Meet Empire State University’s Winter 2025 Student Commencement Speakers
Empire State University will celebrate the Class of 2025 in two winter commencement ceremonies on December 5. Graduates Michelle Panchana Mendez and Hailey Cox ‘20 will take the stage to share their words of wisdom and lessons learned on the way to earning their degrees. Panchana Mendez earned a Bachelor of Science in human resources management, and Cox earned a Master of Arts in adult learning. Read more about their journeys below.
Q: Looking back on your time at SUNY Empire, what experience or moment stands out as most impactful to your personal or academic growth?
Michelle: Looking back, the moment that truly changed everything for me was receiving my acceptance letter saying I could register for my first semester right away. That single message brought so much clarity and reassurance. It impacted my personal and academic growth because it had taken me years to finally decide to return to school and pursue my degree. But SUNY Empire made the process feel so simple and supportive that all my doubts disappeared. In that moment, I knew I was ready, and that I was finally stepping into the right chapter of my life.
Hailey: One of the most defining experiences was taking Families in Poverty. That course pushed me to move beyond statistics and really understand the systems families navigate, the gaps they fall into, the resilience they carry, and the ways policy has shaped inequities within marginalized communities. It taught me that inequity isn’t accidental; it’s often the result of decisions made long before families ever enter a classroom or a service system.
That realization reshaped my entire approach. It shifted my work from “helping families” to partnering with families, and grounded my advocacy in both humanity and accountability. It made me more intentional about using my education not just to understand systems, but to change them.
Q: Can you share an unexpected moment during the course of your educational journey that changed your perspective in some way?
Michelle: From every course I took, I walked away with something meaningful and valuable. But what truly shifted my perspective was realizing how each class, each professor, and each module connected directly with both my personal and professional experiences. I didn’t expect to grow this much, as a student, as an HR professional, and as a person. Returning to school opened a door I didn’t even know I needed, and it transformed the way I think, work, and lead.
Hailey: The most unexpected moment was finishing my bachelor’s during the pandemic. I was pregnant, navigating the shutdown, and like many others, I didn’t get the chance to walk the stage or celebrate that milestone in the traditional way. At first, it felt like something had been taken from me. But it taught me one of the most transformative lessons of my journey: sometimes you have to celebrate yourself, even when no one else is there to witness it.
Finishing during that season showed me my own resilience. It reminded me that achievement isn’t validated by a ceremony, it’s validated by the courage it took to keep going. That moment changed how I carry myself, how I affirm myself, and how I encourage others to honor their wins, even in isolation.
Q: What advice would you give to a student just beginning a program here?
Michelle: My advice is to never stop believing in yourself and to always picture the moment you complete your journey. That vision will keep you grounded and focused. And I want students to know that if someone like me, a full-time housewife, full-time employee, and full-time student, could do this, then they absolutely can too. There are no limits or barriers; most of the challenges we face come from our own self-doubt.
There will be days when you don’t have the energy or the time, but SUNY Empire gives you flexibility, whether you’re studying at home, at work, or anywhere in between. This university has been one of the most wonderful blessings in my life, and I truly hope new students take full advantage of the opportunity.
Hailey: Embrace growth, change, and transition, all of it. People, places, and even parts of yourself won’t remain the same as you move through your education and career. That’s not a sign you’re lost; it’s proof you’re evolving. Lean into the discomfort. It means you’re becoming the version of yourself you were always meant to be.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you hope to accomplish next?
Michelle: Right now, my goal is to bring everything I’ve learned back into my workplace. I am deeply grateful to my managers and my HR team for supporting me through every semester. Their encouragement made me feel proud of my progress, and now I want to give back by applying the knowledge, leadership, and training I gained.
I want my team, the group under my care, to know that everything I learned, I learned with them in mind. Their growth, effort, and accomplishments are also mine. And I want them to feel confident that I have given my very best these past years to be a strong representative of HR, and that I never wanted to fall short due to lack of knowledge. This degree is for my future, but it’s also for them.
Hailey: I’m focused on deepening my work in educational justice and community-centered design. I want to build programs, influence policy, and elevate parent and student voices in ways that reshape how we think about learning, especially for children who are often misunderstood or underserved. My goal is to create spaces where young people can thrive, not just survive, and to help transform systems so they reflect the full humanity of the families they serve.