Red Hawks Rise as LaGuardia Celebrates Class of 2025 at 53rd Commencement
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY (June 10, 2025) — Over 2,000 graduates will be honored at LaGuardia Community College/CUNY’s 53rd Commencement on Friday, June 20, as the Class of 2025 celebrates earning associate degrees and certificates during a ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. on the Queens College campus quad. Leading up to this milestone, the college’s annual Red Hawks Rising series—named after the college’s spirited mascot, Rebel the Red Hawk—highlights the dedication and achievements of graduating students, including:
Nancy Avila | Associate of Arts, Early Childhood Education
Nancy, 46, is a Colombian immigrant, a mother of four, and an aspiring educator. She will speak at Commencement as a Class of 2025 representative. Nancy started her college journey learning English through the New York City Adult Literacy ESOL Civics Program at LaGuardia, while working as a home attendant. She passed the TOEFL exam (the Test of English as a Foreign Language) and enrolled in college. Nancy credits for providing guidance during a difficult time, helping her stay grounded and motivated. At home, her cat George offered quiet companionship during long nights of study. Having completed her studies at LaGuardia earlier this year, she is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Studies at York College. Nancy plans to pursue a master’s degree in special education. She hopes to support students not only academically, but also by encouraging confidence and self-awareness in the classroom. Read more about Nancy.
Chime Dolkar | Associate of Arts, Psychology
Born in a refugee camp in the Himalayas of Northern Nepal, Chime is the first in her family to attend college. She draws inspiration from the values instilled in her as a child. “As a Tibetan, I grew up with an early understanding of resilience, hard work, and the value of community—shaped by stories my parents and grandparents shared,” she says. Her early education in Kathmandu’s community schools fostered a lifelong commitment to service, inspired by the motto: “Come to learn, go to serve.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her final year of high school, Chime began volunteering at a local quarantine center. That experience sparked a passion for helping others and led to two years working with nonprofits across Nepal and India. In 2023, she made the bold decision to move to the U.S. to pursue a degree in psychology, drawn by her fascination with human behavior and emotional resilience.
At LaGuardia, Chime found a community that felt like home. “When I first visited LaGuardia, something just clicked. I remember seeing a sign that read ‘100+ languages spoken,’ and for the first time in a while, I felt like I truly belonged,” she recalls. The college’s small class sizes and supportive faculty helped her transition back into academic life after a three-year break.
Chime quickly became a campus leader, serving as treasurer of the Student Government Association, working as a peer advisor, and joining the President’s Society. In these roles, she advocated for students, represented the college to donors, and built professional skills. One of those connections led to a transformative internship at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), where she explored the intersection of psychology and art through audience research.
Now preparing to graduate, Chime reflects, “I’m walking away with far more than a degree. I’ve grown, in every sense of the word.” This fall, she will begin pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She’s been accepted to NYU and City College and is currently weighing the academic opportunities and financial support offered by each institution.
Jessica Gallegos | Associate of Applied Science, Music Recording Technology
Jessica, known as Jessie to friends and family, is a first-generation college student originally from Arizona, now living in Brooklyn. Once unsure of her academic potential, she credits LaGuardia Community College with helping her find her voice and confidence.
Drawn to LaGuardia for its affordability and unique Music Recording Technology (MRT) program, Jessie discovered far more than she expected: a transformative, hands-on education and a deeply supportive community. “I’ve always loved music, but what made LaGuardia special was the MRT faculty,” she says. “Professors like Brooks, Candelas, Moyer, Salvati, and Neuner weren’t just experts—they were incredibly encouraging.” She also found a second home in the MRT Club and lab, which played a key role in her success as she balanced full-time work and full-time studies.
Mentorship from faculty helped Jessie along her journey. Professor Kimberly Ramirez (English) helped her rediscover her writing voice, while Dr. Monika Ekiert (Education and Language Acquisition) inspired her through an honors course that affirmed her place in higher education.
Graduating with a 3.74 GPA, Jessie was recently awarded the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. “Jack Kent Cooke has been amazing and supportive. Winning this scholarship has been a dream come true, and I am grateful to them for seeing my potential and giving me an opportunity to pursue a debt free education,” says Jessie. She’s been accepted to Columbia University and Long Island University, where she plans to major in music or music recording technology. Her dream: to become a music producer and sound engineer.
“I hope to be the first woman to win a Grammy for Producer of the Year—Non-Classical,” says Jessie. Read more about Jessica.
Christian Germain | Associate of Science, Computer Science
Christian, 25, originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, is the first in his family to pursue a college degree in the United States. This fall he will transfer to Georgetown University, where he received a generous financial aid package to continue his studies. Christian’s acceptance to Georgetown was bolstered by a nomination from LaGuardia faculty and staff through the Transfer Engagement Initiative, qualifying him for Georgetown’s Preferred Consideration Program—an opportunity reserved for outstanding community college students with a minimum 3.8 GPA.
Christian is proud to be completing his studies at LaGuardia, where he was an ASAP (Accelerated Study in Associate Programs) student and a Foundation Scholar, and has been accepted into a prestigious four-year college, particularly after balancing full-time work and school. “In my first semester, I had to quit my job because it conflicted with my classes. By my second semester, I was working full-time overnight shifts to support myself and help my mother back home. Many days, I went 24 hours without sleep,” he says. “I would turn to prayer and remind myself why I started (going to college)—to build a better future and make my family proud. That sense of purpose keeps me going.”
Christian aspires to become a software engineer focused on using technology to solve real-world problems. “Growing up in Haiti, I saw how limited access to healthcare, education, and safety can hold people back. I want to build tools that bring real value to underserved communities and help improve lives.”
Rajwant Kaur | Associate of Science, Computer Science
Rajwant, 32, who was born and raised in India, credits LaGuardia for helping her discover a passion for cybersecurity. She is currently conducting research with Professor Doyel Pal through the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) and has taken full advantage of opportunities like tech bootcamps, internships through the SOAR Experiential Learning Program, and Q-STEM, and NASA National Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) Missions. At LaGuardia’s 8th Annual Undergraduate Research Day, Rajwant earned third place and the Student’s Choice Award for her project, Exploring Prompt Injection: A Study of Prompt Manipulation Techniques and Defense Strategies.
This summer, Rajwant will travel to South Korea as a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar, a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Rajwant, who was born and raised in India, says she is motivated by her 13-year-old son. “Balancing motherhood and college has not been easy,” she reflects, “but my son is my biggest inspiration. He pushes me to work hard and succeed—for both of our futures.” She aspires to develop a career as a cybersecurity analyst; this fall she will transfer to John Jay College to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and computer science. Read more about Rajwant.
Snigdha Laxme | Associate of Science, Environmental Science: Sustainable Urban Agriculture
Snigdha, 19, a Bangladesh native who moved to NYC at age 10, is graduating with a 4.0 GPA. This fall, she will begin her studies at Cornell University, towards a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, with a financial aid package covering tuition, room, and board. She credits LaGuardia for giving her the tools to cultivate a career in sustainable agriculture. Currently, Snigdha is working on a research project with Dr. Preethi Radhakrishnan, co-director of LaGuardia’s Environmental Science Program, supported by USDA’s NextGen program. Looking ahead to her future career, Snigdha has her sights set on becoming an agricultural researcher. “I’m still exploring all the opportunities in this field,” she said. “I really enjoyed my soil science course at LaGuardia and hope to do future research on soil and plant productivity. Soil is the most vital resource we have.” Read more about Snigdha.
Jonathan Machado | Associate of Science, Biotechnology
Jonathan will speak at Commencement as a Class of 2025 representative. Before enrolling at LaGuardia in 2023, Jonathan, 33, worked as a professional chef in kitchens across New York City. After losing his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jonathan decided to trade his chef’s coat for a lab coat. At LaGuardia, Jonathan joined the ASAP program and connected with the Office of Accessibility for personalized academic support. He took advantage of research opportunities at LaGuardia, collaborating with infectious disease expert Dr. Richa Gupta (Natural Sciences) as a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Bridges to the Baccalaureate Scholar. In summer 2024, Jonathan completed an internship at Columbia University’s Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, made possible through a partnership with LaGuardia. This fall, Jonathan will begin pursuing his bachelor’s degree in bioinformatics at Hunter College. “LaGuardia gave me a second chance,” Jonathan says. “It helped me discover who I am and what I want to do next.” Read more about Jonathan.
Sujal Mahaseth | Associate of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Sujal, a 20-year-old international student from Nepal, is the first in his family to pursue a college degree. Driven by a passion for engineering, he came to the U.S. on an F-1 visa to pursue his dream. He found a welcoming and supportive community at LaGuardia, drawn in part by its vibrant Nepali student population—one of the largest in New York City.
At LaGuardia, Sujal immersed himself in leadership and service. He served as President of the Nepali Student Association, a Peer Advisor in the Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science Department, and a President’s Society Ambassador. He also conducted tensile research through the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) under Dr. Yves Ngabonziza, Professor of Engineering. In summer 2024, Sujal interned with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY, through CUNY Career Launch—a hybrid experience that deepened his interest in aerospace innovation. Recently, he participated in the NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience (NPWEE) Academy, which “solidified my passion for aerospace engineering and gave me the clarity and confidence to pursue it wholeheartedly,” Sujal says.
Choosing to live independently in Queens while studying at LaGuardia, Sujal is grateful for the support he’s received from the college—including Foundation scholarships, emergency grants, and groceries from the LaGuardia CARES food pantry. He credits his father’s unwavering support as a steady source of strength and inspiration. “We talk daily,” says Sujal. “He’s proud that I’m graduating with a 3.8 GPA and plan to transfer to City College or another highly selective university.” Sujal is focused on creating a career in the aerospace industry, working with the U.S. Air Force or with top companies like Boeing or Lockheed Martin.” Read more about Sujal.
Miguel Posada Perez | Associate of Science, Mechanical Engineering
At 19, Miguel moved from Colombia to the U.S. with a dream of pursuing higher education. He worked 65 hours a week across three jobs, saving for college. In Spring 2020, he enrolled at LaGuardia as a pre-health major—just as the pandemic began. Almost immediately, he was laid off from his jobs and began teaching music lessons online to stay afloat as his savings dwindled.
Navigating remote classes in a new country, in a new language, and without a computer was overwhelming. The combination of financial strain and an isolating online learning experience led Miguel to pause his studies. He earned a medical assistant certification and worked in patient care throughout the pandemic. “That time gave me clarity,” he says. “Seeing the life-saving impact of medical devices inspired me to understand how they work—and eventually, to design them.” With a renewed sense of purpose, he returned to LaGuardia as an engineering major.
But another challenge soon followed. During his second semester back, Miguel experienced a severe allergic reaction and was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome—a rare, life-threatening immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. While managing unpredictable symptoms and medication side effects, Miguel continued his studies, worked as a Natural Sciences tutor, and held an NIH Bridges scholarship. “It was exhausting,” he recalls. “I had to drop Calculus III because the academic pressure affected my health. I’m proud to say that I retook it the next term and earned an A.”
Now graduating with a 3.76 GPA, Miguel is a 2025 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholar. He has been accepted to NYU, University of Virginia, Stony Brook, Binghamton, Buffalo, and the University of Rochester, and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. His long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. and contribute to interdisciplinary research in biomedical, environmental, and power systems engineering.
Reflecting on his time at LaGuardia, Miguel credits the Natural Sciences Tutoring Center for strengthening his STEM foundation, and the President’s Society for providing a sense of community and valuable professional development. “The NIH Bridges scholarship relieved economic strain and increased my academic commitment,” says Miguel, now 25. “Most importantly, I’ve learned to prioritize my health and recognize that everyone’s journey is nonlinear. By organizing my schedule to prevent burnout, I’ve preserved the passion that drives me — a deep curiosity and commitment to learning that continues to push me forward.” Read more about Miguel.
Adriana Rampershad | Associate of Arts, Psychology
Adriana, 20, grew up in a multicultural household in Richmond Hill, Queens, with Hispanic and Indian roots. She left high school early to support her family during a difficult time, later earning her GED and enrolling at LaGuardia. While initially uncertain about her academic direction, Adriana developed a strong interest in psychology—an interest that deepened after the loss of her older sister to substance abuse in 2022.
At LaGuardia, Adriana found meaningful support through ASAP and the Wellness Center. She became actively involved in the CUNY Research Scholars Program (CRSP) and the Student Experiences Research Group (SERG), where she worked closely with Dr. Lara Beaty to research student development and adversity. Her recent project, presented at the 2025 Undergraduate Research Day, examined how parental relationships influence college success, based on a survey designed and conducted by current members of SERG.
Looking ahead, Adriana, who is graduating with a 4.0 GPA, plans to pursue a career in behavioral neuroscience. This fall, she will begin working towards a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Queens College. Adriana hopes to make a positive impact both professionally and within her family, especially as a role model for her sister’s children. She encourages new students to ask questions and engage in research, noting how these experiences helped her grow. “Through SERG,” she reflects, “I learned to speak better in public, analyze data, run a study, prepare presentations for research conferences, and much more. Most importantly, I made friends, found a community, and learned a lot about myself.”
Tabia Tarannum | Associate of Science, Biology
Tabia, 20, originally from Sylhet, Bangladesh, will begin her bachelor’s studies this fall at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Covenant Scholar. It’s a highly competitive program that supports high-achieving, low-income students by ensuring financial need is never a barrier to success. As part of this program, Tabia will receive additional academic and personal support throughout her time at UNC.
Her academic journey is further distinguished by two nationally competitive honors: the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship and the Kaplan Leadership Fellowship. Tabia plans to major in biology and pursue an MD-PhD in anesthesiology, with the goal of conducting biomedical research that advances healthcare equity in underserved communities.
Tabia began her college journey at LaGuardia Community College in 2023, shortly after moving to the U.S. “As a first-generation college student new to the American education system, I initially found it challenging to navigate,” she shares. “But LaGuardia’s resources and supportive environment helped me adjust and thrive.” She credits faculty mentors Dr. Ingrid Veras (Biology) and Dr. Sorin Radu Cucu (English) for their guidance and encouragement.
“As a biology major, it might seem unusual that one of my most impactful mentors is an English professor—but that’s what made it meaningful. I met Professor Sorin Radu Cucu in my first semester in ENA101, when I was still learning to write in English. His encouragement transformed my confidence. He didn’t just understand my writing—he understood my journey. His belief in me helped shape my Jack Kent Cooke application,” says Tabia, who is graduating with a 3.9 GPA. “I used to doubt my writing constantly—until he told me, ‘You’re going to be a doctor. You have to be confident.’ That moment stayed with me. Today, my writing is a source of pride—my honors capstone is being published in LaGuardia’s Honors Journal and is used as a model in Cell Biology.” Read more about Tabia.
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LaGuardia Community College (LAGCC), a Hispanic-Serving Institution, located in Long Island City, Queens offers more than 50 associate degrees and academic certificates, and more than 65 continuing education programs to prepare New Yorkers for transfer to senior colleges and rewarding jobs and careers. An institution of the City University of New York (CUNY), the College reflects the legacy of our namesake, Fiorello H. LaGuardia, the former NYC mayor beloved for his advocacy of the underserved. Since 1971, LaGuardia’s academic programs and support services have advanced the socioeconomic mobility of students from Queens, NYC and beyond.
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