Empire State University Honors Class of 2023 in Albany Ceremony

(ALBANY, NY -- December 9, 2023) Empire State University celebrated the class of 2023 on Saturday, December 9 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, NY. 259 graduating students attended the event. 

This is the first graduating class under the university's new designation as Empire State University, formally SUNY Empire State College. President Lisa Vollendorf was in attendance. 

Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2023 collectively live in 60 different New York state counties, in 27 U.S. states and territories, 27 countries around the world, and range from ages 19 to 76. Graduates traveled from across the state, country, and even the world to attend the ceremony, with four students traveling from the Dominican Republic to walk across the stage. 

The ceremony featured student speaker Cecile McIntosh-Carless of the Bronx, NY, who earned her bachelor's of science in public affairs. 

SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said, "Our students stand apart from the crowd: You know that educational attainment can be achieved at any stage of life. All of us here at SUNY Empire stand at the ready to support you, celebrate you, and, when you’re ready, to help you achieve your next educational goal!"   

SUNY Empire Faculty Speaker and Assistant Professor in the School of Human Services Cailyn Green said, "I have been teaching at this university for more than nine years now, and an observation about what makes our student population so unique is how you overcome obstacles. From the outside looking in, it doesn’t appear as if you see obstacles as obstacles, but rather as challenges. We watch you face these challenges head on, letting nothing come between you and your goals. These are skills that will guide you through your professional careers and on to the next level." 

SUNY Empire Student Speaker Cecile McIntosh-Carless said, "Today, I stand before you as a testament of what it means to never give up on your dreams. I hope this encourages you and lets you know that your dreams may be delayed, but they won’t be denied. Dare to dream. Dare to believe. Dare to have audacity. This journey has inspired me in so many ways that I now have even bigger dreams to pursue. I urge you to dream and dream big!" 

A recording of the ceremony can be found on our commencement website.