Veterans Tuition Award Opens Up New Possibilities for Veteran Students 

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – July 8, 2025) Beginning in Fall 2025, more veterans will qualify for the Veterans Tuition Award (VTA)—a New York state program offering tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, or vocational study for qualified veterans. 

“The expansion of the Veterans Tuition Award will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the veteran students we serve at SUNY Empire– especially women veterans,” said Director of the Veteran and Military Resource Center Desiree Drindak. “Not only does NYS VTA help remove financial barriers, it also empowers more veterans to pursue their academic and career goals.” 

You may qualify for VTA if you: 

  • Served at least four years on active duty OR served in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, or other eligible hostilities (and were awarded an Expeditionary Medal) 
  • Are enrolled full- or part-time in an approved NYS degree or training program 
  • Are a New York state resident 
  • Were not dishonorably discharged 

The VTA Award: 

  • Covers up to eight full-time semesters (undergrad + grad) 
  • Covers SUNY tuition or actual tuition, whichever is less (2024–25 rate: $7,070/year) 
  • Is not reduced by GI Bill or Pell Grants 
  • Is pro-rated for part-time students 

How to Apply: 

  • File the FAFSA and the NYS Payment Application each year 

Please share with fellow veterans! For more information about eligibility visit: www.hesc.ny.gov/vta. If you have questions, email the Veteran and Military Resource Center at military.programs@sunyempire.edu. 

Empire State University Honors Class of 2025 in Rochester Ceremony 

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(Rochester, NY – MAY 29, 2025) Empire State University celebrated the Class of 2025 in a ceremony on Thursday, May 29 at the Kodak Center, where over 155 graduates crossed the stage. Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf, Assembly Member Sarah Clark, and SUNY Trustee Robert Duffy were in attendance.  

Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2025 collectively live in 61 of the 62 New York state counties, 25 U.S. states and territories, and nine countries around the world. They range from ages 18 to 75. 97 of the graduates are military-affiliated students, including active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents.  

The ceremony on Thursday, May 29 featured remarks from Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf, faculty speaker and Assistant Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports Lauren Allen, and student speaker Stephanie Weinman, as well as New York State Assembly Member Sarah Clark and member of the SUNY Board of Trustees Bob Duffy.   

SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said, “Empire State University encourages you to look beyond what you even thought possible. We want you to feel valued and heard. We want you to triumph. And now, it is up to you to take advantage of the possibilities before you.” 

Assembly Member Sarah Clark said, “Your path here wasn’t paved with ease, but it was forged with purpose. You embody what education should be: accessible, flexible, empowering, and rooted in community. You prove every day that it is never too late to pursue your goals, never too early to make an impact, and never out of reach to shape a better future.” 

SUNY Board of Trustees Member Bob Duffy said, “I’m proud of the veterans, the parents, the moms, dads, grandparents — everyone who’s worked so hard to earn this degree while you’re working, raising a family, and dealing with life’s issues every single day. You hung in there, you worked hard, you persevered, and you are graduating tonight — which I think is the ultimate reflection of the character and work ethic of the class of 2025.” 

SUNY Empire Faculty Speaker and Assistant Director of the Center for Autism Advocacy: Research, Education, and Supports Lauren Allen said, “As you take your hard-earned degree into your next chapter, never doubt that you are supposed to be in the room and in your role. Remember that all of us at Empire State University, and all the people cheering you on today, never doubted you for a moment.” 

SUNY Empire Student Speaker Stephanie Weinman said, “Even if you fail, you are really just evolving into who you are meant to be. THAT is an accomplishment. I congratulate all of you here today for the accomplishment you have achieved by graduating from Empire State University in the Class of 2025!” 

Read more about commencement at Empire State University. 

President Vollendorf Named Trailblazer in Higher Education For Second Consecutive Year

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(SARATOGA, NY — May 28, 2025) Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf was named to City & State New York’s annual list of trailblazers in higher education. The list spotlights higher education leaders whose efforts contribute to making New York state a center for higher learning. This is President Vollendorf’s second consecutive year being named to the list.

The article recognizes President Vollendorf, noting, “Since taking office in 2022 at Empire State University, Lisa Vollendorf has developed a new strategic plan and spurred rising enrollment at the institution. One of the fastest growing public universities in the state, Vollendorf has seen double-digit enrollment increases at Empire State. She has established the university as the only designated autism-supportive university in New York and positioned it to serve more military-affiliated students than any other SUNY school. She also launched the first Spanish-language online degree program in the SUNY system and has formed partnerships with corporations, labor unions and state agencies.”

Read City & State’s 2025 list of Trailblazers in Higher Education.

Empire State University Honors Class of 2025 in Manhattan Ceremonies 

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(Manhattan, NY – MAY 22, 2025) Empire State University celebrated the Class of 2025 in two ceremonies on Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22 at the New York City Center, where over 500 graduates crossed the stage. Empire State President Lisa Vollendorf and Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon were in attendance.  

Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2025 collectively live in 61 of the 62 New York state counties, 25 U.S. states and territories, and nine countries around the world. They range from ages 18 to 75. 97 of the graduates are military-affiliated students, including active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents.  

The ceremony on Wednesday, May 21 featured Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf, faculty speaker and Director of Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Development Melissa Wells, student speakers Deanna Barrera and Miridia Gibbs, retired Apprentice Director George Schuck, and Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon.   

The ceremony on Thursday, May 22 featured Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf, faculty speaker and Assistant Professor Brian Frederick, and student speaker Serrina Goodman. 

SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said, “Empire State University encourages you to look beyond what you even thought possible. We want you to feel valued and heard. We want you to triumph. And now, it is up to you to take advantage of the possibilities before you.” 

Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon said, “When life hands you opportunities, embrace them. Often life’s most rewarding possibilities won’t appear to fit into your carefully constructed plans. But give them a good hard look anyway. And once you’re ready, go for it. Take the risk. Say ‘Yes, and.’” 

Retired Apprentice Training Director George Schuck said, “Tonight I bring you greetings from the business manager of Local Union Number Three, IBEW, and the officers, along with the chairman of our joint industry board of the electrical industry and the trustees. They all wish to congratulate you on this milestone that you have achieved, and the hard work that you put in.” 

SUNY Empire Faculty Speaker and Director of Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Development Melissa Wells said, “And now, you step into the next chapter of your journey. Some of you will pursue further education, some will enter new careers, and some will excel in the fields you already love. No matter where life takes you next, know this: You are ready. You have been prepared by an institution that believes in access, equity, and the power of education to transform lives.” 

SUNY Empire Faculty Speaker and Assistant Professor Brian Frederick said, “If there’s one thing I hope you all take with you, it’s this: your education does not end here. A degree is not a finish line. It’s an invitation—to stay curious, to challenge injustice, to rethink what is possible.” 

SUNY Empire Student Speaker Deanna Barrera said, “Today, we celebrate our collective triumphs. Each of us has walked a unique path to get here, but together we’ve reached this incredible milestone. We’ve studied, sacrificed, and supported one another through it all—and I couldn’t be prouder to stand beside you today.” 

SUNY Empire Student Speaker Miridia Gibbs said, “I encourage all of you, my fellow graduates, to plant roots, to keep growing, and to keep learning. Weather the storms, welcome the wind and rain, point your faces to the sun… and be ready to reap your harvest when the time arrives.” 

SUNY Empire Student Speaker Serrina Goodman said, “SUNY Empire was my beacon of hope because SUNY Empire saw me—the person behind the application, the one who didn’t fit the mold but who carried wisdom, resilience, and drive in spades. And today, as a proud graduate of SUNY Empire, I get to walk this stage not as a symbol of perfection, but as a reflection of persistence, and in celebration of faith in a better tomorrow.” 

Read more about commencement at Empire State University. 

Empire State University Honors Class of 2025 in Albany Ceremony 

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(ALBANY, NY – MAY 9, 2025) Empire State University celebrated the Class of 2025 on Friday, May 9 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, where 280 graduates crossed the stage. Empire State President Lisa Vollendorf and SUNY Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Julie Hartley-Moore were in attendance.  

Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2025 collectively live in 61 of the 62 New York state counties, 25 U.S. states and territories, and nine countries around the world. They range from ages 18 to 75. 97 of the graduates are military-affiliated students, including active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents.  

The commencement celebration also featured the university’s first graduating doctoral program students. The graduates, who earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Change, were hooded in a separate ceremony at 3 p.m. The program’s first graduating cohort included 11 students.  

SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said, “I encourage each of you to remember why you chose to pursue a degree in educational leadership and change: your commitment to integrity, equity, access, and innovation. We share these values with you, and we look forward to seeing how you will apply them in your careers and communities—to create positive and lasting change for generations of humans to come.” 

The commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. included remarks from President Vollendorf, Faculty Speaker and Visiting Associate Professor Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein, and SUNY Empire Student Speaker Jennifer Edwards. 

SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said, “Empire State University encourages you to look beyond what you even thought possible. We want you to feel valued and heard. We want you to triumph. And now, it is up to you to take advantage of the possibilities before you.” 

SUNY Empire Faculty Speaker and Visiting Associate Professor Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein said, “Embrace the future with confidence. Don’t be afraid to continue learning, growing, and evolving. Your education is not just a degree; it’s a foundation, a springboard, a testament to your ability to achieve anything you set your mind to.” 

SUNY Empire Student Speaker Jennifer Edwards said, “You have one last assignment: Take this power with you. Build healthy villages wherever you go. The world and its future need you.” 

Read more about commencement at Empire State University. 

President Lisa Vollendorf Named Among Women of Excellence for Leadership and Community Impact

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — May 9, 2025) The Capital Region Chamber of Commerce Women of Excellence Awards, celebrating 34 years of honoring outstanding women in the region, will recognize six distinguished recipients on Friday, May 9. Among them is Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, the sixth president of Empire State University and a dedicated advocate for expanding access to higher education. 

Vollendorf, who will receive the chamber’s Excellence in Management award, was selected based on criteria that include initiative, innovation, and the ability to drive organizational growth.  

“I am committed to authentic and inclusive leadership. For me, that means showing up as being true to the person you are. Leadership requires a lot of self-reflection, insight, empathy, and compassion for those around you,” Vollendorf said.  

With over 30 years of experience as an educator, scholar, and university leader, Dr. Vollendorf has demonstrated exceptional management and leadership skills. Since joining SUNY Empire in July 2022, she has rapidly positioned the university as one of the fastest-growing public institutions in the state by emphasizing high-quality online education. Under her leadership, SUNY Empire has experienced record enrollment in Fall 2024, reversing previous declines and serving 17,000 students of all ages and backgrounds through over 125 flexible academic programs. 

Vollendorf said, “I find this award to be very humbling. I look at the past recipients and think how fortunate I am to be considered excellent alongside so many incredibly empowering women.” 

To learn more about President Vollendorf’s management style, view her Women of Excellence video here.  

Western New York Scholarship Helps More Students Complete Their Degree 

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(Buffalo, NY – March 19, 2025) Empire State University received a $200,000 gift from an anonymous donor that enables the university to expand the donor’s existing scholarship fund for students in western New York. 

Established in 2014, the Western New York Part-Time Student Success Scholarship was created to enable overburdened full-time students to move to part-time study, and to assist current part-time students to successfully complete their studies. 

Recipients of the scholarship are matriculated undergraduates residing in Erie, Cattaraugus, or Niagara counties who are working while pursuing their degrees. Additional consideration is given to students with children. 

In reflecting on their inspiration for funding this scholarship, the donor said, “As a mentor at SUNY Empire, I was so impressed by the students I taught. Many of them are juggling jobs and childcare along with school. I also saw too many students who felt forced to study full-time to receive state and federal aid, even though they already had full-time jobs and children to raise. That’s essentially three full-time jobs, and it makes it a real struggle to keep up your grades. I’m hoping that this scholarship will allow students to take classes part-time, so that they can take only the number of courses that allows them to succeed at school and at home.”  

Since its inception, the scholarship has been awarded to dozens of students, helping many of them successfully complete their degrees. Recipients have studied across all undergraduate academic programs and represent the entire western New York region. 

During the 2024-25 academic year, the Western New York Scholarship will be distributed to more than 50 students from across the region. Nina Nedkova, a Buffalo native, is one of this year’s recipients who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting and epitomizes the importance of helping students switch to part-time study. 

“I am 54 years old, and I have been waiting for many years for the opportunity to finish my education,” Nedkova said. “The financial aid for part-time study is not enough to cover my college expenses. I attempted to work and go to school full time for one semester, but it was very challenging. With this scholarship, I will be able to switch to part-time study and still have my school bills paid, making my life more manageable. My children will have a mother and grandmother instead of a tax-zombie while I am studying accounting.” 

Over the past decade, the scholarship has been impactful for students in the region, making it possible for them to juggle the responsibilities of school, work, and family life. With this new commitment, the donor will help even more students complete their degrees. 

President Lisa Vollendorf Receives Women of Excellence Award 

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Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf received a Women of Excellence award by the Women’s Business Council of the Capital Region Chamber. The award for Excellence in Management will be presented during a ceremony on Friday, May 9. President Vollendorf was recognized among five other women across industries in the Capital Region.  

“It’s an honor to be recognized by the Capital Region Chamber with a Women of Excellence Award this year,” President Vollendorf said. “I am fortunate to work alongside so many caring and talented colleagues in service to SUNY Empire’s nearly 17,000 students. We are now one of the state’s fastest-growing public institutions because of our intentional efforts to drive access and educational attainment for people who have been left behind by traditional higher education. I am so proud to lead this university at this moment. We have much more to accomplish!” 

SUNY Empire Spotlight: February 2025

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The latest news on research efforts, awards, grants, and media appearances from Empire State University faculty and staff.    

Zeeva Bukai, assistant director of academic support, had her first novel, “The Anatomy of Exile”, published on January 14 by Delphinium Books. 

Julie Gedro, dean of the School of Business, received the prestigious R. Wayne Pace HRD Book of the Year Award by the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD). This accolade recognizes her outstanding contribution to the field of Human Resource Development through her latest publication, co-edited with Dr. Tonette Rocco of Florida International University, The Routledge Handbook of LGBTQ Identity in Organizations and Society.   

Sewon Kim, professor in the School for Graduate Studies, has been reappointed as Co-Editor-in-Chief of Human Resource Development Quarterly (HRDQ) for a second term (2025–2027). HRDQ is a top-tier, peer-reviewed journal recognized for its scholarly impact in human resource and organization development. 

Mindy Kronenberg, visiting assistant professor, had a book review of “Rupture” by Adrie Rose published by Mom Egg Literary Journal.  

Alexandra Rush, assistant professor in the School of Social and Behavioral Science, had a manuscript accepted for publication. “Navigating The Tides of Change: Girls’ Experiences in Scouts BSA” will be published in the Journal of Youth Development.   

President Lisa Vollendorf was named to the 2025 Board of Directors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for a one-year appointment. 

Gedro Receives R. Wayne Pace HRD Book of the Year Award 

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — February 24, 2025) – Empire State University School of Business dean, Julie Gedro, Ph.D., has been honored with the prestigious R. Wayne Pace HRD Book of the Year Award by the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD). This accolade recognizes her outstanding contribution to the field of Human Resource Development through her latest publication, co-edited with Dr. Tonette Rocco of Florida International University, The Routledge Handbook of LGBTQ Identity in Organizations and Society. 

The R. Wayne Pace HRD Book of the Year Award acknowledges authors whose works advance the theory and practice of human resource development (HRD). Gedro’s book was selected for its exceptional merit in making a meaningful contribution to the discipline, addressing timely and relevant topics related to LGBTQ identities in organizational contexts. 

The AHRD emphasizes the importance of books that are grounded in rigorous research and sound theory while fostering new thinking within the profession.  

The awards ceremony took place during the AHRD International Research Conference in Arlington, VA, last week, where Gedro was recognized among her peers for this achievement. 

“Receiving the R. Wayne Pace Book of the Year Award alongside my esteemed co-editor, Dr. Tonette Rocco, has been truly an honor. Seeing my work on LGBTQ issues embraced throughout my career at Empire State University makes this recognition even more meaningful,” Gedro said. “It reflects my dedication to this important field and the support and inclusivity that define our Empire State University community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such an essential dialogue.” 

Gedro was also part of two panel discussions during the conference: “Queer Leadership and Heteroprofessionalism: Creating Authentically Inclusive Organizations,” and “HRD is Our Superpower: Perspectives from University Administrators.”