May 5, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s sixth President, Dr. Alan P. Roberts, will preside over the College’s 57th Commencement on Saturday, May 15.
SUNY Ulster is offering several commencement options for graduating students:
On May 15 at 9 a.m., a pre-recorded virtual commencement will be available for graduating students and guests that can be viewed from any remote location from the College’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page. After Commencement, the video will be available for viewing on our Commencement web page and on SUNY Ulster’s YouTube Channel.
SUNY Ulster will also host a drive-through diploma ceremony on the Stone Ridge Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for 70 graduating students who pre-registered to attend. Social distancing and other health safety protocols outlined by the CDC will be followed.
Graduates can also choose to participate in a Safe Diploma Delivery option in which President Roberts will visit their home after the drive-through ceremony and will continue deliveries over the following days. All social distancing and safety protocols will be observed.
SUNY Ulster’s class of 2021 consists of 406 students. Of this group, 354 will receive associate degrees and 91 will receive certificates. The youngest graduate is 16, and the oldest is 64. Of the class, 64 are graduating with highest honors, 122 are graduating with honors, three students are graduating with the Honors Studies program distinction, nine students are being recognized for earning a 4.0 GPA while at SUNY Ulster, the President’s Medal of Highest Honor, and 57 are members of the national honors society Phi Theta Kappa.
Pomp & Circumstance played by SUNY Ulster’s brass quintet from the College’s 2016 Commencement will open the Ceremony as well as the SUNY Ulster Alma Mater from the 2016 College Chorus. America the Beautiful, Lift Every Voice and Sing will be performed by SUNY Ulster alumna, Marena Clunie. The virtual ceremony kicks-off with a welcome from President Dr. Alan P. Roberts. Video and audio messages will continue from Alan Lomita, Chairman of the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees; U.S. Senator, Chuck Schumer; U.S. Congressman Antonio Delgado; New York State Senator, Michelle Hinchey; Assemblymember, Kevin A. Cahill; Ulster County Executive, Patrick Ryan; Chair of the Ulster County Legislature David Donaldson; Chair of the SUNY Ulster Academic Senate, Professor Jim Hobbs; SUNY Chancellor, Dr. Jim Malatras; Chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., Laurel Sweeney; ESPN College Basketball Analyst, Dick Vitale; and CNBC Business News Correspondent, Contessa Brewer.
Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Kevin Stoner will speak on Academic Achievements of the class of 2021 followed by a presentation of the candidates through virtual slides submitted by participating graduates and voiceovers by Assistant Dean for Student Success, Wendy Beesley and Assistant Dean for Student Services, Matt Brennie.
A combined Invocation/Benediction message will be given from Rev. Allison Moore, PhD. from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Paltz, NY.
An electronic version of the Commencement Program will display all 2021 graduates.
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