SUNY Empire State honoring grads with virtual commencement ceremony
SARATOGASPRINGS, N.Y. » SUNY Empire State College will celebrate the class of 2020 throughout the month of December with a series of online and social media campaigns, culminating with a virtual commencement ceremony on Dec. 19 at noon.
SUNY Empire will issue 211 associate degrees, 739 bachelor’s degrees, 184 master’s degrees, five undergraduate certificates, and 52 graduate certificates to 1,102 students graduating this winter.
With locations in every region of New York state, SUNY Empire has traditionally held ceremonies from Long Island to Buffalo to ensure every student had the opportunity to attend. While all standard commencement ceremonies have been canceled due to COVID-19-related public health precautions, the college remains committed to formally honoring the class of 2020 in person when it is safe to do so.
“SUNY Empire graduates worked incredibly hard for this moment, while facing unprecedented challenges, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments,” said SUNY Empire State College Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea. “Each and every student deserves to be celebrated for their resilience and spirit. Congratulations to each and every one of SUNYEmpire’s graduates. You made it happen.”
The virtual ceremony will unite every SUNY Empire graduate in recognition of their academic achievements, regardless of their location. As part of the commencement celebration, SUNYEmpire has received submissions of videos and photographs from students proudly sharing their accomplishments. The collection will be shared on the college’s social media channels as part of a monthlong virtual campaign to highlight SUNY Empire’s graduates.
“I dedicate my degree to my amazing daughters who lovingly agreed to accept the challenge of allowing me to be a full-time student, to my grandparents who instilled the confidence and optimism that carry me, and all four of my parents who love me and whom I love dearly,” said Dimitrea Tokunbo, ‘20. “I could not have achieved this milestone by myself.”
“I would like to congratulate the SUNY Empire class of 2020,” said Monica Windley, ‘20. “We did it! It’s been a long, challenging and rewarding journey. We worked hard and made it to the finish line. Thank you to the SUNY Empire team of professors and mentors for their dedication and commitment to teaching and learning. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
“After earning my bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire in 2005, a goal I desired was to work toward and receive my master’s degree,” said Lindsey Decker, ‘20. “I decided to put in the dedication and effort necessary to embark on this endeavor. I wanted to show my children that no matter what may occur in life, you can always complete your goals. When you put forth the effort and dedication necessary to achieve those goals, anything can happen. It is never too late to achieve your dreams. Thank you so much for the support from my husband, children, family and friends! Your past does not define you. Your drive to continue does!”
Earlier this year, SUNY Empire recently announced it has established the Latin honors system for the first time in the institution’s 49-year history in response to overwhelming student support for the change. This honor will be conferred to eligible SUNY Empire students graduating with a bachelor’s degree.