More than 1,000 members of Molloy University’s class of 2026 celebrated a milestone moment on the South Shore oceanfront last week, crossing the stage at the Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, cheered on by thousands of family members and friends beneath sunny skies.
The graduating class included 703 bachelor’s degree recipients, 295 graduate students who earned master’s degrees and 30 doctoral graduates.
“This is always a triumphant day, and even better that it’s here at an iconic Long Island location where we can all celebrate,” James P. Lentini, Molloy’s president, said. “We hear a lot about challenges for new graduates, but our students have studied in practical fields, and they always find success when they leave us.”
The university recognized two top graduates during the May 18 ceremony. Isabella Schaefer, of East Rockaway, was the valedictorian, and Grace Wilson, of Hicksville, was the salutatorian. Schaefer earned a bachelor’s degree in adolescent education with a specialization in biology, along with minors in physical science and earth science and a biliteracy seal.
“These experiences have taught me the importance of staying open-minded and true to myself, values Molloy has truly instilled in me,” Schaefer said in her remarks to her classmates. “I encourage each and every one of you to reflect on the moments from your time here that have shaped you, whether they are shared or uniquely your own.”
Wilson graduated with a degree in interdisciplinary studies, with concentrations in philosophy and theology and religious studies.
“St. Dominic suggests pursuing truth with charity in our hearts,” Wilson said in her speech. “After listening to my twin sister, I learned that education is an act of love in which we give ourselves wholly in pursuit of the truth. The desire for truth and love is written within our human nature, yet is satisfied only when we transcend the self.”
Wilson also received this year’s Hope Award, the university’s highest mission honor, recognizing devotion to the Catholic Dominican faith.
“Isabella and Grace represent the very best of Molloy University,” Michelle Piskulich, the university’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, said. “Together they embody the spirit of service and purpose that defines Molloy University and will undoubtedly inspire our graduates as they step forward into lives of impact and meaning.”
One of the ceremony’s highlights was a musical performance featuring Lentini and the Molloy CAP21 Theater graduates. The group performed Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of your Life),” with Lentini accompanying the graduates on acoustic guitar.
The ceremony’s commencement speaker, award-winning journalist Jo Napolitano, received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of her work in education and social justice. Napolitano, a nationally recognized education journalist, has reported for The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Newsday and The 74, where she continues investigative reporting focused on equity and student opportunity.
“When I look at the world you are inheriting, I see so many opportunities for you to make positive change,” Napolitano told the graduates. “Please do not be disheartened or discouraged by what you are seeing right now, even if some of it breaks your heart. You are the change agents we need.”
The graduates were also encouraged to reflect on the personal experiences and defining moments that shaped their time at Molloy.
“I’m a transfer student, but I spent three years here and met so many new people,” Cadence Calderone, of Oceanside, said. “I’m sad to leave them, but I’m also ready to go. I feel prepared.”
Selin Kahyaoglu, of Franklin Square, also reflected on her experience at Molloy. “We’ve been working really hard,” she said. “We’ve all been in so many classes together struggling, so we’re really excited to finally accept that diploma and feel like we’re taking the next step.”
Molloy, based in Rockville Centre, was founded in 1955 by the Dominican Sisters of Amityville. The independent Catholic university has roughly 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, and offers programs in nursing, allied health, business, education, social work, music therapy and other fields.
