Molloy Commencement Returning To Jones Beach, University Announces

WANTAGH, NY — Beach season is fast approaching for Long Islanders, and while questions may abound about the best place to build up a base layer on Memorial Day Weekend, one Rockville Centre school has already made its decision: Molloy University, with its graduating class of over 1,000 students across various degrees, will be holding its commencement ceremony at the Northwell at Jones Beach Theater in Wantagh, the school announced Monday.

The Molloy commencement will take place Monday, May 18, at 1 p.m., the school said. During the proceedings 703 students will receive bachelors’ degrees, 295 will receive a masters and 30 will receive doctorates and other degrees.

Before they get those degrees, however, they’ll be treated to a commencement address from Jo Napolitano, a veteran of the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune who most recently authored a book about refugee children seeking to find education in the United States, titled “The School I Deserve: Six Young Refugees and Their Fight for Equality in America.”

For Molloy officials, the chance to have Napolitano along as the commencement speaker is one that’ll provide students with valuable wisdom as they prepare to embark on the next chapter in their lives.

“Jo’s reporting has brought national attention to barriers facing immigrant and underserved students, shaping conversations on educational access and driving policy changes that have expanded school opportunities across multiple states and cities,” Molloy President Dr. James P. Lentini said. “We look forward to the wisdom and insight she will impart to our graduates.”

In the ceremony overlooking the Great South Bay, Napolitano will receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters “in recognition of her impact on education and social justice,” officials said, while a pair of Long Island natives will be honored as the valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2026: East Rockaway’s Isabella Schaefer and Hicksville’s Grace Wilson, who were named first and second in their class, respectively.

For leadership at Molloy, the duo are outstanding examples of values like academic excellence, leadership and commitment to community.

“Isabella and Grace represent the very best of Molloy University,” Provost and VP for Academic Affairs Dr. Michelle Piskulich said. “Together, they embody the spirit of service and purpose that defines Molloy University and will undoubtedly inspire our graduates as they step forward into lives of impact and meaning.”

Schaefer has spent the past four years as an honors student, majoring in biology education and minoring in physical science and earth science. According to district officials, she plans to teach in a high-need school district after graduation, and has served as a peer mentor, head orientation leader and student body president during her time at Molloy.

Meanwhile, Wilson has been an interdisciplinary studies major in the School of Arts and Sciences. Molloy officials said she is involved in Phi Sigma Tau Honor Society, the Honors Advisory Council, campus ministries and the Appalachia project.