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Congressman Tim Bishop Gives Commencement Speech for Briarcliffe College

In keynote speech Bishop imparts words of wisdom to those entering the workforce in tough economic times.

Briarcliffe College held its 2010 Commencement on Saturday, May 22nd.  Congressman Tim Bishop was the keynote speaker.  He addressed the graduating class of almost 600 students and approximately 3,000 family members, friends, and faculty in attendance.

Briarcliffe College president George Santiago Jr., Ph.D. had the honor of conferring diplomas to the students gathered from the college's Bethpage, Patchogue and Queens locations.  The ceremony was held at the Suffolk County Community College Sports/Convention Complex in Brentwood.

Tim Bishop represents the 1st Congressional District where Briarcliffe's Patchogue Campus is located.  Santiago Jr. said, "We know him to be sensitive to matters of higher education, drawing from his nearly 30 years at Southampton College and current assignments on the U.S. House Committee on Education and Labor, and its Higher Education and Lifelong Learning Subcommittee.   Briarcliffe College students will benefit from hearing the congressman speak as they embark on a new chapter in their lives."

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Briarcliffe College was established in 1966. It is a four-year career education college offering degree programs in accounting, business administration, criminal justice, graphic design, information technology, management and  paralegal studies. 

Congressman Bishop said, "I am honored to be invited to participate in Commencement and to share this exciting moment with the graduates and their families."

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Santiago Jr. referenced the tough economic times that new graduates are facing, "In this environment Briarcliffe College becomes even more relevant.  I'm convinced Braircliffe students are ready to make their mark in this complex and turbulent world," said Santago.

Santiago Jr. recounted growing up poor and of Puerto Rican decent, and being the first in his family to go to college like many graduating that day.  "Never forget your roots; it's the foundation of your very being," said Santiago.  He assured that the experience and wisdom garnered from years spent at Briarcliffe will provide the cornerstone for honing, "leadership, civic responsibility, discipline and a chosen profession."

Congressman Bishop said, "You are graduating at a time of challenge; you are entering the workforce at the worst economic time since the Great Depression ... You have a real opportunity; there is much to be done.  Our country is going to need you."

Bishop gave apt counsel for navigating today's polarizing climate, "Value civility in all you say and do.  This is an angry and troubled time in our world.  When we allow our differences to turn into hatred we weaken the country that we love."  The impassioned congressman closed urging, "Dare greatly."

This year's co-salutatorians were identical twins, William and Robert Huether of Selden.  They both graduated summa cum laude with Associates in Applied Science in Business Administration.  Each envisions a future for himself as a certified public accountant and businessman.  They are both headed to Dowling College with terrific scholarships.

The former Heuther brother said of his graduating class, "We are a very large and diverse group with one common theme—success."  Thanks to his years at Briarcliffe he said, "I'm ready to take on any obstacle, challenge or task thrown my way with confidence and a smile on my face."

The other brother said, "I am living proof that if you put your mind, body and soul into every step you take anything is possible."

This year's valedictorian was Anna Lynskey of Bethpage.  She graduated from Bethpage High School in 1974 and began working part-time at Briarcliffe in 1999 as an admissions representative.  She was inspired to continue her education by the prospective students she encountered and their desire to pursue their education.  Lynskey said, "I'm proof it's never too late to make a positive change in your life."  She added, as one would imagine, "Juggling a full-time job, managing two teenage girls single handedly and maintaining good grades—it wasn't easy," said Lynskey.

 The unlikely valedictorian left her fellow graduates with this sage advice, "Success is having the will to be the person you believe you were meant to be."

 

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