Albany Commencement Student Speaker Kevin DiPalma on Dispelling Self-Doubt

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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.”

Empire State University Celebrates Class of 2026 in Albany Ceremony 

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Empire State University celebrated the Class of 2026 on Friday, May 29 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, where 275 graduates crossed the stage. The university adds these recent graduates to its growing network of over 105,000 alumni worldwide. Melba Tolliver ’98, an acclaimed African American journalist whose career reshaped representation in American media, was recognized with an honorary Doctor of Humane letters degree. 

Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2026 collectively live in 61 different New York state counties, 24 U.S. states and territories, and 17 countries around the world. They span five generations, from ages 19 to 83. Over 80 graduates are military-affiliated students including active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents. 

SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said, “Long after tonight, when the celebrations are over and the next challenge is in front of you, your experiences at SUNY Empire, including your ability to keep going, to adapt, and to finish what you started, will serve you well. Your future is only limited by the limits you place on yourself.” 

Faculty Speaker and Assistant Professor Thomas Wiese said, “Every commencement is a milestone, but at Empire State University, we celebrate something deeper than a finished checklist of credits. We are celebrating the sheer willpower it took for each of you to get to this seat.” 

Student Speaker Kevin DiPalma said, “Online learning asked something different of us. It required discipline when no one was watching. It required perseverance when the only voice reminding us to keep going was our own.” 

Alumna and Honorary Degree Recipient Melba Tolliver said, “What I believe we all should understand is that being human, we have all the tools that we need to be our own unique power centers. Use your voice for kindness, your ears for compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth, and your heart for love.” 

Read more about commencement at Empire State University. 

Spring Graduate Joseph Caroselli Is Building a Career on His Own Terms

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Technology, education, and determination are all at the core of Joseph Caroselli’s journey at Empire State University. The graduate received his degree in business this spring, though the Middletown native is also immersed in the IT world. Caroselli works as a building technician at an elementary school in the Pine Bush School District and interned with SUNY Empire’s ITS department in his final semester.

The spring graduate shared that he is blind, which “made for some challenges along the way.” He added: “I am happy to say that the professors, Office of Accessibility Resources and Services, and the ITS groups I interned with were all open to collaborating with me to navigate any hurdles.” He is graduating with valuable IT experience under his belt.

Though his degree is in business, Caroselli has always had an affinity for and interest in technology. “I’ve always had an aptitude for taking things apart, putting them back together, and generally approaching things from an analytical standpoint,” the graduate explained. When he was in high school, he ran the soundboard for theater productions and briefly considered making a career out of it before he was hired at the Pine Bush School District.

Once he was employed, Caroselli wanted to take the step into higher education, but hoped to do it without pausing work. “It didn’t make sense to me to stop earning income while I went to earn my degree. What made SUNY Empire appealing was that I could get the work done and have my courses be flexible around my day job,” the graduate shared. He also highlighted the university’s flexibility in accepting transfer credit and giving credit for prior learning.

This spring, Caroselli is completing an internship with ITS, where he rotated across four units: the service desk, technical support services (TSS), cybersecurity, and network operations. “In some areas it reaffirmed practices that I use day-to-day as a technician. In other areas, it taught me new ways of doing things and it gave me new perspectives that I hadn’t previously considered,” he said.

The experience enabled him to draw parallels between the K-12 environment where he works and the ITS setup in higher education. “I’m seeing what’s happening behind the scenes and seeing how what I do day-to-day in the K-12 setting largely translates to how higher ed works,” said Caroselli. Ultimately, the graduate has learned that his skillset is one that translates to a variety of environments.

So, why choose a business degree? Caroselli did this intentionally to have a flexible path that combines the discipline with the technical know-how of IT. “I see them as a unified path. Individually, they offer me the flexibility to go in a variety of different directions if my career requires it,” he explained. For the spring graduate, it was also a strategic choice to progress into managerial positions later in his career. “I’m walking away with the knowledge, at least in theory, of how to manage a team, and the IT exposure to be a valuable technician,” said Caroselli.

The recent graduate has found that the combination of being a student while working and interning helped provide more context for the projects he was completing. “Instead of just knowing about these things in theory on the page, I was able to connect them to real-world practical scenarios that I run into at work—situations where the concepts being learned are actually what I’m dealing with day-to-day,” said Caroselli.

After commencement, the technician plans to remain in education, preferably within Pine Bush School District, where he sees opportunities for professional growth.  Caroselli noted that he appreciates the human connection that comes with working at schools. “I think that there is an impact in being able to support [students] from the sidelines, and the staff and teachers that are directly working with them,” he said.

Caroselli’s success in balancing work, school, and his internship did not come easy—he had to learn how to pace himself to see it through. That is why the recent graduate recommended that new students “take the time to find two things: what drives them and what resets them, because burnout can be very real.”

For Caroselli, a good friend at work was a relevant example that doing school, life, and work simultaneously is possible—and that it’s never too late to pivot in your career. This made him reflect on how to sustainably pursue his business degree. “It was important to occasionally step away from the work and reset. Sometimes that meant just five minutes sitting in front of my piano, but that was enough for me to keep pushing forward,” he shared. Caroselli added that he was motivated by the thought that he was “working hard now to hopefully better myself for my future.”

Empire State University and TAVS USA Launch Skilling Partnership for Veterans and First Responders 

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Empire State University and TAVS USA have launched a strategic partnership designed to connect veterans, former first responders, and their families with telecommunications training and employment. Through collaborations among employer partners, TAVS USA and SUNY Empire learners will gain current, relevant skills that keep pace with rapidly-evolving industry needs, while the partnership contributes to overall economic goals such as broadband access and digital connectivity. 

TAVS USA builds career pathways in high-growth industries, providing skills, connections, and support through four pillars: training, access, verification, and support (TAVS). Their goal is to help 100,000 veterans, former first responders, and their families find their future in a growth industry. 

Empire State University’s Veteran and Military Resource Center (VMRC) is strategically positioned to support this group of learners and is a vital anchor for the partnership with TAVS USA. The VMRC provides military-affiliated learners with dedicated support that recognizes the unique experiences, strengths, and challenges of veterans, service members, and families through tailored advising, resource navigation, and a strong sense of community. 

“Our exciting new partnership with TAVS USA reflects a shared commitment to meeting veterans and first responders where they are, honoring their experiences while helping them take the next step in their journey,” said Anne Sweet, interim director of the Veteran and Military Resource Center at SUNY Empire. “By connecting flexible, credit-bearing education with meaningful workforce opportunities, we’re creating pathways that support their individual growth while strengthening the communities and industries they serve.” 

Through credit for prior learning, credit awarded for military service, courses aligned with related technical instruction in registered apprenticeships, and professional development course opportunities, learners have a defined pathway to continue their business and sales education with SUNY Empire. 

The partnership is further strengthened by TAVS USA co-founder Martin Driffill’s connection to Empire State University as a 2013 alumnus. Driffill’s work reflects the university’s longstanding mission to provide flexible, accessible education that builds on real-world experience and supports adult and military-affiliated learners.  

“Thousands of volunteer hours transformed an ambitious aspiration on a shoestring budget into an effective ecosystem of academia, industry, and military transition partnerships,” said Driffill. “The students we have worked with leaned in, pushed our learning curve, and proved they could perform in uncertainty.”  

Three Empire State University Employees Receive SUNY Chancellor’s Award 

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Three Empire State University employees have been selected as recipients of this year’s SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. The awards celebrate superior professional achievements of employees across the SUNY system and are divided into five categories: Faculty Service, Librarianship, Professional Service, Scholarship and Creative Activities, and Teaching. Dongho Kim was recognized for Faculty Service, and Qu’ran Bell and Pamela Enser were recognized for Professional Service.  

“Congratulations to our incredible faculty and staff who earned SUNY Chancellor’s Awards this year,” said President Lisa Vollendorf. “The care, expertise, and leadership they bring to Empire State University each day helps us deliver on our mission of access and opportunity for all learners.” 

Ahead, this year’s honorees share in their own words what winning this award means to them. 

Meet the Honorees: 

Seana Logsdon, Qu’ran Bell, and President Lisa Vollendorf. Photo by Joseph O’Dea

Qu’ran Bell, director of Student Support 

“Winning the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service is incredibly meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. As a SUNY Empire alumna, this university has played a major role in shaping who I am. To now be recognized by SUNY for the work I’ve been able to contribute back to this community feels very full circle. 

I care deeply about the student experience at SUNY Empire because I was once a student here myself. Receiving this award is an incredible honor, and I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to do work that matters to me alongside people who care deeply about students and this community.” 

Andrea Hennessy, Pamela Enser, and President Lisa Vollendorf. Photo by Joseph O’Dea

Pamela Enser, university registrar 

“It is truly an honor to be nominated by my colleagues, regardless of the outcome. Receiving this award is especially meaningful because it reflects the support and recognition of the people I work alongside every day. 

As registrars, we often work in a world defined by policies, regulations, and limitations, and it can sometimes feel like our role is centered around saying ‘no.’ Throughout my career I have tried to challenge that mindset by focusing on how we can remove barriers and create pathways for students to succeed. I believe strongly in collaboration, problem-solving, and finding the way to ‘yes’ whenever possible while still maintaining the integrity of our work. It is incredibly reaffirming to know that this approach has resonated not only with students and colleagues across SUNY, but also with the peers who nominated me for this recognition.” 

Julie Gedro, Dongho Kim, and President Lisa Vollendorf. Photo by Joseph O’Dea

Dongho Kim, professor and chair of the business, international business, and marketing department 

“I am truly honored by this recognition, which I view more as a tribute to the collaborative environment at SUNY Empire than a personal achievement. Any progress I’ve contributed to is the result of working alongside dedicated colleagues who give just as much to our institution. I feel very lucky to be part of a team that works so tirelessly to move our community forward.” 

Empire State University Graduates Second Ed.D. Cohort 

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Empire State University launched its inaugural Doctor of Education degree program in the fall of 2021. Now, five academic years later, it graduates its second cohort of Ed.D. students on Thursday, May 28. 

Read on to learn more about the program’s spring 2026 graduates, who—in their own words—share the most valuable lessons and skills they learned. 

Meet the Cohort: 

Donelle Bailey

Hometown: Antigua

“Throughout my academic journey here at SUNY Empire, the most valuable skill and lesson learned is persistence. This doctoral degree has challenged me for the better and through my unwavering persistence, I was able to accomplish my goal.” 

Kristin Bennett

Hometown: Christ Church, Barbados

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned throughout my Ed.D. journey was the importance of community. As someone who works well independently, I expected this experience to feel isolating, especially after often hearing that doctoral work is a ‘lonely’ journey. However, this program proved the opposite. The encouragement, support, and shared experiences of both the faculty and my cohort members were essential to my success. I would not have reached this milestone without that sense of connection, and I am deeply grateful to have learned the true power of community alongside such incredible people throughout this journey.”

Nicole Davis

Hometown: Andover, NY

“Completing this degree allowed me to build my skills in leadership and management within the higher education system. I feel competent to lead my department and advocate for my faculty members.”

Karen Dybus

Hometown: Huntington Station, NY

“The most valuable lesson I learned is that with the will, desire, and drive, you can achieve anything at any age. This journey strengthened my confidence in who I am and the leader I am becoming, while reminding me to stay humble and open to learning from others. Now, as director of Student Health Services, I lead with that mindset—embracing growth, learning from missteps, and seeking guidance from those around me. During my most challenging moments, it was the encouragement of my cohort that carried me forward, reinforcing that resilience and community are essential to success.” 

Carrie Fishner

Hometown: Delhi, NY

“I think the most valuable lesson I learned as part of this program is there is no one right way to do this. Higher education is evolving at an incredible rate, and we, as leaders, need to be willing to be flexible and creative if we are going to be able to keep our institutions competitive and healthy.”

Cherrelle Hall

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

“As a higher education practitioner, I’ve learned that being truly effective requires cultivating a continuous improvement mindset. The higher education landscape is constantly shifting—often unpredictably—much like any other industry, and the ability to navigate that change is both essential and consequential. As a researcher, I’ve also come to understand the critical role of intersectionality and how deeply it shapes my work. It allows me to more fully examine the complex issues facing higher education and to design solutions that are equitable and responsive to diverse experiences.” 

Janna Lamey

Hometown: Dryden, NY

“The most valuable skill I gained was the confidence to express my ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Throughout my degree, I learned to articulate my perspectives—especially in writing—support them with evidence, and communicate my reasoning with clarity. That process strengthened my critical thinking abilities, pushing me to question assumptions, evaluate information more rigorously, and refine my viewpoints. Together, these skills now shape how I communicate and solve problems.”

Joshua Nelson

Hometown: Oneonta, NY

“The most valuable lesson I learned while completing the Ed.D. program was recognizing the difference between institutional intention and lived student experience. My research explored how colleges communicate support and equity initiatives versus how those supports are actually experienced and implemented in practice. That process reinforced the importance of evidence-informed leadership and intentional systems design in creating meaningful and sustainable change for students, particularly those navigating significant barriers to higher education.”

James Parise

Hometown: Massapequa, NY

“One of the most valuable lessons I learned while completing the Ed.D. program was the importance of perseverance and self-growth. Through the support of colleagues and staff, I developed stronger leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills. More importantly, the program taught me how much can be accomplished through hard work, resilience, and dedication.”

Diane Perillo

Hometown: Sayville, NY

“I learned how to approach data differently. It is important to use data but learning how to leverage the different insights it can provide can truly make a difference. It is also important to understand the ‘why’ behind the data collection; this will yield better results.”

Ashley Perrone

Hometown: Medford, NY

“The most valuable lesson I learned in this program is to believe in myself and my abilities. I’ve always struggled with my self-confidence, especially when it comes to academics. This program and its faculty members helped me realize that I have a lot to offer and have great ideas. I remember in a meeting with my dissertation chair, he called me a ‘brilliant quantitative researcher’ and I was floored! Moving forward, this Ed.D. program has taught me that I am capable of more than I give myself credit for, and I am ready to tackle whatever comes next!”

Eric Rivera

Hometown: Bronx, NY

“Always know when it is time to ask for help!”

Note: Kristen Kagan, not pictured, is also a member of this second graduating cohort.  

Celebrating Spring 2026 Dual-Degree Graduates and Partnership Renewal with UNAPEC

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For 20 years, Empire State University and Universidad APEC (UNAPEC) have worked together to help learners earn two degrees by the time they graduate—one from the Dominican Republic, and the other from the United States. This spring, three dual-degree students walked the stage at the university’s Manhattan commencement ceremony to receive their SUNY Empire degrees. UNAPEC Rector Erik Perez Vega attended the ceremony to commemorate the renewal of the partnership between the universities at the two-decade mark.

Lorette Calix, academic program director of the Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic program said this partnership is “an example of SUNY Empire’s commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable.” She also highlighted the experience as a gateway for SUNY Empire and UNAPEC students alike to have meaningful cultural exchanges.

In past years, the dual-degree program was restricted to students earning degrees in the field of business. With the partnership renewal, the opportunity is now accessible to students of all disciples at UNAPEC. Calix describes this change as “a wonderful way to celebrate our 20 years of working together.”

Perez Vega said, “This enduring alliance reflects a shared commitment to preparing ethical, competitive, and globally minded leaders capable of responding to the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.” The rector added: “This cherished partnership remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, promising even greater achievements for future cohorts of talented Dominican leaders.”

Ahead, the spring 2026 dual-degree graduates share their experiences.

Lia Elena Arias de la Cruz, Business Management and Economics Graduate

Photo courtesy of Lia Arias.

When Lia Arias hit a wall with her goal of studying abroad, she found a creative way to nourish her desire for international learning experiences—earning an American bachelor’s degree in business management and economics by means of the dual-degree program.

Arias feels confident in her decision to study business, which she arrived at through outside guidance. “Looking back, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I have made, because it led me to a field that I truly enjoy and see myself growing in,” she said.

Two degree programs and a job were not easy to juggle. “It was definitely challenging, but it taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to manage my time effectively,” said Arias, who is already shaping her next stepping stone. The dual graduate shared that a master’s degree in Spain may be in her future, where she hopes to finally fulfill her dream of studying abroad.

“Trust yourself and stay consistent, even when the process feels difficult. Always keep your long-term goals in mind, because every sacrifice will be worth it in the end,” counsels Arias. Following commencement, she plans to continue looking out for new experiences and opportunities to gain more knowledge in her field.

Williangie Dumet, Marketing Graduate

Photo courtesy of Williangie Dumet.

Williangie Dumet from Santo Domingo earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing through the dual-degree program. Driven by her goal of building an international career, she balanced full-time work and coursework from two universities at the same time.

Dumet shared: “Graduating with two degrees means a lot to me because it represents years of sacrifice, discipline, and balance … there were many moments where I doubted myself or felt overwhelmed, but earning both degrees reminds me that consistency, resilience, and determination truly pay off.”

Her initial interest in international business stemmed from the field encompassing many of Dumet’s interests, such as marketing, logistics, supply chain management, and strategic planning. “I love logistics, and what I do, I do it with passion and purpose,” said the graduate.

Dumet’s time in the dual degree program was a balancing act: two institutions and one full-time job requiring international travel all demanded her attention. “Being able to give 100% at work while also giving 100% to both universities was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” she acknowledged.

The diplomas she earned are meaningful to the recent graduate, though Dumet sees even greater value in witnessing herself grow and change. “Looking back and seeing how much I’ve evolved, the knowledge I’ve acquired, and the person I’ve become makes me incredibly proud of myself,” she explained.

Dumet’s plans include even more personal and professional growth— “One of my biggest dreams is to eventually have my own company,” shared the marketer. Her philosophy is simple and has shaped her success thus far: “Do everything with love. Everything done with love eventually flourishes. Never give up on something with great long-term potential just because you cannot handle the stress of the moment.”

Ambar Torres, Accounting Graduate

Photo courtesy of Ambar Torres.

Ambar Torres has deep roots in Santo Domingo—a street there is named after her great-great-grandfather. This year, she graduated from UNAPEC with an accounting degree, and also earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Empire.

After a 17-year immigration process, Torres was granted U.S. residency halfway through her undergraduate degree. At the same time, the dual-degree program she had heard of became available for her cohort. “It almost seems like a godsend, because the timing was weird. I’d been pursuing this for three years, and then randomly, [it happened] when I needed it the most,” said the graduate.

She has known accounting is her calling since a challenging four-hour high school exam in that discipline that was satisfying for her to ace. “I finally cracked the thing, and I was like: this is it!” she shared. It comes as no surprise to anyone who knows Torres—a highly motivated student—that she would charge headfirst into working towards her dream and do it twofold.

The twice-graduate embraced the challenge of earning two degrees while balancing extracurriculars, work, and personal life. “Everybody told me, ‘Are you crazy?’ I was doing a lot. It just felt like it was the right thing to do,” she shrugged—a testament to the determination that fueled her efforts. Torres offers hard-won wisdom to future students about keeping their workload manageable: “One [thing] at a time.” The dual-degree graduate is now looking forward to well-deserved rest and leisure time following Manhattan commencement.

Roadmap to Success: Meet Spring 2026 Graduate and Employee Gabby Damis

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At 4:30 a.m. most mornings, Gabby Damis would wake up and get started on coursework before clocking into her role as a marketing analytics coordinator in Empire State University’s Office of Enrollment, Technology, and Engagement. The MS in Marketing Analytics graduate has been working towards her professional degree at the same institution at which she works.

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Damis also lived in Tortola before relocating to Spring Valley, New York. She earned a bachelor’s degree in media communications from the University at Albany, which was the gateway into her work at SUNY Empire, originally contributing to the university’s social media presence. “It was my first job out of college,” she said. In February 2024, Damis transitioned into her current role interpreting data across marketing campaigns to better communicate with audiences.

The graduate explained her duties as a marketing analytics coordinator: “I see what the data is, I come to a conclusion, and then we make decisions based on those conclusions.” She analyzes email and social media campaigns using tools like Google Analytics, Power BI, and custom URL campaign codes that track the patterns of prospective students when they access Empire State University’s site. Damis also does a fair share of presentations to showcase her findings to the department. Some of the conclusions Damis might derive are things like: “If the subject line is not compelling enough, then obviously it’s not getting people to open it.”

For the duration of her degree program, Damis managed full-time employment and graduate coursework. “I would often wake up at 4:30 or 5 a.m. to get my work done and then go to work because my brain functions better in the morning,” she said. Some days, Damis would also dedicate her lunch break to doing homework, leaving her evenings open for exercise, social activities, and rest.

Naturally, her professional career and academic studies intersected a great deal—she learned how to use Power BI in her first graduate course, which became a helpful tool on the job. “It was such a good tool to have, especially with my presentations, so I can create visualizations for my stakeholders. It helps them because some people are more visual,” Damis explained.

A project using new tools to track how prospects first encounter SUNY Empire and follow their interactions with university content throughout the enrollment pipeline is one of Damis’ proudest achievements. She explained how it functions: “I can tag each and every student, and then I can see a lot more information about them. When they first started completing a form, if they took a break, and if they came back to it or if did not come back at all.”

Though she enjoys her current work, the path to it was not linear—Damis once wanted to be a lawyer. Her higher education journey began at community college, where she was an honors student during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When you’re an immigrant, you don’t have paths set up for you, because this is your parents’ first time being here. The process of life is so much different than for somebody who has already had a path created for them,” Damis shared. She now holds two degrees and a full-time job, and she did it all without a roadmap. Her advice? “Do it. Start small, but still get it done. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Empire State University Celebrates Class of 2026 in Manhattan Ceremonies 

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Empire State University celebrated the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21 at the New York City Center, where 550 graduates crossed the stage. Empire State President Lisa Vollendorf, SUNY Board of Trustees Member Marcos Crespo, and University Councilmember Chris Erickson were in attendance. The university adds these recent graduates to its growing network of over 105,000 alumni worldwide.  

Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2026 collectively live in 61 different New York state counties, 24 U.S. states and territories, and 17 countries around the world. They span five generations, from ages 19 to 83. Over 80 graduates are military-affiliated students including active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents. 

SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said, “Long after tonight, when the celebrations are over and the next challenge is in front of you, your experiences at SUNY Empire, including your ability to keep going, to adapt, and to finish what you started, will serve you well. Your future is only limited by the limits you place on yourself.” 

SUNY Board of Trustees Member Marcos Crespo said, “I hope each and every one of you never trivializes this accomplishment, because the challenge that I want to leave you with is part of the core mission of SUNY. It’s not just to bring up and raise the next generation of talented professionals and graduates, but more importantly, that we drive forward our city, our state, our nation, and our world — that we continue to be the engine of talent that leads in whatever industry you’re going to go into.” 

University Councilmember Chris Erickson said, “I remember my own graduation from Empire, and I’m proud of the history that Local Three has had with Empire State, going back to its beginning.” 

Faculty Speaker and Associate Professor Barrie Eisenberg said, “As we have worked with each of you, we have witnessed a genuine, visible, and often remarkable transformation —in how you think, lead, listen to others, and contribute to society.” 

Faculty Speaker and Lecturer Joanne Knapp-Elvidge said, “Creating your future doesn’t mean perfection. It means adjusting, learning, and moving forward anyway. At Empire State University, that is exactly what this place stands for, meeting students where they are and helping them move forward. And you are proof that it works.” 

Student Speaker Robyn Guzman said, “At Empire, we found our place to reach for the sky. With persistence and determination, we learned alongside one another and discovered that resilience requires restoration and community, that setbacks are foundations for profound growth, and that together we bloom.”    

Student Speaker Kemoy Watkins said, “The reason we’re here is beyond simply securing financial stability for ourselves and the people who rely on us; it’s to become a more educated citizen. It’s enlightenment.” 

Student Speaker Desiree Charles said, “And here is what I need you to carry out of this room tonight: momentum is a decision. If you finished this degree in the middle of real life, you are already proof that you don’t wait for perfect conditions. That version of you doesn’t disappear when this ceremony ends. That’s who you are now.” 

Read more about commencement at Empire State University. 

Student Speaker Desiree Charles on What Grads Earn Beyond the Diploma

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From Far Rockaway, Queens, Desiree Charles is a Class of 2026 Master of Science in Nursing Education graduate—and was the student speaker for the second night of commencement ceremonies in Manhattan on May 21. Charles is the first nurse in her family. She is also a mother, entrepreneur, aspiring keynote speaker, current Long Island resident, and working nurse at Northwell Health. ” I want to show my girls that even if you don’t know which way to go, just have an idea, set a goal,” she said.

Like many SUNY Empire students, Charles enrolled with a specific goal: to become a better educator and mentor for nursing students. Her coaching business, Nurses Will Pass, provides mentorship and resources to women and girls in the nursing field. A colleague’s recommendation led her to enroll at the university, where her GPA has thrived with her hard work alongside supportive staff and faculty members who pride themselves on meeting students where they are. “I’ve been in school my entire adult life and I feel like this is my best experience,” said Charles, who was even inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

The road to a nursing career is paved with sacrifices. During clinical rotations—an essential component of nursing degrees—Charles had to divide her capstone hours between the Northwell Health Institute for Nursing and the Diabetes Education Center at Long Island Jewish Medical Center to obtain crucial patient care hours. Though she was initially reluctant because of the scheduling challenges it posed, the experience became her favorite moment from her time at SUNY Empire. “I was so proud to be a nurse. Sometimes, you don’t want to do something, and it could be the greatest thing you’ve done,” Charles said.

During her commencement address at the New York City Center, Charles acknowledged the strength that it takes to be on a nontraditional student path. “Most of us didn’t take this journey on a clear road. We took it on a road that was already full. Full of responsibility, full of people who needed us before we could need ourselves,” she said.

The student speaker commended every graduate who made the continued decision to create space in their lives for learning. “That is not a credential. That is character,” she said. In the room full of new alums, she underscored the importance of making the decision to show up, again and again. “Momentum is a decision,” Charles said. She encouraged her fellow graduates to hold onto the drive and resolve they’ve honed while earning their degrees: “That version of you doesn’t disappear when this ceremony ends. That’s who you are now.” 

Looking ahead, Charles will continue to mentor women and girls as she works towards growing her platform as a public speaker. “I want to inspire people like me. When I think about when I started to now, I’m so amazed. Hard work pays off. You just have to stay the course and get it done,” she said.