Public Employee Press

Sandy couldn't stop union college grads

By ALFREDO ALVARADO

Hurricane Sandy left tens of thousands of New Yorkers homeless, destroyed the iconic boardwalks at Rockaway and Coney Island and temporarily closed DC 37 headquarters and the College of New Rochelle campus in the union building, but it couldn't dampen the drive of the students.

CNR administrators and staff worked around the clock to relocate their classes and started the spring 2013 semester on time for the students to graduate as scheduled.

CNR held its traditional hooding ceremony and graduation May 13 at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center for 86 proud grads, followed by a reception where they were joined by their families and friends.

"No storm could keep the class of 2013 from moving forward. You are truly unstoppable," DC 37 Campus Director Dr. Stephen Greenfeld told the graduates. "It has been an honor to be a part of your educational development."

DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts, who helped develop the CNR degree program for union members, was a keynote speaker at the ceremony. "I know that when you started your studies there was a lot of anxiety about handling your work and your families," said Roberts. "But you did it!"

"You overcame many obstacles to accomplish your goals and you never gave up," said CNR Dean Dr. Darryl E. Jones.

DC 37 Education Fund Administrator Dr. Barbara Kairson admitted to having been skeptical about the students graduating on time. "But you did it!" she said. "I congratulate you on your incredible accomplishment."

Amanda Zenteno, a member of the class of 2013, graduated with honors and was chosen to speak on behalf of her classmates.

"Our education at CNR has established a foundation that we will use the rest of our lives," said Zenteno. She praised her professors as "outstanding" and said they "supported our journey every step of the way."