Cabrini College WebsiteDr. Lorraine Monroe, founding principal of the Frederick Douglass Academy of Central Harlem, was selected to deliver the commencement address.
Monroe taught English in the New York City public school system for more than 20 years and then moving onto school administration, where she rebuilt a school that was notorious for its’ negative reputation. Monroe turned the school around significantly; a transformation noted best in the school’s test scores. Other schools took notice of her system for the academy and adopted it for their instiutions.
The skills that she learned through her teaching and administrative career persuaded her to open the Lorraine Monroe Leadership Institute in New York City. She conveys a significant message about the role of leadership in creating effective schools.
In her book titled, “The Monroe Doctrine: An ABC Guide to What Great Bosses Do,” each chapter is labeled by a letter of the alphabet and a corresponding adjective, such as: compete, focus, inspire, mingle, retreat and many more. She offers simple advice that allows people to use their natural gifts as leaders.
The first student to be notified of whom the commencement speaker for the 2004 graduating class was Catharine Hernson, president of the senior class. “Her credentials look great. The board of trustees picked her from a list of choice speakers,” said Hernson. “Monroe is delighted to participate at our graduation,” said Lina Barbieri, director of marketing and communications.
A new policy is being developed that will give the rising junior and seniors the opportunity to select their commencement speaker.
