May 17, 2008
Rev. Vincent O’Malley, C.M. Also Receives
Honorary Doctor of Theology Degree at Ceremony
WCBS-TV news anchor Dana Tyler gave the
Commencement Address to the Class of 2008 and received an Honorary
Doctor of Letters Degree as part of St. John’s University’s
Commencement Ceremony today at the school’s Staten Island Campus.
Sharing the stage with Ms. Tyler was Rev. Vincent J. O’Malley,
C.M., who received an Honorary Doctor of Sacred Theology Degree
from St. John’s University President, Rev. Donald J.
Harrington, C.M.
More than 2,500 faculty, family and friends along with 357
graduates assembled on a bright, sunny day on the Great Lawn of the
Grymes Hill campus for today’s early morning graduation
ceremony.
“It’s much easier to have a job that you love and love what you
are doing,” said an energetic Tyler to the overflow throng. “There
are so many opportunities out there, find one that not only fits
your talents, but lets you grow and be your authentic self. And,
ask yourself one question, as Saint Augustine said, ‘Do you wish to
be great?’”
Rev. Harrington, C.M. welcomed and thanked the two honorary
degree recipients and echoed the University’s congratulations to
the graduates and their families and left them with some words of
wisdom.
“Savor the moment and enjoy this day to its fullest,” said Rev.
Harrington, C.M. “Today you become a part of the 138-year tradition
of this great University. Be faithful to that tradition and as you
succeed, never forget the role St. John’s played in that
success.”
Class of 2008 student speaker JohnCarl Ziegler, College of
Professional Studies, captured the spirited mood of the ceremony by
offering his personal account of college life on the Staten Island
Campus.
“If we just keep our faith and reminisce about our St. John’s
experiences, our confidence will be boosted as we continue down the
path to follow our dreams. Thank you, my fellow students for making
these past four years the most memorable, the most enjoyable and
the most important years of my life.”
For more information contact Elizabeth Reilly, Assistant Media
Relations Director at St. John’s University by calling (718)
990-5789 or e-mail inquiries to reillye@stjohns.edu. More
information regarding St. John’s can be found by visiting the
University web site at www.stjohns.edu/news.