SUNY Canton Celebrates Class of 2024

by Lorette Murray

Canton, NY (05/11/2024) — SUNY Canton held its 116th Commencement Ceremony for approximately 800 members of the class of 2024 Saturday, May 11.

SUNY Canton College Council Chair Ronald M. O'Neill, class of 1963, opened the ceremony by congratulating the graduates, as well as acknowledging those who have been a part of their support system.

"Today is a celebration for them as well," he said. "Your parents, grandparents, spouses, partners, children, family, mentors and all those who have not only believed in you, but have helped and encouraged you along the way."

SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran welcomed the audience and expressed his pride in this year's class, which comprises graduates who range in age from 18 to 71 years old and represent 18 U.S. states and four foreign countries: Cameroon, Canada, Finland and Sweden.

SUNY Canton Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish then recognized two recipients of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence: Samuel Dieubeni T. Diffo, a Finance graduate from Yaounde, Cameroon, and Sebastien Paquette, a Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology graduate from Montreal, Quebec. She also congratulated:

• Randi Gillman, a Legal Studies graduate from Ogdensburg, who is the recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence, a statewide honor that recognizes scholars in the Educational Opportunity Program.
• Alondra J. Maranda, a Criminal Investigation graduate from Harlem, who is the recipient of the David R. Maynard Student Activities Award.

Bish then recognized the class of 2024's Outstanding Graduate Award recipients. Tylan Emch, a Veterinary Science Technology graduate from South Hero, Vt., received the Outstanding Associate Graduate Award, and Cadin C. Taggart, a Sports Management graduate from Bath, received the Outstanding Baccalaureate Graduate Award.

After the class address was delivered by Student Government Association President Evan Velasquez, SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Canton College Foundation Tracey L. Thompson welcomed the graduates to the alumni family and encouraged them to remain connected to the college.

"Today you join a network of more than 39,000 alumni who are making their mark in exciting career fields," Thompson told the audience. "The class of 2024 can make a huge difference right away, just by sharing your excitement about graduating. And the best way to thank all those who helped you along the way is to assist those following in your footsteps."

Szafran and academic leaders from the college's three schools then began the conferral of degrees. The top three bachelor's degrees awarded, in order of popularity, were Applied Psychology, Health Care Management, and Cybersecurity. The top three associate degrees awarded were Nursing, Veterinary Science Technology, and Individual Studies.

Additionally, graduates from the college's Veterinary Technology and Nursing programs were recognized at special pinning ceremonies held earlier in the week.

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