SUNY Delhi 97th Commencement at a Glance

DELHI, NY (05/17/2014)(readMedia)-- SUNY Delhi held its 97th Annual Commencement May 17, 10 a.m. in Floyd L. Maines Arena, Clark Field House, awarding 397 associate degrees, 150 baccalaureate degrees and 18 certificates.

The Class of 2014 included students enrolled at SUNY Delhi branch campuses at Schenectady County Community College, Onondaga Community College, Suffolk Community College and Tompkins Cortland Community College.

Student speakers included:

• Kenneth Favreau of La Fayette, N.Y., Student of the Year-Associate Degree, Computer Information Systems

• Arvin Tangalan of Jamaica, 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:

• Drew Laemmermann of Watertown, a graduate who is the recipient of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence. Laemmermann graduated summa cum laude with a baccalaureate degree in construction management.

• Arif Mehmetaj of Jamaica, N.Y., a graduate who earned the Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete Award, the State University's highest honor for student athletes. He helped lead the men's basketball team to a 54-11 record and has earned a full scholarship to continue his career at Daemen College near Buffalo.

World-renowned wine educator Kevin Zraly, Class of 1974, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree.

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

• Dr. Alissa Burger, Assistant Professor of Liberal Arts and Sciences-Excellence in Teaching

• Susan Deane, Associate Professor of Nursing-Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities

• Barbara Kaplan, Assistant to the President-Excellence in Professional Service

• Roberta Hudson, Secretary 2 for the Office of Business and Finance-Excellence in Classified Service

SUNY Delhi College Council members who were present: Jhilmil Ghaleb, Walter Gladstone, Katherine Mario, Joseph Sutaris and Ray Barber.

Quotable Quotes:

• President Candace S. Vancko: "A recent Gallup-Purdue Index Report...indicated that college graduates had double the chances of being engaged in their work and were three times as likely to be thriving in their personal well-being if they connected with someone on campus who stimulated them, cared about them and encouraged their hopes and dreams. That is certainly the case at Delhi. The State University Student Opinion survey consistently ranks Delhi among the leaders in the SUNY system for faculty as mentors to students."

• Kevin Zraly '74, Honorary Doctorate Recipient to the Class of 2014: "Here's what I I'd like to tell you...Always be politely brazen. Ask as many questions as possible when you go for that job. You've got to be brazen, but always remember, like my mom said, be polite."

• President Candace S. Vancko to Kevin Zraly: "You have made the world of wines accessible and enjoyable to a broad and diverse audience while educating SUNY students about this globally important industry. Your knowledge, passion and ability to engage wine enthusiasts have brought a new appreciation of the culinary arts to millions."

• Kenneth Favreau, Student of the Year – Associate Degree: "When I came to college, I decided to recreate myself...I am now more outgoing, have broadened my horizons and just try to better myself in general...Everybody can change and college is the best place to do so."

• Arvin Tangalan, Student of the Year – Baccalaureate Degree: "Thirteen years ago, when my family and I emigrated from Guyana to the United States, I had no idea I would end up at a school like SUNY Delhi. My parents valued education, even when the means were very limited. I was the first to go away to college and I knew I had to prove to my parents and other family members that this would be a beneficial move. While this is my experience, I'm sure there are many more graduates in the room who have achieved more than they ever expected to."