Jasmine LaRocca, interdisciplinary studies, Getzville, sang
the national anthem on her webcam, followed by an invocation provided by
Building Trades Associate Professor Stephen Richard. Alfred State President Dr.
Skip Sullivan provided welcoming remarks, followed by the conferment of an
honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to alumnus Burt Zweigenhaft.
Zweigenhaft studied business at Alfred State and was a
member of the 1971 championship NJCAA swimming team. Today, he is a key
industry thought leader and an accomplished executive in the specialty-biotech
pharmaceutical and oncology care ecosystems. Additionally, he has worked with
Swim Across America for decades to help raise millions in the fight against
cancer.
Five student speakers followed conferment of the honorary
degree, including Stephon Barrett, applications software development, Staten
Island; Cassandra Robbers, business administration, Almond; Emma Retzlaff,
forensic science technology, Alden; Rebecca Stevens, culinary arts: baking,
production and management, Wellsville; and Keith Jones, electrical construction
and maintenance electrician, Buffalo.
Alfred State then presented the Paul B. Orvis Award for
Excellence to four graduating students. The award honors Paul B. Orvis, a
former president of Alfred State and State University of New York dean for
two-year colleges. Recipients must meet the criteria of service, leadership,
character, and scholarship.
Receiving the award were Allison DeGraff, Cortland (School
of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology baccalaureate degree
recipient); Katherine Frascella, Franklinville (School of Arts and Sciences
associate degree recipient); Emma Retzlaff, Alden (School of Arts and Sciences
baccalaureate degree recipient); and Collin Stauffer, Le Roy (School of Applied
Technology associate degree recipient).
Following the award presentations, the college conferred
degrees to graduates, who were then inducted as alumni. Afterward, Mathematics
and Physics Assistant Professor Dr. Earl Packard performed the Alma Mater.
Former Alfred State First Lady Mary Huntington then drew a winner for a 2015
Chevy Cruze LT vehicle, which closed out the ceremony.
Keepsake photos for the Class of 2020 can be downloaded from Flickr.
