Spring Commencement:
A New #GradontheWater
Imploring the graduates to “Stand up and yell,” WNBC 4 New York Anchor and Reporter David Ushery
commended the Class of 2018 for overcoming obstacles and doing the work necessary to reach Spring
Commencement on May 17 at the Ford Amphitheater in Coney Island.
“If you fall, we can help pick you up. If you make a mistake, we can help
you learn from it and fix it. If one door closes on you, we can help you
find another door,” said Ushery. “But if you give up, if you become
disillusioned, we’ve all lost. But I know you won’t. I know St. Francis.
You got this. You made it this far. You are Brooklyn Strong.”
The valedictorian for the Class of 2018 was Valerie Kaufmann ’18,
a Communication Arts major with a double minor in Fine Arts and
French. In addition to perfect grades, Kaufmann also interned at the
Smithsonian Institution, Homes for Homeless, Institute for Children,
Poverty & Homelessness, New York State United Teachers, and in
the Office of United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
“Our generation needs to take a front seat in shaping the future.
That’s what our success is going to look like; not the money you make,
not the fame you achieve but the communities that you help to build,”
said Kaufmann who also volunteers at multiple organizations around
the city. “We can be proud of the community we’ve helped to build
at St. Francis. Now it’s time to pay it forward and take that engagement
out into the world.” ●
Spring Commencement Ceremony: https://youtu.be/ol9YnO95fag
President Miguel Martinez-Saenz with Commencement Speaker David Ushery (NBC4 New York),
Board of Trustees Chairman John F. Tully ’67, and Vice President for Development Thomas Flood.
2018 Spring Valedictorian Valerie Kaufmann ’18.
Amir Zakik ’18 (center) with his family.
ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE TERRIER | SUMMER 2018, VOLUME 81, NUMBER 2
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