42nd Annual Commencement

On Saturday, May 7, SUNY Polytechnic Institute hosted its 42^nd annual commencement ceremony at the Wildcat Field House, announcing the nearly 800 members of the Class of 2016, which represent the largest graduating class in the institution’s history.  More than 3,000 family and friends attended the ceremony.

“I congratulate our 2016 graduates and wish them the best of luck as they build their careers on a solid SUNY Poly foundation,” said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, Founding President and CEO of SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

“SUNY Poly is committed to building a bright future for New York State by graduating highly skilled students who understand that creating knowledge is the key to innovation and that innovation is the key to success.  Members of the class of 2016 are a perfect example of this and should be proud of their accomplishments,” said Dr. Robert Geer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SUNY Polytechnic Institute. “We welcome today’s graduates to our family of alumni and wish them continued success.”

The top three undergraduate degrees awarded at the ceremony were Bachelors of Science degrees in Nursing, Business Administration, and Mechanical Engineering Technology, respectively. The top graduate degrees awarded Saturday were Masters of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner, Computer Information Systems, and Technology Management, respectively.

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer made a surprise visit to commencement, taking a few moments to join the platform party on stage and offer some words of wisdom to the graduates.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Donald Hanson, chair of the SUNY Polytechnic Institute College Council, a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers and former Director of the Information Directorate at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, where for many years he oversaw the Air Force’s center for the development of information systems, managed an annual science and technology program of more than $700 million, and directed the activities of nearly 1,500 military, civilian, and contract employees.

“SUNY Poly, known for its innovative experiential curriculum, is proud of these graduates beginning careers that will make a difference.  They will undoubtedly achieve success, just like the thousands of graduates who have gone before them,” said Dr. William Durgin, SUNY Polytechnic Institute Provost.

SUNY Poly’s Utica commencement was followed by a reception outside the Student Center.

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Before Commencement

Commencement Ceremony

After Commencement