Empire State University Celebrates Class of 2024 in Winter Commencement Ceremonies 

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(ALBANY, NY – December 13, 2024) Empire State University celebrated the Class of 2024 on Friday, December 13 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center in Albany, NY. 375 graduates crossed the stage during two commencement ceremonies, marking unprecedented levels of participation for SUNY Empire’s winter commencement. 

Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf, New York State Assembly Member Carrie Woerner, and SUNY Trustee Courtney Burke were in attendance.   

Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2024 collectively live in 60 New York State counties, 26 U.S. states and territories, and 27 countries around the world. They range in age from 18 to 80. 108 of the graduates are military-affiliated students, including active-duty, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents.   

The afternoon ceremony featured student speaker Michele Paterson ‘22, ’24, a first-generation student who graduated with a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis. Jeannie Lockwood ‘14, ‘24 also addressed the Class of 2024 during the evening ceremony and graduated with a master’s degree in adult learning. 

Empire State University, SUNY’s leading online university, recently celebrated a major milestone – 100,000 alumni – which was recognized during the ceremony. The 100,000th graduate, Lorraine Williams ‘24, was part of the graduating class. 

SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said, “Remember, Class of 2024, your degree is something no one can take away from you. Be proud of it. Use it for good—for yourself and for others. Use it to inspire and encourage other people—your children, your friends and family—to achieve their educational dreams.” 

Assembly Member Carrie Woerner said, “If anyone asks what you’ve learned from your four years at Empire State University, I hope, in addition to your field of study, you tell them ‘I learned this: dream big, work hard, and finish strong.’” 

SUNY Trustee Courtney Burke said, “As you step into the next chapter of your lives, remember that your education is more than a degree. It’s a foundation upon which you can build, innovate, and lead.”

Faculty speaker and Assistant Professor in the School of Social and Behavioral Science Lynne Lubecki said, “Education is more than delivering content. It’s a process of learning, reflection, and growth. It’s about transformation—becoming more than you ever thought possible.” 

Student speaker Michele Paterson ‘22, ‘24 said, “It’s up to us to pass our courage and confidence onto others. Right now, someone in your life is wishing they could earn a degree but doubting themselves. Find that person. Give them an encouraging word and a helping hand. Be a light for them to follow in the storm.” 

Student speaker Jeannie Lockwood ‘24 said “Remember what you have achieved here. As we move into the world with our new degrees, my hope for all of us is that we remember this night and this feeling. Here we are celebrating ourselves as part of a milestone of 100,000 SUNY Empire graduates—100,000 dreamers, thinkers, and doers.”

Recordings of both ceremonies can be found on the commencement website.

Michele Paterson explores a career of helping others through applied behavior analysis program

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 9, 2024) Like many students at Empire State University, Michele Paterson has overcome many obstacles in her journey as a nontraditional student. After exploring options for higher education that would allow her to balance work and other responsibilities, Paterson found Empire State University. She made the decision to pursue two degrees and become a first-generation student.

Paterson is graduating from Empire State University with a Master of Science in applied behavior analysis, a program dedicated to studying the science of human behavior. The program offers pathways for students to become board-certified behavior analysts and New York State licensed behavior analysts.

Paterson said she has always been interested in behavior and wanted to continue learning at Empire State University after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in community and human services. Paterson’s desire to understand human behavior ties into her career. She works for Level Up ABA Services in western New York, an organization dedicated to working with neurodiverse learners in home, school, and clinical settings.

“I was using the principles of applied behavior analysis without knowing it,” Paterson said. “With more life experience, I learned how to advocate to add neurodiverse individuals to the workforce and worked with them to develop tools to succeed in their new roles. Some of my favorite memories are when I was able to work with someone trying to achieve a goal, whether it be personal, professional, or academic. Now, I have the foundation to use science to increase their chances on achieving that goal.”

Paterson will be addressing her fellow graduates at a commencement ceremony in Albany, New York on December 13, 2024. In many ways, her journey captures the very essence of Empire State University’s mission — she began her academic journey as a first-generation student, and has since earned her bachelor’s degree and now master’s degree while balancing her family and career.

“I think I am an example of how your journey can be whatever you want it to be,” Paterson said. “It won’t be easy, but when you are done the celebration will be that much sweeter. I am mindful that I am a role model to my son, nieces and nephews, and it is important to have family support. Trying to balance my personal, professional and academic life has not been easy over the years — I have benefitted and achieved more because of my family’s support.”

Like many students, Paterson’s academic journey has not been linear nor easy, but she said the opportunities that came with her challenges have been well worth it. Paterson recently presented at the New York State Association for Behavior Analysts conference in Albany, New York and had a chance to meet leaders in her chosen field of work. Paterson’s role as a member of the NYS Association of Applied Behavior Analysis student committee and student ambassador gave her the opportunity to focus on the role of supervisee self-management.

“It was a whirlwind standing before my peers, mentors, and professionals,” Paterson said. “My section of the presentation focused on the implementation of self-management, the ‘how.’ I shared tips, resources, and guidance on how a supervisor can use self-management to enhance their practicum experience. I focused on practicality and how I have used self-management in my own supervision highlighting examples, tracking, and tools.”  

Paterson credits her success to the mentors and professors at Empire State University who work to accommodate students’ needs and cater to nontraditional learners who are oftentimes raising families and working in addition to their academic work.

“Empire State University is different,” Paterson said. “The university not only works with nontraditional students like me but continues to evolve and grow as an institution to meet learners where they are at. It provides resources, support, and guidance — all you have to do is ask.”

Paterson plans to prepare for the exams required to become a board-certified behavior analyst and will join a research team to continue supporting neurodiverse individuals and people who need additional assistance through organizations like Level Up ABA Services.

“I will be working on research focused on utilizing asynchronous online training to increase new graduate students in ABA understanding on the importance of developing their soft skills in compassion, empathy, cultural awareness, and conflict resolution,” Paterson said.

SUNY Empire graduate works as disability advocate and volunteer

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 12, 2024) Rachel Sproule has dedicated her academic career and her spare time to helping others in medical settings. Her passion for volunteerism stems from her own challenges with disability and combatting obstacles related to her education and career as a student who is legally blind.

Sproule will be graduating with a degree in community and human services with a concentration in child and family health. Her ultimate goal is to become a social worker who helps normalize hospital environments using play, education, distraction, advocacy, and support.

Sproule said she chose Empire State University because the classes and professors worked to accommodate her needs and determine if each course was the right fit. Sproule said the ability to personalize her education and fit it into her lifestyle made a difference in her success.

“I am legally blind and need electronic textbooks and extra time on assignments,” Sproule said. “When it came to upcoming semesters, I would email professors as soon as I registered to clarify how visual the class was.”

Outside of coursework, Sproule is an active volunteer at Albany Medical Center. Sproule works at the front desk in the surgical intensive care unit and helps facilitate conferences within the medical school on how to best treat patients with disabilities.

“I’ve spoken on issues of culture, employment opportunities and accommodations I have received in both high school and college for those with disabilities, disability and technology advancement,” Sproule said. “I’m passionate about this because the disabled population is so underrepresented, similarly to other cultures.”

After graduation, Sproule intends to stay in the State University of New York system and pursue a master’s of social work at the University at Albany. Eventually, Sproule said she hopes to write a memoir that reflects her journey thus far.

Meet Htein Naing: Graduate Balancing Space Force Service, Studies, and Family 

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 11, 2024) Htein Naing is Empire State University’s first Space Force graduate. Naing joined Space Force in 2020, after serving four years in the Air Force as a space systems operator.  

So far in his military career, Naing has been stationed in Colorado, Hawaii, and California, serving in roles related to military satellite communications. Naing has also served as an instructor teaching mission qualification training, instructor qualification courses, and formal initial skills training. Naing’s decision to transfer to the military’s newest branch came during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and offered him an opportunity to plan his next steps. His decision also reshaped what his service meant to him.  

“When I first joined, it was a chance at a clean slate because I wasn’t doing too well in college and I hit a dead-end,” Naing said. “Now, I think my service means redemption and providing for my family. I am grateful for the military for the opportunities to turn my life around. I am more grateful for all the friends and mentors, enlisted and officer, that I met along the way that believed in me and pushed me to accomplish my goals.”  

Naing now works as a technicla sergeant (E-6) in the Space Force. While serving in the military, Naing searched for a school that could accommodate military tuition assistance and offer degree programs related to his larger career goals. Eventually, Naing found Empire State University and enrolled in the educational studies program, inspired by his experience teaching in a military setting. Naing said he hopes to pursue opportunities related to advising and guidance counseling. 

“I loved the human aspect of teaching in learning about my students, while simultaneously bringing the best out of them academically,” Naing said. “I felt the educational studies program was better suited for a potential career as an advisor or a guidance counselor rather than a more teaching-oriented program or a program that would result in a teaching certificate. The program was flexible enough in courses where it had the most potential in being relevant and applicable to both my current job or future goals.”  

Naing was recently honored during Veteran’s Month with a commemorative flag raising ceremony at Empire State University’s Veteran and Military Resource Center.  

In addition to Naing’s military service and studies, he takes care of his family as a husband and father. Naing said his pursuits will also pave the way for his daughter’s success, providing her financial aid and educational opportunities through the GI bill.  

After graduation, Naing said he plans to take a small break from academic work but will consider pursuing a master’s degree in the future. Regarding his military career, Naing said he would like to apply for a commission in the Space Force to become an officer.  

SUNY Empire Awards A.S. Degrees to Bachelor’s-Seeking Students

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 10, 2024) Empire State University is proud to announce the awarding of Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees in general studies to students who have completed the requisite coursework while pursuing their bachelor’s degree. This initiative is designed to recognize students for their academic achievements on their journey toward earning a four-year degree.

Research indicates that obtaining an associate degree not only provides students with an immediate income boost but also significantly enhances their chances of completing a bachelor’s degree. By awarding A.S. degrees, SUNY Empire aims to support students in their educational pursuits and reinforce its commitment to access and empowerment.

Currently, 700 SUNY Empire students qualify for this associate degree based on coursework and credits earned at SUNY Empire and any transfer institutions they may have attended. Students have the option to accept or decline this opportunity.

Degrees will be mailed in February to all students who choose to receive them. This practice will continue on a rolling basis. SUNY Empire is New York state’s first and only public online university.

SUNY Empire grad combines education with work experience to make most of degree

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 10, 2024) When Jasmine Allen-Meyer set out to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology, she wanted to blend her desire to help others with her lifelong interest and passion in psychology. She also needed to find a university that was flexible and allowed her to continue her responsibilities as a mother of four who works a full-time job.

“I was immediately drawn to Empire State University and decided almost immediately that it was the right place to further my education,” Allen-Meyer said. “The online option allowed me to do 100 percent of my work from home, which has proven vital to my success in all areas of my life because I wouldn’t have been able to find the time to attend in-person courses.”

Allen-Meyer said the university’s focus on flexibility and the genuine care extended to her by mentors and professors had a significant impact on her journey.

“The importance of education was instilled in me at a young age,” Allen-Meyer said. “From childhood, attending college was never a question for me. However, after becoming a mom, I struggled to fit education into my life while still being fully present for my kids. I didn’t want to leave them at home with a babysitter, and I don’t have a big network of family to rely on. I am so thankful for the presence of SUNY Empire in my life because it has allowed me to remain fully engaged in family life without losing sight of my own personal goals.”

Outside of school, Allen-Meyer is a mother to four children and has worked in the mental health field since 2021. Within her field, she has held various positions, including counselor for a transitional housing program and now, service plan coordinator. Allen-Meyer said she maintains a small caseload and focuses on working with residents to provide assessments on an annual basis and help them develop new goals to work on throughout the year based on their individual needs. Allen-Meyer said her education at Empire State University helped her succeed in her career and find a new focus that she is extremely passionate about.

“Having an educational background in psychology helped me in this position because I have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness, as well as the barriers they face to getting care, and how to best overcome those barriers,” Allen-Meyer said. “I was also able to choose courses that tied closely into my work and hone in on the areas of concern that my clients were facing. That was a huge asset because I was learning the most up-to-date information in school and then applying it on a day-to-day basis.”

After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Allen-Meyer was able to advance in her career and obtain a new role as a service coordinator for a TBI/NHTD waiver program. Eventually, Allen-Meyer hopes to continue her academic career and apply for a master’s of social work program with the goal of becoming a therapist for children and families.

“I would like to help children heal from trauma through play and artistic expression,” Allen-Meyer said.

Empire State University graduate finds new purpose in military service  

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 10, 2024) Chloe Hite wanted to see the world and experience new opportunities, a desire that led her to join the Air National Guard in 2022.  

 Throughout her military career, Hite has traveled across the country and the world on different missions. She deployed to Jordan at the beginning of 2024 and was in one of the first units to air drop resources into Gaza during the ongoing conflict. Over the course of her service, Hite said her relationship to her military service and the meaning of her work changed. 

“It was very eye-opening knowing people have it worse than we do,” Hite said. “Helping people get food and blankets to stay warm was important because at that point they had no structures, they were just living on the sides of the road.” 

When it comes to her education, Hite searched for a school that provided financial assistance to military-affiliated students and support for advisors. As a business administration student, Hite took full advantage of Empire State University’s mentor program and the military and veteran opportunity program to achieve her goals.  

“The advisors always have positive input and seem to really want to help in any and every way to make the students successful,” Hite said. “If it wasn’t for my advisor, Pamela Anderson, I would be lost when registering for courses and where to go next.”  

Hite said the flexibility offered through Empire State University also made a difference while she balanced her responsibilities within the Air National Guard. After graduation, Hite said she plans to continue her military career by becoming a supervisor and inspire others to join.  

“I want people to be able to find their purpose of why they joined and also see the world as I did,” Hite said.  

Eventually, Hite hopes to earn a master’s degree in teaching and teach business to middle and high school-aged students. Hite said her goal to teach came from her teaching experience within the Air National Guard, where she trains and instructs air crew members.  

“There are so many life lessons the military has taught me that so many younger generations could also learn,” Hite said. “I want to be there for people who need help and listen to their problems or their accomplishments. I think a lot of students need that person.”  

Side by Side to Success: Twin sisters achieve bachelor’s degrees at 19 

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 9, 2024) Twin sisters Salma and Wafa Hussein have gone through most stages of their life side by side. They graduated high school together at 17, pushing through advanced courses and determined to graduate early. Their success supported their efforts to do the same with higher education, taking classes during every available term. At just 19 years old, they are celebrating another joint milestone: graduating with their bachelor’s degrees on the same day, from the same university. 

“It’s very special,” Salma Hussein said. “We’ve been together, they haven’t been able to separate us since birth.” 

To add onto their academic success, Wafa and Salma are first-generation college students, achieving their dreams beyond expectations.  

“We are living at home, which gives us time to focus on our degree and focus on getting somewhere, especially being the first college graduates in our family,” Wafa Hussein said. 

Like many twin siblings, Salma and Wafa completed major life milestones at the same time, but the sisters took that opportunity to the next level by submitting their applications at the same time. As luck would have it, their acceptance emails for Empire State University came in on the same day. Now, they will celebrate their graduation as a family.  

“We have our whole family coming to the graduation, and family is a huge part of us,” Wafa Hussein said. “Everything we do relies on family, and having them there is going to be the best present we could think of.” 

While both sisters wanted to attend the same university, each has their own reasons for why Empire State University was the right fit.  

“The business program was especially appealing to me,” Salma Hussein said. “My goal is to develop a strong foundation in business management, finance, and leadership so I can advance my career, whether it’s in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, or another business-focused role.”  

“The university is very flexible, especially as an online student,” Wafa Hussein said. “It gives me time to tackle my studies and other responsibilities, which is important to me. I am enrolled in the psychology program and my goal is to become a licensed therapist or work as a counselor. I am very passionate about mental health and helping others, and I hope to use this degree to navigate through challenges and improve the well-being of others.”  

Wafa Hussein said the university’s focus on allowing students to personalize their academic experience made all the difference while reaching her academic goals.  

“I had such incredible professors that were always there to help me, and I felt like I was working at my own pace,” Wafa Hussein said. “That’s something you wouldn’t get by going to a regular college. At SUNY Empire, everything was at my pace and all of my professors were willing to work with my schedule. They emphasized independent study, and it fit into my schedule and how I learn.”  

For Salma, flexibility and online education were main priorities for her undergraduate education.  

“The flexibility of the online format has allowed me to work at my own pace, which has been great for balancing my studies, and the professors were really supportive,” Salma said.  

After graduation, Wafa Hussein said she hopes to look at entry level jobs that will put her on a path to become a licensed therapist. Salma Hussein also plans to enter the workforce and pursue entry level roles in business.  

Empire State University holds Alpha Sigma Lambda Induction 

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 4, 2024) Empire State University held an induction for the Alpha Sigma Lambda honor society on December 2, 2024 in a virtual ceremony.  

Alpha Sigma Lambda is the oldest and largest national honor society for non-traditional students who meet exceptional academic standards and leadership requirements. 269 students were inducted into the Omega Tau chapter. To be recognized, students must complete a minimum of 24 credits towards an associate or bachelor’s degree, hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.85, and participate in the annual induction ceremony.  

“This evening marks a significant milestone in the academic journey of some truly exceptional humans,” President Lisa Vollendorf said. “Not only have you achieved academic excellence, but you did it while working full or part time, while raising families or caring for other family members, and while juggling all the responsibilities and obligations of being an adult in this increasingly complicated world. That is an achievement!”  

Please join us in congratulating this year’s Empire State University inductees!  

Virtual Food Pantry works to serve students facing food insecurity  

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(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — DECEMBER 2, 2024) Empire State University’s virtual food pantry, a resource for students struggling with food insecurity, continues to be a crucial resource for students and their families. Since its inception in January, the virtual food pantry has served over 448 people, including 149 students and their families. Overall, the virtual food pantry and Basic Needs at Empire State University have donated $34,692 in groceries.  

“Students have reported that using the virtual food pantry alleviated stress and anxiety, and allowed them to feed themselves and their families,” Libby Tsibulsky, director of health and wellness programs, said.  

Students can utilize the virtual food pantry once per term by completing the online application. Once approved, they are sent an email detailing how much grocery money they have been allotted, and Basic Needs works to coordinate an order that is brought directly to their homes.  

“This amount varies based on the number of individuals living in the home and cost of living considerations,” Tsibulsky said. “Students can then create and share a cart from Walmart, Amazon Fresh, or similar. Basic Needs then coordinates a time for the groceries to be delivered and places the student’s order. A shopper delivers the items straight to the student’s home.”  

Tsibulsky said food insecurity is a major concern among college students, even those who are pursuing non-traditional online education.  

“I recently learned that a financial strain as small as $500 can prevent a student from continuing their educational journey,” Tsibulsky said. “Every SUNY campus is now part of a pantry coordination group, where we collaborate and exchange ideas on how to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens caused by food insecurity. While we may not have a physical campus, our students face many of the same challenges as their peers at traditional institutions.” 

Tsibulsky said nutrition is crucial to student success and a lack of proper resources can inhibit students’ ability to complete their degrees.  

“Without proper nutrition, students may fall behind in their studies,” Tsibulsky said. “Our goal is to bridge the gap caused by unexpected life circumstances, ensuring our students can graduate and use their degrees to enhance their lives and contribute to the well-being of others.”  

Tsibulsky said Empire State University is continually working to improve the support provided to students. Most recently, Tsibulsky said the university welcomed a dedicated Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Coordinator to guide students through the application and recertification processes.  

“Our office offers a range of valuable resources, including one-time emergency grants, free tele-counseling services, and a comprehensive state and federal benefits screener,” Tsibulsky said.