Empire State University honors class of 2024 in Rochester Ceremony

(ROCHESTER, NY — MAY 9, 2024) Empire State University celebrated the Class of 2024 on Thursday, May 9 at the Kodak Center at 6:00 p.m. Empire State President Lisa Vollendorf, Assemblymember Sarah Clark, SUNY Board of Trustees and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce CEO Robert Duffy were in attendance.
Members of the SUNY Empire class of 2024 collectively live in 57 different New York State counties, in 22 U.S. states and territories, 15 countries around the world, and ranged from ages 18 to 77. 67 of our graduates are military-affiliated including active-duty Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Reserve, veterans, spouses, and other dependents.
The ceremony featured Christine Lalka ’24, who received a bachelor’s degree in community and human services and Assistant Professor Karis Jones.
SUNY Empire President Lisa Vollendorf said, “Today is a day for celebration – a celebration of your success, your tenacity, and your commitment to advancing your education in service to a larger purpose. A college education is not about the piece of paper you receive today. It is about the knowledge and skills you have gained that will help you succeed long into the future, even as the world constantly changes around us.”
SUNY Empire Faculty Speaker and Assistant Professor Karis Jones said, “Now that you have your degree, you have options for careers, promotions, and raises that weren’t open to you before. Break through barriers and glass ceilings and transform your industries for the better. Invest in your students, friends, coworkers, family. Use the knowledge you’ve gained to serve your community.”
SUNY Empire Student Speaker Christine Lalka ’24 said, “My fellow graduates, as you embark on your own journeys, remember this—it is never too late to pursue your dreams. Age is just a number. SUNY Empire has provided us with the tools and resources to thrive in a world full of endless possibilities.”
Assemblymember Sarah Clark said, “With a majority of students between the ages of 25-81, over 70 percent of whom are working full time, the largest percentage of military connected students achieving four year degrees in the state, and getting designated as the first and only university designated as an Autism Supportive College, SUNY Empire definitely knows how to meet people where they are at.”

SUNY Board of Trustees Member and Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce CEO Robert Duffy said, “Education is a team sport. To go back as a working adult, raising families, balancing all of the many pressures families face today, you should be incredibly proud of yourself that you stuck to this, you stuck to this path, and you are graduating and getting a degree. Thank you for your sacrifice and hard work.”
A recording of the ceremony can be found on Learnscape.