SUNY Canton

« Back to Recent News

SUNY Canton Celebrates Class of 2025 at Commencement Ceremony

by Lorette Murray

Canton, NY (05/10/2025) — SUNY Canton held its 117th Commencement Ceremony for approximately 800 members of the class of 2025 Saturday, May 10.

SUNY Canton College Council Chair Ronald M. O'Neill, class of 1963, opened the ceremony by congratulating the graduates and asking for a round of applause for their supporters in attendance.

"Today is a celebration for them as well," he emphasized. "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 70 years old and represent 20 U.S. states and four foreign countries: Cameroon, Canada, the Czech Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

SUNY Canton Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish then recognized the class of 2025's Outstanding Graduate Award Recipients. The baccalaureate-level awardees were Natalie E. Bartle, an Applied Psychology graduate from Negaunee, Mich., and Eli J. Larson, a Mechatronics Technology major from Earlton. The associate-level awardee was Betsy M. Brabant, a Nursing graduate from Ogdensburg.

After the class address was delivered by Student Government Association President Evan Velasquez, class of 2025, 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 2025 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 pay it forward and 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 Healthcare Management, Cybersecurity and Applied Psychology. The top three associate degrees awarded were Nursing, Veterinary Science Technology, and Business Administration.

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

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

Media Attachments

Professor Deborah S. Molnar, Ph.D., who teaches in the SUNY Canton Physical Therapist Assistant program, stands at the podium to begin the college’s 117th Commencement Ceremony.

Betsy M. Brabant, a SUNY Canton Nursing graduate from Ogdensburg, received the Outstanding Graduate award at the associate degree level from Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish.

Natalie E. Bartle, a SUNY Canton Applied Psychology graduate from Negaunee, Mich., received the Outstanding Graduate award at the bachelor’s degree level from Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish.

Viktoria L. Pierre, a Veterinary Technology graduate from Ballston Lake, sings the national anthem at SUNY Canton’s 117th Commencement Ceremony.

Copyright © 2025 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out