On August 23rd, John Jay held the 2018 New Student Convocation for the incoming class—the largest in the College’s history. The faculty, including President Karol V. Mason and new Provost Yi Li, put on their regalia and welcomed over 600 students in the Gerald W. Lynch Theatre. President Mason shared a story about her mother to explain her commitment to both education and justice. “Back in the 1950s black people were not allowed to teach on Long Island. She had to work as a domestic—cleaning people’s houses—while the NAACP sued on her behalf,” said Mason. “She won that case and later on became one of the first black teachers on Long Island.” The keynote speaker, alumna Heather “The Heat” Hardy (’04) encouraged incoming students to work hard and stay open-minded about where their education might take them. “I graduated from John Jay with a degree in Forensic Psychology at 22. Then I had my daughter, got married, and got a divorce. I never used my degree,” she said. “I started boxing at 28 and it hasn’t been easy. But today I am an Undefeated Professional Boxer and the first woman to box at the Barclay’s Center.” After the ceremony was over everyone headed up to the Jay Walk for food and fun. To learn more about our newest students, we asked them: Why John Jay?
Pedro Patino
“I'm a veteran of the Marine Corps and I'm excited about the environment here because John Jay is very friendly towards veterans. I got a lot of assistance when applying and there were no problems regarding me doing any courses.”
Gilea Sanchez
“I applied to this school because I want to become a court interpreter, and Spanish aid is available here. At John Jay, I can integrate law with Spanish, which is exactly what I want.”
Corey Wong
“John Jay is a really great school. I'm studying Computer Science and I'm thinking about double majoring in Criminal Justice as well. There are a lot of opportunities to make new friends here and I think it's going to be great.”
Gabrielle Mizrahi
“I want to become a detective and I heard that this was the perfect school for that.”
Fidel Lozano
“Since I'm a transfer student from Fordham University, the first question would be why did I transfer? For the cost, this is a really good school. As a potential criminal justice major, I thought about where I could go and study something that relates to my field with an affordable price. The answer was obvious—it was John Jay.”
Naomi Miller
“I was debating about here and a liberal arts school, and figured that John Jay was more specialized with what I want to do. I want to be a lawyer. Every single major here appeals to me, so I'm definitely excited to be here.”
William Vaughn
“Coming from Long Island, I like the city atmosphere and criminal justice is something that I have always been interested in, so I’m glad it worked out this way.”
Tyler Ramlal
“I want to become a judge when I get older. I feel like this school would be able to set me on the right track, send me to law school with a good mindset, and give me the education I need to succeed in that career path.”
Dayanna Uyaguari
“I chose John Jay because I know the record that this college has. It’s an amazing college and is really good for criminal justice, and that’s what I am really interested in.”
Scenes from New Student Convocation
Heather “The Heat” Hardy delivers her keynote address
Student Council Vice President Elza Kochueva speaks to the crowd
A new student puts on her John Jay pin 
The ceremony concludes 
Food and fun on the Jay Walk 
President Mason enjoying the event with students
Students with the Bloodhound Mascot
