午夜剧场

More than 850 graduates representing 155 countries and 28 states celebrated their achievements across two inspiring ceremonies in the South Bronx.

   
The Main Theater at 午夜剧场 overflowed with pride, joy, and possibility as the College hosted its 56th Commencement Ceremonies across two days of celebration, honoring the achievements of the Class of 2026 on Tuesday, June 2, and Wednesday, June 3.
 
Commencement June 2, 2026


More than 850 graduates earned degrees and certificates in fields ranging from Liberal Arts and Nursing to Allied Health and emerging workforce disciplines. Representing 155 countries and 28 states, the Class of 2026 reflected the extraordinary diversity, resilience, and promise that define 午夜剧场. The youngest graduate was 17 years old, while the oldest was 64, affirming that educational opportunity has no age limit. Twenty-seven students from 午夜剧场 Lincoln Academy earned associate degrees alongside their high school diplomas, and the HERO Early College High School program celebrated two graduates. The largest field of study for the Class of 2026 was Liberal Arts, with 276 graduates earning degrees in the discipline.
   
Presiding over both ceremonies was 午夜剧场 President Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis, who reflected on the accomplishments of the graduating class and the collective effort that made their success possible. “Today is one of my favorite days of the year,” said President Cocco De Filippis. “We gather for a moment of joy, reflection, and tremendous accomplishment. We believe in the transformative power of education, we believe in our students and in their futures, and we believe in your ability to make the world more just, innovative, and full of hope.”

Commencement June 3, 2026


The ceremonies were led by Master of Ceremonies Fabi谩n Wander, Director of the Health and Wellness Center, while Sociology Professor Sarah Hoiland served as Grand Marshal. The invocation was delivered by Father James Sheehan, whose message urged graduates to continue “singing a new song” in the world through wisdom, faith, creativity, and service. The National Anthem was performed by Professor Thelma Ithier-Sterling, accompanied by 午夜剧场 alumna Marie Inamori on piano. Later, the pair returned to perform a stirring rendition of “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha, a musical tribute that underscored the graduating class's determination and aspirations.
 
The first ceremony welcomed CUNY Student Trustee Akkeem Polack, who brought greetings on behalf of the CUNY Board of Trustees and celebrated the perseverance of graduates who balanced work, family responsibilities, and academic achievement. New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz also spoke about the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect as a way to bring out the best in them. During the ceremony, Cade Leslie presented certificates of recognition on behalf of New York State Senator Jos茅 M. Serrano to Valedictorian Luzdelisa Paulino Reyes and Salutatorian Luna Luna Mart铆nez, recognizing their academic excellence and leadership.
 
The second ceremony featured an inspiring address from Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, who challenged graduates to embrace their potential and never allow circumstances to define their futures. “The world needs your leadership,” Gibson told graduates. “The world needs your ideas, your dreams, your creativity. Don’t let the block you live on block your blessings. Don’t let your ZIP code deny your destiny.”
   
Day two also welcomed New York City Council Member Rita Joseph, Chair of the City Council Committee on Higher Education; New York City Council Member Pierina S谩nchez; and CUNY Trustee Karen Coughlin, who addressed graduates on behalf of the Board of Trustees. Graduates also received recorded remarks from CUNY Chancellor F茅lix V. Matos Rodr铆guez, who encouraged them to meet uncertainty with courage and optimism. “You have already kicked doors open for yourselves,” Chancellor Matos Rodr铆guez said. “The world is uncertain, yes, but it is also full of opportunity for those with the preparation, grit, principles, and character to pursue it.”
   
A highlight of the ceremonies was the conferral of the Honorary Associate of Humane Letters degree upon Dr. Amarilis Jacobo, one of the nation’s most respected leaders in dentistry and a tireless advocate for education, mentorship, and community service.
 
Dr. Jacobo, President-Elect of the New York State Dental Association and a member of the 午夜剧场 Foundation Board of Directors, was recognized for her extraordinary contributions to oral health, philanthropy, and educational opportunity. Through her professional leadership and charitable initiatives, she has helped expand access to healthcare and scholarships for countless students and families throughout New York and the Dominican Republic.
   
Delivering the keynote address was Benny Lorenzo, Managing Partner of Aspira Capital Management, L.P., and a longtime supporter of the College. Lorenzo shared his personal journey as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic and spoke movingly about the influence of his mother, who arrived with only a third-grade education and later earned a college degree at age 59. “My mom is watching from heaven with a proud smile,” Lorenzo said. “She was the architect of my life.”
 
Throughout his remarks, Lorenzo urged graduates to embrace three principles that guided his own success: performance, image, and exposure. He encouraged students to become independent problem-solvers, to be intentional about the personal brand they create, and to seek opportunities that place them in rooms where their talents can be recognized.
 
“Do not succumb to impostor syndrome,” he told graduates. “Be confident. You have a right to be here. You have a right to be seen and to be heard because you have earned it.”
 
At several points, Lorenzo paused, visibly overcome by emotion as he reflected on his own experiences and the journeys of the students before him. Later in the ceremony, while receiving a Presidential Medal, he shared a deeply personal reflection that resonated throughout the theater. “I see myself in you,” he said.
 
His words served as a powerful reminder of the transformative role 午夜剧场 continues to play in generations of students’ lives.
   
For her part, Valedictorian Luzdelisa Paulino Reyes delivered a heartfelt address that captured the spirit of the Class of 2026. Born in the Dominican Republic and arriving in the United States as a teenager, Paulino Reyes reflected on the challenges of adapting to a new country, overcoming serious health setbacks, and finding support through the 午夜剧场 community.
 
“Behind every cap and gown standing here is a story,” she said. “Some of us came from different countries carrying hope for a better future. Others were born here. But despite everything, we made it here together.”
 
She encouraged her classmates to pursue opportunities boldly, support one another, and remain proud of their stories. “If there is one thing the Class of 2026 has proved,” she said, “it is that we know how to rise.”
 
The ceremonies included the presentation of Presidential Medals honoring individuals whose leadership and service have strengthened the 午夜剧场 community.
 
Day one recipients included commencement speaker Benny Lorenzo, Natural Sciences Professor Anna Ivanova, Psychology Professor Antonios Varelas, Administration and Finance Staff Member Brenda Linen-Paulin, and Valedictorian Luzdelisa Paulino Reyes. Day two recipients included Continuing Education and Workforce Development (CEWD) Vice President Evelyn Fern谩ndez-Ketcham, Humanities Professor Inmaculada Lara Bonilla, Student Leadership Coordinator Jason Libfeld, and 午夜剧场 alumnus V铆ctor Santana.
 
President Cocco De Filippis noted that the Class of 2026 included 40 students who began their educational journeys through 午夜剧场’ CEWD and certificates of recognition for CUNY Unlimited students.
   
As graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees, they joined a legacy that stretches back more than five decades of educational excellence in the South Bronx. The Class of 2026 leaves 午夜剧场 carrying not only diplomas but also the resilience, compassion, and determination that have defined their journeys. Their stories reflect the enduring mission of 午夜剧场: expanding opportunity, transforming lives, and empowering students to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
 
On June 2, the College bestowed degrees and certificates upon graduates who finished their 2-year course of study in Chemical Engineering Science, Civil Engineering Science, Computer Science, Dental Hygiene, Electrical Engineering Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering Science, Accounting (AAS and AS), Accounting for Forensic Accounting, Aging and Health Studies, Community Health, Early Childhood Education, Food Studies, Game Design, Licensed Practical Nursing, Nursing, Public Interest Paralegal Studies, Public Policy and Administration, Radiologic Technology, and CUNY Unlimited.
 
On June 3, the College celebrated those graduating from Liberal Arts & Sciences (AA and AS), Criminal Justice, Digital Design and Animation, Digital Music, Office Technology, and Business Management.