SUNY Canton held its 114th launch ceremony for approximately 750 Class of 2022 members on Saturday, May 14.
College Board President Ronald M. O’Neill, Class of 1963, opened the ceremony by asking graduates to reflect on the lasting memories and friendships they made.
“There has never been a promotion in the history of our school like yours,” he said. “Although the pandemic has been unexpected and unwelcome, going through it together has created a bond that I hope you will continue in this new phase of your life.”
President Zvi Szafran welcomed the audience and led a moment of silence for SUNY Township Professor Edouard Mafoua, Ph.D., who died suddenly in March. Mafoua taught economics in the business department and was a college employee for 17 years.
“Edouard will be remembered for his passion for teaching, for sharing his knowledge and for his dedication to his students and the college,” said the president.
Szafran expressed pride in this year’s class, which includes graduates between the ages of 19 and 64 and representing 18 U.S. states and seven countries, including Cameroon, Canada, Finland, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and UK.
He went on to introduce two recipients of the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence: Jenna C. VanAllen, Veterinary Science Technology graduate from Blossvale and Charliann R. Friedman, Veterinary Technology graduate from Schenectady. He also praised:
- Tiffany L. Hobby, an applied psychology graduate from the Bronx, recipient of the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence, a statewide honor that recognizes scholars in the Educational Opportunities Program.
- Zion Sankey, a sports management graduate from Troy, recipient of the David R. Maynard Award for Student Activities.
SUNY Township Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Courtney B. Bish then introduced this year’s outstanding graduates, Katlynn M. Allen, a graduate physical therapy assistant from Malone; Cassidy Asiamah, a graduate in criminal investigation from the Bronx; and Wappingers Falls Mechanical Engineering Technology graduate Bryan J. Levy.
Student Jonah R. Black, Class of 2023 and President of the Student Government Association, addressed the graduates and reminded them of all they accomplished under unusual circumstances.
“The unexpected transition to online learning wasn’t easy, but you all made it through to the end,” Black said. “Take that drive and determination you’ve shown throughout your time here at SUNY Canton, and fight for what you deserve and never settle for less.”
The top three bachelor’s degrees awarded, in order of popularity, were health care management, nursing, and criminal investigation. The top three associate degrees awarded were Nursing, Veterinary Science Technology, and Individual Studies.
Additionally, graduates of the college’s one- and two-year nursing programs were recognized at special pinning ceremonies held earlier in the week.
As Upstate New York’s premier college for career-focused bachelor’s, associate’s, and professional certificate programs, SUNY Canton offers quality, hands-on programs in engineering technology, management and health. It houses the Center for Criminal Justice, Intelligence and Cybersecurity. Faculty members are renowned for their real-world work experience in addition to their outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY’s leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible, convenient courses and 23 online degree programs. The 15 traditional SUNY Canton Kangaroos sports teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also offers college esports and cheerleading.
