Class of 2019 Graduates from SUNY Delhi: "Become Leaders and Make Service a Priority"

800 Students Graduate in Sunny Outdoor Ceremony

by Riikka Olson

Delhi, NY (05/20/2019) — On Saturday, May 18, the State University of New York at Delhi's outdoor track field was filled with family, friends, faculty, and staff for the college's 102nd annual commencement in celebration of the Class of 2019. The sun shone brightly in the sky as approximately 800 students graduated with certificates and associate, bachelor, and master's degrees.

"It's an honor to recognize your achievements today," President Michael Laliberte told the graduates. "You are incredibly talented and possess the knowledge and skills needed to succeed far beyond SUNY Delhi. As you move on, I hope that SUNY Delhi has fueled a passion for life-long learning in you; that you become leaders in your professions and your communities; and that you will make service a priority. My heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2019!"

Student Senate President Genevieve Fanfan announced the Class of 2019 gift, a 6-burner electric stove and double oven to the college's Multicultural Center, MOSAIC, in hopes that it will help student organizations host events and fundraisers.

"It has been an honor to know and serve each of you," she said to her peers. "You've all done great things already, and this is just the beginning. Today marks the end of one chapter and the start of the rest of our lives. Let's make it count!"

Student speaker Tyleeyah Rogers delivered the student commencement address in which she reflected on her childhood fascination with superhero comics. Through the support of faculty, staff, and friends, she realized everyone has superpowers within them.

"We all possess the capacity to be someone's hero and the potential to have a life-changing impact on someone else," she said. "Use your superpowers for good and nothing less."

It was a bittersweet celebration for Ryan Ali of Queens, NY, who graduated with a bachelor degree in Information Technology Management and is also the recipient of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence.

"I feel like it was just yesterday that I moved into my room at Delhi, and today I'm moving out," he said. "My family are very proud to see me graduate. I'm happy we were able to have the ceremony outside - the view of the mountains in the background was gorgeous."

"Hearing my family and friends cheer for me as I walked across the stage to receive my diploma made all the years of hard work and dedication worth it," said Rebecca Cornell of Tully, NY, who received a bachelor degree in Event Management. "I'm hopeful and excited to start my next chapter and experience what's to come."

The ceremony was followed by an outdoor reception where families gathered to enjoy refreshments, take pictures, and celebrate with loved ones.