Local news media coverage of Hudson Valley Community College’s 70th Commencement included the following:
The Troy Record
Melissa Schulman
May 11, 2024
TROY, N.Y. — Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) celebrated its 70th commencement ceremony on Saturday, honoring more than 1,500 graduates.
The class of 2024 held three ceremonies inside the McDonough Sports Complex, to recognize each of the college’s programs individually. The School of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) went first at 9 a.m., followed by the School of Health Sciences at 11:30 a.m., followed by the School of Business and Liberal Arts at 2 p.m. 1,515 graduates earned associate degrees and certificates in over 80 program areas.
A total of 440 students graduated with academic honors, 150 are members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, 47 are veterans or active duty service members, and 15 graduated from dual-enrollment high school programs. The class of 2024 ranges in age from 16 to 71 years old, and represents 38 countries around the world.
All three commencement ceremonies were livestreamed, in addition to having thousands of in-person guests. HVCC President Roger Ramsammy presided over each ceremony, with enthusiasm and passion that relayed immense pride in the graduates.
“You have reached this goal not by chance nor by accident, but through your own hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” Ramsammy said to the students at each ceremony. “I know I speak for your family and friends, your faculty and staff, and alumni and supporters when I say job well done.”
In his remarks to the graduates, Ramsammy advised them to use their educations well to make the world a better place and face the challenges ahead.
“It’s not a perfect world, but it’s yours, and it needs you, for sure, to make that difference. Whatever path you choose from here, I have no doubt you’re ready,” he said. “No matter where you choose to go and what you choose to do from here, remember who you are — you are problem solvers, creative thinkers, and builders, creators, and you are very much needed. You are our future.”
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin advised the STEM graduates to “make today the first of many great accomplishments,” and to “go forth and do great things.”
Rensselaer County Legislature Chairwoman Kelly Hoffman, an HVCC alumna herself, reminded the Health Sciences graduates that “once a Viking, always a Viking.” She praised them for being compassionate, talented, and smart.
“Every single one of you have an opportunity to change the world,” Hoffman said. “That sounds so big, but it’s so true. You can truly make an impact. You will make a difference.”
HVCC Board of Trustees Chairman Neil Kelleher, who spoke at all three ceremonies, gave the graduates several solid pieces of advice. First, he told them to “take one second to absorb what you’ve accomplished.” Next, he reminded them of the network of support that will always exist for them at HVCC.
“As you go into the world and make your way, know that you’ll always have a home at Hudson Valley,” he said.
His third piece of advice was, “Remember to pay it forward.” The fourth was to “live a life worth dying for, because many have, and their sacrifice has made all the wonderful things in this country possible.” Kelleher concluded by sharing words of wisdom from his dermatologist – “You can’t wear too much sunblock. Trust me on that.”
Student speaker Ameera Aftab, who was awarded the Student Leadership Award for her contributions to the college, shared fond memories of the HVCC community, speaking to her classmates with a bright, bubbly personality that was full of joy and excitement. Aftab, who discovered on Friday that she will be attending Cornell in the fall, praised HVCC for the diverse and welcoming environment that had accepted her two years earlier.
“We live in a world that could use some more acceptance, and doesn’t that start here with our community?” she asked.
Following her speech, each School’s Dean then gave remarks to their graduates in each ceremony.
Dr. Hector Rodriguez, Dean of the School of STEM, spoke to his students about the importance of their education. He noted that whether the graduates entered the workforce or continued their education, they were already well on their way to success.
“Education has changed my life, and it can do the same for you,” he said. “Don’t stop moving. Hudson Valley Community College has given you your head start.”
Dr. Patricia Klimkewicz, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, praised her students for the adaptability, resiliency, and flexibility that allowed them to complete their journeys to graduation.
“Each and every one of you has done an incredible job in order to be here today, and I want you to know how proud we all are of you,” she said.
Dr. Tyler Kessel, Dean of the School of Business and Liberal Arts, spoke to his students about remembering what education really is — much more than simply checking the boxes and receiving a certificate.
“Remember that this is about making the world a better place,” he advised. “Your degree is part of a bigger picture. We’re all focused on building better lives and a meaningful future. Attend to and care for that bigger picture.”
After the speaker’s remarks, Dr. Ramsammy and Vice President for Academic Affairs Judith DiLorenzo conferred the graduates’ degrees and instructed them to move their tassels to the left side of their caps. Each graduate then received the individual recognition of walking across the stage and posing for several photos.
“You did it!” Ramsammy exclaimed to the students upon each ceremony’s completion. “Awesome job!”
The ceremonies concluded with the firing of a set of cold sparklers, lighting up the sides of the stage, followed by a reception for the graduates and their guests.