May 10, 2025
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker
ALFRED, NY, May 10, 2025 – Approximately 1,000 eligible graduates crossed the stage at Alfred State College’s 114th commencement ceremony held at Pioneer Stadium. Families and friends joined faculty and staff to celebrate the event.
Alfred State President Dr. Steve Mauro continued his tradition of presenting a video that allowed graduating students to thank those who were influential in their journey at the college in lieu of a speech View the video.
Dr. Mauro also presented Charles Craig, a member of the Alfred State College Council for more than two decades and a retired executive with over fifty years of service at Corning Incorporated, with an honorary degree. The Doctor of Humane Letter, honoris causa, is bestowed by the State University of New York (Read more about the honor).
Student speaker Alyssa James (Pittsford, NY) shared challenges she met during her studies. “Like my experience, many of you have faced challenges that seemed impossible at the time. But today, we can look back and appreciate how far we’ve come. So, whether we’re diving into careers, further studies, or something else entirely, we’re ready for anything. As we walk across this stage, let’s celebrate this milestone as just one of many in our future.”
“Alfred State has given us the tools we need to succeed in this world that evolves by the second,” commented Jalon Rainey (Buffalo, NY). “The world of technology and applied sciences is expanding beyond imaginable lengths, yet this gives us opportunity to innovate, and go past the boundaries set by others, or by what we thought was possible.”
David Burton (Los Angeles, CA) summarized the college community. “Alfred (State) is a place of ageless, raceless, egalitarian wonder where so many different people come together for one common purpose.”
A major component of the ceremony was the presentation of the Paul B. Orvis Award for Excellence to five graduating students. The award honors Paul B. Orvis, a former president of Alfred State and State University of New York executive dean for all two-year colleges. Recipients meet the criteria of service, leadership, character, and scholarship.
Receiving the award were Tyler Hutcheson (Niagara Falls, NY – School of Applied Technology); Jenna Warholic (Vestal, NY – School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology baccalaureate degree recipient); Quinlyn McAfee (Clarence, NY – School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology associate degree recipient); Deanna Gannon (Marcellus, NY – School of Arts and Sciences baccalaureate degree recipient); and Emily Costello (Wellsville, NY – School of Arts and Sciences associate degree recipient).
The commencement ceremonies featured student speakers from each of the three schools at the college.
- Rainey, an automotive service technician major, represented the School of Applied Technology. In addition to excelling in his coursework, Rainey is involved in multiple activities, organizations, and clubs around campus including serving as Vice President and later President representing Wellsville on the Student Senate board. He is known around campus as a helpful classmate who has cultivated friendships and working relationships across many diverse groups. He plans on returning to Alfred State next year to pursue another associate degree in Autobody and will serve as the Alfred State Student Senate President.
- Representing the School of Arts and Sciences, Burton embodies the Alfred State tradition of leveraging a student’s total life experiences while pioneering new ground. As non-traditional commuter student, Burton is the first graduate of the College’s new BS degree in Technical Communication and Emergent media and has excelled academically, carrying a 3.96 GPA, receiving the Robert E. Wood Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship, the Eleanor Graves Memorial Scholarship, Harold and Jane Mapes award, and making the Dean’s list each of his semesters at ASC. He has been active on campus as a founding president of the Film Club, editor and contributor at ERGO literary magazine, the TOR Echo Student Senate representative, and a volunteer tutor at the campus writing center.
- James, a graphic and media design and digital media and animation major, represented the School of Architecture and Management and Engineering Technology. She models the Pioneer spirit through both her academic success and engagement outside of the classroom. James has been on the Dean’s List every semester and holds a 3.85 GPA while completing her double major. In addition to her achievement in the classroom, James has been a consummate student-athlete. As a four-year member of the swimming team, she established four AMCC records and eight school records. Recently, she was awarded the ASC Athletic Director Award, the Chancellor’s Award for student excellence, and the Alfred State Leader of the year award at the “Stuey’s,” our Student Engagement Awards. She also worked and assisted the Recreation Office, the Career Development Center, and the Marketing Communications Office.
The Alfred State faculty quartet performed the national anthem and the college’s alma mater.
Caption: Alfred State students celebrate graduation at the college’s 114th Commencement Ceremony.
An Alfred State degree gets results!
At Alfred State College, hands-on experience leads to career success. An emphasis on applied learning enables students to reach goals and develop the skills needed to thrive at in-demand jobs. With over 80 majors, over 100 clubs and civic groups, and 20 NCAA Division III sports, Alfred State prepares students to become leaders, achievers, and Pioneers who are ready to Hit the Ground Running …
