Vaughn College recognized the achievements of the class of 2022’s top students at the annual Honors Convocation Ceremony on Wednesday, May 11. The ceremony began with opening remarks from Vice President of Academics Affairs Dr. Paul LaVergne, followed by greetings from President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo. James Hendon, commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans Services, delivered the convocation address to students. Aeronautical Sciences Major Alexa Rae Cruz was the student speaker and she left her peers with a speech about reaching your goals and the future of women in aviation.  

“Live your life to the fullest and do everything you can,” said Hendon. “Don’t be afraid of your destiny and who you are as a person and continue to feed your mind wisdom, knowledge, experience and relationships with others.” 

Alexa Rae Cruz ’22 is the recipient of the Bessie Coleman Award. This award is presented to the student with the highest cumulative grade point average who demonstrates the professional and civic values that exemplify the mission of the College.  

Convocation continued with faculty toasts and distribution of departmental awards to students who excelled in engineering, technology, management and aviation with a grade point average of 3.50 and above, or those who showed exceptional leadership and athletic abilities.  

The ceremony closed with a presentation of the students graduating with high honors for cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude status.  

The 2022 Commencement Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 21 at 9 a.m. 

Click here for a link to this year’s convocation program. 

Click here for a livestream of the event. 

Elaine White and Sarah Tsang with convocation award recipients.
Convocation speaker James Hendon delivering his address.
Alexa Rae Cruz, Bessie Coleman Award recipient and student speaker.