Molloy University’s 66th commencement exercises took place on Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale. More than 800 candidates for Associate, Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral degrees crossed the stage, becoming the University’s latest graduates and newest alumni.
Dr. Michelle Piskulich, Provost, and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Molloy University, welcomed the graduates, their families, and friends.
“For some of you, today ends your formal educational journey,” said Dr. Piskulich. “But our faculty have prepared you to be lifelong learners who can adapt to changing demands and times and be forces for positive change.”
“For some of you,” she continued, “this is the beginning of your educational journey, and Molloy’s faculty has helped you construct a strong foundation that you will build upon to achieve your goals.”
President James P. Lentini, D.M.A., officially began the proceedings by recognizing the veterans in the audience. This was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and an invocation by Reverend Monsignor James C. Vlaun, Chief Executive Officer and President of Catholic Faith Network.
Anna Nugent, the Salutatorian, made her way to the podium to offer the students’ welcome and receive the Salutatorian Medal. Anna earned both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Childhood Education and Special Education.
“We are mosaics—shaped by the people in our lives and the experiences we’ve shared,” shared the
Salutatorian, “As we turn the page and begin a new chapter, I invite you to pause and think about the qualities you've gained from those around you. Perhaps it's a professor’s kindness, a loved one’s determination, or Molloy’s unwavering commitment to service and the pursuit of knowledge.
“As we move forward in life and in our careers, we carry these pieces with us. They become part of who we are. Each of us has taken a unique journey to reach this day, and we will each take our own path beyond it—but we are forever connected by the impact our peers, faculty, and staff have had on us. Let that inspire your next steps.”
Dr. Lentini then shared a powerful message, “In a world that currently seems to be defined by political and cultural division, the mission and values you learned and practiced at Molloy calling for respect for each person, acting justly and with kindness in all our endeavors, and transforming our communities, offers promise and hope for the future. Molloy University’s official motto is ‘veritas,’ the Latin word for ‘truth.’ In that vein, I call on you to rely on your critical thinking to reject the untruths so prevalent in our world, and to rely on the virtues and values you learned as a member of our community.”
As the ceremony continued, Provost Piskulich introduced the 2025 Valedictorian, Jason Schwartz. Jason was a Business Management major, with minors in Criminal Justice, Finance, and Economics. Jason will enroll at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University on a full scholarship in the fall. He intends to pursue a career in corporate law.
The Valedictorian medal was presented to Jason, and he was given a chance to address his fellow graduates. “No matter what happened on your path to this moment, we are all bound by our unique experiences that unite us in this celebration,” he said. “Molloy has provided all of us with memories for a lifetime, always remember what your time here created. Education and knowledge are something that can never be taken away from us. The work you have done here is finished, so take a deep breath and envision what is next for you. It is now your time to celebrate your achievement. Molloy has set you up to tackle anything this world may throw at you.”
Molloy University bestowed two honorary Doctoral degrees during the ceremony. The first was awarded to Robert (Bob) Catell, former Chairman and CEO of KeySpan Corporation, KeySpan Energy Delivery, and National Grid. Mr. Catell was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, for his profound contributions as a business leader and influential member of so many organizations and institutions on Long Island and in our region.
The newly minted Dr. Catell shared “I am a great believer in the value of a college education and credit a lot of what I have been able to achieve to my excellent education.”
The second honorary doctorate, the degree of Doctor of Science, honoris causa, was bestowed on the commencement speaker, Dr. Daniel Levitin. Dr. Levitin is a neuroscientist, best-selling author, and musician. His research addresses fundamental questions in auditory memory, musical structure, and the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of musical experience. He was awarded the degree for his significant contributions to the fields of science and music.
During his commencement address he delivered some advice to the graduates. “Don't ever stop learning. Whatever job you have, learn more about whatever it is you're doing than you think you need to just barely get it done.”
“Look around you and these people you’re sitting with here today. This group of Molloy University students are likely going to be the people who will pop up in your life in the most unexpected of places. They will become your future colleagues, friends and champions. Look for ways to help each other. You are more valuable together than working separately. These and other relationships you will form (and curiosity both about people and systems) will lead you to good places and sometimes better places than you imagined.”
As the speech concluded, the students each made their way across the stage, heard their names read aloud and received their degrees to the cheers and applause of family, friends, faculty, alumni and the entire Molloy community.
Sister Peggy McVetty Trustee and Vice Chairperson of the Molloy University Board of Trustees and Prioress
of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville offered powerful words of grace and courage that reverberated through the arena, reminding each person present of the powerful Dominican values that underscore a Molloy education:
“May each of you – as members of the class of 2025 – be preachers – not so much with words rather by how you live out the four pillars of St. Dominic – those supports of prayer, community, study and spirituality, and service. May you, graduates, seek God in study and silence, in the beauty of creation, and in the cry of the poor.
“God – help us to need you as much as you need our very best selves in times such as these. Through our diversity, bring us all into harmony just like musical instruments so that our heart strings vibrate in one single chord. Let us notice back doors, side doors, and front doors that might gift each of us with graces asked for and graces needed!
As those powerful words resonated, the Class of 2025 proceeded forth into a sunny day with bright blue skies, ready to move on to new opportunities and the next stage, proud Molloy Lions!