In three separate ceremonies on Thursday, June 5, President Stephen Jerome conferred more than 2,700 college degrees at Monroe College’s 75th Anniversary Commencement. Held at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Jerome presented graduates with 101 MBA degrees, 1,110 Bachelor’s degrees, 1,475 Associate degrees, and 18 Nursing certificates, making the 2008 graduating class the largest in the college’s history.

The keynote addresses were delivered by Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, New York State Education Department Sr. Deputy Commissioner Johanna Duncan-Poitier, and New York City Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott.

Norwood resident Stacy Cruickshank was named valedictorian last month for the New York City College of Technology’s (City Tech) 2007-2008 school year.

More than 2,000 graduate and undergraduate students representing 135 nations celebrated Lehman College’s 40th Commencement on May 29. At the ceremonies, guest speaker Antiguan Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Affairs Bertrand Joseph urged the graduates to "go forth and make a positive difference in the world." Joseph, a Lehman alum, received an honorary doctorate.

Raucous cheering could be heard outside PS 246 from a block away in every direction last Friday when a boisterous crowd gathered behind the school to celebrate the Grand Concourse school’s undefeated co-ed softball team.

Michelle Parks wants to open the only roller skating rink in the Bronx, which would be a boon for borough boys and girls who often lack venues for organized sports. But the 40-year-old from Parkchester did not know how to start a line of credit or how to apply for loans.

Which is why Parks was one of more than 100 prospective and current north Bronx business owners who attended the third annual North Bronx Economic Development Summit on June 19.

Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión, Jr. and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer gathered last week on the University Heights Bridge, high above the Harlem River, to celebrate the structure’s 100th birthday and announce the start of Bronx Week.

A single mom raising two daughters in University Heights is now in fear for her life after unknowingly moving into a former drug den. She only learned of the apartment’s checkered history after someone fired four shots through her second-floor window.

Community activist and University Heights resident Haile Rivera has decided to press the pause button on his run for City Council to work full time on the presidential campaign of Democratic presidential nominee Barrack Obama.

It looks like help may be on the way for some Bronx homeowners facing foreclosure, following a rare, effective compromise between the Republican-controlled Senate and Democratic-controlled Assembly.