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).
The commencement ceremonies featured student speakers from
each of the three schools at the college.
Lauren Staba (Wellsville, NY) represented the School of Arts
and Sciences. Staba has found creative ways to engage in campus life by serving
as a tutor for various subjects and working as a judge at the science fair. She
received the physics student of the year award in her first year as a health
science major and was nominated for the National Society for Leadership and
Success. Outside the classroom she earned the Certified Phlebotomy Technician
credential and works as a part-time Phlebotomist at UR Jones Memorial Hospital.
Brandon Clark (Lockwood, NY) represented the School of
Architecture, Management, and Engineering Technology. He has a 4.0 GPA while
pursuing both an electrical engineering and mechanical engineering degree.
Brandon can often be found helping with labs and assisting other students with
applying lecture materials. He has gained work and internship experience at
both local and nationally recognized firms while at Alfred State and has fueled
his passion for powersports by being active in the Baja club on campus.
Michael Berthin (Avon, NY) represented the School of Applied
Technology. As a heavy equipment: truck & diesel technician major, he has
excelled in the classroom while being a strong advocate for the college. He has
served as a tour guide for prospective students and is always eager to help his
fellow students with coursework. He plans to continue his education at ASC in
the technology management program.
The Alfred State faculty quartet performed the national
anthem and the college’s alma mater.
Dr. Aniko Constantine, who has taught in the English and
Humanities Department for fifty years, served as grand marshal and led the
processional.
