Update from the President - May 8, 2024

It looks like spring finally has arrived at SUNY Oswego. The trees are blooming, flowers are abundant and yes, there is sun. I am grateful for this spectacular weather as we take part in the many activities associated with the end of the academic year.

It is indeed a busy time for all of us. I hope you have taken advantage of the many events, exhibits and performances we’ve offered, all leading up to the most joyous celebration of the year, our 163rd Commencement.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve participated in several events that reaffirm my belief in the untapped potential of our region and the vital role SUNY Oswego will play in revitalizing our communities. Late last month, I joined a large gathering with our School of Education Dean Laura Spenceley and Assistant Vice President for Workforce Innovation and External Relations Kristi Eck at President Biden’s announcement of up to $6.1 billion in funding to Micron Technology to begin building its semiconductor factories in Central New York. As you know, Micron’s entry into the region means economic mobility for our communities. Our university continues to serve as the lead convenor of the Oswego County Micron Steering Committee which I chair, comprised of public and private stakeholders to prepare the region for Micron’s arrival. The committee met yesterday and plans to host a June 11 Summit at SUNY Oswego to discuss progress to date on its work. Last week, I joined Oswego Mayor Robert Corradino at the opening reception for our “One City. One Campus. One Community” photojournalism project at City Hall, where we celebrated our students’ work as well as the many establishments that make Oswego such a special city.

Here on campus, I had the pleasure of meeting students who are part of the Building Men program in Syracuse. It was wonderful to talk with these young men about the importance of continuing their education beyond high school and the myriad options open to them. I took great pride in presiding over our Honors Convocation, where more than 170 students were recognized for their outstanding academic performance. At our second annual Asiwaju graduation festivities, the educational journeys of our students who represent the African, Asian, Latin, and Native American diasporas resonated deeply with me. I was so very honored to be part of that marvelous event.

And in a few days’ time, we will proudly cheer on our graduates at Commencement. Saturday’s ceremonies will mark my second commencement exercises since joining the university. With this commencement, I would have presided over the graduation of more than 1,800 Lakers. For me, there is no greater joy than shaking each of our graduate’s hands as they join the ranks of more than 94,000 SUNY Oswego alumni, prepared and determined to make a positive mark on our world and contributing to the social and economic mobility of their families, their communities, and the region. I hope you will be able to join us.

The ceremonies will take place in the Deborah F. Stanley Arena in the Marano Campus Center (MCC); post-ceremony receptions will be held outside the MCC. If you are interested in volunteering for any of the ceremonies, please contact Communications Director Tim Nekritz ([email protected]). If you’d like to break out your academic regalia and join the procession, please reach out to Department of Technology Chair Richard Bush ([email protected]). Your participation makes the day so very special for our graduates and their families.

Schedule 

• 9 am: College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with an honorary doctorate of humane letters to be presented to Trudy Perkins ’93, retired chief of staff and communications director for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
• 12:30 pm: School of Business, featuring guest speaker and local entrepreneur and philanthropist Ed Alberts M’92 M’97
• 4 pm: School of Communication, Media and Arts and School of Education, featuring guest speaker Anthony Q. Davis, superintendent of the Syracuse City School District

I look forward to seeing you at Commencement. To our graduates, I extend my wishes for much success in your next journey, and I hope you return to campus often as proud alumni. For our returning students, faculty, and staff, I hope you enjoy a summer filled with much deserved rest, some adventures and, yes, sun.