SUNY Adirondack prepares for 64th commencement

GLENS FALLS, New York (May 4, 2026) — SUNY Adirondack is proud to announce its 64th annual commencement at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at Harding Mazzotti Arena.

The Class of 2026 includes more than 450 students in the college’s nearly 40 degree and certificate programs, as well as 44 students completing Pathways to Technology (PTECH) and Early College Career Academy (ECCA) high school programs.

"Commencement is the culmination of all our work at SUNY Adirondack. We come together on this special occasion to celebrate academic achievement, determination and resilience," said SUNY Adirondack President Anastasia L. Urtz, J.D. "Each graduate's unique story contributes to the legacy of learning that has made SUNY Adirondack a launch pad for success over its 65-year history. We are proud of our graduates and look forward to the great futures they will build for themselves, their families and our community."

During the event, which is open to the public, nearly 260 graduates will be recognized with Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science and Associate of Occupational Studies degrees. 

Professors emeritae Nancy White, distinguished professor of English, and Holly Ahern, associate professor of Biology, will serve as marshals. The processional and recessional will be led by Galloway Gaelic Pipes & Drums. The SUNY Adirondack Chorale will perform the National Anthem and “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Urtz and Amie Gonzales, chair of SUNY Adirondack’s Board of Trustees, will offer opening remarks and a welcome. Supervisors from Warren and Washington counties Scott Hahn and Michael Wild will offer greetings and announce student awards from their respective counties. 

Student speakers include Lucas Van Dyke, a December graduate of SUNY Adirondack and SUNY Chancellor’s Award winner. Van Dyke of Franklin (Delaware County) earned a Criminal Justice: Police Science degree from SUNY Adirondack, then transferred to SUNY Potsdam, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. 

At SUNY Adirondack, Van Dyke was a resident assistant, president of Pride Club, a student senator-at-large, a mental health advocate, an English tutor for Upward Bound, a member of Active Minds and served on the Diversity Committee, Residence Hall Association and Safety Advisory Group.

Thirty-seven graduates of SUNY Plattsburgh at Queensbury will also participate in the ceremony, including student speaker Izabella Sawyer, who is a 2024 graduate of SUNY Adirondack with a degree in Individual Studies who earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. The Buskirk mother of two wants to work in a special victims unit at the federal level.

Those who can’t attend but wish to watch the ceremony live can do so on SUNY Adirondack’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@SUNYAdirondackOfficial