The Collegiate
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Mr. Garnell Whitfield Jr. ’74 had the honor of addressing the Class of 2025 as this year’s Commencement speaker. Mr. Whitfield had a distinguished career with the Buffalo Fire Department, including a seven year term as Fire Commissioner. In May 2022, Mr. Whitfield’s mother, Ruth, was one of the innocent victims of the racially motivated mass shooting at the Tops Market in East Buffalo. Since that time, Mr. Whitfield has been a prophetic voice and national advocate against white supremacy and other forms of extremism. He recently ran for Mayor of Buffalo. During his Commencement Address, Mr. Whitfield spoke with the graduates about the foundation that SJCI provided for him: Mr. Garnell Whitfield Jr. ’74 2025 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER “ What I know now is that SJCI provided that same sense of belonging that my parents and faith in God gave me… and I want you to know that it is going to do the same thing for you. “In spite of the days ahead… whatever plans you have, whatever challenges you face, you have something that will forever sustain you - your faith, your family and the Brotherhood that is SJCI. This is the foundation that you will build the rest of your life on… and it is one that is able to carry the load of all of your tomorrows.”
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