Queensborough Community College (QCC) held a commencement ceremony to celebrate the graduating class of 2024 on Friday, May 31 at its Bayside campus.
The graduation ceremony celebrated approximately 1,343 students, including 740 who completed their studies in Spring 2024. Additionally, the ceremony recognized 448 graduates from Fall 2023, 70 from Winter 2024, and 155 students expected to fulfill their graduation requirements in Summer 2024.
Presided over by QCC President Dr. Christine Mangino, the school’s 63rd commencement ceremony included greetings from several local leaders, including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator John Liu, State Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman and Council Member Sandra Ung. Also on hand to greet the graduates was Dr. John Verzani, Ex Officio, CUNY Board of Trustees, and Chair, University Faculty Senate.
Many of the graduates were also given awards for academic excellence, exceptional athletic and scholarly achievement, outstanding college and community leadership and promoting harmony and appreciation of cultural diversity.
One of the graduates, Davia Willis, was awarded the John F. Kennedy Memorial Award for her outstanding leadership at the college and within the community. As the outgoing President of the Student Government Association, Willis addressed her fellow graduates.
“Today is the day we stand in solidarity with each other, cheering each other on as we walk across this stage to collect that degree that we have all worked so hard for,” Willis said. “We are now alumni of this distinguished institution. And no matter where life takes you, always remember who you are. We belong to the home of the tigers; we are fearless and courageous, and no one should dare challenge your inner strength.”
After earning her associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, Willis will be going to the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the fall to continue with her major while also minoring in political science.
The Valedictorian for the graduating class was Melanie Jerez, who earned an associate’s degree in science in Psychology with a 3.96 G.P.A. Initially hailing from the Dominican Republic, Jerez began attending QCC in the fall of 2022. She is the first in her family to earn a college degree. Jerez credits her family for playing a big role in her success, saying they instilled in her the important values of dedication, perseverance and empathy.
“The dreams I have held close to my heart for so long have come to fruition,” Jerez said. “My hard work, my sacrifices, the risks I have taken to challenge myself and not be afraid of failure have brought me to this place. I am so honored to represent Queensborough on the culmination of my extraordinary journey at the College and share my farewell with my great fellow graduates of 2024.”
Michael Delva, who earned his associate’s in applied science degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, was the class Salutatorian. He will continue his educational pursuits in the fall at City College of New York, where he will major in mechanical engineering and minor in biology.
“At Queensborough, I had two wonderful years full of opportunities where every setback became a springboard for growth,” Delva said. “Here, I developed into a person who understands the importance of knowledge, compassion and self-discipline, qualities that will guide me as I begin the next chapter of my journey.”
Brandon Caraballo earned the John P. Bevilacqua Scholarship Award, which is given to an outstanding graduating student-athlete. Baseball has long played an important role in Caraballo’s life. He honed his abilities in the game and became the star shortstop for QCC’s competitive team. Having graduated with an associate’s degree in Health Sciences, Caraballo credits the scholarship award program for his academic success, providing him with much-needed advisement, financial aid assistance and time management. He will be moving on to Queens College, where he will major in exercise science and nutrition.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Award was given to Abdul Wahab for demonstrating exceptional leadership in promoting racial harmony and appreciation of cultural diversity. Wahab served as the Administrative Vice President in the Student Government Association. Additionally, he was a leader in organizing events and collaborating with different clubs at the school that encourage respectful dialogue on difficult subjects. He earned his associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.
