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.”
