July 15, 2020
More than 600 Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 graduates from the SUNY Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC) were celebrated during a live-streamed graduation ceremony on July 15.
Located in Harlem, MEOC delivers student-centered academic and workforce development programs and serves as a gateway to further education, career achievement, personal growth and self-sufficiency for adult learners in the New York City area. Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) administers the program.
MEOC offers programs in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Literacy Development, Certified Microsoft Office, Developmental Study Skills, Introduction to High School Equivalency (HSE) and College Preparation.
Students can also choose a training program such as Certified Nursing Assistant, Electronic Health Records, Hospitality Training, Security Officer Training, Certified Phlebotomy Training, Civil Service Exam Preparation and OHSHA 30 Hour General Industry and Construction.
Featured speakers at the ceremony included; SUNY UCAWD Provost and Director Lisa McKay; BMCC Interim President Karrin E. Wilks, MEOC Executive Director Anthony Watson and MEOC Lecturer Leroy Jemison.
The 2020 MEOC Valedictorian Marie Estevez (HSE and College Preparation) and Salutatorian Paul Gregory Pulenskey (College Preparation) also spoke during the ceremony.
Provost Lisa McKay acknowledged that the 2020 MEOC graduates had achieved a milestone under what are very difficult circumstances amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic fallout.
“As a COVID-19 survivor myself, I know how difficult it is to have hope for the future when it seems as though everything is very dire,” said McKay. “But, you see me standing here today, healthy, happy and hopeful and I want to encourage you as you pursue the next steps on your journey.”
She encouraged the graduates to remain hopeful, and be patient and kind with themselves.
BMCC Interim President Karrin Wilks told the graduates they were not only improving their own lives, but that of their families through their achievements.
“Life presented obstacles before COVID brought pain, grief and fear,” said Wilks. “Many of you faced hardships before COVID brought economic devastation and many of you have faced the unrelenting structural racism in this country all of your lives. In the face of these three pandemics; public health, economic and systemic oppression, you persevered, you stayed strong, you stayed true to your dreams.”
After he led a round of virtual applause for the graduates, MEOC Executive Director Anthony Watkins acknowledged the graduates’ accomplishment.
“People outside MEOC might not know what you’ve dealt with or what you’ve had to sacrifice to make education your priority,” said Watkins. “I’m sure you encountered some ups and downs, but, you did it. This is a joyous occasion that you and your family can celebrate.”
Valedictorian Marie Estevez told her fellow graduates that the ceremony was the beginning of the next chapter in their educational or career journey. She also talked about how MEOC had helped her overcome her struggles with math.
“By 2019, I finished my High School Equivalency (HSE) and after that, enrolled in college prep,” said Estevez. “I’ll be starting college in August of this year. What a dream come true. I am truly thankful to MEOC.”
Salutatorian Paul Gregory Pulenskey thanked MEOC’s administrators, educators and students for creating an environment that encourages all students to reach their goals.
Two years ago, Pulenskey was struggling with long-term unemployment and other issues, so he made the decision to change his life. As U.S. Navy veteran who was deployed during the 1990- 1991 Persian Gulf War, he had access to medical, financial and vocational support, which eventually led him to MEOC.
“My experience here improved skills I already possessed, and helped me to discover talents I was unaware of,” said Pulenskey. “I begin classes at BMCC in a few weeks in pursuit of a degree in secondary education for social studies, which will put me one step closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a social studies teacher.”
Individuals interested in registering at MEOC can visit the website.
- SUNY Provost Lisa McKay encourages graduates to pursue next steps on their journey
- BMCC Interim President Karrin Wilks congratulates graduates for staying true to their dreams
- Valedictorian and Salutatorian to begin college classes in Fall 2020
