Brookdale Celebrates First Graduating Class of Center for Adult Transition

The sounds of “On Top of the World” filled the room as graduates entered to applause from family members, friends, faculty, staff, and Brookdale Community College leaders. The song was a fitting choice for a milestone celebration honoring the first class to complete the two-year certificate program through Brookdale’s Center for Adult Transition (CAT).

The graduation marked both an ending and a beginning for the students, who spent the past two years building skills, discovering their strengths, gaining confidence, developing friendships, and becoming an important part of the Brookdale community.

Throughout the program, the graduates embraced new experiences with determination, resilience, humor, and a willingness to try, adapt, and grow. They participated in hands-on projects, volunteered on campus and throughout the community, explored employment opportunities, and developed greater independence while supporting one another along the way.

“As the first class to complete the two-year certificate program at the Center for Adult Transition, I want you to know that you have inspired us, and you have helped shape what this program can become,” said Noreen Kane Director of Community Outreach & Lifelong Learning. “We are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Brookdale President Dr. David M. Stout congratulated the graduates and reflected on the courage it took to be the first students to embark on the new program.

“One of the things we say in our vision is that we envision a future of educational opportunity for all,” Stout said. “I think this is one of the best examples that we have where we are truly a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone.”

Stout compared the CAT community to mangrove trees, whose roots intertwine beneath the ground, connecting with the roots of neighboring trees and helping them stand strong and flourish together. In much the same way, he said, the graduates reached this milestone through their own hard work while also drawing strength from one another and from the network of faculty, staff, families, friends, mentors, and supporters who encouraged them along the way.

“You have all supported each other through this program,” Stout said, before asking the graduates to turn and recognize the family members and friends who had supported them throughout their journey.

Brookdale Provost & Vice President, Academic Affairs Dr. Katie Lynch encouraged the graduates to think about the meaning of graduation itself, explaining that its origins relate to taking a “step.”

“You’ve reached the top of the steps,” Lynch said. “It doesn’t matter how long it took you.” She encouraged the students to look back at who they were when they began the program and recognize how much they had changed and grown along the way.

Celebrating Each Graduate

The heart of the evening came as each member of the inaugural class was individually recognized, with faculty sharing the qualities, accomplishments, interests, and aspirations that made each graduate special.

Among the graduates were students who had earned medals in Special Olympics swimming, bowling, and track; volunteered with organizations including Lunch Break and Rescue Ridge Animal Rescue; explored their talents through gardening, theater, art, dance, and music; and gained valuable workplace experience.

Some discovered an interest in working with children through volunteer experiences, while others developed goals of working in garden centers, theaters, dining services, and other community settings. One graduate became a champion in a Brookdale esports tournament, while another developed such an impressive knowledge of gardening and horticulture that his classroom notebook was described as a potential “manual” for the subject.

Together, their accomplishments reflected what CAT is designed to foster: confidence, independence, workplace readiness, community involvement, and the opportunity for each student to discover and pursue their individual strengths.

The ceremony also recognized a member of the graduating class who was unable to attend, ensuring that every student who had completed the two-year journey was celebrated.

A Community Built Together

The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks to the CAT faculty and staff for their commitment, perseverance, and care, as well as to Brookdale administrators and leadership for creating an environment where the program could grow and thrive.

Families were also recognized for the essential role they played in supporting the students and trusting Brookdale to be part of their journey.

The graduates leave behind more than memories. As Brookdale’s inaugural two-year CAT class, they helped establish a foundation for the students who will follow them and demonstrated what is possible when education, opportunity, support, and inclusion come together.

For more information about Brookdale’s Center for Adult Transition, visit the CAT website.