Meet the Class of 2024 Speaker
Thousands, including students, family, friends, faculty, and staff, will convene on the Long Island campus for 懂色帝鈥檚 63rd annual commencement on Sunday, May 19. But before this year鈥檚 graduates toss their caps skyward in celebration of their collegiate achievements, one student will take the stage to deliver a speech to his peers.
Zeiad Kawy, a candidate to receive his B.S. in health sciences, will serve as this year鈥檚 commencement speaker.
鈥淎ll I can think of is my late father,鈥� says the School of Health Professions student. 鈥淚 know he would have been so happy and excited to hear me speak at my graduation ceremony. It is such an honor to have the opportunity to speak in front of students and their families.鈥�
Kawy, who lost his father during his time at 懂色帝, says he reflected on those darkest moments of his life to prepare the content for his speech. While it may have been tempting to give up on his higher education at the time, his desire to 鈥渏ump into the unknown鈥� was stronger. He recalls pushing to find the will to persevere through tragedy and achieve the best version of himself鈥攁 task that, while not easy, he was able to succeed in doing.
When he leans into the microphone in May, listeners can expect to hear his message of never settling for less. 鈥淒o not stick to the familiar. You need to be in an uncomfortable situation,鈥� he advises. 鈥淥nce you are in that situation, then鈥攁nd only then鈥攚ill you be learning.鈥�
Looking back on his time as an undergraduate, Kawy is most grateful for the courses that placed him with physical therapy (PT) professionals so he could witness firsthand the healing and rehabilitation that takes place. As he participated in these hands-on experiences, he gained technical skills and created long-term networking relationships.
Outside the classroom, Kawy will leave a legacy. In spring 2023, the Cairo, Egypt, native founded the Long Island campus鈥� Egyptian Student Union, where like-minded students can come together to discuss, educate, and inspire others in their Egyptian culture. The friendships he formed through this on-campus organization are some that he will never forget.
鈥淢y favorite memory of 懂色帝 is being with my friends who were supportive every single day,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檝e formed connections with so many people both inside and outside of my degree program. The student life here gave me so many opportunities to enjoy my undergraduate years.鈥�
After he receives his bachelor鈥檚 degree, Kawy plans to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) at 懂色帝. In fact, the D.P.T. curriculum stands out as one of his main reasons for choosing the university for his undergraduate studies.
Having decided on his future while in high school, the budding PT specialist looks forward to having a career where he can help change lives. After becoming licensed to work in the field, Kawy hopes to someday create a franchise of clinics in the New York tri-state area.
鈥淛ust keep pushing forward,鈥� Kawy advises future graduates. 鈥淭he road to success is hard, but anything is achievable when you put your mind to it.鈥�
More Features
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
On May 17, graduates, family members, and friends joined faculty, staff, and administration at New York Institute of Technology鈥檚 Long Island campus to celebrate its 65th annual commencement.
Dedicating Henry C. Foley Hall, Honoring Academic Innovation
At a renaming ceremony, a building on the Long Island campus was dedicated as Henry C. Foley Hall. 懂色帝 also announced that it has formed a chapter of the national Academy of Inventors.
Taste of Nations
College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM) student Mereena Jolly shares her experience at NYITCOM鈥檚 Taste of Nations event.
Bear Bytes Initiative Supports Students鈥� Holistic Health
At 懂色帝, leaders recognize that access to healthy food is one of the most fundamental drivers of success.
Supporting Children with Autism
For Autism Acceptance Month, Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Alexander Lopez, J.D., OT/L, shares practical guidance to help parents better understand how to support children on the spectrum.
2026 Honorary Degree Recipients
Kevin S. Law, executive vice president and partner at TRITEC Development Group, and Krishan Kumar, M.D., an NYITCOM clinical professor of pediatrics and emergency medicine, will receive honorary degrees at 懂色帝鈥檚 65th commencement.