Student Speaker Robyn Guzman: Sowing, Growing, and Flowing at Empire State University

Spring 2026 graduate Robyn Guzman is leaving SUNY Empire with a master’s degree in adult education. That, and the honor of delivering a commencement address, which she almost didn’t apply for. The lifelong learner, twice-published author, coach, and upcoming commencement student speaker found her purpose through completing her degree and will be sharing her insights with her fellow graduates and their families at the New York City Center on Wednesday, May 20.

Born and raised in Queens, NY, Guzman relocated to the Hudson Valley and has now lived there for almost two decades. “It’s beautiful. We can go kayaking or sit by the river on any given day,” she said.

Before landing in the field of adult education, Guzman studied secondary education. With an academic trajectory spanning 20 years, the graduate sees her SUNY Empire degree as the culmination of a long journey—both personally and professionally. Parallel to her online academic life, Guzman also runs a business called Coaching Courageous.

In reflecting on her time at the university, she recalls her first contact with SUNY Empire being a phone call with Professor Emeritus Meg Benke, who later became her advisor. “We had a wonderful phone call—it was so encouraging. I went forward and submitted my application. It gave me confidence that this would be a good degree program for me,” Guzman explained.

Faculty mentorship is a cornerstone of Guzman’s experience at SUNY Empire. According to Guzman, Benke and other professors “encouraged me, and told me that I had the interest, the passion, and the skills to pursue what I was pursuing—and even go further, higher.”

Outside the virtual classroom, Guzman attended student government meetings, participated in the university’s health and well-being programming, and found a fulfilling sense of community among her capstone peers. “A lot of gratitude, persistence, and resilience—that encapsulates SUNY Empire students,” she observed.

The student speaker also became a twice-published author in a peer reviewed journal on the way to earning her master’s degree, fulfilling a lifelong goal. One publication establishes a “sow-grow-flow” framework originated by Guzman that facilitates collective flourishing, which she shares inspired her commencement speech.  

Following commencement, Guzman will continue her coaching business and plans to keep conducting research and writing. She is also toying with earning a Ph.D., the confidence for which she says comes “from my experience. Not that I didn’t ever have the dream, but the confidence that under the right circumstances and program, I could do that.”

As she prepares to give her commencement address to fellow graduates of the Class of 2026, Guzman reflects on her journey: “This accomplishment isn’t just about a degree. It’s about investing in myself, taking a chance, and finding the right place where I can grow and thrive. It was worth it. It turned out even better than I imagined.” She adds: “We don’t do it alone. Even a little support and encouragement can go a long way. I’m so proud of SUNY Empire.”