Graduates honored at Commencement

Faculty and staff joined families and friends in honoring hundreds of graduates at SUNYIT’s 40^th annual commencement May 10 in the Wildcat Field House. The Commencement ceremony’s keynote speaker was Dean Kamen, President of DEKA Research and Development Corporation and Founder of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology).

“If you put back more than you take out, the world gets a little better every day,” Kamen said. “You make a living doing what you do. You make your life by what you give back. Have a great life.”

Kamen, known for his many inventions, including the Segway, also met with a group of FIRST enthusiasts after the ceremony. SUNYIT has actively embraced FIRST robotics programs for middle and high school students, hosting competitions and mentoring area participants.

Among other Commencement highlights was the honoring of two SUNYIT employees: Esther McCarthy of Sauquoit, Secretary II in Administration, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service; and Michelle Tucker of Whitesboro, Video Producer in SUNYIT’s Instructional Resources office, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Commencement was the last and largest of several end-of-semester events, including the May 9 academic awards banquet, as the 2013-14 academic year drew to a close. With oversight by an organizing committee, chaired by Provost William Durgin, the event involves scores of faculty and staff and dozens of student and employee volunteers. Much of the physical work, including the transformation of the Wildcat Field House from a banquet hall on Friday night to Saturday’s Commencement setup, is undertaken by facilities staff—and many other offices play a role in the event as well.

While hundreds of family members and friends of graduates were on hand for the ceremony, the event was also webcast live for those unable to attend. (You can view the ceremony by following the link at sunyit.edu/commencement.) The ceremony was followed by a reception in the Student Center.