Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered on the SUNY Oneonta campus Saturday, May 18 for the university’s spring commencement exercises.
According to a news release posted on the university’s website, visitors gathered inside the Alumni Field House during three ceremonies to recognize the 1,250 students — 1,031 undergraduate and 219 graduate — expected to complete their requirements for graduation this semester.
The class of 2024’s journey to commencement was unique, university President Alberto Cardelle told the crowd.
“This year is different. Because this year the graduates represent a class unlike any other. This class began their university experience amidst a pandemic, spending much of your first year of education on a screen,” he said. “So, today, instead of imparting wisdom, I wish to express my gratitude. … Thank you for your gratitude, your resilience, your adaptability, for maintaining community and for serving as an inspiration to others. … If you navigated 2020 and 2021, I am very certain that your resilience and adaptability will guide you through whatever challenges your future journeys may present.”
Catskill Brass provided music for the event, the Leatherstocking District Pipe Band and Catskill Brass performed the processional, and graduating senior Luna Freeman sang the national anthem and alma mater.
Other speakers during Saturday’s ceremonies included senior class President Tanya Reyes, senior class Vice President James Marci, Presiding Officer of the Faculty Keith Jones, alumni association President Drew McKay from the Class of 2005, and Class of 1983 alumnus Gladstone “Fluney” Hutchinson, who received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters “in recognition of his contributions to the field of economics, service to others and support of SUNY Oneonta students,” the release said. In his address to graduates, Hutchinson said he has confidence in the Class of 2024 to make the world a better place.
“Looking out at you, I am comforted knowing that this special university has expertly nurtured and armed your great ambitions with skills, humanness and good judgment to now go forward with confidence as the world’s newest class of well-trained, highly motivated, and smart problem-solvers,” he said.
The day before graduating, seniors participated in the traditional Pass Through the Pillars event and senior class toast. First-year students officially join the SUNY Oneonta community the night before classes by walking between the historic pillars of Old Main, the college’s first building, toward a welcoming crowd. Graduating seniors walk the opposite way through the pillars, signifying the end of their time at Oneonta, according to the release.