Heather Dachiu planned to celebrate her graduation from York College in the most York countian way she could think of: by having lunch at Round the Clock Diner.

Dachiu was among nearly 300 students who accepted their diplomas Wednesday as the December 2014 graduating class. Armed with her bachelor of science in early childhood and special education, Dachiu was sad to leave behind the life she'd built on campus.

"I've been replaying my whole college experience all day," she said, waiting to enter the Grumbacher Sports and Fitness Center to say goodbye to classmates, faculty and the York College campus.

Katherine Agostini, who received her bachelor of science in behavioral sciences, had 14 family members waiting to watch her walk across the stage to accept her diploma.

"It sounds silly, but I'm really going to miss the faculty," she said. "Each one made it possible for me to even be here today."

The ceremony was filled with tearful goodbyes and triumphant dances as students recalled the past four or more years they spent at the college.

Student speaker, Anastasia Moore, who received her bachelor of arts in public relations, delivered a humorous speech that told the story of her interactions with her York College family.

She remembered the first time she was introduced to campus life, on a hot August day when her parents packed the car with items she said she would never use.

When they kissed her goodbye, Moore was given advice that only a mother can provide: "Don't come home stupid."

The next four years of her college education would be filled with weekends at Yorktown Pizzeria, a staple of the York College student diet. The establishment closed, leaving empty stomachs and fond memories behind, Moore said.

Originally posted here:
York College students say goodbye to students, faculty and campus life