SUNY Niagara Announces Graduation Plans and Keynote Speaker for 57th Annual Commencement

April 28, 2021

SUNY Niagara President, Dr. William Murabito has announced the College’s 57th Annual Commencement will use a virtual format on May 7, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony will stream on the College’s website, https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/commencement. Graduates, along with their family and friends, are welcome to join the online celebration from the safety of their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The virtual graduation will feature graduates’ pictures, videos, and awarded degrees along with encouraging messages from the SUNY Niagara Board Chair, Gina Virtuoso, and SUNY Niagara President, Dr. William Murabito. The keynote address will be delivered by Mr. C.J. Urlaub, President of Mount St. Mary’s Hospital.

Because of the College’s esteemed Nursing and Allied Health division, coupled with the strong presence of SUNY Niagara alumni throughout Western New York’s medical field, the College is thrilled to welcome C.J. Urlaub as the Commencement speaker during this historic time in healthcare. Mr. Urlaub has made several strides at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital as President, including five straight “A” grades for quality and patient safety and contributions to significant advances in emergency services and neurological care. Outside of Mount St. Mary’s, Mr. Urlaub serves as Catholic Health’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Integration and Care Delivery in Niagara County. He is known for working collaboratively with other hospitals and healthcare systems. Mr. Urlaub’s latest endeavor includes working on expanding Eastern Niagara Hospital’s (ENH) services and aiding in the development of ENH’s new facility, projected to open in 2023.

While the virtual ceremony promises to be memorable, personalized, and engaging, the option to attend an outdoor celebration at the Sanborn Campus is open to graduates and their families on Saturday, May 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students can sign up for a 30-minute visit to pick up their diploma cover, pose for photos, and enjoy special treats provided by SUNY Niagara and the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.  A DJ will be playing music all day and graduates are encouraged to decorate their cars to add to the celebration.