“Graduates, take pride in all you’ve accomplished at NYSCAS. Let this be the foundation on which you build a bright future—not just for yourselves, but for your communities. No matter where your journey leads, remember that you’ve already shown the strength needed to move forward with confidence as you advance your career,” said Dr. Judah Weinberger, NYSCAS Dean.

Cheered on by friends, family, colleagues, and mentors—and with many being the first in their families to earn a college degree—these graduates are now prepared to put their Touro education to work as they embark on careers in nursing, biology, paralegal studies, education, and more.

Former New York State Governor and TouroCOM Distinguished Professor of Health Care and Public Policy David Paterson was the keynote speaker. "Your journey to this major milestone has been marked by perseverance and determination. As someone who has faced my own challenges, I understand the strength it takes to overcome these obstacles. As you enter the next chapter of your lives, remember that your unique experiences and diverse backgrounds are your greatest assets. Embrace them at every opportunity, and continue to inspire and empower those around you," said Paterson.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Turn Passions into Purpose in Business and Liberal Arts Fields

After growing up in Miami, Valedictorian Alexander Abramson moved to New York, where he became a NYSCAS student. He ultimately joined the military and earned a bachelor’s degree remotely, while on active duty, majoring in business management and administration from Touro. Motivated by his love for entrepreneurship and fascination with the startup culture, this stellar alum credits NYSCAS professors for their continuous support and flexible class schedules, which enabled him to complete his degree across time zones.

“Touro was an amazing place to study because they truly care; even though I wasn’t physically in the country, they worked with me in every way possible to ensure I succeeded,” said Abramson. Now working in a business development role at the fast-growing tech startup ScaleOps, which recently raised $60M in Series B funding, Abramson is excited by the opportunities his degree offers and plans to advance his career in strategy consulting.

Staten Island resident and Salutatorian Alice Shapiro earned an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts from Touro, gaining a well-rounded education in the humanities as she explores career options.

Reflecting on her time at Touro, one experience stands out: “Professor Bardwell helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, giving me the confidence needed to accomplish vital goals in any career.”

Next up, Shapiro plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social science with a political science concentration at NYSCAS, aspiring to work in fields ranging from entertainment law and politics to academia.