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SUNY Canton Celebrates Class of 2026

Canton, NY (05/11/2026) — SUNY Canton held its 118th Commencement Ceremony for approximately 800 members of the class of 2026 Saturday, May 9.

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 61 years old and represent 21 U.S. states and seven foreign countries: Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, the Czech Republic, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.

SUNY Canton Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish then recognized the class of 2026 Outstanding Graduate Award recipients. The baccalaureate-level awardee was Sydney P. Valiquette, a Forensic Criminology graduate from London, Ont. The associate-level awardee was Allison J.P. Bickford, a Physical Therapist Assistant graduate from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

The class address was delivered by Student Government Association President Bronson Sharrow, class of 2027.

"Today is more than just time to celebrate this personal achievement," Sharrow told the graduates. "It's about acknowledging the common experience that led you to this point. Hold on to the friends you've created. They transformed everyday events into significant and challenging days into doable."

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 Cybersecurity, Applied Psychology, and Healthcare Management. The top three associate degrees awarded were Nursing, Veterinary Science Technology, and Liberal Arts.

Additionally, graduates from the college's Veterinary Technology and Nursing programs were recognized at special pinning ceremonies held previously. Seven Veterinary Technology students will be continuing their studies at veterinary school in the fall.

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 and Physical Therapist Assistant Program Director Deborah Molnar served as the mace bearer for SUNY Canton's 118th Commencement Ceremony and led the procession of academics and graduates Saturday, May 9.

SUNY Canton School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice Dean Michele Snyder congratulates Sydney Valiquette of London, Ont., as she crosses the stage at the college's 118th Commencement Ceremony. Valiquette was the 2026 Outstanding Graduate at the bachelor's degree level.

SUNY Canton School of Business and Liberal Arts Dean Kenneth Rhee shakes hands with Lonneil Simpson, an Early Childhood major from New York, N.Y., at the college's 118th Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9.

Allison Bickford, a student-athlete who graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program, earned SUNY Canton's Outstanding Graduate Award at the associate level. She is pictured with Dean of Students Courtney Battista Bish at the college's 118th Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9.

Pictured is Joao Pozzi Arcaro, an international SUNY Canton Honors student who graduated with a bachelor's degree in Funeral Services Administration at the college's 118th Commencement Ceremony Saturday, May 9.

Graduate Madeline Derouchie of Brasher Falls smiles at SUNY Canton's 118th Commencement Ceremony held Saturday, May 9. Derouchie earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology.

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