The School of Education Honors Last Graduating Class from St. John’s Staten Island Campus

Fifty students from The School of Education (SOE) on St. John’s Staten Island, NY, campus were honored last week for their outstanding academic achievements, as the University prepares to close its campus in Richmond County after more than 50 years of service to the community. 

“You will always be part of our St. John’s family,” said Gina Cicco, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC, Associate Professor and Associate Dean, Staten Island Campus, in her address to the members of this year’s graduation class. “Today is just the beginning of a long and satisfying journey as an educator.”

Rev. Tri M. Duong, C.M. ’00C, Campus Minister for the Staten Island Campus, delivered the opening prayer and Interim Vice Provost David N. Gachigo provided opening remarks. 

Dr. Cicco presented certificates of academic excellence and departmental awards to graduating students in both graduate and undergraduate programs of study. Among the award winners was Elizabeth Grillo, an SOE Graduate Assistant, who earned a Certificate of Excellence; an Honor Cord (for a perfect 4.0 grade point average); and recognition from the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Department. 

Certificates of appreciation and special awards were given to students and faculty. Daniel Fisher earned the “Outstanding Professor Award” for his contributions as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Counselor Education.

Dr. Cicco encouraged the soon-to-be graduates to show gratitude to the people in their lives who helped them achieve this milestone. “Please take a moment to reflect on the people who have played important roles in your journey,” she said. “Consider sharing a hug, saying a heartfelt thank you, or sharing a note or email of gratitude for their support.”

In closing, Dr. Cicco shared two quotes with the guests and honorees. “John Dewey said, ‘Education is not preparation for life. Education is life itself,’ and George Washington Carver shared, ‘Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.’” 

She added, “You have chosen the noblest of professions by sharing your knowledge and understanding with others to create a brighter future for our world.”

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