Years of hard work have paid off for hundreds of Bronx Community College graduates. 

More than 1,400 smiling students from the school's 54th graduating class officially received their degrees in front of proud family and friends in University Heights Friday. 

The diverse group of graduates come from 53 countries. Nearly 30 of them are veterans of the nation's armed forces and 105 are honors students. The youngest to receive their diploma is only 17, while the oldest is 77 years old. 

Many of the new BCC alums say they're now looking forward to celebrating with loved ones before embarking on the next phase in their lives.