Briarcliffe Graduates Class of '11

held its 2011 Commencement for a graduating class of 670 students on Saturday. Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano was the keynote speaker. He joined Briarcliffe College President George Santiago, Jr. Ph.D. in addressing the students, along with 3,000 audience members.

The ceremony took place at the Suffolk Community College Sports/Convention Complex in Brentwood. Diplomas were bestowed upon graduating seniors hailing from the college's Patchogue, Bethpage and Queens campuses.

Those in attendance got to experience a rare treat as American Idol contestant and Merrick native, Robbie Rosen, 17, performed a flawless rendition of the national anthem.

"Ed Mangano is an advocate for higher education and breaking down barriers to ensure equal access to college for all," Santiago said. "He is a Trustee Emeritus of Briarcliffe College, and in celebrating our 45th Anniversary this year, it is a particular pleasure to have him address our students."

Santiago, Jr., who is a first generation Puerto Rican American, was the first in his family to go to college, as were many graduating that day.

"Graduates, never forget where you came from. Your roots are literally, and figuratively, the foundation of your very being," Santiago said to the graduating class, many of whom were of Hispanic descent.

Mangano, too, rose from humble beginnings, and worked as a janitor while paying his way through college.

"In government, we're doing all we can to try to create jobs for you ... I urge you to dream big, and reach for the stars," he said.

He encouraged the Class of 2011 to give to the world more than they take from it, and to never give up learning.

"A thirst for knowledge is the key to success," Mangano said.

Salutatorian Melissa A. Meyer is a 36-year-old mother of three who grew up in an impoverished, abusive household, as a result of which she dropped out of school, and left home, at 15, to work at a minimum wage job.

After a few failed attempts at going back to school, Meyer finally graduated with a cumulative average of 3.99.

"I guess what they say is true. The third time is the charm — I think I did it right this time," Meyer said.

Valedictorian Michael Drennan endured his own hardships on his path to success. Seven months into his college experience, his wife passed away after a long struggle with breast cancer, leaving Drennan to raise their three-year-old daughter alone.

Drennan credited his late wife with encouraging him to go back to college at the age of 40, and thanked his daughter, who decided to compete with him to see who would get better grades.

"She's an intelligent lady, and she certainly kept me on my toes," Drennan said.

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