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Commencement

May 15
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Graduates

More than 300 Graduates Participated in SUNY Niagara’s 59th Commencement

By News Archive

May 15, 2023

The 59th annual commencement ceremony at SUNY Niagara took place on Saturday, May 13 at the Sanborn campus. More than 300 students crossed the stage to receive their degree.

Superintendent of Niagara Falls City Schools Mark Laurrie delivered the keynote address to graduates. He shared a recipe for success with students to bring with them on their next journey. The recipe consisted of a SUNY Niagara diploma, emotional intelligence, and cherishing the most important people and moments in life.

Graduates concluded the event with an outdoor picnic and photo stations where they mingled with friends, family, and SUNY Niagara faculty.

SUNY Niagara has the highest graduation rate of all community colleges in New York State. The College provides more than 50 certificate and degree programs and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, the State University of New York, and student tuition.

 

Graduates: SUNY Niagara graduates show off their diplomas after walking the stage.

Graduates: SUNY Niagara graduates show off their diplomas after walking the stage.


Legislature

Legislature: Niagara County Legislatures attended SUNY Niagara’s 59th Commencement Ceremony. Pictured, left to right, are Randy R. Bradt, Chris Voccio, Chairperson Rebecca Wydysh, and Jeffrey Elder.


Keynote

Keynote: From left to right, President’s Medallion recipient Regan Lytle, Keynote speaker Mark Laurrie, and Chancellor’s Award winner Meredith Preve.


Crossing Stage

Orianna Pritchett gives a wave as she crosses the stage at SUNY Niagara’s 59th graduation ceremony.

The 59th annual commencement ceremony at SUNY Niagara took place on Saturday, May 13 at the Sanborn campus. More than 300 students crossed the stage to receive their degree.

Superintendent of Niagara Falls City Schools Mark Laurrie delivered the keynote address to graduates. He shared a recipe for success with students to bring with them on their next journey. The recipe consisted of a SUNY Niagara diploma, emotional intelligence, and cherishing the most important people and moments in life.

Graduates concluded the event with an outdoor picnic and photo stations where they mingled with friends, family, and SUNY Niagara faculty.

SUNY Niagara has the highest graduation rate of all community colleges in New York State. The College provides more than 50 certificate and degree programs and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, the State University of New York, and student tuition.

 

Graduates: SUNY Niagara graduates show off their diplomas after walking the stage.

Graduates: SUNY Niagara graduates show off their diplomas after walking the stage.

 

Legislature

Legislature: Niagara County Legislatures attended SUNY Niagara’s 59th Commencement Ceremony. Pictured, left to right, are Randy R. Bradt, Chris Voccio, Chairperson Rebecca Wydysh, and Jeffrey Elder.

 

Keynote

Keynote: From left to right, President’s Medallion recipient Regan Lytle, Keynote speaker Mark Laurrie, and Chancellor’s Award winner Meredith Preve.

 

Crossing Stage

Orianna Pritchett gives a wave as she crosses the stage at SUNY Niagara’s 59th graduation ceremony.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: Dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

May 09
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Mark Laurrie SUNY Niagara Keynote

SUNY Niagara Announces 2023 Commencement Speaker

By News Archive

May 9, 2023

Mark Laurrie SUNY Niagara Keynote

SUNY Niagara’s 2023 Keynote Commencement Speaker Mark Laurrie, Superintendent of Niagara Falls City School District.

SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito announced today that Niagara Falls City School District Superintendent Mark Laurrie will deliver the keynote address at the college’s 59th annual commencement ceremony.

SUNY Niagara will host graduation at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 in the main gym on the Sanborn campus. The college expects over 1,000 guests to attend in support of the more than 800 members of the Class of 2023. An outdoor reception will follow the ceremony.SUNY Niagara will livestream of the event at niagaracc.suny.edu/commencement/ .

SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito announced today that Niagara Falls City School District Superintendent Mark Laurrie will deliver the keynote address at the college’s 59th annual commencement ceremony.

SUNY Niagara will host graduation at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 13 in the main gym on the Sanborn campus. The college expects over 1,000 guests to attend in support of the more than 800 members of the Class of 2023. An outdoor reception will follow the ceremony.SUNY Niagara will livestream of the event at niagaracc.suny.edu/commencement/ .

Mark Laurrie SUNY Niagara Keynote

SUNY Niagara’s 2023 Keynote Commencement Speaker Mark Laurrie, Superintendent of Niagara Falls City School District.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: Dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

May 16
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SUNY Niagara graduates

More than 250 Graduates Participated in SUNY Niagara’s 58th Commencement

By News Archive

May 16, 2022

SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin and newly inaugurated President William J. Murabito

SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin and newly inaugurated President William J. Murabito at the 58th annual commencement ceremony at SUNY Niagara.

The 58th annual commencement ceremony at SUNY Niagara took place on Saturday, May 14 at the Sanborn campus. More than 250 students crossed the stage to receive their degree.

State University of New York (SUNY) Trustee Eunice Lewin delivered the keynote address to graduates. Ms. Lewin used her years of community-minded social work to deliver insightful words of encouragement to graduates. She shared, “Our focus is on serving the underserved who overcome, and I see so many students whose stories changed from the combination of the foundation of SUNY accessibility upon which they built skyscrapers of academic excellence.”

SUNY Niagara graduates

Graduates participate in the 58th annual commencement ceremony at SUNY Niagara on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

In addition to serving on the SUNY Board of Trustees, Ms. Lewin also contributes to the board’s Executive Committee and the committees for academic affairs, communications and external affairs, community colleges, and academic medical centers and hospitals. Furthermore, Trustee Lewin is a member of the Hispanic Women’s League and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

This commencement ceremony was especially unique as Dr. William J. Murabito was officially inaugurated as the seventh president of SUNY Niagara. Dr. Murabito began as interim president for the college in 2017. He was elected permanently in November 2019. The inauguration was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the ceremony, graduates and loved ones enjoyed an outdoor celebration with refreshments, photo stations, and a live DJ.

SUNY Niagara is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York, the largest public university system in the country. The College provides more than 50 certificate and degree programs and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, the State University of New York, and student tuition.

The 58th annual commencement ceremony at SUNY Niagara took place on Saturday, May 14 at the Sanborn campus. More than 250 students crossed the stage to receive their degree.

State University of New York (SUNY) Trustee Eunice Lewin delivered the keynote address to graduates. Ms. Lewin used her years of community-minded social work to deliver insightful words of encouragement to graduates. She shared, “Our focus is on serving the underserved who overcome, and I see so many students whose stories changed from the combination of the foundation of SUNY accessibility upon which they built skyscrapers of academic excellence.”

In addition to serving on the SUNY Board of Trustees, Ms. Lewin also contributes to the board’s Executive Committee and the committees for academic affairs, communications and external affairs, community colleges, and academic medical centers and hospitals. Furthermore, Trustee Lewin is a member of the Hispanic Women’s League and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable.

This commencement ceremony was especially unique as Dr. William J. Murabito was officially inaugurated as the seventh president of SUNY Niagara. Dr. Murabito began as interim president for the college in 2017. He was elected permanently in November 2019. The inauguration was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the ceremony, graduates and loved ones enjoyed an outdoor celebration with refreshments, photo stations, and a live DJ.

SUNY Niagara is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York, the largest public university system in the country. The College provides more than 50 certificate and degree programs and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, the State University of New York, and student tuition.

 

SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin and newly inaugurated President William J. Murabito

SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin and newly inaugurated President William J. Murabito at the 58th annual commencement ceremony at SUNY Niagara.

 

SUNY Niagara graduates

Graduates participate in the 58th annual commencement ceremony at SUNY Niagara on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

Media Contact Information

Barbara M. DeSimone
Director of Public Relations
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: DeSimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

Apr 28
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Eunice Ashman Lewin

SUNY Niagara Announces 2022 Commencement Speaker

By News Archive

April 28, 2022

Eunice Ashman Lewin

2022 SUNY Niagara commencement keynote speaker: SUNY Trustee Eunice Ashman Lewin

SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito announced today that SUNY Trustee Eunice Ashman Lewin will deliver the keynote addresses at the College’s 58th Annual Commencement Ceremony.  For the first time since 2019, SUNY Niagara is able to celebrate with a traditional ceremony in-person at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14 in the Main Gym on the Sanborn Campus.

Trustee Lewin was appointed to the SUNY Board of Trustees in February of 2020.  Born in Guantanamo, Cuba, Lewin immigrated to the United States with her family in 1967. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Marymount Manhattan College and master’s degrees in American and Puerto Rican studies, and in educational administration, from the University at Buffalo.

A former commissioner of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, Lewin was a founding member of the Roswell Park Alliance and a board member of both the Buffalo Urban League and Hispanics United of Buffalo. She is also a member of the Hispanic Women’s League and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable. Lewin was recently named to the Western New York Health Equity Task Force to help coordinate vaccine distribution for the five counties in Western New York.  A retired bilingual social worker for the Buffalo Board of Education, she is a leader and champion for STEM education in the Buffalo Public Schools.

Among Lewin’s honors are the Distinguished Alumni Award from UB’s Graduate School of Education, the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, and the National Conference for Community and Justice of Western New York 50th Annual Citation Award. She is a member of the Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame and was named a 2015 Citizen of the Year by The Buffalo News.

Those unable to attend the commencement ceremony can view a livestream of the event via http://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/commencement/ .

SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito announced today that SUNY Trustee Eunice Ashman Lewin will deliver the keynote addresses at the College’s 58th Annual Commencement Ceremony.  For the first time since 2019, SUNY Niagara is able to celebrate with a traditional ceremony in-person at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14 in the Main Gym on the Sanborn Campus.

Trustee Lewin was appointed to the SUNY Board of Trustees in February of 2020.  Born in Guantanamo, Cuba, Lewin immigrated to the United States with her family in 1967. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Marymount Manhattan College and master’s degrees in American and Puerto Rican studies, and in educational administration, from the University at Buffalo.

A former commissioner of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, Lewin was a founding member of the Roswell Park Alliance and a board member of both the Buffalo Urban League and Hispanics United of Buffalo. She is also a member of the Hispanic Women’s League and the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable. Lewin was recently named to the Western New York Health Equity Task Force to help coordinate vaccine distribution for the five counties in Western New York.  A retired bilingual social worker for the Buffalo Board of Education, she is a leader and champion for STEM education in the Buffalo Public Schools.

Among Lewin’s honors are the Distinguished Alumni Award from UB’s Graduate School of Education, the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, and the National Conference for Community and Justice of Western New York 50th Annual Citation Award. She is a member of the Western New York Women’s Hall of Fame and was named a 2015 Citizen of the Year by The Buffalo News.

Those unable to attend the commencement ceremony can view a livestream of the event via http://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/commencement/ .

Eunice Ashman Lewin

2022 SUNY Niagara commencement keynote speaker: SUNY Trustee Eunice Ashman Lewin

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

May 12
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Culinary Arts graduate, Lance Carter

SUNY Niagara Graduates Celebrate their Accomplishments at Special Event

By News Archive

May 12, 2021

The SUNY Niagara 57th Annual Commencement Ceremony was held in a virtual format on Friday, May 7th, but graduates were treated to a special celebration on campus Saturday, May 8th.  Less formal than a traditional ceremony, the “Graduate Celebration” on Saturday took place outside and allowed graduates to bring their family members and mingle with the faculty and administration at the college.

Those that took part in the event signed up for a specific timeframe in advance to control the number of people on campus at any one time, allowing for appropriate social distancing between guests.  The graduates were treated to various giveaways including a Class of 2021 t-shirt, cookies made by the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), and a yard sign for proud families to display to recognize their graduate.  A DJ kept the event lively, and a large balloon selfie station was set up for the perfect photo opportunity.

The highlight of the event was when graduates had their moment to walk across a stage set up inside a tent full of cheering college trustees and college administrators, and President William Murabito presented each graduate with a diploma cover.  SUNY Niagara Board Chairperson Gina Virtuoso stated, “It was an honor to be able to see our students walk across the stage, and observe how proud and happy family members were to be a part of this special day.”

Nicole Pusateri, a non-traditional student who received a certificate in phlebotomy was excited to participate in the event on Saturday as a positive example to her four-year-old daughter.  “My advice to anyone looking to return back to school after being away for a lengthy time is that it is never too late to return back.  Hard work, commitment, and a positive attitude are all you need to succeed!”

Following the celebration, signs could be seen marking the homes of graduates in the area with the text, “Proud family of a SUNY Niagara grad lives here”.  In normal circumstances receiving a college degree is a source of great pride for graduates and their families, but considering the extra challenges the pandemic has brought this past year, graduates had an extra reason to celebrate.

Culinary Arts graduate, Lance Carter

Culinary Arts graduate, Lance Carter poses with family at the SUNY Niagara Graduate Celebration on Saturday, May 8th

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Apr 28
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2021 SUNY Niagara Commencement Speaker, C.J. Urlaub

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

By News Archive

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.

2021 SUNY Niagara Commencement Speaker, C.J. Urlaub.

2021 SUNY Niagara Commencement Speaker, C.J. Urlaub.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

May 26
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Tayllor Clark, SUNY Niagara Student Senate President

SUNY Niagara hosts virtual commencement celebration for grads

By News Archive

May 26, 2020

On Saturday, May 23, 2020, SUNY Niagara hosted a virtual commencement celebration for the Class of 2020, recognizing over 900 graduates.  The pre-recorded video allowed graduates to submit a photo of themselves, future plans, and messages of appreciation to friends and family.  Additionally, the video included remarks from SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson, and SUNY Niagara President William Murabito.  “You have already made history by being the first class at SUNY Niagara to ever have a virtual commencement ceremony.  Now you can start the next part of your life knowing you are flexible, you can overcome challenges and you can thrive in the face of adversity,” said President Murabito.

As Student Senate President and recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, and the 2020 President’s Medallion honoree for involvement at SUNY Niagara, Tayllor Clark congratulated her peers noting she had made lifelong friends at SUNY Niagara and her studies at the College were just the beginning of her journey to a lifelong career.  While students were not physically able to be together to celebrate their accomplishments, a virtual watch party was held via Facebook so graduates, their friends, and family could view the ceremony simultaneously and make comments in real-time.

The administration at SUNY Niagara is still hopeful that graduates will be able to celebrate in-person at a later date when social distancing and health restrictions are anticipated to loosen, but it was agreed that marking the end of the semester and all of the notable accomplishments of the Class of 2020 should be done virtually before students move on to four-year institutions or careers in their field.  For anyone who missed the watch party, the video can be accessed online at http://niagaracc.suny.edu/commencement/.

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Apr 03
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commencement ceremony

SUNY Niagara announces commencement postponement due to COVID-19

By News Archive

April 3, 2020

In a letter to eligible graduates and college employees on Wednesday, April 1, SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito, Ph.D. announced that commencement ceremonies originally scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2020, would be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe.  “I am aware of the great efforts and sacrifices made by SUNY Niagara’s Class of 2020, and we look forward to the opportunity to honor their accomplishments properly with a ceremony at a later date.”

Due to the continually evolving health crisis, no definitive date has been set for the new ceremony at this time.  A survey will be sent out to poll graduates on their preferences, and the administration will take this into account along with the recommendations of local health officials on a safe timeframe to host large gatherings.  The conferral of degrees and distribution of diplomas will still occur on time as long as degree requirements are met, allowing students to transfer to four-year institutions or pursue career opportunities in their field.

To view updated information on SUNY Niagara’s commencement, and to read the full letter from President Murabito, visit: http://niagaracc.suny.edu/commencement/

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu