RCC Hosts 65th Commencement Ceremony

Rockland Community College (RCC) held it’s 65th Commencement Ceremony May 19th at Clover Stadium in Pomona, NY. This years keynote speaker was Crismelly Morales, an immigration attorney and RCC graduate. 

A proud graduate of Rockland Community College, Morales earned an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies and was recognized with the Hispanic Heritage Award for Academic Excellence. In 2023, she returned to RCC as an adjunct professor and now serves on the Legal Studies Program advisory committee. Morales is an active member of the legal community, serving on the boards of the Rockland County Women’s Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of Rockland County, and co-chairing the Immigration Law Committee of the Rockland County Bar Association. 

During the ceremony, the 2025 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recipients were honored. This year, two students received the prestigious recognition:

Rhishma Ashton is a proud December graduate of Rockland Community College and a newly registered nurse. Rhishma began her journey at RCC during the post-COVID era, a time when remote learning left many students feeling disconnected. Motivated by a desire to foster community and belonging, she set out to ensure her peers felt supported, welcomed, and seen. That mission guided her throughout her time at RCC and informed her many contributions to student life. She served in multiple leadership roles, including Student Ambassador in the Admissions Office, Peer Mentor for the Somos El Futuro program, Orientation Leader, and Chair of the Student Activities Board within the Student Involvement Department. She also served as a Student Government Senator and was actively involved with both the National Society of Leadership and Success and the President’s Society.

Ronny Sanchez is currently pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science at Rockland Community College. An active and engaged member of the campus community, Ronny has served in key leadership roles within the Student Government Association, including Treasurer and Vice President. He has also contributed to student success as a Peer Mentor for the Somos El Futuro program, where he provided guidance and support to fellow students throughout their academic journeys. In addition to his academic and leadership accomplishments, Ronny is passionate about music and the performing arts. He has hosted several open mic events and performed in various concerts on campus, enriching the college’s cultural and creative landscape.