MEDIA ALERT – º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ 65th Commencement Ceremony
Date & Time: Monday, May 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Location: Clover Stadium, 1 Phil Tisi Way, Pomona, NY 10970
Keynote Speaker: Crismelly Morales – º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ graduate and Immigration Attorney
ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY (April 28, 2025) – º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ (º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ) has announced the keynote speaker for the 65th Commencement Ceremony taking place on May 19th at 11:00 AM at Clover Stadium in Pomona, NY. The keynote speaker will be Crismelly Morales, an immigration attorney and º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ graduate. Her passion for immigration law is deeply personal—she immigrated from the Dominican Republic and understands firsthand the challenges and hopes of pursuing the American dream. She has since built a career championing the rights of immigrants.
A proud graduate of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, Morales earned an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies and was recognized with the Hispanic Heritage Award for Academic Excellence. She went on to earn her B.A. from SUNY Purchase and her J.D. from New York Law School. In 2023, she returned to º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ as an adjunct professor and now serves on the Legal Studies Program advisory committee. In her law practice she focuses on family-based immigration, humanitarian relief, and non-detained removal defense. Morales is an active member of the legal community, serving on the boards of the Rockland County Women’s Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, and co-chairing the Immigration Law Committee of the Rockland County Bar Association. As keynote speaker, she returns to º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ to inspire graduates to pursue their goals with courage, resilience, and purpose.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Crismelly Morales back to º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ as our 2025 Commencement keynote speaker,” said Dr. Scott J. Kalicki, Officer in Charge. “Her story is a powerful example of what our students can achieve through perseverance, purpose, and the transformative power of education. As an º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ alumna, an immigration attorney, and a passionate advocate for justice, Crismelly embodies the values we hope to instill in every graduate. Her voice will undoubtedly inspire our students as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their journeys.”
During the ceremony, the 2025 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recipients will be honored. This year, two students and one staff member received the prestigious recognition:
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence – Rhishma Ashton
Rhishma Ashton is a proud December graduate of º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and a newly registered nurse. Rhishma began her journey at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ during the post-COVID era, a time when remote learning left many students feeling disconnected. Motivated by a desire to foster community and belonging, she set out to ensure her peers felt supported, welcomed, and seen. That mission guided her throughout her time at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ and informed her many contributions to student life. She served in multiple leadership roles, including Student Ambassador in the Admissions Office, Peer Mentor for the Somos El Futuro program, Orientation Leader, and Chair of the Student Activities Board within the Student Involvement Department. She also served as a Student Government Senator and was actively involved with both the National Society of Leadership and Success and the President’s Society.
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence– Ronny Sanchez
Ronny Sanchez is currently pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ. An active and engaged member of the campus community, Ronny has served in key leadership roles within the Student Government Association, including Treasurer and Vice President. He has also contributed to student success as a Peer Mentor for the Somos El Futuro program, where he provided guidance and support to fellow students throughout their academic journeys. In addition to his academic and leadership accomplishments, Ronny is passionate about music and the performing arts. He has hosted several open mic events and performed in various concerts on campus, enriching the college’s cultural and creative landscape.
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Professional Service – Susanna Santiago
Susanna Santiago, M.S., MHC-LP, leads the Somos El Futuro program at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ, where she oversees DEI initiatives, student success programs, and cultural events that promote belonging and academic achievement. She holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and began her journey at º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ as a mental health counseling intern. A strong advocate for Applied Learning opportunities, Susanna believes in giving students hands-on, transformative experiences. She created the First-Generation Ceremony to celebrate students breaking barriers and leads the Somos Peer Mentoring Program to support academic and personal growth. Known for her strategic collaboration with faculty and staff and her data-informed approach, she is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and empowering historically underrepresented students. She currently serves as Chair of Steps Beyond Statements (the College’s Diversity Committee) and Co-Chair of Commencement, the First-Generation Ceremony, and Hispanic Heritage Month.
Visit sunyrockland.edu/commencement to watch the livestream of the ceremony on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 11:00 am if you unable to attend in person.
For more information about º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ visit sunyrockland.edu or follow on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and more: sunyrockland.edu/socialmedia.
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