"Savor the Meaning of This Day"

“At Touro NYSCAS, students from diverse cultures and backgrounds have come together to learn, grow, and succeed as a cohesive community. For many of you, this milestone represents more than a college degree; it marks the first college graduation in your family and will inspire generations to come. Today, we celebrate not only your academic achievements but also the courage and commitment that brought you here. We couldn’t be prouder of all that you have accomplished,” said Dr. Judah Weinberger, NYSCAS Dean.

Surrounded by supportive friends, colleagues, mentors, parents, children, and grandchildren, the graduates will now advance their careers equipped with a Touro education to enter the fields of health sciences, education, paralegal studies, nursing, and more.

Visionary Leader and NYC Council Member Delivers Keynote

New York City Council Member Rita C. Josephs, a Touro ’08 alumna and advocate for education and justice representing Brooklyn’s 40th District, delivered the keynote address. Born to Haitian immigrants and a former teen mother, she overcame the odds to earn a full college scholarship, become a public-school teacher, and dedicated her career to uplifting others while building inclusive communities.

“I came to this country carrying dreams, hope, and a deep belief in the power of education. Long before I served in elected office, I spent decades in classrooms as a teacher, witnessing firsthand how education changes lives. I watched students discover their voices, overcome obstacles, and achieve things they never thought possible,” said Council Member Josephs.

She offered this advice to graduates: “Whether you’re teaching a lesson, advocating for a community, or writing a vital policy, the mission remains the same: create opportunities and open doors for others. We live in a time of tremendous change, which requires courage and compassion, and leaders who are willing to stand up for what is right, even when it’s not easy. As graduates of NYSCAS, never underestimate the impact you can have,” said Council Member Josephs. Today, she serves as Chair of the New York City Council’s Higher Education Committee, where she is working to expand access, affordability, and pathways to success for all New Yorkers.

Additionally, Dr. Stanley Boylan, Vice President & Dean of Faculties at Touro University, addressed energetic attendees.  For nearly half a century, Dr. Boylan has played a vital role in transforming Touro University from a college of less than 50 students into a multi-campus university with over 20,000 students.

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Reflect on Their Road to Success

Manhattan resident and Valedictorian Sara Levy, who graduated with a biology honors degree and currently works as a clinical research assistant, plans to attend medical school to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. Addressing the commencement crowd, she reflected on the obstacles graduates like herself faced and celebrated their perseverance in achieving their educational goals.

 “I ask my fellow graduates to become immersed in this moment. Savor the meaning of this day and let the feeling of success resonate with you. Remember that we possess the ability to thrive and adapt to what lies ahead, and the euphoria surrounding triumphing over something you once thought might defeat you is a feeling unlike any other,” said Levy.

Queens resident and Salutatorian Antoinette Jones shared that returning to college after a nearly two-decade pause transformed her life. “As a single mother graduating with a 4.0 GPA who completed my associate’s degree in liberal arts, I’m inspired by my amazing 13-year-old daughter, as she’s been one of my biggest motivators and supporters throughout my time as a student. I’m not only raising my daughter, but I'm also learning alongside her as we grow together, said Jones.

This Touro alum plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social science at NYSCAS. “One thing I have learned along the way is that when you step outside of your comfort zone, growth happens! Even when faced with a tough-as-nails math exam or when a professor assigns a ten-page research paper requiring many citations with midterms scheduled the next week, I always remind myself to never give up,” said Jones.