SPARKILL, NY— St. Thomas Aquinas College (STAC) hosted the 68th Commencement Ceremony at Clover Stadium, celebrating the accomplishments of 275 graduates who stepped into the next chapter of their lives. The vibrant ceremony reflected the spirit of academic excellence, perseverance, and the limitless potential of the Class of 2025.
The College welcomed Irene Pappas, Senior Director and head of BNY Investments Contact Centers at BNY Mellon, as the 2025 Commencement speaker. An executive and Trustee of the College, Pappas shared insights and personal reflections, drawing from her career and leadership journey. In recognition of her professional achievements and her unwavering commitment to student success, the College awarded her the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service.
“The Class of 2025 is a reflection of the values we hold dear at St. Thomas Aquinas College,” said Pappas. “Your ability to face challenges, grow together, and embrace new opportunities will serve you well as you embark on the next chapter of your lives. The world is full of possibilities, and you are well-equipped to take it on.”
The ceremony also featured a video message from Maurice DuBois, Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of CBS Evening News. DuBois, currently reporting from St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, congratulated the graduates on their remarkable achievement, highlighting the significance of their hard work and the bright path that lay ahead.
The celebration continued as the Commencement ceremony recognized outstanding student achievements. The valedictorian, who was also the student speaker, delivered a powerful address that captured the resilience, growth, and sense of community that defined the Class of 2025’s college experience. The speech was filled with gratitude and reflection, marking the culmination of an incredible journey for the graduates.
The event concluded with a rousing round of applause, joyful celebrations, and the traditional turning of the tassels — a symbolic gesture marking the graduates’ transition from students to alumni.