A New Chapter: Celebrating the School of Education’s Class of 2026

Graduation marks the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and academic rigor—made possible through the unwavering support of family, friends, faculty, and mentors. For students and alumni of  The School of Education - St. John’s University, it also reflects something deeper: a calling to lead, to educate, and to serve others with purpose and integrity.

The School of Education proudly celebrated its Graduate Commencement Exercises in conjunction with the Tobin College of Business on Friday, May 15, at Carnesecca Arena on the Queens campus  of  St. John’s University. The ceremony honored the achievements of graduates whose scholarly journeys now position them to make meaningful contributions in classrooms, communities, and institutions across New York City and beyond.

Dr. Simon Møller, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, delivered the welcome address to graduates and guests attending both in person and online. The ceremony opened with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem by Tanisha Guirand’25TCB, followed by an invocation offered by Rachel Burgos’21SJC, Residence Campus Minister for Vincentian Outreach, Wellness, and Leadership. University President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., then shared graduation remarks that underscored the University’s mission and Vincentian values.

Robert Adams’ '84CBA, '88M.B.A., a distinguished double alumnus of St. John’s University and Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Operations and Services Group at Fidelity Investments, served as the commencement speaker. Drawing from personal and professional experience, Mr. Adams challenged graduates with three guiding principles for the journey ahead:

• Dream Big — Your life is the one story you get to write.
• Don’t Fear Failure — It is only truly a failure if you fail to learn the lesson.
• Never Compromise Your Values or Integrity — Your character defines what others say about you when you are not in the room.

Recognizing excellence in scholarship, the ceremony included four prestigious doctoral awards to five of our 2026 graduates. Recipients were as follows:

• Geisert Dissertation Award – Andrew Steven McIntosh’26Ed.D., and Edward John Storck’26Ed.D.
• ICS Seton Dissertation Award – Gerard Buckley’26Ed.D.
• Outstanding Dissertation Award in Literacy – Lindsay McDermott’26Ph.D.
• Outstanding Dissertation Award in Curriculum – James Fuller’26Ph.D.

Faculty, administrators, proud families and friends then watched as 48 Doctoral candidates, 50 Advanced Certificate candidates, and 139 MSED candidates crossed the stage—each step representing years of commitment to academic excellence and professional growth.

“This is always the best time of the year at St. John’s,” said James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education. “We are immensely proud of the work our students do, and it is with great anticipation that we now watch what they will accomplish in the years to come on behalf of the people of New York City and beyond.”

As the Class of 2026 embarks on the next chapter of their professional and personal journeys, their achievements stand as a testament to what is possible when academic excellence is guided by purpose, service, and values.

Congratulations to the graduates of the School of Education, Class of 2026.

For prospective students seeking a university that challenges minds, nurtures leadership, and empowers individuals to transform their aspirations into lasting impact, St. John’s University offers more than an education—it offers a pathway to realizing dreams and shaping a better future.

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