Albany Commencement Student Speaker Kevin DiPalma on Dispelling Self-Doubt

Hailing from Schenectady, Kevin DiPalma is a financial director, father, and a spring 2026 Empire State University graduate with an interdisciplinary studies degree. In his second go at higher education, DiPalma was able to secure his degree without taking a leave of absence from work. This accomplishment—and becoming the student speaker for SUNY Empire’s Albany commencement ceremony on May 29—have revolutionized his self-confidence.

Like many students at SUNY Empire, DiPalma juggled a mix of responsibilities throughout his time as a student: parenting, a high-stakes job as the financial director at Albany Medical College, and online coursework. “We were not just students. We were parents, professionals, caregivers, and partners,” the speaker emphasized to an audience of fellow graduates and proud loved ones.

For the student speaker, the experience of earning his degree online required “Finding that balance to get everything done and meet deadlines.” He highlighted “how much the SUNY Empire experience trusts you to be independent.”  In his commencement ceremony remarks, DiPalma acknowledged the hard work of his peers: “Online learning asked something different of us. It required discipline when no one was watching.”

Going into this degree program, DiPalma’s goal was simply reaching the finish line—though he wasn’t sure he could given his existing workload and personal responsibilities. To his surprise—and a testament to his hard work—even a role change at work didn’t derail him. “I made it through. Without taking a leave of absence or anything—just powered through, non-stop,” the graduate said.

This was not the only unexpected element of his time as a college student. DiPalma did not foresee his favorite moment from his time at the university to be a literature elective on fairy tales and storytelling, but looking back, it was. “If all the classes could be like that, I would be in heaven,” the graduate joked.It made him reflect on keeping journals in high school, which revealed a lifelong appreciation for words and expression carried into the present day.

At the end of his SUNY Empire journey, he elected to walk in the Albany commencement ceremony to punctuate the experience. To DiPalma, suddenly being done with school “was very anti-climactic. I need the full experience here—to have closure. So, let’s do this graduation!” he said. Applying to be a student speaker, and being selected, is another unexpected turn for DiPalma, who confessed: “I am a self-doubter. I know I come across as confident and secure in myself, but I’m really not.”

Having struggled with undiagnosed ADHD growing up came with many challenges, but obtaining treatment changed the game, and “school came kind of like second nature to me,” DiPalma said. Finishing the program with a near 4.0 GPA illustrates the graduate’s aptitude and dedication.

What follows commencement is still being decided, but DiPalma is eyeing a doctorate degree in financial education. He currently leads financial literacy courses for students at Albany Medical College and is interested in furthering his credentials.

The student speaker shared some words for anyone on the fence about enrolling: “Don’t think you can’t … because you’re like, ‘I’m not going to make it through.’ If I did it, anyone can do it.”