87% of SUNY Ulster’s Class of 2026 Graduates Debt Free
May 14, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – As SUNY Ulster prepares to celebrate its 62nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, preliminary data shows that 87% of the college’s Class of 2026 completed their education debt free, a powerful reflection of SUNY Ulster’s commitment to affordability, access, and student success.
The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in the Senate Gymnasium on the Stone Ridge campus, where President Alison Buckley, Ed.D., will confer degrees and certificates upon 124 graduates participating in the event.
The Class of 2026 includes 326 graduates overall, with 270 students earning associate degrees and 60 receiving certificates. The graduating class spans generations, ranging in age from 16 to 72.
Among this year’s graduates:
- 72 students earned Highest Honors
- 69 students earned Honors
- 9 students will receive the President’s Medal of Highest Honor for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA
- 49 graduates are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges
- 16 students will receive the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Medallion of Excellence as recipients of the President’s Challenge Scholarship
- 6 students are recognized as College Scholars
In addition, 23 nursing students will participate in the annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony, and 18 Veterinary Technology students will take part in SUNY Ulster’s inaugural Vet Tech Pinning Ceremony on Friday, May 15.
“Our graduates have inspired us through their hard work, perseverance, and passion for learning,” said SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. “What makes this class especially remarkable is that 87% of our graduates completed their education debt free, demonstrating that a high-quality college education can remain affordable, accessible, and transformational for students and families across our region.”
“As both a SUNY Ulster alumnus and Chair of the Board of Trustees, I am especially proud to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026,” said Robert R. Jacobsen, Esq. “Our graduates represent the strength and promise of this institution, and I look forward to the many ways they will contribute to our communities and beyond.”
The commencement keynote address will be delivered by Rodney Shealey, Advisor with HarbourView Equity and former Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings. Throughout his career, Shealey has worked with internationally recognized artists including Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Lopez. A strong advocate for higher education and economic mobility, he has spoken at Columbia University, New York University, and Syracuse University.
The alumni address will be delivered by Marcia Zwilling, entrepreneur, songwriter, and Managing Director of the Diane Warren Foundation. Zwilling is the founder of EquestrianSingles.com, a nationally recognized platform featured on Today, CNBC, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Representing the graduating class, student speaker Natalia Seager will address attendees. Seager is graduating with High Honors in Liberal Arts: Math and Science and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She serves as a math and psychology tutor at SUNY Ulster, volunteers with the Ulster County SPCA and the American Red Cross and founded the college’s Criminal Justice Club.
“Being part of the SUNY Ulster community has shown me how transformative an accessible and supportive education can be,” said Seager. “I’m honored to represent my classmates as we celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together.”
Student Trustee Gunnar Bednarz, graduating with High Honors in Environmental Studies, will serve as a student marshal. Bednarz will continue his studies at Binghamton University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree focused on botany and marine science.
Guests attending commencement should note that large bags and backpacks are prohibited. Large purses and diaper bags will be subject to inspection, and strollers must be left in designated areas.
Each participating graduate will receive six guest tickets. Doors to the Senate Gymnasium will open at 9 a.m. Family and friends unable to attend may watch the ceremony live at SUNYUlster.edu/graduation and on the SUNY Ulster YouTube channel.
SUNY Ulster looks forward to celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026 alongside family, friends, and the community.
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