Commencement at Caldwell University as a Member of the Class of 2025

At long last, I have graduated summa cum laude, with Honors, from Caldwell University! In December, I fulfilled my remaining requirements for a B.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in mixed media, and a minor in Art History. This past Sunday, May 18, I walked at Commencement as a proud member of the Class of 2025! 🎓🎊🙌🏻

With so much to reflect upon, I shall first express my heartfelt gratitude to my family—including my dedicated mom, hard-working dad, kindhearted brother Chris, loving Grandma E, and supportive uncles)—as well as family friends and close others. Each of you have specially contributed to teaching me the true meaning of doing good in our world today. 💞

My Caldwell journey began with my mom, Sue Fernandez, née Yaccarino, an alumna from the Class of 1984, who herself graduated with an art degree. An active and determined woman and parent who always cared for me and Chris, she has withstood an ever-continuing wave of trials and obstacles. She committed to teaching us from a young age that anything is possible with imagination and rigor, and that we can create our own opportunities. 📶

As I switched my degree program from Art & Education to Graphic Design to—finally—Studio Art and Art History, I gradually gained personal confidence and directional clarity. From passing my Honors Project with distinction to being the designated student speaker at the annual Honors Recruitment Dinner; to completing my senior B.F.A. thesis exhibition; to forging a fruitful connection with the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell; to presenting on a work of art at the Montclair Art Museum; to serving three internships as Assistant to the Gallery Director at the Mueller Gallery on campus (which in itself included facilitating an artist talk for a faculty exhibition, writing a published catalog essay for a visiting artist, and curating/participating in an alumni/student group exhibition); to concluding my studies with a 3.99 GPA; to receiving the B.F.A. in Studio Art Departmental Honor and the Saint Dominic Award; I am overwhelmed with insurmountable appreciation of all that I have pursued and everyone who guided me along the way. 📚🖼️

A tour and open house introduced me to the small campus size, tight-knit community, and close relationships with faculty/staff that ultimately encouraged me to matriculate at Caldwell, and these would come to remain standout qualities throughout my five years (four and a half as a student) at the university. Despite entering amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that rendered my freshman year fully remote, I was regularly struck by the supportive professors, the friendliness of many of my classmates, and the academic excellence of the Honors Program. This continued exponentially into my sophomore year as I began dorming, worked in the art studios, joined multiple clubs, and attended/participated in a variety of on-campus events and activities. 🤝

Special thanks go out to the professors of the Department of Visual Art & Design, who inspired me to trust my creative ambitions while streamlining my focus; the Honors co-directors and faculty, who elevated coursework and discussions to promote intellectual growth; Sr. Kathleen Tuite and the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell, who continue the enduring mission of the university’s founding Sisters; the numerous additional faculty and staff who enriched my educational pursuits and campus experience; and, of course, the hundreds of fellow students—encompassing the multilayered and diverse campus community—who I am profoundly grateful to have become acquainted with and befriended. 🙏🏻

It is with absolute joy that I have reached this special milestone, and while it is undoubtedly an exciting culmination, I also have the bulk of my professional career ahead of me, and the whole rest of my life yet to live. I will always be exploring, learning, and creating, with this triumphant moment signifying a transition between chapters. Furthermore, I will always be assessing my character, values, and actions as I continue to work toward becoming the individual who I strive to be. 💭

With that said, I extend my sincerest congratulations to all of my fellow graduates, and the very best of wishes as we embark on our next journeys, pursue what we love, and perhaps change the world for the better! 🌎🌟🤜

Receiving my diploma on stage

At the Caldwell University entrance sign

At Visceglia Arts Center, where I took my art studio and art history courses

At Rosary Hall, where I dormed for two years

With my family; left to right: myself, Grandma E, Mom, Chris, and Dad

With Bella

A closeup of my grad cap, which Mom and I designed

Closeup turned

A closeup of my honorary regalia

Holding my grad cap

Class of 2025!

With the full-time faculty of the Department of Visual Art & Design; left to right: Prof. Larry Szycher: Professor of Painting and other 2D media; myself; Prof. Jennifer Noonan: Professor of Art History; and Prof. Suzanne Baron: Professor of the junior and senior capstone courses, and occasionally 2D media courses

Processing into the Newman Center Gym

Lining up to walk on stage

Processing out (featuring my friend, fellow former art student, and fellow graduate Christos)

Photoshoot with Coop the Cougar, the university mascot