More than 1,000 graduate at SUNY Plattsburgh Spring Commencement

PLATTSBURGH | The SUNY Plattsburgh field house was the scene for the university's annual spring commencement, where more than 1,000 eligible graduate and undergraduate students' degrees were conferred on a picture-perfect day Saturday, May 16. Students in the university's three schools — Arts and Sciences, Business and Economics, and Education, Health and Human Services —crossed the stage to receive the congratulations of President Alexander Enyedi at ceremonies beginning at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Enyedi opened each ceremony with a welcome to those Cardinals seated in the field house gymnasium along with faculty members from their respective schools. Before moving to remarks, Enyedi first recognized and acknowledged that SUNY Plattsburgh is situated on land that belongs to the Iroquois, Western Abenaki, Mohican and Mohawk peoples. HONOR CARETAKERS "We honor the original caretakers of this and surrounding land and offer respect to the Haudenosaunee, who are still here," he said. "This land and body of water, now known as Lake Champlain, was inhabited and nurtured by these peoples for thousands of years. We must do the same to nurture and protect this sacred land. "This statement is a mere fraction of the steps needed to fight against systemic indigenous erasure. We are settlers on their land, and we strive to be accountable by remembering this history and cultivating respect in our relationships with our indigenous neighbors and the land," Enyedi said. It was then during the first ceremony of the day that Enyedi introduced the university's honorary doctoral degree recipient, Larry Unrein, member of the Class of 1979 and head of J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Private Equity Group. Enyedi explained that "the conferral of an honorary degree is a rare and prestigious event, reserved for individuals whose achievements and contributions have had a profound impact in their fields and beyond," he said. "SUNY honorary degrees are awarded to a very limited number of individuals whose outstanding achievements and contributions have earned nomination by the university and approval by the State University of New York Board of Trustees. HIGHEST HONOR BESTOWED "This degree represents the highest honor SUNY Plattsburgh can bestow, celebrating extraordinary vision, leadership, and service. Today, we recognize Larry Unrein with the Doctor of Humane Letters degree." Unrein continued his education at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his MBA. As a founding member and longtime leader of the asset management group for nearly 24 years, Unrein helped grow a global enterprise managing billions in investments that supported innovation, strengthened industries, and created opportunity around the world. At SUNY Plattsburgh, Unrein's leadership and generosity have had a transformative effect on generations of students. Through his dedicated service on the Plattsburgh College Foundation Board and Investment Committee, he played a key role in helping grow the Foundation's endowment from some $10 million to more than $35 million, strengthening the university's ability to provide scholarships and educational opportunities for years to come. His philanthropy has also helped create lasting pathways for student success, particularly for students pursuing nursing and healthcare careers. 'DEEP BELIEF IN EDUCATION' "Larry Unrein's legacy reflects not only exceptional professional achievement, but also a deep belief in the power of education, mentorship, and service to others. His enduring commitment to SUNY Plattsburgh continues to shape the lives of students and the future of this institution," Enyedi said. "(And so), by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Trustees of the State University of New York, I am honored to confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities thereto appertaining," Enyedi said. Unrein began by thanking SUNY and Enyedi for the "tremulous and unexpected honor," he said. "What makes it even more special is being here in Plattsburgh, a place that has always meant so much to me. It is a place that has provided me with special memories, lifelong friends, and most importantly a tremendous education. "I am honored to share a moment today with the graduates who have achieved so much. Congratulations to you and your families. While there is some sadness in leaving behind so many friends and memories your future has unlimited potential," he said. OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEAK Unrein said he has had opportunities over the years to speak with young people, "just like you as they embark on their futures." "The headlines are filled with the difficulties facing this year's graduates and the job market they face. I graduated from here in 1979, a period of global unrest, 20 percent interest rates and the beginnings of a global recession," Unrein said. "You can't control macro events, and your concerns while valid are not unique to your class; but most importantly, you will look back and realize it did not matter." Unrein said his future began when he wanted to pursue a career in business and finance. He had no connections. "I did not even own a suit," he said. "I had never been on an airplane." But he knocked on a lot of doors. His first job was a two-week temporary assignment in the investment management division of a large corporation. "Thanks to the preparation I received at Plattsburgh, I stayed 18 years. That lead to an opportunity to start an investment business in the leading financial services firm where I had a very happy and successful 24 years," he said. "During my career I always knew that my educational foundation was second to none. I devoted a significant amount of time building on my Plattsburgh education, understanding the importance of lifelong learning. MADE POSSIBLE BY PLATTSBURGH DEGREE "For me, that meant formal training like the CPA, and CFA programs. I also received my MBA at one of the best business schools in the country where entry was made possible by my Plattsburgh degree," Unrein said. "Invest in yourself. Do not worry about what you cannot control. It is ok if you have to knock on a few doors — one will eventually open. Once that door opens, know that no one is more prepared than you. Your Plattsburgh education plus a willingness to work hard can take you a long way." Enyedi then said it was time to turn his attention to the day's purpose: Celebrating the graduates. "Today, we gather for one of the most significant and joyful moments in your lives — celebrating your achievements as graduates of SUNY Plattsburgh. It is the culmination of years of learning, growth and transformation," Enyedi said. "We are deeply honored that you chose SUNY Plattsburgh as the place to learn, to question, to test your ideas, and to define your goals. Your presence has shaped this campus and strengthened our community in lasting ways. "You have earned something no one can take from you: A college degree. And with it, a set of skills that matter deeply in today's world," he said. "A college degree means more than the courses you completed. It means you have learned how to think clearly in a world that is often noisy. It means you have learned how to seek out credible information and make sense of it. ABILITY TO THINK "As you move forward, remember you will not always have clear answers (or) certainty. But you do have the ability to think, to choose and to move forward with purpose. You have what it takes; you are ready. You will always be a part of the Cardinal family," he said. At that, he brought Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Marcus Tye to the podium to present masters and bachelor's candidates for degrees. "On behalf of the faculty of the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, I am pleased to recommend these candidates be granted (masters and bachelor's degrees) which they have earned," Tye said. "On the recommendation of the outstanding faculty and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the trustees of the State University of New York, I hereby confer upon you the degree you have earned, with all the rights, responsibilities and privileges pertaining thereunto," Enyedi said. STUDENT SPEAKERS At each of the three ceremonies, Enyedi then introduced the students chosen to address their classmates before being welcomed into the Alumni Association as new SUNY Plattsburgh graduates: Amanuel Adefris, finance and economics major from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Eden McFarren, a social work major from South Glens Falls, N.Y.; and Olivia Powers, computer security major from Ticonderoga, N.Y. "Amanuel chose SUNY Plattsburgh because of the strong experiences shared by family members and friends who attended before him, and quickly found a campus that felt like home," Enyedi said. "During his four years here, he embraced opportunities both inside and outside the classroom that helped shape his academic, professional, and personal growth. "Following graduation, Amanuel will join IBM as a financial analyst, where he looks forward to applying the skills and experiences he gained at SUNY Plattsburgh on a global stage," he said. "After beginning her studies in mortuary science at Hudson Valley Community College, Eden realized her true passion was helping people navigate life's challenges through compassion, advocacy, and support," Enyedi said. "She found that calling in social work and says SUNY Plattsburgh helped her discover not only what she wanted to do, but who she wanted to become. "As she looks toward the future, Eden carries with her the confidence and resilience she developed at SUNY Plattsburgh, along with a commitment to creating meaningful change through compassion and advocacy," he said. FAMILY LEGACY And "for Olivia, SUNY Plattsburgh represented both a family legacy and a fresh start. Inspired in part by the fact that her parents met here as students, she was also drawn to the university's strong computer security program, welcoming campus atmosphere, and close-knit community," Enyedi said. "During her time at SUNY Plattsburgh, Olivia completed her degree in just three years while building meaningful friendships, developing independence, and pursuing personal goals beyond the classroom, including her passion for figure skating. She says her college experience helped her grow both professionally and personally, giving her the confidence to embrace new opportunities and connections. "Following graduation, Olivia will begin her professional journey as a security analyst with Vertek Corporation in Colchester, Vermont, while continuing to pursue her long-term dream of advancing in figure skating and one day becoming a coach," he said. TASSELS MOVED Following the student speakers, graduates were led in the ceremonial moving of their tassels by Charlotte Feliz, president of the Student Association and then welcomed into the Plattsburgh Alumni Association by Marsha Cognetta '98, first vice president of the association. "You are now a part of a vibrant and proud community of more than 75,000 SUNY Plattsburgh alumni around the world," Cognetta said. "I speak for the entire Plattsburgh Alumni Association board when I say we are so proud of you. And we'd like to remind you that your connection to SUNY Plattsburgh, your alma mater, doesn't end today — it just takes a new form." WELCOME ALUMNI "During your time here, you were nourished — by professors who challenged you, staff who supported you, administrators who guided you, and, of course, by your peers who walked alongside you during these important years," she said. "Class of 2026, you now join that tradition. You have an important role to play in helping future Cardinals thrive and in keeping the 'Plattsburgh Experience' alive. Please stay in touch — and come back. We look forward to seeing you at your first Homecoming Weekend, Sept. 25–27. Congratulations again, and welcome to the Plattsburgh Alumni Association." All three ceremonies were livestreamed and can be seen at https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/commencement/livestream.html. -Story and Photos by Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs

Signup for our newsletter

More than 1,000 graduate at SUNY Plattsburgh Spring Commencement

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS