SUNY Canton Celebrates Class of 2021 at In-Person Ceremony
Canton, NY (05/15/2021) — SUNY Canton held a socially-distanced 113th Commencement Ceremony for the class of 2021 Saturday, May 15.
Only graduates and college representatives were present at the event, which followed New York State guidelines on capacity, mask-wearing and COVID testing. The ceremony was live-streamed on the SUNY Canton website for families and friends to watch online.
College Council Chair Ronald M. O'Neill, class of 1963, addressed the class of 2021 by video message. He encouraged them to stay connected with one another and to the college.
"As alumni, you will create new memories at reunions and homecomings," O'Neill said. "There is another chapter in your SUNY Canton story, and I hope to see you back on campus."
President Zvi Szafran told the graduates to use their knowledge to help their communities rebound after the pandemic. "As a SUNY Canton graduate, you have been taught to analyze and problem-solve. These skills won't be helpful just to your career, but to society."
Szafran included a special acknowledgement to the graduates who were essential employees, healthcare workers or volunteers during the past year.
He then introduced two recipients of the outstanding graduate awards: Kaitlyn N. Trusty, a Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology major from Blauvelt, and Justin Omaga, a Liberal Arts major from Winnipeg, Canada. Benjamin E. Muckey, a Law Enforcement Leadership major from Oswego, was recognized as the recipient of the David R. Maynard Student Activities Award.
In the senior class address, Sidei Clouden, a Veterinary Technology major from Brooklyn, said it was an honor to serve as the Student Government Association President for the past year and urged her fellow graduates to reflect on their time at the college.
"Take the memories and lessons learned along the way through your life," Clouden said. "They will serve as a source of laughter and tools to maneuver through the struggles of adulting."
The top three bachelor's degrees awarded, in order of popularity, were Health Care Management, Criminal Investigation and Management. The top three associate degrees awarded were Nursing, Veterinary Science Technology and Criminal Justice.
Additionally, graduates from the college's one and two-year Nursing programs were recognized at special pinning ceremonies held earlier in the week.
A recording of the event, as well as a special commencement video, can be found at: https://www.canton.edu/commencement/video2021/.
About SUNY Canton
As Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs, SUNY Canton delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY's leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 22 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also features varsity esports and cheerleading.
Media Attachments
Health and Fitness Promotion graduate Caprice M. LaDue of Massena walks into the Roos House gym with her fellow graduates at the beginning of SUNY Canton’s 2021 Commencement Ceremony.
SUNY Canton Student Government Association President Sidei S. Clouden, a Veterinary Technology major from Brooklyn, addresses her class at SUNY Canton’s 2021 Commencement Ceremony.
Sydney Uthe, a SUNY Canton Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Leadership graduate from Rochester, switches her tassel from the right side of her hat to the left, signifying that she has completed her degree.
Jacob Miller of Clifton Park sings along to the SUNY Canton Alma Mater at the conclusion of the college’s 113th Commencement Ceremony celebrating the graduating class of 2021.