York College Celebrates Third Annual Graduation Luncheon

York College transformed an ordinary Friday into an extraordinary celebration of students who overcame extra challenges to earn their degrees.

The New York school hosted its third annual Graduate Luncheon on May 8, honoring students from the Center for Students with Disabilities, Veterans Services, and the Lavender community. What started as a small ceremony three years ago has blossomed into a campus tradition filled with music, laughter, and plenty of happy tears.

Among the standouts was valedictorian Jeremiah Aneke, a military veteran who traveled from Abuja, Nigeria to Queens and earned his Studio Art degree. His journey represents the diverse paths students took to reach graduation day.

President Claudia Schrader and Vice President Karen Williams addressed the graduates, emphasizing leadership and using their voices to create change. Their message resonated through a room decorated with colorful banners, graduation regalia, and student artwork.

The celebration extended beyond individual achievement. York's student organizations received recognition too, including the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities and the York Student Occupational Therapy Association for their advocacy work.

Student Government President Akkeem Polack earned special recognition for his leadership as SGA President, USS Chair, and Student Trustee on the CUNY Board of Trustees. His service exemplifies how students support each other throughout their college experience.

Why This Inspires

The luncheon represents something bigger than diplomas. It creates space for students who often navigate college with invisible challenges to feel truly seen and celebrated.

Faculty members Alexander Birk, Billy Metallinos, and Lennart Olsson received awards for their mentorship. Behind the scenes staff from public safety, custodial services, and student activities were also honored for making campus feel welcoming every single day.

Senior Director of Student Wellness and Resources Charmaine Townsell, who hosted the event, captured its essence perfectly. "We create spaces where students feel seen, celebrated, and supported while preparing them to lead beyond our campus," she said.

The luncheon now includes York's Student Wellness and Resources team, bringing together the Center for Students with Disabilities, Veterans Services, Center for Gender Justice, Health Services, and Counseling Center. This collaboration shows how supporting student wellbeing requires everyone working together.

Families and friends filled the room with cheers, capturing photographs and sharing stories about the journeys that brought their graduates to this moment. The celebration honored not just the destination, but every obstacle overcome along the way.

York College proves that when schools invest in inclusion and belonging, students don't just survive—they thrive.