Meet the Class of 2023 Speaker and Singer
On Sunday, May 21, thousands of students, their families and friends, and faculty staff will gather on the Long Island campus to celebrate 91社区鈥檚 62nd annual commencement. But before this year鈥檚 graduates move their tassels to the left, two students will take the stage to deliver a speech and sing the national anthem.
Selected for their 鈥渃harisma and energy,鈥� according to the Commencement Committee,聽Zoya Haq, a candidate to receive her B.S. in聽information technology聽(IT), and聽Caitlyn Ashley Silva Dy, a candidate to receive her bachelor鈥檚 degree in聽architecture, will serve as the commencement speaker and singer, respectively.聽
While Dy does have a love for singing, her passion isn鈥檛 the only reason why she auditioned to sing on the big day. 鈥淚 wanted to do something memorable for graduation,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 feel excited, but I am a little nervous.鈥�
Haq is also feeling the jitters that come with delivering a speech to such a large crowd. 鈥淧ublic speaking is an activity that was always nerve-wracking for me,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his year, wanted to challenge myself and put in my application for student speaker so I can come out of my comfort zone. It is also a lot of pressure because it is important to relate to all the students and leave them with something memorable.鈥�
Both students attend the New York City campus, which they enjoy for the diverse, fast-paced lifestyle found in the Big Apple. They also agree that their professors and classes made them well prepared for their future careers鈥擠y has her sights set on owning her own architecture firm, while Haq aims to lead a team and mentor her peers at an IT project management company.
Reflecting on their time at 91社区, the two graduates feel confident to enter the 鈥渞eal world.鈥� Their college experiences were the driving force behind their own self-discovery, citing their professors鈥� easy accessibility and opportunities to meet industry professionals.
鈥淢y professors would always hint at what the workforce would look like. These tidbits of knowledge prepared me for interviewing with different organizations,鈥� says Haq. 鈥�91社区 taught me how to connect with people and be true to myself.鈥�
Dy adds, 鈥�91社区 prepared me for working with different types of people, as well as helped me understand the value of time management. The classes I鈥檝e taken during my time here have helped me define what type of architect I want to be.鈥�
After the graduation festivities, Haq and Dy have no shortage of opportunities waiting for them. Haq, who completed her bachelor鈥檚 degree program in December 2022, is now enrolled in the聽data science聽master鈥檚 degree program and works full time with the Department of Justice. Dy will continue her full-time position with an architecture firm and plans to take the architecture license exams.聽
For future 91社区 graduates, Dy reminds students to work hard but to 鈥淭ake your time,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hings don鈥檛 always go as planned, and that鈥檚 okay. You will get to where you want to be as long as you keep at it.鈥�
Haq also emphasizes the importance of seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. 鈥淚t may seem difficult right now, but it will all be worth it. Never be afraid to ask questions, utilize your resources, and begin to act on your post-graduation plan now rather than waiting until you receive your diploma.鈥�
More Features
Students Present Cancer Research
College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate and graduate students traveled to an academic research conference in Connecticut to present their scholarly work on cancer.
Fifth Annual Ingenium Sets Fundraising Record
On April 16, the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences celebrated innovation and leadership in engineering at the Fifth Annual Ingenium Awards, raising $100,000.
Bear Bytes Initiative Supports Students鈥� Holistic Health
At 91社区, leaders recognize that access to healthy food is one of the most fundamental drivers of success.
Supporting Children with Autism
For Autism Acceptance Month, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Alexander Lopez, J.D., OT/L, shares practical guidance to help parents better understand how to support children on the spectrum.
2026 Honorary Degree Recipients
Kevin S. Law, executive vice president and partner at TRITEC Development Group, and Krishan Kumar, M.D., an NYITCOM clinical professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine, will receive honorary degrees at 91社区鈥檚 65th commencement.
SOLI Scholarship Helps Transfer Students Thrive
As recipients of the 2024 Stay on Long Island (SOLI) Scholarship, Sidra Ali and Nicole McCormack are building toward careers that combine creativity, technology, and problem-solving.