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In his welcome remarks,\u00a0James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D.<\/a>, Dean, The School of Education, offered pointed advice to the soon-to-be graduates as they enter the professional world. \u201cWhen you think about your future in teaching, in leading educational institutions, in counseling, it\u2019s important to always remember, as the best of the best\u2014the award winners\u2014who do you want to be?\u201d he said. \u201cI encourage you to help your students, clients, and colleagues feel valued. Help them to learn, and help them to be the foundation for what we want our society to be.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n For many, the ceremony served as a moment of reflection on years of dedication, growth, and community\u2014an occasion that both honored how far they have come and signaled the meaningful work that lies ahead.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very exciting because I\u2019ve loved the education program since before Accepted Student Day,\u201d said\u00a0Brianna Cristello<\/a>, a\u00a0childhood education<\/a>\u00a0major with a concentration in biology from Monroe Township, NJ. \u201cI\u2019ve made so many great connections with my professors, and I\u2019ve formed so many friendships with my classmates.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n During her senior year, Brianna was a member of the\u00a0President\u2019s Society<\/a>, the University\u2019s highest honor society for undergraduates. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t be prouder of her,\u201d said Mike Cristello, Brianna\u2019s father. \u201cWe\u2019ve been here multiple times for multiple award ceremonies, so this adds to her portfolio. St. John\u2019s has truly been a gift to her. She loves this University.\u201d<\/p>\n His wife, Carrie, agreed. \u201cIt\u2019s like a second home for her, and I\u2019m so happy that she found The School of Education. Everyone at St. John\u2019s and in her program has treated her with so much kindness, and she\u2019s learned so much along the way. We\u2019re so grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n Rockaway Beach, NY, resident\u00a0Alisha Sampath \u201925ED<\/a>, who is graduating with her\u00a0master\u2019s in TESOL education<\/a>, said the honor affirmed both her path and her purpose. \u201cIt shows that my hopes and aspirations are paying off\u2014that I\u2019m headed in the right direction. My dream is to work as an ESL [English as a Second Language] teacher at a District 75 [special education] and advocate for students,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen a student gets identified as a special education student, they don\u2019t always get the necessary support that they deserve. I want to advocate for them and make sure they\u2019re getting all the resources they need to thrive.\u201d<\/p>\n As the recipient of the Undergraduate Service Award, Ryan Curran of Queens, NY, has made a meaningful impact through his work with\u00a0Campus Ministry<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Office of Multicultural Affairs<\/a>, engaging in initiatives that span identity, culture, and disability awareness. Ryan is enrolled in the\u00a0Childhood\/Special Education (1\u20136), Bachelor of Science in Education\/Master of Science in Education<\/a>\u00a0program and is also a nationally recognized speech and debate coach.<\/p>\n \u201cWinning this award reminds me to remain committed to what I love to do, which is to help others,\u201d he said. \u201cSince high school, I\u2019ve been committed not only to helping other people, but also to making a difference. When I think of this award, all the work that I\u2019ve done throughout high school and college comes back to me.\u201d<\/p>\n In all, 23 awards were announced at the event, marking not only a celebration of academic excellence but a fitting culmination of the honorees\u2019 journeys at St. John\u2019s. \u201cIt\u2019s incredibly gratifying to see all of our new graduates from The School of Education have their achievements recognized,\u201d said\u00a0Donald R. McClure, Ph.D.<\/a>, Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Student Experience. \u201cThey\u2019ve worked so hard for a long time, so we\u2019re happy to recognize their research, scholarship, and overall achievement.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"School](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/20260430_deans_awardceremony_155_960x640.jpg\")
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