Binghamton University CCPA celebrates Class of 2020

Faced with a global pandemic, the Binghamton University College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) celebrated the Class of 2020 with a Commencement ceremony held virtually.

“This is not the commencement you were expecting today,” said Laura Bronstein, dean of CCPA, in her recorded remarks for the virtual event (watch below).

However, in a year defined by COVID-19, marches for racial justice and a contentious election cycle, Bronstein said that the over 430 graduates that make up the CCPA Class of 2020 are uniquely positioned to take on the challenges facing their communities.

“Please let the fact that you persevered amidst the most dire of circumstances drive you on to what brought you to CCPA in the first place — to make a difference and to build a world that is better, that is more prepared to handle future catastrophes, that in the best cases averts these catastrophes altogether,” she said.

Making a difference was a major theme addressed in the CCPA ceremony. Student speakers Natassia Josephs and Devona Paul used their remarks to encourage graduates to continue finding ways to make a positive impact.

Josephs, who earned bachelor’s degrees in both human development and economics, first heard of Binghamton University after emigrating from Jamaica. When searching for which college in the United States to attend, she said that “Binghamton checked all the boxes.”

After taking a human development course during her first semester, Josephs said she was driven to develop a deeper understanding of people and the issues they were experiencing. She said 2020 has brought with it numerous emotions.

“For some time, I have battled with the question, ‘How will I really use my degree?’ I have learned so much, and I could do so much. But where will I truly be able to make an impact?” she said.

“We’ve always been told to be ambitious, but today I challenge you with a slightly different mantra — ‘pursue purpose.’ Purpose encompasses your potential, your passion, and that thing that will make it easy for you to wake up in the mornings and hard for you to go to sleep at night.”

Noting that CCPA students are trained to be “catalysts” for change, Josephs encouraged her fellow graduates to explore where and how they can be of value.

“This is certainly not an easy question and one we will all be trying to figure out. However, I believe that in pursuing our purpose, we will all find the answer,” she said. “As we go our separate ways and encounter different experiences, never forget that you have a unique place in this world.”

Paul, who graduated with dual master’s degrees in public administration and social work, echoed the call to make meaningful change in her address.

While Binghamton “hit every criterion” in what she was looking for out of an education, Paul said that “ultimately, it was the students, faculty and staff who sealed the deal. Binghamton made, and has continued to make, me feel welcome, valued and illimitable.”

In a year of upheaval, uncertainty and changes, Paul said her classmates gave her the encouragement to not feel disappointed.

“When I look at everyone before me, metaphorically speaking, I am not disappointed. I am not disappointed in us,” she said. “We, as members of the College of Community and Public Affairs at Binghamton University, are agents of change; seeking innovative, progressive and positive ways to change the world.”

Noting the roles CCPA students played in registering people to vote, advocating for mental health accessibility and human rights, and helping students navigate an almost entirely remote educational system, Paul urged her fellow graduates to take pride in their actions.

“It is my hope that you will take the time to celebrate yourselves and celebrate those around you for the incredible accomplishments that you have achieved and all of the change you have already made,” she said.