Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–
On Saturday, we experienced a truly joyful and memorable day in the life of our university—SUNY Oswego’s 164th Commencement. It was a spectacular day of pride, hope, and celebration as we honored the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025.
Each of the three ceremonies held in the Marano Campus Center was filled with vibrant energy, heartfelt emotion, and overwhelming enthusiasm as families, friends, faculty, staff, and alumni joined together to cheer on our graduates—each one a shining example of dedication, resilience, and academic excellence. To witness their joy and sense of accomplishment was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
Our university beamed with pride as we welcomed extraordinary speakers and honorary degree recipients who inspired us with their words and wisdom:
- Ambassador Erastus Ekitela Lokaale, permanent representative of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations, commencement speaker for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Kristin Shanley-Graves, who offered a congratulatory message at the morning ceremony on behalf of our University Council
- Constance Schwartz-Morini ’90, co-founder and CEO of SMAC Entertainment, honorary degree recipient and commencement speaker for the School of Business
- Linda Cohn ’81, anchor of ESPN’s SportsCenter, honorary degree recipient and commencement speaker for the School of Communication, Media and the Arts and the School of Education
Their messages challenged and uplifted us, as did the remarks by Student Association President Aiden Wilson, who received his bachelor’s degree on Saturday. Aiden spoke at all three ceremonies with clarity, passion, and purpose, proudly representing the spirit of SUNY Oswego.
A deeply moving and meaningful moment came during the final ceremony when we honored the life and legacy of Ziyah Myers, a cherished alumna who passed away in January. Presenting her family with a posthumous degree was a powerful and solemn tribute that underscored the bonds of our caring community.
These celebrations were made possible by the extraordinary efforts of people across our campus. I extend my deepest gratitude to every person who contributed, especially:
- The Public Ceremonies Committee, led with excellence by Stephen McAfee, assistant vice president and executive director of Auxiliary Services
- Faculty Assembly Chair Gwen Kay, who served with distinction as both mace bearer and master of ceremonies, opening and closing each of the three exercises
- The many faculty marshals, greeters, singers, musicians, reception workers, and alumni banner presenters
- The countless volunteers from across our university who gave so generously of their time and talents
Everyone who had a role in making these ceremonies so special—from the smallest detail to the greatest responsibility—took great care to deliver an outstanding and memorable event. You embodied the very best of what it means to be part of the SUNY Oswego family.
On a personal note, I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart. Your efforts made this a day our graduates and their families will remember forever—and a day I will always hold dear. You made us all proud.
Remain well,
Peter O. Nwosu
President