Presidential Investiture and Afternoon Awards Ceremony Complement
Commencement Day at CSI
June 3, 2008
 Commencement Day at the College of Staten Island last week realized
the dreams and ambitions of 2,376 students, as they received degrees
for their hard work and determination. Although this is the headline
story, the College also celebrated the Investiture of Tomás D.
Morales as CSI’s third president and recognized the contributions of
members of its faculty, staff, and supporters.
After his Investiture, conducted by Matthew Goldstein, Chancellor of
The City University of New York (CUNY) and Philip Berry, CUNY Vice
Chair, Morales commended the graduating class for a job well done
and praised the College’s world-class faculty.
 In concluding,
Morales
expressed his enthusiasm for CSI and everyone who is working to help
it achieve its goals, “Our energy is terrific. Our hopes are high.
Our vision is 20/20. And looking at our graduates, faculty, and
staff, I am confident. Through your work, through your devotion, you
have made a CSI degree a goal to be desired and an achievement to be
respected. I can’t wait for tomorrow to continue the great work we
have undertaken together to move the College of Staten Island
forward.”
Later that day, the CSI Library hosted an awards ceremony that
honored outstanding contributions to the College. CSI Foundation
Board members Sally Williams and Samir Farag received College Awards
for their tireless efforts to advance the mission of the College.
Associate Professor George Emilio Sanchez, Chairperson of the
Department of Performing and Creative Arts was honored with the
second annual Presidential Award for Innovation in Pedagogy for his
unique and effective approach toward teaching theater. Also, eleven
members of the CSI community received Dolphin Awards for their
significant contributions to the College. They include:
-Margaret Lunney, Professor, Department of Nursing for Outstanding
Scholarly Achievement by a Member of the Full-Time Faculty
-John Osakue, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science,
Economics, and Philosophy for Outstanding Teaching by a Member of
the Full-Time Faculty
-Harry Cason, Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Political Science,
Economics, and Philosophy for Outstanding Teaching by a Member of
the Adjunct Faculty
-Vasilios Petratos, Associate Professor, Department of Political
Science, Economics, and Philosophy for Outstanding Service and
Contribution to the College by a Member of the Full-Time Faculty
-Mary Beth Reilly, Higher Education Officer, Office of Recruitment
and Admissions, and Nicholas Saccone, Higher Education Associate,
Business Office for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the
College by a Member of the Non-Teaching Instructional Staff in HEO
Title
-Avi Gannon, IT Senior Associate 3, Office of Information Technology
for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the College by a Member
of the Non-Instructional Staff in CLT and OIT Specialists Title
-Palma Eadicicco, CUNY Administrative Assistant, Office of the
Registrar, and Marguerite Fuller, CUNY Administrative Assistant,
Office of Finance and Administration for Outstanding Service and
Contribution to the College by a Member of the Non-Instructional
Staff
-Berardino Grieco, Maintenance Worker, Office of Building and
Grounds for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the College by a
Member of the Non-Instructional Staff in Maintenance, Operations,
Security
-Alokika Fernandes-Prabu for Outstanding Service and Contribution to
the College by a Currently Enrolled Student
After emcee Robert Huber, Interim Vice President for Institutional
Advancement, recognized the honorees, President Morales concluded
the ceremony by thanking the CSI faculty and staff for their
contributions to Commencement Day, as well as for their efforts
since he took the helm as President.
By Terry Mares
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