Vaughn celebrated its 89th Commencement on Sunday, May 15. More than 250 family members tuned into the virtual ceremony that was also live-streamed on YouTube. The ceremony can be viewed here.

Mr. Huntley A. Lawrence, acting chief operating officer and director of aviation of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), delivered the commencement address. Mr. Lawrence, a 35-year veteran of PANYNJ, was named acting chief operating officer (COO) in January 2021 and director of aviation in January 2017.

“The most important commodity you possess is your talent,” Mr. Lawrence reminded students. “… Focus on what you want to achieve. Unwelcome surprises only come to those who are neither focused nor prepared.”

Kastronepaul Thevasahayam ’21, this year’s student speaker, also reminded his fellow peers that this last year has shown the Class of 2021 to be the greatest example of resilience, proving that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.

New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul also provided a congratulatory message to the class of 2021. President DeVivo closed the commencement ceremony by thanking the graduates for their contributions to the institution and wishing them well in the next chapter of their journey.

Missed this year’s commencement? View the presentation of degrees here.