Brittany Plasse graduates from SUNY Oneonta

ONEONTA, NY (06/18/2010)(readMedia)-- Brittany Plasse of Schaghticoke, NY was among 824 students honored on Saturday, May 22, at the SUNY College at Oneonta's 121st Commencement Ceremonies. College President Nancy Kleniewski awarded degrees to those undergraduate and graduate students who completed their requirements in May. Brittany earned a BS degree in Business Economics .

An honorary SUNY Doctor of Science degree was presented to Ronald Garan, a NASA astronaut and space shuttle veteran who earned his bachelor's degree from SUNY Oneonta in 1982. Colonel Garan addressed the graduates as the Commencement speaker.

At the ceremony, College President Nancy Kleniewski offered the welcome and introduction of honored guests, and Patrick Brown, Chair of the College Council, greeted the assembly.

President Kleniewski and Provost F. Daniel Larkin presented the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching to Cynthia Lassonde, Assistant Professor of Education; the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service to Mark Rice, Director of Counseling; and the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service to Dale Couse, Chief Janitor.

Senior class President Adam Moulter presented remarks, and Karen Brown, President of the Alumni Association, greeted the College's newest alumni.

Music for the ceremonies was provided by the Catskill Brass under the direction of Professor Carleton Clay. Selections included the premiere performance of "Recessional, Oneonta, 2010," an original piece composed by Professor Clay and dedicated to the Class of 2010. Vocalist Kari Crimmins of the Class of 2010 led the audience in singing the national anthem and the alma mater.

The SUNY College at Oneonta, which enrolls over 5,800 students, is a liberal arts college with a pre-professional focus. Established as a state normal school in 1889 and incorporated as a founding member of the state university system in 1948, the College is well known for its outstanding faculty, strong academic programs, community service and character-building activities, and scenic campus.

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