June 8, 2022

SUNY EMPIRE HONORS CLASS OF 2022 IN ROCHESTER

(ROCHESTER, NY, June 6, 2022) — SUNY Empire State College celebrated the class of 2022 at the college’s 50th commencement ceremony on Thursday, June 2 at the Joseph A. Floreano Riverside Convention Center in Rochester. This was SUNY Empire’s first in-person spring commencement since 2019. 

Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2022 collectively live in 58 different New York state counties, in 24 U.S. states and territories, 15 countries around the world, and ranged from ages 19 to 73. 

The ceremony featured two student speakers, Bridgitte Moss-Philips of Rochester, NY, who received a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in community and human services, and Myvette Thurmond of Buffalo, NY, who received a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in criminal justice. 

SUNY Empire State College alumnus and former Deputy Monroe County Executive Brian Curran ’80 delivered remarks to the class of 2022. 

All attendees were required to submit proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of the event. Masks were encouraged. 

 

SUNY Empire State College Officer in Charge Dr. Nathan Gonyea said,  "We are so pleased to be able to hold this commencement ceremony in person, being our first in-person spring commencement since 2019. Our commencements celebrate the many innovations, accomplishments, and triumphs of our very special students. It’s a particularly special ceremony because it is our college’s 50th commencement ceremony.” 

 

SUNY Empire State College student speaker Bridgitte Moss-Philips said, “This is a really big moment for me because I could not have imagined I would be here at my commencement. I acknowledge and appreciate everyone at SUNY Empire who has been a part of my amazing journey.”  

 

SUNY Empire State College student speaker Myvette Thurmond said,Each of us has our own unique experiences at SUNY Empire. I faced many different challenges being a single mother, attending college full time, while working two jobs to pay for college. A college degree is a wonderful tool in this world, one that opens many doors of opportunities for everyone. 

 

SUNY Empire State College alumnus and former Deputy Monroe County Executive Brian Curran ’80 said, “I’m proud to stand here as an alumnus of SUNY Empire. We are all connected to something very special, a place that recognized our potential as scholars and workers and helped us to achieve a degree.