St. John’s University Honors Newest Graduates at 142nd Commencement Exercises

May 14, 2012

Saying the experience was “as good as it gets,” Steve Lavin, St. John’s men’s basketball coach, addressed more than 3,000 new graduates at the University’s two Commencement Exercises this weekend, held at the Staten Island campus on Saturday, May 12, and at the Queens campus on Sunday, May 13.

The Staten Island Commencement saw 264 graduates receive their degrees, while close to 3,000 walked across the stage at the Queens campus. Bright, blue skies made for perfect weather conditions to end St. John’s University’s 142nd academic year.

During Commencement, the Very Rev. Perry Henry, C.M., D.Min., provincial superior of the Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission in the USA, received the degree of Doctor of Sacred Theology, honoris causa. Patricia Ann Norris McDonald, mayor of Malverne, NY, was awarded the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Medal. William L. Collins ’76C, a member of St. John’s Board of Trustees, received the degree of Doctor of Commercial Science, honoris causa.

Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M., President of St. John’s University, presided over both ceremonies and praised the honorees at the Queens campus exercises.

Read full story.