Gaston oversees an annual budget of nearly $75 million and a corpus of $435 million. He is responsible for philanthropic strategy, grant-making and initiatives in the foundation’s issues areas of education and literacy, family safety and health, and employee volunteerism.

During his more than 20 years of service for Verizon, Gaston has served in a variety of management positions in operations, marketing, human resources, strategic planning and government relations. Prior to his appointment as president of the foundation in December 2003, he served as executive director of Verizon's Strategic Alliances Group, where he led the development of Verizon’s corporate responsibility program and was responsible for overseeing corporate responsibility initiatives and managing national community affairs.

"Patrick Gaston has much insight to impart to the 806 members of the Class of 2008," said York College President Marcia V. Keizs. "He is a very dynamic speaker. I am sure he will inspire them as they embark upon their new journey. I look forward to bestowing upon him the President’s Medallion for outstanding achievements."