Empire State University Honors Class of 2025 in Manhattan Ceremonies
(Manhattan, NY – MAY 22, 2025) Empire State University celebrated the Class of 2025 in two ceremonies on Wednesday, May 21 and Thursday, May 22 at the New York City Center, where over 500 graduates crossed the stage. Empire State President Lisa Vollendorf and Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon 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 ceremony on Wednesday, May 21 featured Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf, faculty speaker and Director of Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Development Melissa Wells, student speakers Deanna Barrera and Miridia Gibbs, retired Apprentice Director George Schuck, and Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon.
The ceremony on Thursday, May 22 featured Empire State University President Lisa Vollendorf, faculty speaker and Assistant Professor Brian Frederick, and student speaker Serrina Goodman.
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.”
Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon said, “When life hands you opportunities, embrace them. Often life’s most rewarding possibilities won’t appear to fit into your carefully constructed plans. But give them a good hard look anyway. And once you’re ready, go for it. Take the risk. Say ‘Yes, and.’”
Retired Apprentice Training Director George Schuck said, “Tonight I bring you greetings from the business manager of Local Union Number Three, IBEW, and the officers, along with the chairman of our joint industry board of the electrical industry and the trustees. They all wish to congratulate you on this milestone that you have achieved, and the hard work that you put in.”
SUNY Empire Faculty Speaker and Director of Teaching, Learning, and Faculty Development Melissa Wells said, “And now, you step into the next chapter of your journey. Some of you will pursue further education, some will enter new careers, and some will excel in the fields you already love. No matter where life takes you next, know this: You are ready. You have been prepared by an institution that believes in access, equity, and the power of education to transform lives.”
SUNY Empire Faculty Speaker and Assistant Professor Brian Frederick said, “If there’s one thing I hope you all take with you, it’s this: your education does not end here. A degree is not a finish line. It’s an invitation—to stay curious, to challenge injustice, to rethink what is possible.”
SUNY Empire Student Speaker Deanna Barrera said, “Today, we celebrate our collective triumphs. Each of us has walked a unique path to get here, but together we’ve reached this incredible milestone. We’ve studied, sacrificed, and supported one another through it all—and I couldn’t be prouder to stand beside you today.”
SUNY Empire Student Speaker Miridia Gibbs said, “I encourage all of you, my fellow graduates, to plant roots, to keep growing, and to keep learning. Weather the storms, welcome the wind and rain, point your faces to the sun… and be ready to reap your harvest when the time arrives.”
SUNY Empire Student Speaker Serrina Goodman said, “SUNY Empire was my beacon of hope because SUNY Empire saw me—the person behind the application, the one who didn’t fit the mold but who carried wisdom, resilience, and drive in spades. And today, as a proud graduate of SUNY Empire, I get to walk this stage not as a symbol of perfection, but as a reflection of persistence, and in celebration of faith in a better tomorrow.”
Read more about commencement at Empire State University.