Graduating SCCC students, mark your calendars for May 22nd, 2025!
Taking place on the Michael J. Grant campus in Brentwood, New York, Commencement Day is a special moment for all college students. No matter where they begin, whether it be high school, a four-year university or a community college, the sense of being proud of oneself is no different.
Leaving Suffolk, with her head held high is Udya Dewanamuni. Not only was she selected as one of the student speakers on commencement day, but she was also recognized as “Student of the Year.”
“Being named ‘Student of the Year’ is an immense honor. It’s not just a recognition of academic performance; it reflects the journey, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the commitment I’ve made to my community and family. As a non-traditional student, I’ve had to navigate responsibilities beyond the classroom, including working and supporting my loved ones. This award affirms that hard work, heart, and perseverance truly matter” said Dewanamuni.
Having the honor to speak on commencement day, Dewanamuni recognizes the responsibility in having this opportunity. “To me, being a student speaker means representing the collective voice of my peers and their resilience, sacrifices, and triumphs. It’s not just about sharing my journey but also about honoring the diverse paths that brought all of us to this moment. It’s a huge responsibility, and I hope my words reflect the pride and gratitude we all feel on graduation day.”
Dewanamuni also expressed how she never thought she would get the honor to embrace the position of being a student speaker. “When I first started at Suffolk, I was focused on getting through each semester and doing my best academically. I never thought I would be asked to speak at Commencement. Being chosen is both surprising and humbling. It’s an opportunity I never saw coming, but one I’m deeply honored to embrace.”
Commencement day shows the determination, effort and time spent by all students to get where they are: some are surprised that they have made it far when things in their personal lives seemed impossible to overcome. Udya relates to struggles as she has tried to balance both academic and personal life. “There have been many. Balancing school with work and family obligations has been a constant challenge. At times, I doubted whether I could juggle it all. There were moments of burnout, financial stress, and impostor syndrome. But I leaned on my community, stayed disciplined, and reminded myself why I started. Every obstacle taught me resilience and helped me grow stronger,” Udya noted.
Looking back on her academic career at Suffolk overcoming hardships and obstacles, there are many things that will stick with Udya for years to come. “One of the most lasting lessons I’ve learned at SCCC is that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it was leading a campus initiative, applying for a competitive scholarship, or tackling a challenging course, I learned to push through fear and uncertainty. I also gained a deeper appreciation for collaboration and mentorship. SCCC showed me how powerful it can be to surround yourself with people who believe in your potential.”
Udya didn’t just look back into lessons she’s learned throughout her academic career at Suffolk, she also looked back at her favorite memory. “One of my favorite memories is working with my Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) family on service projects and community events. We shared so many meaningful moments: planning, laughing, and growing together. Whether it was helping new students or raising awareness about important causes, those experiences reminded me why I love being part of a team with a shared mission.” Making the learning experience fun and enjoyable is important in order for any student to succeed academically.
Graduating college, students don’t forget to thank the professors who made school fun. That is no different for Udya. “I’ve had the privilege of learning from and being supported by so many incredible people at Suffolk. Professor Sean Tvelia, Dr. Michael England, Dr. Glenda Denicolo, Dr. Scott Gianelli, Ms. Deanna Downs, and all the faculty and staff in the Physical Sciences Department were especially meaningful to me; the Smithtown Science Building truly felt like my second home. I’m also deeply grateful to Dr. Douglas Howard and Dr. Joseph Vollaro, my Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) family, the Mathematics Department, specifically Professor Vera Hu and Professor Krystyna Janicka-Wlodek (Prof: KJW), the College Foundation, the GTFH program, the NSF I-SUCCESS program, and the Honors College. Each of these individuals and communities played a vital role in shaping my experience and helping me grow.” Dewanamuni said.
What’s life like after Suffolk for Dewanamuni? “My next step is transferring to a four-year university, where I’ll continue my studies in Chemical-Biological Engineering. My ultimate goal is to pursue an MD-PhD and become a physician-scientist. I’m passionate about bridging research and clinical practice to improve healthcare outcomes, especially to develop synthetic organs for organ transplants.” Later on in life, Dewanamuni stated how she wanted to finish up with her PhD program.
“In ten years, I hope to be nearing the end of my MD-PhD program and preparing myself to work as a physician-scientist, conducting research and treating patients. I want to be at the intersection of innovation and compassion, applying scientific discoveries to real-world medical challenges. I also hope to mentor students from diverse backgrounds, just as I’ve been mentored at Suffolk.”
