Vaughn College Honors Graduating Class of 2025 at 93rd Graduation Event
Laid-Back Revamp:
Last Tuesday, roughly 300 proud graduates and their families packed the Westchester County Center for a grand celebration—Vaughn College's 93rd commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025. Kicking off the event was none other than Dr. Paul LaVergne, vice president of academic affairs, who heartily welcomed the crowd and presented the student speaker Matthan Mbanefo.
This extraordinary scholar, Matthan Mbanefo, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronic Engineering, was bestowed the prestigious Board of Trustees award. This honor recognized his outstanding academic successes and unwavering commitment to the school. In his humbling address, Matthan wholeheartedly urged his fellow graduates not to forget their humble beginnings and the pride, honor, and duty they now carry as Vaughn College alumni.
Left with goosebumps, the audience was graced by Theresa M. Claiborne, the first black woman pilot in the United States Air Force and a retired United Airlines Captain, who delivered the commencement speech and received an honorary degree for her trailblazing spirit, service to her country, and inspiring youth like Vaughn's students. Claiborne stressed the importance of trusting oneself, overcoming adversity, and paving the way for new paths.
Sharing wisdom she had received from a mentor during her career, Claiborne exclaimed, "When life gets tricky, remember that though the surface may seem cloudy, you will soar above." Encouraging her listeners, she added, "The sky isn't the limit; you are the next generation of trailblazers, ready to take your place and push the world forward."
Proudly concluding the ceremony was Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo, who congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to stay in touch as Vaughn alumni.
Matthan Mbanefo, the brilliant recipient of a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronic Engineering, was honored with the illustrious Board of Trustees award at Vaughn College's commemoration ceremony of the Class of 2025. Having distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievements and selfless service to the institution, Matthan was appointed the student speaker at the event. In his inspirational speech, he emphasized the importance of remembering one's roots and the pride, honor, and responsibility that accompany being a Vaughn College alumnus, encouraging his fellow graduates to embrace their new roles as alumni with a sense of purpose.
Theresa M. Claiborne, the first Black woman pilot in the United States Air Force and retired United Airlines Captain, delivered a moving commencement address, emphasizing the importance of trusting oneself, conquering adversity, and forging new paths. An honorary degree was conferred on her in recognition of her pioneering spirit, service to her country, and inspiring future generations, including Vaughn students.
Matthan Mbanefo, the distinguished recipient of a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronic Engineering, accentuated the importance of personal growth and learning in his inspiring speech during Vaughn College's commemoration ceremony, encouraging his fellow graduates to utilize their education-and-self-development for selfless service to the institution.
Theresa M. Claiborne, the trailblazing first Black woman pilot in the United States Air Force and retired United Airlines Captain, shared her wisdom with the graduating class, emphasizing the role of learning in overcoming adversity, trusting oneself, and forging new paths, thereby emphasizing the significance of personal growth and education-and-self-development in their future endeavors.
