SUNY Canton Celebrates Class of 2025 at Commencement Ceremony

SUNY Canton held its 117th Commencement Ceremony for approximately 800 members of the class of 2025 Saturday, May 10.

SUNY Canton College Council Chair Ronald M. O’Neill, class of 1963, opened the ceremony by congratulating the graduates and asking for a round of applause for their supporters in attendance.

“Today is a celebration for them as well,” he emphasized. “Your parents, grandparents, spouses, partners, children, family, mentors and all those who have not only believed in you, but have helped and encouraged you along the way.”

SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran welcomed the audience and expressed his pride in this year’s class, which comprises graduates who range in age from 18 to 70 years old and represent 20 U.S. states and four foreign countries: Cameroon, Canada, the Czech Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

SUNY Canton Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish then recognized the class of 2025’s Outstanding Graduate Award Recipients. The baccalaureate-level awardees were Natalie E. Bartle, an Applied Psychology graduate from Negaunee, Mich. and Eli J. Larson, a Mechatronics Technology major from Earlton. The associate-level awardee was Betsy M. Brabant, a Nursing graduate from Ogdensburg.

After the class address was delivered by Student Government Association President Evan Velasquez, class of 2025, SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the Canton College Foundation Tracey L. Thompson welcomed the graduates to the alumni family and encouraged them to remain connected to the college.

“Today you join a network of more than 39,000 alumni who are making their mark in exciting career fields,” Thompson told the audience. “The class of 2025 can make a huge difference right away, just by sharing your excitement about graduating. And the best way to thank all those who helped you along the way is to pay it forward and assist those following in your footsteps.”

Szafran and academic leaders from the college’s three schools then began the conferral of degrees. The top three bachelor’s degrees awarded, in order of popularity, were Healthcare Management, Cybersecurity and Applied Psychology. The top three associate degrees awarded were Nursing, Veterinary Science Technology, and Business Administration.

Additionally, graduates from the college’s Veterinary Technology and Nursing programs were recognized at special pinning ceremonies held earlier in the week.