SUNY DELHI 98th COMMENCEMENT AT A GLANCE

Related Media

Alumnus Tony Helstosky speaks after receiving an honorary doctorate

DELHI, NY (05/16/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Delhi held its 98th Annual Commencement May 16, 10 a.m. in Floyd L. Maines Arena, Clark Field House, awarding 434 associate degrees, 187 baccalaureate degrees and 23 certificates.

The Class of 2015 included students enrolled at SUNY Delhi, those enrolled in the college's online RN to BSN program, and students enrolled at its branch campuses at Schenectady County Community College, Onondaga Community College, Tompkins Cortland Community College, and Suffolk County Community College.

Student speakers included:

• Laura Wood of West Brookfield, Mass., Student of the Year-Associate Degree, Veterinary Science Technology

• Steve McGinley of Hyde Park, N.Y., Student of the Year-Baccalaureate Degree, Hotel and Resort Management

President Candace S. Vancko recognized graduates receiving Recognition of Community Service Honors, faculty, staff and graduates who served their country in the Armed Forces, and the following students were also recognized:

• Patricia Eberhard of Millbrook, a graduate who is the recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence, the State University's highest honor for students. Eberhard graduated Cum Laude with an associate degree in veterinary science technology.

• John Nolis of Nichols, N.Y., a graduate who also earned the Chancellor's Award Excellence. Nolis graduated Summa Cum Laude with an associate degree in Mechatronics

Pfizer director Tony Helstosky, Class of 1975, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.

Four faculty and staff members were recognized as SUNY Chancellor's Award recipients:

• Dr. Monica Liddle, Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences-Excellence in Teaching

• Dr. Amie Mansfield, BSN Adjunct Instructor, School of Nursing-Excellence in Adjunct Teaching

• Dr. Cheryle Levitt, Associate Professor, School of Nursing- Excellence in Faculty Service

• Jeffrey Stedman, Director of Academic Advisement/Early Warning-Excellence in Professional Service

• Colleen Shackelton, Secretary 1 in Counseling and Health Services-Excellence in Classified Service

SUNY Delhi College Council members who were present: Anthony Cucci, Michelle Fisher, Katherine Mario, Carol O'Beirne, Wayne Oliver and Joseph Sutaris.

Quotable Quotes:

• President Candace S. Vancko: "To the Class of 2015, I wish to extend best wishes on behalf of the faculty and staff of SUNY Delhi. You, your family and your friends should be proud of what you have accomplished. We certainly are. We also wish each of you much success in the years ahead."

• Tony Helstosky '75, Honorary Doctorate Recipient: He and his wife Linda will be celebrating their 40th anniversary as Delhi graduates. He commented, "All the faculty and staff I meet with share a strong commitment to deliver quality and practice-based education that Linda and I had the opportunity to participate when we were here at Delhi so many years ago."

Commenting on President Vancko's retirement in 2016: She has worked tirelessly and has made a huge impact through the academic programs at Delhi. The overall infrastructure, the building of the campus, the quality of life for both students and staff, the national rankingof the college, the recent transformations of Sanford and Farrell Halls, the fundraising efforts for student scholarships, and the centennial campaign are some examples of her strong leadership ability to get things done, which is even more remarkable knowing they have occurred during tough economic times of a great recession."

• President Candace S. Vancko to Tony Helstosky: "You have dedicated your career to helping humankind and in doing so, have greatly heightened your alma mater's stature as the nation's leader in Veterinary Science Technology education. Your achievements have also made you a role model for students, inspiring them to pursue opportunities in the biomedical and biopharmaceutical industries."

• Laura Wood, Student of the Year – Associate Degree: "...Today we start the next path in life. One that we don't know where it will lead; one that is bound to be frightening, but a path that is going to be rewarding, because we know that wherever our paths lead, we are well prepared..."

• Steve McGinley, Student of the Year – Baccalaureate Degree: "Just put your phone down sometimes, go take some chances and step out of your comfort zone and smile all the while. I'll leave with a message I have said to my residents every night that they go out that I think still applies to the graduates. It is this: be safe, do good things..."