Rockland Community College Celebrates 66th Commencement

Rockland Community College (RCC) celebrated its 66th Commencement ceremony on May 18 at Clover Stadium in Pomona, New York, honoring the Class of 2026.

The ceremony brought together approximately 2500 graduates, family members, faculty, staff and community leaders to recognize the accomplishments of the RCC’s 612 graduates. This year's graduating class once again showcased the diversity, strength, and talent that define the Rockland County community and surrounding areas. Some highlights are:

• Underscoring the college’s tradition of serving learners at every stage of life, graduates ranged from 18 to 65 years old.
• 49% were First Generation college graduates.
• 55% were from Clarkstown, North Rockland, and Ramapo School Districts.
• The RCC Nursing program had the highest number of graduates, with 123 students completing their studies. Business Administration and the Humanities rounded out the top 3.
• Students transferring to some of the nation's most prestigious institutions, including Amherst College, Princeton University, Yale University, Emerson College, and New York University.

The ceremony featured remarks from distinguished guests, including Congressman Mike Lawler, Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Chair of the Rockland County Legislature Jay Hood Jr., who offered congratulations and encouragement to the graduating class. The commencement address was delivered by former New York State Sen. David Carlucci, an RCC alumnus from the Class of 2000.

Student participation played a central role in the ceremony. Members of the Class of 2026 contributed throughout the event, with Rianna Quinn performing the national anthem; Christine Williams leading the Pledge of Allegiance; and Ruby Lema leading the turning of the tassels.

Representing the graduating class, student commencement speaker Matthew Mendez reflected on the challenges, growth and achievements that defined the RCC experience for many of his classmates. “We all came here uncertain of our paths, trying to figure out what the future may look like, but we came anyway, stayed and succeeded,” Mendez said.

Two graduating RCC students were also recognized as recipients of the State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the highest honor bestowed upon SUNY students. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in academics, leadership and campus involvement.

This year’s RCC SUNY Chancellor Award for Student Excellence recipients are: ·

• Ariel Murtagh was an honors student in the Sam Draper Honors Program, and was a dedicated campus leader. She founded and served as president of both the Film Club and the Poetry Club, was a member of the President’s Society, and served as editor of Impulse, the college’s arts journal. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has performed lead roles in RCC productions and with the Rockland Shakespeare Company. Ariel is transferring to Yale University to study theater and film.

• Valery Dutan Guartan, was also a member of the Sam Draper Honors Program and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership as vice president of the Student Government Association, chair of the Public Health Committee, and a member of the President’s Leadership Council and President’s Society. She has coordinated initiatives such as campus blood drives and student elections and has served as an orientation leader, mentor and campus ambassador. After graduation, she will attend New York University, where she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Leadership and Management with a minor in Spanish.

“As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we honor not only their academic achievements but their resilience, leadership and dedication,” said Dr. William P. Mullaney, president of Rockland Community College. “Our graduates leave RCC prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.”

About Rockland Community College, State University of New York

Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College (RCC) provides students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. The College offers 36 degrees, 3 certificate programs, 25 microcredentials, and a faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, and its Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg. For more information about RCC, please visit sunyrockland.edu.