Empire State University celebrates milestone 100,000 alumni
(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – November 25, 2024) Empire State University is thrilled to announce a major milestone. 100,000 graduates have been served by the university’s dedicated faculty and staff working to make a difference through accessible, high-quality online education.
Since 1971, Empire State University has empowered learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals through innovation and accessibility. The university’s dedication to providing paths for student success in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs has made the institution a guiding force in online education.
100,000 people are now part of #LoyalBlue, a network of accomplished individuals making their mark in all 50 U.S. states and around the world. Whether they are educators, CEOs, politicians, veteran or active-duty members of the military, or artists, SUNY Empire alumni are making a difference in their communities with the knowledge and skills they earned through their degrees.
President Lisa Vollendorf said, “We are thrilled to celebrate the milestone of 100,000 alumni and to honor each person’s unique educational journey. For more than 50 years, Empire has delivered high-quality, innovative education to learners of all ages. We look forward to welcoming our next 100,000 alumni in the coming decades.”
Lorraine Williams is Empire State University’s 100,000th alum. Williams is graduating from our bachelor’s in nursing program and works as a registered psychiatric nurse while advancing her studies in Rochester, New York. Williams exemplifies Empire State University’s mission to provide flexible, accessible, and affordable education to adult learners seeking to continue their education at any stage of life.
“It’s kind of surreal in a way,” Williams said. “I can’t believe that I’m at this point, and I never thought that I would get this far. I’ve been through struggles that almost caused me to give up, but I was accepted to a master’s program. Maybe my dream of being a nurse practitioner will come true someday.”
Williams plans to continue her journey with Empire State University and pursue a master’s of science in nursing.
“I want to continue with the program because the instructors were really helpful and if I needed help, my mentor was always there for me,” Williams said. “I have always wanted to go to Empire State University because of the understanding that students have lives outside of college and that is the reason I want to continue.”
As part of its celebration, Empire State University is launching a 24-hour $100,000 for 100K Alumni campaign, a donation-led effort to fund scholarships, program development, and resources for students, faculty, and staff at Empire State University. The campaign ends on November 26, 2024.