarships. Jiang carried a 4.0 GPA, received a Finch Scholarship and will continue her education at Queens College in physics or chemistry. Chan held a 3.79 GPA, is the recipient of a Guttman Transfer Scholarship and will go on to study psychology at Hunter College.
Yueli Chen held a 3.958 GPA and received an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences. She hopes to work toward a baccalaureate degree in Chemical Engineering at Stony Brook University.
Daomi Burch is a star on the women’s basketball team and the 2016 CUNYAC Community College Female Scholar Athlete of the Year. She maintained a 3.52 G.P.A. and made the Dean’s List in fall 2014, as well as spring and fall 2015. In the spring, Daomi will travel to Cuba with 16 other athlete-scholars for the CUNY Goodwill Tour to Cuba.
Sen. Stavisky was award the Presidential Medal from QCC, the fifth in the 55-year history of the school, for her support of education.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
