Gracyn Emmerton of Oro Medonte, Ontario, makes a hand sign of a kangaroo used by SUNY Canton athletes at the conclusion of her address to the class of 2023 at SUNY Canton’s 115th Commencement Ceremony. Emmerton graduated with a physical therapist assistant degree and was the Outstanding Graduate at the associate level. Emmerton was a forward on the women’s hockey team. Photo submitted by SUNY Canton.
CANTON — SUNY Canton held its 115th Commencement Ceremony for approximately 800 members of the class of 2023 Saturday, May 13.
College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill, class of 1963, opened the ceremony by recognizing the graduates’ resilience amid the challenges presented by a global pandemic.
“Reaching this amazing milestone in your education is certainly a testament to your strength, courage and confidence, as well as to your support network of parents, spouses, family members and all those who have helped and encouraged you along the way,” he said.
President Zvi Szafran welcomed the audience and expressed his pride in this year’s class, which comprises graduates who range in age from 18 to 61 years old and represent 16 U.S. states and eight foreign countries, including Cameroon, Canada, Finland, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and the U.K.
He continued by introducing two recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence: Jonah R. Black, a Forensic Criminology and Applied Psychology double major from Canton and Samantha Dayter, a Nursing graduate from Cohoes. Szafran also congratulated:
Muhammad H. Shabbir, a Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology major from Kingston, who is the recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence, a statewide honor that recognizes scholars in the Educational Opportunity Program.
Danielle Giron Reyes, a Veterinary Technology graduate from Rockaway Park, who was the David R. Maynard Student Activities Award recipient.
SUNY Canton Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish then…
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