Commencement 2026 – Harpur College ceremonies
Harpur College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« and the largest and most diverse academic community on campus. Its commitment to inclusive learning, global awareness, and social responsibility aligns deeply with the mission of EOP.
This year, EOP students and alumni were proudly represented across Harpur College’s commencement celebrations. From student speakers to alumni recognition, their presence reflected the excellence, leadership, and impact of the EOP community.
Shareema Gadson-Shaw '96 receives 2026 Harpur College Alumni Award
For more than 20 years, she has served as a leader with the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, shaping legal advocates across the United States and Africa as a program director, team leader, and national faculty member. Her innovative teaching earned her recognition as one of NITA’s Next Generation Faculty, and in 2025, she was peer-nominated for the organization’s Honorable Prentice H. Marshall Faculty Award in recognition of her far-reaching impact on trial advocacy education.
Her teaching career has included adjunct roles at Hofstra Law and the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, along with lectures at New York University, the University of Arkansas, and Penn State University. She has also trained labor leaders nationwide through Matthews & Matthews Global Trainers.
Gadson-Shaw’s legal career spans more than two decades of public service and litigation leadership, including roles as an assistant district attorney in the Bronx, senior litigation attorney for the New York City Department of Education, and special counsel in the New York State Governor’s Office, where she worked to combat waste, fraud, and abuse. She currently serves as deputy bureau chief of recruitment and retention in the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, where she leads internship programming and retention strategy.
Originally from Brooklyn, Gadson-Shaw has remained deeply connected to ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« University, serving for more than 10 years on the Harpur College Law Council. She is also a founding member of the Sterling Johnson Chapter of the National Black Prosecutors Association and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Her career reflects the very best of EOP: excellence, service, advocacy, mentorship, and a lifelong commitment to opening doors for others.
Mahzuba Romami Maliha selected as 2026 Harpur College Student Speaker
ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« EOP proudly celebrates Mahzuba Romami Maliha, who earned her bachelor of science in financial economics and was selected as the 2026 Harpur College of Arts and Sciences Student Speaker for Harpur College Commencement Ceremony two.
Her accolades also include serving as the chief financial officer for JUMP Nation and the projects coordinator for the Student Association. She plans to pursue a career in real estate or investment banking. Her speech gave voice for transformation and encouraged her peers to "build a future that they cannot wait to wake up to."
Maliha’s academic achievement, leadership, and the powerful voice she brought to one of the University’s most meaningful celebrations is a testament to her determination in recovering from cancer. As she addressed her fellow graduates, families, faculty, and campus leaders, Maliha represented the excellence, promise, and determination of the EOP community.
Her selection as student speaker is a proud reminder of the impact EOP students continue to make across ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« and beyond.
Jocelyn Ghanney selected as 2026 Harpur College Student Speaker
ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« EOP proudly celebrates Jocelyn Ghanney, who earned a bachelor of science in biological sciences and global public health from Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, as well as a bachelor of science in human development from the College of Community and Public Affairs.
Ghanney was selected as the 2026 Harpur College of Arts and Sciences Student Speaker for Harpur College Commencement Ceremony three. Her speech centered around the necessity of community, perseverance, and growth through discomfort.
This recognition reflects Ghanney’s academic excellence, interdisciplinary curiosity, leadership, and commitment to serving communities through health, science, and human development. As she addressed her fellow graduates, families, faculty, and campus leaders, Ghanney talked about the importance of showing up, that having community is actually practicing strength, and that we are stronger together than we are alone.
Her selection as student speaker is a powerful reminder that EOP students continue to lead, inspire, and leave their mark across ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ«.