The School of Education Holds Graduate-Level Commencement

Graduate-Level Commencement Exercises for The School of Education (TSOE) at St. John’s University were held on Friday, May 17, in Carnesecca Arena on the Queens, NY, campus.

“We have remarkable graduate students in The School of Education here at St. John’s,” said James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Dean, The School of Education. “I always marvel at the work they put into their education, and I can’t wait to see the leadership roles our graduates take in New York City and beyond.”

Rev. Brian J. Shanley, Ph.D., University President and Simon G. Møller, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, represented the university’s senior leadership at the event. Yvonne Pratt-Johnson, Ed.D., Professor, Education Specialties, served as the Grand Marshal, and was joined by faculty, academic deans, students, and their friends and family.

The Commencement speaker was Frank Sadlier Dinger, Jr. ’71MBA, Chairman Emeritus and Special Adviser, William H. Sadlier Inc.

 “Your education does not end today,” he told the students. “You will continue to have many opportunities to learn and grow. Seek these opportunities and wise mentors who will help you to develop both personally and professionally. Watch, listen, reflect, and be amazed by the difference this will make to your life, your family, and your community.”

Mr. Sadlier credited his connection with the School through the outreach of its former Dean, the late Jerrold Ross, Ph.D., whose efforts he recounted developed a wonderful partnership that lasted for decades.

Dr. Møller certified 75 doctoral and 222 master’s and advanced certificate students for their degrees from Staten Island, Queens, and Distance Learning combined.

Ashtian C. Holmes and Shaoru Liang, Doctor of Education degree candidates, received the Dr. Gene Geisert Outstanding Dissertation Award.

Doctor of Education degree candidate Kenneth Eiker received the Outstanding Dissertation Award in Literacy, and Doctor of Education degree candidate Hui Fu Hou received The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Dissertation Award in Instructional Leadership.

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