On May 7th, the top students of Vaughn College’s class of 2025 gathered in the main lobby to have their hard work commended by faculty, staff, family and friends in attendance. Dr. Paul LaVergne began the event with opening remarks, which were followed by welcoming words from President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo. Jennifer Aument, chief executive officer of the New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport, delivered the convocation address.  

“There is no limit to what you can achieve. There are only broader horizons than what you can see sitting in your chair right now,” encouraged Aument as she addressed the graduates. 

Mechanical Engineering major Karla Gutierrez ’25 served as the student speaker and delivered an inspiring speech about coming to Vaughn as an international student, overcoming obstacles and finding a community amongst her peers. The Bessie Coleman award was presented to Gutierrez, for being a female graduate in an aviation related field with a grade point average of 3.5 or above who has made significant contributions to the College.  

Departmental awards were distributed to students who excelled in aviation, engineering, management and technology with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Awards were also given to students who were leaders, athletes or veterans in addition to succeeding academically.  

Convocation closed with the presentation of honor cords to the students graduating with cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude status.