JAMAICA, NY --- (www.YORKATHLETICS.com) With the commencement ceremony set for June 1 at UBS Arena, York College Athletics honors its Summer 2022, Winter 2022 and Spring 2023 Class of graduates with its annual student-athlete Graduate Salute. The Class of 2023 will celebrate 34 Cardinal student-athletes for their accomplishments at York.  

The accolades of the student-athletes are impressive in the classroom, the various arenas of play, and the community. We congratulate our new Cardinal alumni and are proud of our student-athletes who received their degrees from York.

Cardinals reflect on their time at York…
Taylor Bellmon (Women's Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field

"York has given me a look at a brighter future. York has taught me that time management is what is going to help you succeed not only within academics, but in sports and in everyday life."

Keyla Cabrera (Women's Basketball)

Being at York has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone. It's given me the opportunity to step into new roles and make the most of them. It's allowed me to meet some great people, that have supported me all the way through my degree. York has also given me a second family that has accepted me for who I was. It's provided me a home where I was able to grow show off my talents.

Devine Chisholm (Men's Basketball)

"York has given me endless memories, opportunities, and teammates and friends that have turned into Family. And for that, I am forever grateful."

Mac-Dege Dessources (Women's Basketball)

"It means so much to me.  Every time I look at my degree, I see my York family."

Ricardo Dorcil (Men's Soccer)

"Receiving a degree from York means everything to me.  It symbolizes all my hard work throughout the years I spent there."

Mellony Francis (Women's Basketball)

"Being a student-athlete increased my ability to focus on my studies more efficiently, and challenged me to push harder, practice on weakness, and turn them into strengths."

Ellma Hodzic (Women's Basketball)

"York gave me a second family that I needed. The memories will never be forgotten. I have met amazing people and built so many relationships. I would not trade it for the world. I have achieved things most people could not do and that was because of the people that were supporting me here at York."  

Kadine King (Women's Tennis)

"During my time here as a student, York has given me the confidence and motivation to push myself further in my endeavors."

Anita Okoye (Women's Softball, Swimming, Track & Field)

"Being a student-athlete for most of my time at York was a great experience. I met so many talented athletes, made new friendships and it was amazing to see everyone grow and improve as time went on. I learned to be a good team player and have good time management, which are both skills that follow you through life. I wish the best for the rest of the graduating class and hope life takes you where you want to go."

Destiny Scott (Women's Cross Country, Track & Field)

"York has given me resources to participate in many programs (like interning in Albany), and allowing me to be a step ahead once I graduate."  

Shanice Welcome (Women's Swimming)

"York has given me diversity ,knowledge and companionship."

 Summer 2022 / Winter 2022 / Spring 2023 Student-Athlete Graduates

• Doston Abdigaffarov (Men's Soccer) l Accounting (Major)
• Favor Anikwue (Cross Country) l (Health Science)
• Nicholas Bailey (Men's Swimming) l Art Studio (Major)
• Taylor Bellmon (Women's Basketball, Cross Country, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field) l Movement Science (Major)
• Keyla Cabrera (Women's  Basketball) l Movement Science (Major)
• Erica Caguana (Women's Swimming) l Business Administration (Major)
• Devine Chisholm (Men's Basketball) l Journalism (Major), Communications Technology (Minor)
• Hillary Deane (Cheerleading) l Health Science (Major)
• Mac-Dege Dessources (Women's Basketball) l Journalism (Major), Black Studies (Minor)
• Ricardo Dorcil (Men's Soccer) l Movement Science (Major)
• Jaquan Eleazard (Men's Swimming) l Accounting (Major), 
• Mellony Francis (Women's Basketball) l Movement Science (Major), Health Education (Minor)
• Ellma Hodzic (Women's Basketball) l Movement Science (Major)
• Naphtalie Jean-Baptiste (Women's Swimming) l Psychology (Major)
• Kadine King (Women's Tennis) l Accounting (Major)
• Mambe Kouressi (Men's Basketball, Volleyball) l Movement Science (Major)
• Kayla McLaughlin (Women's Softball, Track & Field) l Community Health Education (Major)
• Emmaly Merced (Women's Cross Country, Track & Field) l Music (Major), Psychology (Minor)
• Mary Meshanski (Women's Basketball, Soccer) l Movement Science (Major)
• Sarah Metellus (Women's Track & Field) l Movement Science (Major)
• Lizbeth Nuñez (Women's Basketball) l Physical Education (Major)
• Djelili Okoro (Men's Cross Country, Soccer, Track & Field) l Clinical Trials Management (Major)
• Anita Okoye (Women's Softball, Swimming, Track & Field) l Nursing (Major)
• Chelsea Omari (Cheerleading) l Health Science (Major)
• Abeni Osborne (Women's Soccer) l Interdisciplinary Studies (Major)
• Midaelle Phanor (Women's Swimming) l Biology (Major)
• Luis Portorreal (Men's Tennis) l Information Systems Management (Major)
• Valentina Pozo (Softball) l Psychology (Major)
• Kiara Presume (Women's Track & Field) l Interdisciplinary Studies/Teacher Education (Major)
• Monica Rodriguez (Women's Cross Country, Track & Field) l Political Science (Major)
• Aminata Sagna (Women's Basketball) l Movement Science (Major)
• Destiny Scott (Women's Cross Country, Track & Field) l Journalism (Major), Political Science (Minor) 
• Kristina Sierra (Women's Basketball) l Journalism (Major)
• Shanice Welcome (Women's Swimming) l Physical Education (Major)

We look forward to remaining close with our York alumni and welcome them back to campus with open arms whenever they can visit campus or support the Cardinals on the road.  

Commencement will be streamed live via Facebook, Twiiter and YouTube.

To learn more about commencement, please visit york.cuny.edu/commencement.

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