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by Rachel Voorhees

Finishing college is a proud moment for any student, but for working adults it鈥檚 exceptionally meaningful. It鈥檚 often the next step toward advancing or changing their careers.

鈥淓very graduating class is unique in that they鈥檝e overcome different challenges to get here,鈥� said Shawn O鈥橰iley, Ed.D., dean of . 鈥淔or some people it鈥檚 taken them 10 years to get here.鈥�

The event gives graduates the opportunity to celebrate and be recognized for their achievements among those who鈥檝e helped them along the way. Approximately 100 University College graduates, their families and professors gathered in the Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom in the Ruth S. Harley University Center on Thursday, May 8, 2014, for the annual University College Pre-Commencement dinner.

鈥淚鈥檓 very excited and relieved to graduate,鈥� said Romy Jean-Pierre, a student in the program. 鈥淚 was able to go to work and school, manage my family life and get just as good of an education as if I was a traditional undergraduate.鈥� Ms. Pierre plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in accounting following graduation.

Five graduates were awarded the David Newton Award for Academic Achievement for attaining the highest GPA in their program. This year鈥檚 awards were presented to Betty Marcoux, Kayla Johnson, , Lydia Neely and .

鈥淚鈥檓 most proud for my children,鈥� said Ms. Marcoux, who earned her . 鈥淚 want to show them why I think school is important.鈥� Ms. Marcoux graduated in January and is now a student in Adelphi鈥檚 program.

This year, 120 students will graduate from University College, 15 of whom are U.S. military veterans.

鈥�Adelphi allowed me to get my degree, and it鈥檚 an honor to be recognized with my colleagues and family,鈥� said Mr. Welsh, who was among the first cohort to graduate from the program. He is a U.S. Army veteran and currently works as an emergency management analyst at in Manhattan.

In addition to the special honors awarded, every graduate walked away from the event with a gift bag of Adelphi memorabilia to commemorate their successful journey.

鈥淚t鈥檚 celebratory,鈥� said Salvatore Iacone, Ph.D., senior adjunct professor, who received the award for Professional Excellence in Teaching. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e accomplished what they set out to do.鈥�