Hundreds of SUNY New Paltz graduate students reached new heights of academic and professional mastery at the Graduate Commencement Ceremony, on May 19.
The College conferred nearly 600 graduate degrees and certificates of advanced study in the arts, sciences, humanities, education, engineering and business, to students representing the graduating classes of August 2016, December 2016, January 2017, May 2017 and August 2017.
[Follow this link to view full Commencement photo gallery and purchase photos]
“This evening, our college community, led by the faculty, gathers to recognize and salute our latest graduates,” said President Donald P. Christian. “It is a centuries-old tradition to formally and joyfully acknowledge the close of one chapter in our students’ lives and the beginning of the next. Graduates, we salute your success in meeting, and mastering, all of the challenges you have encountered on your way to this proud and happy day.”
Each master’s degree recipient was hooded by the dean of their respective school, in accordance with SUNY New Paltz tradition. The students honored at this year’s celebration come from diverse backgrounds and work in a wide array of disciplines, but over years of hard work each has demonstrated the extraordinary level of dedication necessary to earn a graduate degree.
“Completing a graduate degree is more important now than ever before, as an increasing number of jobs require a graduate education,” said Provost Lorin Basden Arnold. “Of course, the importance of graduate education goes beyond the need to maintain a competitive economy. If we are to address the issues we face as citizens of the world, we must be well-educated, to expand knowledge and discovery, foster creative thinking, sustain dialogues about difficult issues, and become ethical entrepreneurs, educators, and innovators.
“We look forward to hearing from you as you move forward in your lives and careers. Congratulations, and best wishes to your future success.”
Some new grads took a moment to reflect on their experiences here at New Paltz, and look ahead to what’s yet to come, in the moments before the ceremony.
“What I’ll remember most is the spirit of New Paltz,” said Annelise Jensen ’17g (Adolescence Education: English). “There’s nowhere else that feels like this; everyone is welcoming, we’re a strong community that supports each other, and you can feel that support coming from everyone.”
“I take my profession seriously, and I’ve worked very hard to get here,” said Michal Ozeri ’17g (Painting – Drawing). “Commencement is very meaningful – it’s closing a chapter and moving on to the next. Today is an important day for my family, for my community.”
“I’ve been in New Paltz for six years,” said Maggie Quirk ’17g (Mental Health Counseling). “Leaving is going to be a big change, but I’m excited – I’ve known I wanted to be a counselor since the eighth grade, and the professors here gave me everything I need to do it.”
“I’ll remember my great professors, and I’m planning to keep in touch after graduation. It’s nice to know I have that connection,” said Samantha Mossman ’17g (Adolescence Education: English).
“The New Paltz MBA was perfect for me, because it’s flexible,” said Leslie Lorefice ’17g (Business Administration). “I didn’t come here for undergrad, and I’m working full time, but the program has been awesome. Online, weekends, night classes – I was able to work all day and still get things done. I’m working in my field and feel like I’m moving up my career path.”
This year’s Graduate Commencement Ceremony was held in the Athletic and Wellness Center, and was presided over by a stage party including academic deans, faculty members, administrators, and College Council and Foundation Board members.
The processional was led by Faculty Grand Marshal Anne Balant, presiding officer of the faculty and associate professor of communication disorders, which is among the most popular and highly rated graduate programs available at New Paltz.
The Graduate Commencement Ceremony kicked-off a weekend-long celebration of New Paltz students’ academic fulfillment, as more than 2,500 graduate and undergraduate degree recipients are honored at Commencement ceremonies on May 19, 20 and 21.
Complete coverage of SUNY New Paltz Commencement activities is available at https://sites.newpaltz.edu/news/category/commencement/.
