SUNY Delhi Convocation Celebrates Incoming Class

DELHI, NY (08/29/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Delhi welcomed 1,300 incoming students at Convocation, the college's opening ceremony to the academic year, yesterday in Clark Field House.

SUNY Delhi's convocation is a tradition that publicly and formally acknowledges the college's incoming classes. The event is held during the first day of orientation activities, which give students a taste of what they can expect.

Liberal Arts Professor Aleksandras Gedmintas led the processional of students faculty and staff as the most senior member of the Delhi faculty.

Barbara Jones, Vice President for Student Life, opened with welcoming remarks. "This ceremony marks the official beginning of your membership in the SUNY Delhi academic community," she said. "With that membership comes many privileges, rights and responsibilities. You have joined an exceptional, diverse campus community dedicated to your intellectual, social, and personal development."

Rob Piurowski '02, Director of Enrollment Services, addressed the assembly, noting that the college increased its selectivity by nine percent this year. He also noted that this year's incoming class represents 54 of 62 counties within New York State, with students from 19 additional states and from the countries of Japan, Netherland Antilles, Republic of Georgia and Saudi Arabia.

Provost John Nader officially accepted the Certificate Class of 2016, the Associate Degree Class of 2017 and the Baccalaureate Degree Class of 2019. In his remarks, he counted 884 students who achieved Dean's List the previous semester.

President Candace S. Vancko spoke to the incoming students, "... I am confident you will succeed. We have significantly increased selectivity and you represent the best and brightest of the more than 6,400 students who applied for admission. Congratulations." In her remarks, she revealed that nearly 90 percent of Delhi students said the college met or exceeded their expectations according to the most recent State University Student Opinion Survey. Students also gave high marks to the college for quality of instruction, class size, course-related labs and library services.

President Vancko recognized the college's Presidential Scholars, select students who are nominated by their high school principals. They represent the leading academic scholars from the local area and from across New York State.

Dr. Monica Liddle, the 2015 recipient of the State University Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, served as keynote speaker. She gave students advice and urged them go to class, call home, and ask for help. "College is a time for you to figure out who you are, what you like, what you are good at, and what you enjoy doing. And now I'll share with you the most important piece of advice that I have taken away from the many graduation speeches that I have listened to over the years: It's never too late to make a change and follow your dreams."

Student Senate President Anthony Cucci offered his help and advice to incoming students, commenting, "The SUNY Delhi community is an open door waiting to welcome you in."

Posted Saturday August 29, 2015 at 06:02 am by SUNY Delhi
Last Updated Monday August 31, 2015 at 09:21 am