Prison Education Program Celebrates First Graduation

Graduate Roy Burvick chats with NYU President Andrew Hamilton. This is the first graduation for NYU's Prison Education Program.

Graduate Khalan Pendelton meets NYU President Andrew Hamilton. The program offers credit-bearing courses and educational programming.

Roy Burvick is one of the five first graduates of the program. They completed their coursework while incarcerated at Wallkill Correctional Facility.

Susanne Wofford, dean of the NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study, addresses the audience. Faculty from across NYU teach for the program.

New York University President Andrew Hamilton makes his address.

Ryan Burrell receives his diploma from President Hamilton. The graduates earned Associate of Arts Degrees from New York University in Liberal Studies.

The graduates celebrate after receiving their diplomas.

Graduate Danis Flores celebrates with his fellow graduates.

The program supports graduates like Ryan Burrell after they've been released by facilitating financial aid, credit-transfers and continuing education.

Graduate Vincent Thompson has been released from Wallkill but came back for graduation. He's working with program staff to continue his education.

Graduates Roy Burvick and Ryan Burrell applaud their fellow graduate's speech.

Graduate Danis Flores is embraced by family after the ceremony.

New York University President Andrew Hamilton chats with Anthony Stevens, a current student in the NYU Prison Education Program.

Graduate Ryan Burrell shakes hands with New York University President Andrew Hamilton after the ceremony.

Current NYU Prison Education Program students pose with graduates.