St. John's University hosts its commencement ceremony at Staten ...

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St. John's University hosts its
commencement ceremony at
Staten Island's Grymes Hill
campus
by Mark Stein / Staten Island Advance
Sunday May 17, 2009, 9:24 AM
Hilton FloresMartha Nwosu and her friend, Hadiatu
Sumah, both from Silver Springs, Md., are ready for the 2009 St. John's University commencement
exercises to begin.
For most, this year will be marked as one of great economic turmoil and challenges.
But there was no gloom for these 462 graduates, as Rev. Donald J. Harrington put it.
"The St. John's University Class of 2009 will long be remembered as an extraordinary group of
young, capable and enthusiastic women and men," the school president said in his opening address
to the about 2,400 audience members this morning as he presided over the university's 139th
commencement.
The following are the graduates of St. John's University:
College of Professional Studies-Graduate
Ryan A. Anicete, Christopher J. Annarumma, Joseph J. Antonio, Athena Hemphill, Eilean Kosinski,
Michael B. Meawad, Jacqueline E. Perrotta, Parvatee Persad, Anthony G. Pizzo, Michael M. Szochet.
College of Professional Studies
Brittany A. Abel, Anthony Alexander, Mark V. Ali, Amber N. Allenbaugh, Michael A. Aquilino, Melissa
O. Arias, Joseph A. Arnone, Erina C. Bailey, Salvatore Barranca, Daniela Batalla, Rocchino
Bellantuono, Gina M. Boccia, John Bogan, Brian Bourgouin, Jahred H. Boyd, Nana Boyko, Jessica
Bruzzese, Brian P. Callahan, Joseph Cammarata, Cristina F. Capotorto, Joseph J. Cassano, Dina C.
Castner, Michael Catrama, Daphne Chanoine, Cristina M. Cherubini, Vincent R. Ciardiello, Frank
Cicero, Matthew L. Ciuffini, Michelle E. Colamonico, Michael A. Compton, Christine Costanzo, Jerome
Crimi, Anthony D'Elia, James De Matteo, Kristin T. DeClara, Christina M. DeGulis, Peter J. DeLessio,
Stephen D. DeLuzio, Nicholas A. DeSilvio, Crystal J. Di Dea, Ibo H. Diaz, Novella Dillard, Colleen M.
Donahue, Chris I. Ellis, Jr. Caroline N. Esposito, Kelly Etelzon, Francine A. Ferrante, Kevin
Fitzgerald, Alice A. Fiumefreddo, Stephen Furno, Giancarlo Gambino, Melissa Garcia, Vincent
Genovese, Matthew Golden, Melissa Gomes, Corazon d. Grajales, Joseph P. Grande, Veronika P.
Hawthorne, Stephanie A. Jaccarino, Jonathan E. Kane, Julia P. Larocca, Anthony Lattanzio, Alan
Leung, Gazmen Ljikovic, John J. LoCasto, Gregory S. Lombardi, Maria C. Lombardo, Steven
Longobardi, Lauren M. Lubrino, James M. Lynch, Audree L. Maldonado, Rabia Malik, Rachel L.
Martinez, Joseph S. Matarazzo, Lauren A. Matire, Joseph Mazella, Brian W. McCarthy, Thomas
Michaels, Dana M. Miller, Rosalie A. Mirazita, John A. Mitroff, Timothy J. Moore, William J. Moran,
Mary L. Murphy, Kristen M. Murphy, Brittany L. Murphy, Hamdy Mustafa, Joseph A. Naimoli, Andrew
Nalwasky, Dimitrios Neos, Francine N. Nervegna, Maria V. Nicassio, Andrew M. Nierenberg,

Jonathan Nistico, Mary J. Nwosu, John O'Connor, Krystin J. Orr, Michael T. Palmieri, Gina E.
Patnosh, Alexander Pekerman, Laura Pepenella, Justin J. Perez, Paul Pesce, Daniel P. Phillips,
Michael Portnov, Danny Quintela, Kimberle R. Rader, Megan M. Rehberg, Brandon M. Rocchio,
Michael Roche, Lori A. Rodriguez, Robert Rossi, Danielle C. Rossi, Christie Rossiter, Alexandra
Rossomando, Joe M. Rubin, Jenna Savarese, Anthony J. Savino, John J. Scialabba, Jonathan Servil,
Danielle S. Shubert, Bradley Skerritt, Michael G. Smith, ToniMarie Socci, Selina Storz, Franchesca
Surun, Gary D. Sutphen, Christina Tamburrino, Michael G. Taylor, Lindsay R. Thaisz, Jessica P.
Thristino, Melissa A. Vackner, Michael A. Valdes, Stephanie VanChieri, Noel J. Vanegas, Jennifer M.
Ventura, Cristina Verardi, Vincent J. Volpe, Michael J. Walsh, Robert P. Wilson, Gregory J. Wilton.
Peter J. Tobin College of Business
Thomas J. Amitrano, Corinne J. Andresen, Michael A. Anicito, Michael Arcieri, Anthony Arroyo, Neil
T. Assennato, Dana M. Assini, Nicholas R. Assini, Sara D. Back, Christopher J. Baione, Kazadi P.
Bamany, David Barral, Justin R. Bizanos, Joseph Bonomo, James P. Brislin, Ariel Cabral, Raymond J.
Carute, Christopher J. Cavileer, Michael M. Cerulli, Devin L. Chapman, Joseph F. Conti, Michael A.
Crispiano, Anthony Cucuzza, Alexandra N. D'Arrigo, David M. D'Augusta, Jak A. Daragjati, Gina M.
DeLauro, Denise A. DeLuca, William A. DePeppo, James L. Desiderio, John J. DiCarlo, Jacqueline
Diaz, Patrick Donegan, Felix Dubner, Paulina Dyrda, Elaine Ekonomakos, Elizabeta D. Elmazi,
Christina M. Gallo, Tara F. Garbarini, JohnPaul N. Giacona, Michael A. Grannis, Fabio Grippi,
Christopher Guglielmo, Jonathan J. Guida, AdrianaKalaba, Kristen M. Koulouris, Michael J. LaSelva,
Patricia Langston, Lisa Lattanzio, Bixia Lee, Sang Min Lee, John A. Lewis, John A. Libretti, Anthony
M. Luisi, Carmela AMaceda, Jeresha A. McDonald, Jasmin A. Mendizabal, Daniel S. Messina, Jerry A.
Mignone, Joseph Milrud, Dominique N. Mondella, Lauren N. Morandi, Safet Musovic, Thomas P.
O'Connor, Stephen M. Olsen, Constantine Pazzas, Anthony M. Pelosi, Rebecca Perez, Luljeta
Popovic, Keri Ann A. Rizzuto, Hany S. Rmaiti, John E. Rooney, Tino J. Salaris, Suleiman Sami,
Gerard J. Scarpati, Amna Siddiqui, Michael A. Stein, Jessica A. Suarez, Jason Timpanaro, Vincent S.
Trimarco, Mario Tritto, Irene Verbitski, Alexander Volovik, Eilan Yee, Jennifer A. Zammit, Weston
DZier, Ronald M. Zulli, Stacey de Jacquant.
Peter J. Tobin College of Business-Graduate
David J. Alba, Beata Bagienska, Edona Borovci, Lamont Burks, Lauren M. Cambria, Stacie A.
Carrelli, Jamie Cuccurullo, Anthony Cucuzza, Michael S. Elias, Angelo R. Fallacaro, Andy Guzman,
Brian E. Harden, Priscilla A. Joseph, Charles Lanza, Joseph A. Lento, Anthony Lombardo, Erlina
Merdani, Kelly L. O'Neill, Anthony J. Parisi, Brian Peterson, Robert W. Rose, Matthew J. Santanello,
William L. Smith, Laura A. Spatafora, Andrew I. Steinhaus, Saidee Thorman, Andrea Trovello,
Senida Vukovic, Jennifer A. Zammit.
St. John's College Liberal Arts
Rasheedat A. Adams, Michael E. Albertsen, Flor D'Luna Arellano, James J. Barile, Maria K. Bondulic,
Lee R. Boos, Jorge M. Bulario, Christine M. Burns, Meghan P. Caffrey, Kathleen Camille, Ian J.
Campo, Joseph Caputo, Nicole A. Casiere, Melissa R. Cefalu, Daniel A. Cocozello, Victoria S. Collini,
Toni M. Costanza, Nicole R. Della Bella, Giuseppe Deserio, Pietro Di Figlia, Regina A. DiTrani, Jessica
E. Economos, Cari E. Faicco, Alain Fequiere, Dana E. Ferreri, Theresa A. Ficchi, Marla Filippatos,
Daniel T. Fisher, Jessica A. Fracchiolla, Rachel L. Franchi, Samantha Giordano, Toni Rae M. Gnall,
Kathleen Gomez, Michael J. Goscinski, Lindsey L. Haug, Kristen A. Hughes, Shaina M. Joseph,
Brianne C. Katz, Joseph G. Kenny, Cai A. King-Young, Natalie J. Koop, Mayya Kripitser, Justin P.
LiGreci, Melissa Limeri, Sharon K. Lombino, Krystina Macca, Michele J. Maloney, Meghan M. McAllen,
Stephen P. McMahon, Janna M. Mirazita, Frank S. Monitello, Marisa L. Murray, Danielle M.
Napolitano, Heather J. Nelson, Martha J. Nwosu, Iman Payne, Yesenia Peralta, Michael Ragozzino,
Carmine T. Raimondi, Irina Rendel, Gary Ricci, Kimberly A. Rodriguez, Alexis M. Rodriguez, Loretta
Rosales, Jessica Rossi, Kristina M. Sansone, Saima A. Sheikh, Kimberly A. Slattery, Robert John
Soto, Marina Stal, Hadiatu Sumah, Stephanie M. Tafone, Carmen K. Tam, Lindsey Urcinoli, Yalixza
Valentin, Michael A. Velez, Teresa Vreeland, Erin D. Westover, Tiffany M. Williams, Emily L. Winters,
Francheska M. Wollner, Cassandra Zasa.
The School of Education-Graduate
JeanTerese Abt, Jann Amato, Erika L. Arancio, Elena M. Bartoloni, AveryBeauford, Carol Bennett,
Deborah Brochin, Kristy Buccafusco, Jaclyn A. Cappillo, Zyli Capric, Elizabeth A. Cennamo, Leonarda
N. Ciaccia, Joseph A. Cocozello, Stacey-Jo Cocozza, Patricia Coiro, Valentina M. Concordia, Joanna
C. Coppa, Amy DeCostello, Kristen J. Delesky, William F. Fager, Nora E. Fiskaa, Jennifer M.
Fontanez, Dina A. Fuchs, Donna M. Gabella, Traci Gervasi, Jamie V. Gill, John J. Gillen, Catherine M.
Goodheart, ToniAnn N. Gramegna, Ethel R. Henderson, Timothy P. Hepworth, Kathleen Herron,
Donna M. Jennings, Susan E. Kiernan, Rosemarie LoPresti, Michelle F. MacIver, Amelia Maligno,
Tinamarie Marra, Meredith A. Mirabile, Karen Mirazita, Christine T. Nappi, Theresa M. Naughton,

Ellen M. Nicoll, Patricia E. O'Leary-Proseus, Magdalena Ocieczek, Suzanne Paccione, Joelle L. Pace,
Emmaline C. Ramos, Alexander R. Rivera, Chrystal L. Robbins, Kathryn M. Rooney, MaryEllen
Sandvik, Cathryn Santopietro, Janine F. Scamardella, Nicole R. Seblano, Susan E. Shepherd, Tiffany
L. Sienicki, Donna M. Slavin, Patricia J. Stasiak, Theresa L. Stasiak, Anne A. Stefano, Ronald C.
Storch, Diane Sussuma, Dorothy E. Taylor, Rebecca L. Tibbetts, Kenneth L. Van Wyk, Kelly A.
Whitman, Lauren Zampardi, Dorothy S. Zissler.
The School of Education
Gabrielle Bencivenga, Kristina A. Benson, Elizabeth H. Bobenchik, Amanda L. Bonelli, Stacey M.
Bosso, Crista J. Camerlengo, Theresa R. Carbonara, Maryann B. Coleman, Tammy M. Connors,
Francesca Curatola, Angela D'Agostino, Christina M. DeBarbieri, Leann DeLuzio, Jennifer E.
Delluomo, LeeAnn Dwan, Patrice Friscia, Amanda Galeota, Jessica A. Gatto, Jamie Harrigan, Michael
A. Kullman, Dina Ligotti, Julie C. Linton, JustineM. Luca, Jenna Marcogliese, Catherine E. Messina,
Jenna L. Montagnino, James G. Morris, Victoria O'Connell, JenniferL. Quirk, Kathleen M. Russo,
Nicole M. Schiavone, Teresa Smith, Lauren F. Vadola, Jacquelyn Violetta, Danielle E. Zbikowski.
The two-hour graduation ceremony occurred in a huge white tent on the lawn in front of the
Kelleher Center at the Grymes Hill campus.
Cloudy skies and sporadic mists barely cast a damper on a day in which the 20-somethings received
their ticket to the next phase in their lives.
Serving in the capacity of commencement speaker, eight-time Emmy Award-winning sportscaster
Bruce Beck reported to the graduates that though college may seem like greatest days in a person's
life, there are countless, amazing times ahead.
"Don't limit your goals. Don't be narrow with your goals," said Beck, of WNBC-TV. "It's a time for
creativity. Keep your eyes open. Make sure you see the whole playing field."
Beck, who was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree, said to use rejections as
inspirations.
Before he stepped off the stage, he quoted former UCLA men's college basketball coach John
Wooden: "Make each day your masterpiece," he proudly stated.
The graduates wore red gowns and black caps, with varying colors for the hood, distinguishing
which field of learning the student excelled in.
In her student address, valedictorian Audree Maldonado of Brooklyn, said, "Know that you are
powerful. Serve others and see the world."
The 22-year-old later admitted that she hasn't fully processed that the four years of college are
already over.
"It went by so fast. By a blink," Miss Maldonado exclaimed, mentioning how her peers meshed well.
"Our class is so close. [Leaving] is going to be difficult."
As the hundreds of pupils received their diplomas, the crowd constantly applauded by cheering
names and clapping. One stand-out attendee even blew an air horn.
Watching from outside the tent, parents Pat and Patricia Rocchio witnessed their fourth son,
Brandon Rocchio, receive his degree from the university.
"It's the greatest feeling," said Pat, of Richmond, with his wife immediately adding that strong
family bonds help. "You have to work together as a team."
While some students will briefly relax during the summer while starting a job, Frank Montitello, 21,
of Prince's Bay, begins graduate school at New York University on Monday. "Relieved to be done,
eager to start up again."