Our Commencement 2018 coverage started the day before with a drone flyover of campus, "looking out to sea" over the commencement big top:
The week before, we posted a selection of clips from the Class of 2018's candlelighting ceremony with messages from their younger selves to their more mature incarnations, shot in August 2014 on the Sutter Oval -- the same place where they would be awarded their baccalaureate degrees on May 11:
VIDEO
On Commencement Day 2018, May 11, we recorded the entire program:
SLIDESHOWS
We also captured more than 500 still photos from our biggest day of the year. You can watch the slideshow, below, or link to our Flickr page to download as many individual, high-resolution photographs as you like:
We also posted nearly 100 photos from the baccalaureate service and senior toast on Thursday afternoon:
TO PURCHASE NORMANDY STUDIO PHOTOS
In addition to the free photographs available on the college's Flickr page, our commercial yearbook photographers were also on campus for the baccalaureate service, the senior awards banquet and commencement.
Normandy Studio has not yet posted its Commencement 2018 photos -- but when they do, you can visit their website to purchase photos.
Visit the Normandy Studio website.
STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE STORY
Our local newspaper, the Staten Island Advance, featured Commencement 2018 as its lead story on the front page, jumping to an open, two-page spread inside.
Click on the image below to download the complete, illustrated story.
SENIOR AWARDS
The night before commencement, on May 10, we held our annual Senior Awards Banquet, recognizing excellence in the Class of 2018.
John Acquaviva of Kinnelon, N.J. won the Biopsychology Award, presented to a graduating biopsychology major who, in the judgment of the faculties of the Psychology and Biological Sciences departments, has best demonstrated academic excellence in the study of biopsychology. Acquaviva graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Dimitri Alexander of Brooklyn, N.Y. won the Jane Hadley Goldsack Nursing Prize, given to a nursing student completing the senior year or the graduate program who will be pursuing an advanced degree in nursing at Wagner. Alexander graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
John P. Andersson of Gislaved, Sweden won the Wagner Investment Group Legacy Award, presented to a student for excellence in the investment world. Andersson graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Anthony Arpaia of Princes Bay, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Community Health Nursing Award, which recognizes a nursing student who demonstrates volunteerism, thoughtfulness, caring and patience while promoting the health of individuals, families and groups within the community. Arpaia graduated with a bachelor of science degree.
Spencer Beyer of Carlsbad, Cal. won the Alpha Omicron Pi Award for academic excellence in the study of business administration and exemplary participation in campus activities. Beyer graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Nicole Bianco of Great Kills, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Janice Buddensick Accounting Society Award for outstanding achievement in the study of accounting, high standards of leadership and good moral character. Bianco graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Bridgett Bonar of Farmington, N.H. won the Modern Languages Award for outstanding work in the study of the Arabic language and its literature. Bonar also won the Thomas Kendris Award in Expository & Journalistic Writing for outstanding work in writing courses and student journalism. She graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Charlton Boyd of Shreveport, La. won the Dr. Donald W. Spiro Award for Best Academic Achievement, the most prestigious award at Wagner, recognizing outstanding academic and co-curricular achievements. Boyd graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Alexandria Calascibetta of Toms River, N.J. won the Periclean Senior Award, recognizing an abiding and active sense of social responsibility and civic concern through academic work or community activities. Calascibetta graduated with a bachelor of science degree.
Jacqueline Caruso of Richmond, Staten Island, N.Y. won the English Literature Prize, the highest distinction in the study of English literature. Caruso also won the Simone de Beauvoir French Award for outstanding work in the study of the French language. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
Joanna Catalano of Princes Bay, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Dolly Award in Theatre for Design, Technology and Management. Catalano graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
Gianna Chianchiano of Arden Heights, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Academic Excellence Award in Sociology. Chianchiano graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Anthony Compitello of Arrochar, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Nursing Faculty Award, which recognizes a compassionate student leader who is patient and family centered. Compitello graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Brenda Cumpa of Lima, Peru won the Douglas Gee Morton Award in Economics for academically outstanding work in the study of economics by a student of good moral character. Cumpa graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Dayna DeSando of Travis-Chelsea, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Robert deCsipkes Memorial Research Prize for the student with the greatest research potential in psychology. Desando graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Brian DiVuolo of Silver Lake, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Business Administration Award, which recognizes the student in the Nicolais School of Business with the highest GPA. Divuolo graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Elizabeth Doyle of New Dorp, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Socrates Prize for outstanding thought with application to human concerns in a community. Doyle graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Gianna Fiumefreddo of Arden Heights, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Robert deCsipkes Memorial Clinical Prize for the student with the greatest potential as a clinical psychologist. Fiumefreddo graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Jesse Flaherty of Oceanport, N.J. won the George G. Hackman Prize in Religious Studies for the student with the highest academic average in courses taken in the religion minor. Flaherty graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
Dana Gambardella of Tottenville, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Phyllis Andors Award for outstanding performance in the study of government and politics. Gambardella graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Jordan E. Gonzalez of Honolulu, Hawaii won the Art History Award. Gonzalez graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Mary Helen Gustafson of Honolulu, Hawaii won the George G. Hackman Prize in Religious Studies for the student with the highest academic average in courses taken in the religion minor. Gustafson graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Kirsty Hessing of Powell, Ohio won the Sir Peter L. Cardiello Award for Entrepreneurship, given in memory of a man who embraced life and learning, and who consistently displayed a positive attitude and thought process that embodied the saying, “What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve.” Hessing graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
Brianna Hoffman of East Setauket, N.Y. won the Rev. Piotr Pilch Prize in Fine Arts. Hoffman graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Katherine Hofmeister of Tulsa, Okla. won the Student Nurse Association Award for academic merit and leadership in diverse community activities. Hofmeister graduated with a bachelor of science degree.
Kemani Howard of Rochester, N.Y. won the Community Service Award, recognizing a student committed to community service through campus organizations. Howard also won the Distinguished Leader Award, given to a senior who has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills over the course of their academic career. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
Sabrina Kalman of Manhasset, N.Y. won the Nathan and Ruth Wolff Prize in Dance. Kalman graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Armend Lajka of Bay Terrace, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Behavioral Economics Award, presented to a graduating senior in the behavioral economics major who, in the judgment of the faculties of the Psychology and Economics departments, has best demonstrated academic excellence in the study of behavioral economics. Lajka also won the Economics Department Award. He graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Mary Leahy of Beverly, Mass. won the Education Department Award. Leahy also won the Michele Connors Tellefsen ‘71 Alpha Delta Pi Leadership Award, given to a dedicated leader in the Gamma Pi chapter of Alpha Delta Pi as she transitions from being an active to an alumna member. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Timothy Maher of Milford, Conn. won the Dr. Natale Colosi Microbiology Award Maher graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Madison Marable of Reno, Nev. won the Kevin Sheehy Award in Biology achieving the highest cumulative grade point average in the Biology major Marable graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Melanie R. Meilinger of Hawley, Pa. won the Stephen Greenwald Award for Film is given annually to a film student who has shown commitment to the Film & Media Studies Program and who embodies the spirit of community and collaboration so essential to filmmaking. Meilinger graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Eman Metwally of Tottenville, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Ann H. and Norbert H. Leeseberg Undergraduate Education Award, recognizing students who best exemplify the academic scholarship and community spirit of Dr. Leeseberg. She was also chosen in an oratorical competition to deliver the student address at Wagner’s 2018 commencement program. Metwally graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Cara N. Minogue of Madison, N.J. won the Ellen Horrmann Award for academic excellence in the study of nursing during the clinical experience. Minogue graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Haleigh Moeller of Manorville, N.Y. won the Education Department 5 C's Award, given to the education major who best personifies the 5C's: a caring, curious, competent, committed and community-active professional. Moeller graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Jillian Moran of Westerleigh, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Wagner College Physician Assistant Award for the highest overall grade point average in the senior class of P.A. students. Moran graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Elizabeth Murphy of Highland Park, N.J. won the Hertha Troll Meyer Memorial Award, recognizing exemplary scholarship and service in the study of sociology and anthropology. Murphy graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
Adam O’Brien of Hunlock Creek, Pa. won the Harvey Logan Memorial Award in Physics. O'Brien graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Elizabeth Oliver of Princes Bay, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Katherine & Egon Wendel Education Prize, given to a senior with a 3.3 or higher GPA who will pursue a graduate degree in education at Wagner College. Oliver graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Emma Osborn of Riva, Md. won the Panhellenic Council Award for exemplary service and leadership to the Panhellenic Council and for high academic achievement. Osborn graduated with a bachelor of science degree.
Jacqueline Otake of Portland, Conn. won the Constance Byron Award for academic merit, leadership qualities, tenacity, thoughtfulness and caring for others. Otake graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Kathleen Palladino of Arrochar, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Education Department Chair's Award for Distinction in Teaching. Palladino graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Emma Pittman of Oxford, Miss. won the Dolly Award in Theatre for Performance. Pittman graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Jennifer Plohetski of Endwell, N.Y. won the Julia M. Barchitta Award for Civic Engagement for academic achievement and contributions to the community through participation in Wagner College's Civic Engagement Certificate program, Plohetski graduated with a bachelor of science degree.
Brittany Potter of Rumson, N.J. won the Marie Picket Award, given to a nursing undergraduate student who has shown outstanding community service and is a great role model in our community or abroad. This student also shows patience, compassion and leadership in the field of nursing by always being willing to assist others in their time of need. This award is in memory of nursing professor Nancy Cherofky's mother, who dedicated her life to helping others. Potter graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Hannah Preble of Norwich, Conn. won the Special Education Award, which goes to the teacher candidate who has shown unusual skill and sensitivity in working with special-needs students and has clearly demonstrated potential for becoming an outstanding teacher of students with disabilities. Preble graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Gent Prelvukaj of Graniteville, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Dreyfus Prize for academically outstanding work in the study of chemistry. Prelvukaj graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Farwa Qaiser of Graniteville, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Jack J. Boies Award For Creative Writing for excellence in the annual creative writing competition. Qaiser graduated with a bachelor of science degree.
Quincy Rasin of New Bern, N.C. won the Diversity, Inclusion & International Action Council Award, given to a student who has furthered, exemplified or supported the cause of diversity at Wagner College. Rasin graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
Taylor Redmond of Kinnelon, N.J. won the Psychology Department Award. Redmond graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Ellen Reidy of Vinalhaven, Maine won the John L Hugi Endowed Award for a student entering medical school. Reidy graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Victoria Ross of Sayville, N.Y. won the Eduardo Chirinos Spanish Award for outstanding work in the study of the Spanish language and its literature. Ross graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
Erica Rush of New Springville, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Socrates Prize for outstanding thought that has application to human concerns in a community. Rush graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Alexandra Shworak of Arlington, Va. won the Margery Mayer and Sigvart J. Steen Award for Excellence in Music, recognizing excellence in choir performance. Shworak graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Piper Skinner of Canton, Conn. won the Lee Yorgey Davidheiser Prize in Chemistry. Skinner graduated with a bachelor of science degree.
Kelly Sohmer of Great Kills, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Wagner College Prize in Mathematics. Sohmer graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Ariana Sottile of New Dorp, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Robert deCsipkes Memorial Clinical Prize for the student with the greatest potential as a clinical psychologist. Sottile graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Lauren Taibi of Tottenville, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Biopsychology Award, presented to the graduating senior in the biopsychology major who, in the judgment of the faculties of the Psychology and Biological Sciences departments, has most demonstrated academic excellence in the study of biopsychology. Taibi graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Kathleen Thieme of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. won the Thomas Kendris Award in Expository & Journalistic Writing for outstanding work in writing courses and student journalism. Thieme graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Monica Valero of Charleston, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Dr. Norman L Freilich Memorial Award, given to a graduating student accepted into medical or dental school. Valero graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Taryn Volpe of Middletown, N.Y. won the Bonner of the Year Award. The Bonner Leader of the Year recognition is given in honor of Dr. Stephen Preskill, former distinguished professor of civic engagement and leadership and co-founder of the Bonner Leaders Program at Wagner College. This award is granted through a collaborative process and awarded to a student who exemplifies the Seahawk spirit of civic engagement and leadership through ongoing community work, democratic engagement and reflective practice. The Bonner Leader of the Year consistently goes above and beyond to support fellow students, enhance the Bonner program and deepen relationships with the greater Staten Island community. Volpe graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Anna B. Ward of Grayslake, Ill. won the Robbie & Mary Boody Memorial Award in Art for exceptional scholarly work in the study of fine art. Ward graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
Kristen Whitaker of Easton, Pa. won the Christian P. Holmstrup History Award for the highest grade point average among history majors. Whitaker graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Kevin Wise Jr. of Arden Heights, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Robert Cherofsky Memorial Award, an annual award presented to a graduating nursing student who is humble and kind and demonstrates excellence in nursing studies during the clinical experience. Wise graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree.
Joselito Ybañez Jr. of Elm Park, Staten Island, N.Y. won the Wagner College Instrumental Music Award for outstanding musical talent and exemplary dedication to the bands of Wagner College. Ybañez graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree.
Lok Ling Yong of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, N.Y. won the Anita Volland Anthropology Award, presented to a student who exemplifies the work and vision of anthropology practiced by Professor Volland, emphasizing the importance of the four fields, the centrality of the culture concept and great intellectual curiosity. Yong graduated with a bachelor of arts degree.
