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By Shavana Abruzzo
Brooklyn Daily
Flatlands emergency medical technician Kevin Marcellus, 24, almost didn’t make it to his graduation at Brooklyn College, working right up to his big day.
“I had just about enough time to come home, take a shower, and get my suit on!” said the proud recipient of a bachelor’s degree in natural and behavioral sciences.
Marcellus, who plans on a career in emergency medicine, joined more than 4,000 other glowing grads in the Class of 2014, all of them sporting tasselled caps and gowns — and smiles as wide as the sun — as they strode to the podium to accept their diplomas from college president Karen Gould, later tossing their hats skyward in celebration.
Student speaker Shani Abrahams spoke on behalf of the graduating class, while the attendance of local luminaries for the May 28 and 29 commencements — some of them Brooklyn College alumni — added to the excitement.
Former Borough President Marty Markowitz (Class of ’70), who received the Presidential Medal for his outstanding career in public service, urged the scholars to continue upwards and onwards.
“Never forget the determination that got you here because it should take you further,” he said. “Make sure to help others so that they, too, have a chance to succeed.”
The keynote speakers were award-winning author Edwidge Danticat who was conferred an honorary Doctor of Letters, and economist and entrepreneur Richard Sandor (Class of ’62), who accepted the Distinguished Alumni Award for creating the foundation for the U.S. futures market, and for pioneering the field of environmental finance.
Danticat deferred to the new alums.
“I must admit that I do feel a little bit guilty about being made a doctor of humane letters today,” she said. “All I had to do was worry about what to say in the next few minutes, when some of you have been working really hard here for the last two, three, four years.”
Marcellus couldn’t agree more.
“It’s a relief! I’m very proud of myself,” he said.
Congratulations to the Class of 2014 from Courier Life Publications and Community Newspaper Group.