Amanda Pecorella of Fishkill celebrated her second Mount commencement
in as many years. after receiving
her bachelor’s degree in 2016 after only three years, she earned
her master’s degree in accounting/business
administration in less than 12 months. (Photo: Lee Ferris)
NEWBURGH – A total of 619 students graduated from Mount Saint Mary
College in Newburgh on Saturday – 121 were awarded master’s
degrees and 498 received bachelor’s degrees. More than 160 students
earned degrees in nursing and related fields and another 140 earned degrees
in business.
The graduates hailed from a dozen states – Arkansas, California,
Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey,
New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Tennessee.
College President Dr. David Kennett told the graduates, “The greatest
thing about the Mount is its people, especially the students. I’ve
been impressed by the quality of your research, the achievement of your
athletics teams, your cheer, and your deep concern for others that you
exhibit by the extent of your voluntary activity here in the community.”
Commencement speaker John McAvoy, chairman, president and CEO of Consolidated
Edison, gave the grads three tips for success – to be “relentless”
in their self-improvement efforts; to employ “persistence, tenacity
[and] an unwavering sense of commitment” in the workplace and their
personal lives; and as Winston Churchill said, “Never, never, never
quit.”
He was conferred with an honorary degree.
Alvin Mann of Cuddebackville, a 94-year-old World War II veteran and retired
businessman also received an honorary doctor of humane letters in recognition
of his dedicated service to his country and his commitment to lifelong
learning.
Mann will be marrying his best friend, former Middletown Mayor Gertrude
Mokotoff, on August 5. “We’ll be married in front of our seven
children,” he said. “I’m so honored to be marrying Gertrude,
that’s the story of my life, and I love it.”
Senior class president Bernadette Claravall of Wantagh, told her fellow
graduates they will always need their families. “If there is one
thing that has remained constant in our entire lives, it is the love and
support from our family and friends that embraces us every day.”
