Floro, Morinello, McCaffrey give keynote addresses at NCCC 55th annual commencement ceremonies

The 55th annual commencement ceremonies on Saturday at the Arts and Media Theatre on the Sanborn campus of Niagara County Community College were highlighted by keynote speakers from various backgrounds.

At the 9 a.m. ceremony, Phyllis Floro of the University at Buffalo addressed graduates from science, health and mathematics, along with those receiving degrees in the fields of business, technology and the arts. Floro, a distinguished NCCC alum, had a valuable perspective to share from her journey as a student of the college through her pursuit of advanced degrees and a professional career in higher education.

New York State Assemblyman Angelo Morinello provided remarks for graduates of hospitality, tourism and culinary arts, as well as humanities and social sciences. Anne McCaffrey, president and CEO of Eastern Niagara Hospital, gave the keynote address at the final ceremony of the day to students in the nursing and allied health programs.

In all, 404 graduates walked the stage and received diplomas from NCCC Interim President William J. Murabito and trustees Bonnie R. Sloma, Sheila Smith, Jason J. Cafarella and Kevin Clark. The master of ceremonies for the day was William L. Ross, chairman of the board.

Immediately following the 2 p.m. commencement, a pinning ceremony was held for nursing students. This symbolic ceremony is a tradition to welcome newly graduated nursing students into their new profession. Diane Roth, assistant vice president of academic affairs of nursing and allied health, presided over the ceremony, celebrating with 80 graduates and their families.

NCCC is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York, the largest public university system in the country. The college provides more than 60 certificate and degree programs and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, the State University of New York, and student tuition.