Empire State University Honors Class of 2025 in Albany Ceremony
(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.