Building meaningful lives and vibrant communities: this is the vision of SUNY Brockport. We know that higher education is essential to a healthy democracy. It’s where we prepare global citizens—not just for careers, but for real life: to think critically, engage across difference, and contribute to the communities we share. And today is the culmination of all of our collective efforts. Today we celebrate the achievements of our undergraduate and graduate students together. We know that many of our undergraduates aspire to graduate school, and in the spirit of “if you see it, you can be it,” we are proud to celebrate our master’s and doctoral students alongside those who one day wish to pursue advanced degrees.
Higher education has long fuelled American progress — driving innovation, leadership, and civic life. Beyond job training, higher education must prepare our students for a divided world and to talk across differences.
At a time when the principles of academic freedom and freedom of expression are being challenged, it’s important to remember that debate can be a good thing.
It challenges individuals on both sides of an argument to think critically, shore up their weaknesses, and build on their strengths.
Graduates, you are prepared to do all of this and more. As a university president, I look out at our graduates today and feel confident that our strengths are abundant.
Now it’s time for you to go out into the world and do it—to reach, to stretch yourself, to become positioned for success in whatever path your future takes.
Most of you came to us two, four or five years ago, and over that period of time, you have made the journey from student to graduate. Once you walk out the door today, you will become our alumni, and we look forward to our transformed, but ongoing, relationship with you.
Parents, family members, loved ones and friends, your graduate is not only a remarkable human being—you knew that already—but they are also surrounded by exceptional people who have made their college careers rewarding and fulfilling—and who have set them on their path to success.
I am grateful to my colleagues, whose work ensures that there are so many students sitting here today. Our faculty conduct research alongside our students, work to ensure that their lectures, seminars and group activities are stimulating and provocative, and ensure that they themselves maintain the highest standards of scholarly activity and service to the community. Our faculty work hard at their profession, and they excel at it—becoming role models for our students and guiding them to careers that will have a real impact on the world.
Today, in recognition of the difference that they make to our students’ education, we recognize five new honorees, winners of the Presidential Teaching Excellence Award.
We asked our students to nominate faculty who made the most difference to their experience at Brockport, whose teaching helped them reflect on their own learning, who helped them develop as individuals, or who willingly devoted time to help them achieve something they might not otherwise have done. We received over 400 hundred nominations this year, and I am honored to share the stage with our winners today. As I call your name, colleagues, please stand and stay standing so that we can recognize collectively the impact that you have made. Audience, I would ask that you hold your applause until all five names are called:
- Dr. Stacy Birch, Department of Psychology, Philosophy and Neuroscience
- Dr. Nicole Cesnales, Department of Social Work
- Dr. Savisesh Malampallayil, Department of Business Administration
- Dr. Bek Orr, Department of Women and Gender Studies
- Dr. Meredith Roman, Department of History
Congratulations, colleagues, and thank you for all that you do to support our students’ learning.
Everyone here has made important contributions to this special day. Our faculty and staff make sure that Brockport is a great place to learn. The families of our students support their loved ones emotionally and financially. And our students support each other.
Graduates, you have worked long and hard to get to this point, and we know that excellence is within your reach.
You are well on your way. The Class of 2025 has already achieved so much – taking full advantage of the opportunities your SUNY Brockport education has offered. I’d like to tell you a little bit about some of the individuals graduating today.
Divya Chouwan has received a Fulbright Award to work with a not-for-profit youth run organization in Kathmandu Nepal that promotes youth participation, cultural exchanges and community through empowerment and advocacy. She is the first student Fulbright awardee from Brockport for many years.
Troy Smith, a chemistry major, won a highly competitive Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship that will fund a PhD in chemistry at the University of Georgia, where he will be researching advanced combustion systems.
Ciara Murphy and Jack Milewczik were among those who traveled to Iceland with Dr. Lauren Lieberman to help establish a sports camp for children with visual impairments.
Rebecca Heuler not only won a Division III national championship in the javelin last spring but was then named the Division III track and field national scholar athlete of the year.
Rhys Oschmann, from our Masters in Social Work program, interned with the Monroe County Research Strategy and Development team and was integral in the development of the newly formed Monroe County Overdose Fatality Review Team. Rhys performed so well, they were hired full-time.
Jenney Stringer, one of our doctor of nursing practice graduates, implemented a ‘Hypertension Management Program Toolkit’ in an urban community health center. The Toolkit led to a decreased number of patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure and decreased hypertension disparities.
These are just a few of our graduates’ many accomplishments. I could go on and on.
But let me use our students’ words as well. Earlier this semester, our student- led marketing agency, Brockport Brand Builders, had a new space dedicated to their efforts, thanks to a generous donor.
Hailey Jones, a founding member of student agency, was chosen to speak at the dedication event. Here’s what she said:
“Employers are impressed not just by what we’ve learned, but by what we’ve done. This agency is shaping confident, career-ready graduates who already know how to lead, collaborate, and deliver.”
Let me repeat what Hailey said: “Employers are impressed not just by what we’ve learned, but by what we’ve done.” And this work is made possible by all of the individuals sitting here today, who have taught, coached, led and listened to our students—and who have been gate openers who have helped them to their flying finish.
Graduates, during your time at SUNY Brockport, you have ALL risen to the moment.
You have won Empire 8 athletic championships, competed on the regional and national stage, put on incredible artistic and theatrical performances, led student clubs and organizations, immersed yourself in research and presented at conferences. You have completed internships and clinicals, and worked at open houses and accepted student days.
You have engaged with your classmates and with your professors in thoughtful conversation and robust debate.
You have experienced new cultures, gained new perspectives and even struggled with harsh realities. You have stretched your minds to consider new possibilities.
You’ve also had some fun along the way — marching in our Homecoming parade, cheering on our Golden Eagles, enjoying Midnight breakfasts, celebrating Eagle Day and creating events at Brockport Downtown.
You have met the requirements necessary to join the ranks of influential SUNY Brockport alumni who are making a difference in communities around the globe. And now you are prepared to do the same.
Excellence is within your reach.
Grab it. Utilize the knowledge you have learned and the skills you have developed to go out and change the world.
Congratulations to the SUNY Brockport Class of 2025! It has been an honor to serve as your president.