More Than 1,350 Graduates Cross the Stage at LaGuardia Community College’s 54th Commencement
LONG ISLAND CITY, More than 1,350 LaGuardia Community College/CUNY graduates marked a major milestone today, crossing the stage at the College’s 54th Commencement Ceremony. In total, 2,264 students were eligible to participate. A crowd of nearly 6,000 guests joined the celebration under a cloudy sky with intermittent showers. The event took place on the Quad at Queens College. [Click here for downloadable photos from commencement].
The graduates were greeted by Frank Wu, President of Queens College, who said, “Welcome to your sister college here in Queens!”
The ceremony was led by President Kenneth Adams and Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Billie Gastic Rosado.
“This is your moment,” said President Kenneth Adams. “Your parents, mentors, and professors are proud—and so are we.”
“It’s a good time to be at LaGuardia,” added President Adams. “Enrollment is up, fundraising is up—and the Knicks are champions. Go Knicks!”
He then led a call and response, asking students to stand if they worked while in school, were first-generation college students, and plan to transfer to a four-year institution—drawing a strong response from the crowd. Turning to families, he said, “Stand up and be recognized,” inviting graduates to applaud those who supported them along the way.
The Class of 2026 reflects the diversity of both the College and New York City. Students represent 79 countries, with 40% born outside the United States. More than half are age 25 or older, and the average GPA is 3.2. Graduates earned degrees and certificates across 64 academic programs. The top majors, in order, were Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Accounting. For many, this marks the first college degree in their families. (Click here to see an infographic about the Class of 2026.)
About 10% began their journey in Adult and Continuing Education (ACE) programs, learning English, earning a GED, or taking a workforce training program that earned college credits to jumpstart their college degree. More than two-thirds of the graduates will go on to earn a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college.
President Adams highlighted the range of student paths, from Leila Hendricks, 18, the youngest graduate, to Walter Iwachiw, 70, the oldest. “There’s no single path here,” he said. “That’s what makes this community strong.”
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez presented an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters to Mitchell Draizin, an LGBTQIA+ advocate and founder of the Concordia Philanthropic Fund.
“Today, I have the privilege of awarding an honorary degree to my friend Mitchell Draizin, a passionate champion for equity and inclusion,” said Matos Rodríguez. “He’s one of NYC’s most influential advocates for LGBTQ rights. He embodies the values we want our graduates to carry forward—making the world more just.”
Draizin reflected on his work across CUNY supporting LGBTQIA+ students. “I accept this honor with gratitude, pride, and resolve,” he said. “My work has focused on two things—financial empowerment and advocacy,” Draizin added. “The ability to advocate for yourself, your community, and the causes you believe in.” Turning to graduates, he said, “You are already role models. You are already advocates.”
CUNY recently announced that LaGuardia will be home to a new Institute for LGBTQIA+ Community Engagement and Public History, a development Draizin called “especially meaningful.”
Two student speakers, selected from more than 30 applicants, spoke about the challenges and turning points that brought them to graduation. (Read more graduate stories here.)
Michael Todd Hall, 67, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who returned to college after decades in accounting and consulting, graduated with a 3.97 GPA in Human Services: Mental Health.
“We stand here as veterans, workers, parents, and dreamers,” said Michael. “We showed up ready to move forward. If I can stand here at 67, someone else can find the courage to stand up.”
Reflecting on his experience, he said, “LaGuardia didn’t just educate me—it helped me heal.” He thanked professors and advisors, adding, “You helped turn barriers into steppingstones,” and concluded, “I answer to graduate, leader, advocate—and today, alumni.”
Michael then led a call-and-response, inviting graduates and families to say “I did it” and “congratulations” in multiple languages, prompting cheers across the audience.
Mia Gonzalez Lozado, 19, who moved from Ecuador to New York three years ago and began by learning English at LaGuardia through the CUNY Language Immersion Program (CLIP). Mia will attend New York University this fall after graduating with a 3.8 GPA in Paralegal Studies.
“Today is about the long nights and the moments we doubted ourselves,” said Mia. “We didn’t just find answers—we found ourselves.”
“LaGuardia gave me more than an education,” she added. “It gave me a chance to believe in myself—in things that once felt out of reach. Behind every graduate is a story of not giving up. This is not just my story—it’s our story.”
Queens Deputy Borough President Ebony Young referenced the day’s citywide energy in her remarks on resilience.
“You have power, perseverance, and purpose,” said Young. “There will be times when you feel like you’re down—but you don’t quit. Know your purpose. That’s what carries you forward.”
CUNY Trustee Henry T. Berger underscored the value of graduates’ accomplishments. “What you have achieved is significant and it is yours,” he said. “You leave with knowledge, responsibility, and the ability to contribute in meaningful ways.”
Chancellor Matos Rodríguez welcomed graduates into the broader CUNY community. “You are now part of a powerful alumni network across New York City,” he said. “We are the lifeblood of this city.”
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez noted she declined an invitation to attend the Knicks championship parade to be at the ceremony. “There was only one place I wanted to be today—and that’s here with you,” said Velázquez.
“What you have done is extraordinary,” Velázquez added. “The determination it took to get here—that’s your superpower.” Reflecting on her own journey, she said, “Education changed my life. It opened doors I could not have imagined. When opportunities come, take your seat at the table,” Velázquez added. “Believe in yourself—because there is nothing you cannot achieve.”
Dr. Denise B. Maybank, CUNY Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, attended as a special guest.
The LaGuardia Vocal Ensemble, directed by Music Professor Lisa DeSpain, performed the national anthem to open the ceremony. Professor Sarada Rauch, Co-Director of the New Media Technology Program, served as Grand Marshal.
A moment of silence was given for LaGuardia faculty and leaders lost this year: Jane Schulman, former VP of ACE; Lenore Beaky, former English professor, and Rachel Boccio, former English professor. Also Kevin Mares, a Veterinary Technology student who tragically lost his life in August 2025. Finally, President Adams mentioned Maryann Delacruz, who enrolled at LaGuardia in 2024 to earn her college degree in honor of her son Gregory Benning, a LaGuardia student who passed before. She graduated today.
Closing the ceremony, President Adams reminded graduates of what comes next. “We call this a commencement because it’s a beginning,” he said. “Celebrate today—and then move forward.”
LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.