Kingsborough Community College Announces Valedictorian for Class of 2022

Kingsborough Community College named Jory Keogh as the Valedictorian for the Class of 2022. Jory will deliver the valedictory address during the College’s 57^th Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, June 16 at 11 a.m. in the campus’ Lighthouse Amphitheater.

Jory, a Manhattan Beach resident, graduated with a 4.0 GPA in fine arts in the summer of 2021. He is now studying for his bachelor’s degree in studio arts and film at Hunter College. Jory explained that choosing to continue his studies in fine arts and film was a “no brainer.”

“Professors at Kingsborough and Hunter pushed me toward film because I have a strong interest in it. I was always interested in film in high school and joined a film club. I was a part of that for four years. I’m always watching films and breaking them down the way you would a book, in terms of character, story and finding out the reason behind them.”

A first-generation college student, Jory came to the United States with his mother in 1997 from Dublin, Ireland. Some years after high school, he moved forward to continue his academic goals. He found his college experience at Kingsborough rewarding and the professors and staff very helpful.

“You can go back and get your education at any point, 10 years, 15 years, however long. If it’s your time to go back, it’s your time to go back,” Jory said. “I like to include a thank you to my Mum, who really set my life in motion through bringing me to this country (eventually meeting and marrying my stepfather) and encouraging me to utilize my talents and skills.

And, I have to thank my partner, Sara Banleigh, who loved and supported me throughout this tumultuous journey and who put up with me asking her opinions on countless papers and assignments. She is one of the most intelligent and talented people I know,” said Jory, noting that he’s honored to have his artwork used for her album cover. “She wrote one of the most beautiful albums that in many ways speaks to the creative soul.”

Jory’s advice to first-year students and incoming transfer students: “Get involved as soon as you can with everybody. I was always afraid to ask for help. At Kingsborough, I was never turned away. I’ve been pointed in the right direction. People are there to help us succeed.”