ACHIEVING GOALS
Thousands attend HVCC’s 65th annual commencement
TROY, N.Y. >> The Joseph L. Bruno Stadium was filled with thousands of people Saturday, as family and friends gathered to watch their loved ones graduate from Hudson Valley Community College.
During HVCC’S 65th annual commencement ceremony, 1,919 students graduated from the community college. Of them, 444 graduated with academic honors.
This year, graduates from more than 80 career- and transfer-oriented programs range in age from 17 to 62. More than 259 studied exclusively online. There were 91 active duty members of the U.S. military or veterans of service. Though 83 percent of this year’s graduates are from the Capital Region, the Class of 2019 also includes students from 40 other countries.
“Know that your time at Hudson Valley will serve as a springboard to achieve anything you set your heart and mind to. And also know that you are well prepared to succeed with the knowledge, skills, and relationships you have fostered during your time here,” HVCC President Roger Ramsammy said during his first commencement at HVCC.
“Graduates, indeed anything IS possible, and I know that you have refined the necessary skills and knowledge to shape the world around you, and achieve absolutely anything you desire. I also know that you will continue to use what you’ve learned here to give back, to continue to grow, and to shape the lives of those you meet,” Ramsammy added.
Students also heard from HVCC’S Board of Trustees Chairman Neil Kelleher and Chairman of the Rensselaer County Legislature Mike Stammel.
“On the contrary, to “commence” means to “begin.” So as you walk across the stage this morning, remember that you’re not reaching the end of anything, you’re actually beginning the next chapter of your life,” said Kelleher
“The leadership that you’re going to show from the education you got here [at HVCC] will mean a lot to the people wherever you go,” added Stammel.
Students also heard a video message from Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, who could not be in attendance on Saturday since his son was graduating from Fordham University.
“Some of you will be going on for further studies and others will be entering the workforce in our dynamic and growing economy, whichever path you choose, I know you’re going to apply the knowledge you gained here at Hudson Valley to the best of your ability,” said McLaughlin in his message. “Hudson Valley Community College is a jewel of Rensselaer County and the county is proud to support Hudson Valley.”
Ramsammy congratulated all of the graduates on their accomplishment and wished them luck for their future.
“Please know that each one of you has given so much to this college — and enriched our community with your intelligence, your unique ideas, and your passion to learn, grow and make a difference,” he said. “Thank you for sharing your plethora of talents with us. We are incredibly proud of you, and I wish you all the very best as you move forward to continue to live out all of your dreams.