The 99th Commencement Exercises of The College of New Rochelle took place Thursday, May 25, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. at Radio City Music Hall. 

The College conferred 1,466 baccalaureate and master’s degrees on CNR students who graduated from the School of Arts & Sciences, School of Nursing, School of New Resources, and Graduate School.

President Sweeny told the approximately 5,000 graduates, family, and friends that as a central part of its Commencement celebration this year, the College launched a fundraising effort to assist in rebuilding efforts at Xavier University in New Orleans, which sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina.


"CNR and Xavier are in many ways sister institutions,” Dr. Sweeny said. “Like CNR, Xavier started as a small liberal arts college founded by Catholic nuns to provide college degrees to a population excluded from higher education. We can make a real difference in the future of one important part of this hurting city by supporting Xavier in its time of need.  Above: President Sweeny with Dr. Norman C. Francis, President of Xavier University.

The College conferred honorary degrees on Dr. Norman C. Francis, President of Xavier University; Linda E. Kelly, Superintendent of the City School District of New Rochelle; and Thomas E. Hales, CEO and Chairman of U.S.B. Holding Co., Inc.  Above: The honorees pose with President Sweeny and Board of Trustees Chair Michael Ambler (right).

The Commencement Address was delivered to the CNR graduates by Dr. Norman C. Francis, President of Xavier University.  Speaking from the podium, Dr. Francis spoke of the strength and richness of diversity, and its importance in overcoming adversity, such as natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina, or issues of racial or religious intolerance. He advised the CNR graduates that they should take their degrees and go out into the world and make a difference with their lives for the betterment of society.

The Benediction was given by Reverend Monsignor Wallace A. Harris, Archdiocese of New York Regional Vicar, Central Harlem
and Pastor, Church of St. Charles Borromeo, New York, NY.

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