May 13, 2024
Alfred State College honored approximately 1,000 eligible graduates at the 113th commencement ceremony held at Pioneer Stadium. Graduates celebrated with faculty and staff along with their families and friends.
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. His video presentation included a special thank you message from student Derek Correa who recovered from a coma last fall.
Student Senate President Kaytlin Cottrell (Manchester Shortsville, NY) expressed her feelings on graduation day for her and the rest of the class of 2024. “Today, we celebrate not just the culmination of our academic achievements, but also the beginning of a journey into the unknown. As we step out into the world, we are armed with knowledge, skills, and a passion to make a difference. I am grateful to those who went above and beyond to make me feel like I was at home. I truly could not have done it without you.”
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 Ford (Webster, NY – School of Applied Technology associate degree recipient); Halimat Akanbi (Ozone Park, NY – School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology baccalaureate degree recipient); Stephen Matthews (Andover, NY – School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology associate degree recipient); Jamie Roberts (Brick, NY – School of Arts and Sciences baccalaureate degree recipient); and Marley Fuller (Chaffee, NY – School of Arts and Sciences associate degree recipient).
At Alfred University, the main commencement speaker was Harvard U economic graduation, Raj Chetty who spoke about economic opportunity.
Corning Community College’s commencement is next Saturday at 11am.
