Molloy College graduation ceremony honors retiring Robert Houlihan

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Over 1,200 graduates received their diplomas from Molloy College at Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on May 20 while celebrating the career of retiring Vice President for Student Affairs Robert Houlihan.

Molloy conferred 1,210 degrees at the commencement ceremony. Of the 2017 class, 768 were undergraduates, 432 received their graduate degrees and 10 earned doctoral degrees.

Houlihan is stepping down after serving the Molloy community for 36 years. He began as the school’s softball coach in 1980 and later took over the women’s basketball program. He became the athletic director in 1998 and the Vice President for Student Affairs three years later.

Houlihan imparted many important life lessons during his address to the graduates. He touched on failure, success and happiness and stressed the importance of hard work and having a good attitude. The most memorable portion of the address came as the speech turned to love.

“I believe that love is important in life,” he said. “Do your family and friends know that you love them? Graduates, stand up, turn around and tell the people who are here today on this special day that you love them.”

Molloy added four men’s and five women’s sports teams during Houlihan’s tenure. He created the student life program, which currently consists of over 50 clubs, and he was a key force behind the college’s first two residence halls.

“Molloy has undergone significant transformation in the last 20 years, and no one is more responsible for our growth than Bob Houlihan,” said Molloy President Dr. Drew Bogner. “Additionally, the positive effect he has had on literally thousands of students during his time here is immeasurable.”

The valedictorian was Joanna Verde of New Hyde Park, who received her bachelor’s degree in childhood education. Speaking at a ceremony two days before the commencement, Verde challenged her fellow graduates to strive for success and a better world.

Quoting “Oh The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss, Verde said, “You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way. It is now our time to climb our new mountain and use what we have learned to make the world a better place.”  

Another New Hyde Park resident, salutatorian Eve Kaczmarczyk, received a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in English. She left her peers with a message of inspiration and passion.

“Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something,” she said. “Do not be afraid to dream. Find your passion if you haven’t already. Create a goal and set forth to achieve it. Take what sets your soul on fire and let it burn. Watch the flames rise, lighting even your darkest nights. Never lose that spark.”