York College Hosts 3rd Annual Graduation Luncheon Celebrating Student Success

The 2026 Graduate Luncheon celebrated graduates last Friday (May 8) from the Center for Students with Disabilities, Veterans Services, and the Lavender community. Filled with music, laughter, applause, pom poms, heartfelt speeches, and emotional moments, the luncheon created an atmosphere of pride, resilience, and unity as students, faculty, families, and friends gathered to celebrate the graduating class.

President Claudia Schrader and Vice President Karen Williams addressed the crowd, offering encouragement as graduates prepared for their next chapter. Their remarks emphasized leadership, resilience, and the importance of using one’s voice to create change while celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating class, including valedictorian Jeremiah Aneke, a military veteran and Studio Art graduate from Queens by way of Abuja, Nigeria.

While the event celebrated many accomplishments, the graduates remained the heart of the luncheon. As Dr. Truett Lee Vaigneur, Jr. shared during the ceremony, “We are proud of our Cardinals who are leaving the nest, but we are also recognizing a few Cardinals staying in the nest.”

In that spirit, the student organization CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities at York (CCSD@York) was recognized for its advocacy and leadership, along with the York Student Occupational Therapy Association (YSOTA) for its commitment to service and student engagement. York College’s SGA President, USS Chair, and Student Trustee on the CUNY Board of Trustees, Akkeem Polack, was also recognized for his leadership and service to the student body and broader York College community.

Special recognition awards were presented to Professor Alexander Birk, Professor Billy Metallinos, and Professor Lennart “Lenny” Olsson for their mentorship, advocacy, and continued support of students across the honored communities.

Additional recognition was presented to several campus partners who’s behind the scenes leadership and dedication continue helping York students thrive. Honorees included Stephannia Cleaton, Director of Communications and External Relations; Carlos R. Suarez, Deputy Director of Public Safety; Dr. Jean Phelps, Director of Student Activities; Alejandro “Alex” Rodriguez, Administrative Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds and Custodial Services; and Ivan Feliciano, Custodial Principal, Buildings and Grounds and Custodial. Each was recognized for their commitment to student success, inclusion, and creating a supportive campus environment for all Cardinals.

The luncheon also reflected the strong collaboration across York College’s Student Wellness and Resources team, including the Center for Students with Disabilities, Veterans Services, Center for Gender Justice, Health Services, and Counseling Center, whose collective efforts continue supporting student well-being, belonging, and success across campus communities. Originally created to recognize graduates from the Center for Students with Disabilities and Veterans Services, the luncheon has since expanded to celebrate and uplift multiple student communities across York College.

Decorated with colorful banners, graduation regalia, and student artwork, the luncheon emphasized empowerment, belonging, and achievement. Graduates shared stories, posed for photographs, and celebrated the communities that supported them throughout their academic journeys. The room was filled with cheering, tears, laughter, and moments of reflection as graduates celebrated not only earning their degrees, but the journeys that brought them there.

Now in its third year, the Graduate Luncheon has become a York College tradition and a highly anticipated celebration of community, resilience, and student achievement. Hosted by Senior Director of Student Wellness and Resources Charmaine Townsell, the event continues reflecting York College’s commitment to inclusion, belonging, and student success. Reflecting on the event, Townsell shared, “This luncheon represents what York College does best. We create spaces where students feel seen, celebrated, and supported while preparing them to lead beyond our campus. Watching our Cardinals surrounded by community, pride, and love is one of the greatest reminders of why this work matters.”