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56th Annual Commencement

Congratulations, Class of 2024! 

Herkimer County Community College held its 56th Commencement on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 4 p.m. in the Physical Education building. There were 310 graduates and candidates for degrees and certificates, with 140 having completed their programs entirely online.

Officer-in-Charge Nicholas F. Laino presided over the ceremony. The National Anthem was sung by Joshua Lanza ‘12, academic support specialist and esports coach at Herkimer College. The invocation and benediction was delivered by Chaunsey Brown, Lead Pastor, New Hope Christian Fellowship, Dolgeville, NY. The procession was led by faculty representative and macebearer, Associate Professor of Social Science John McLean, Ph.D.

In his greeting, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Michael Stalteri Sr. said, "You each had goals when you enrolled at Herkimer, whether it was to prepare for a particular career, or to continue your education at a four-year college. Regardless of your expectations when you started college, there is no doubt you are leaving here with valuable new skills and a greater awareness of the world…and yourself. The opportunities you have had here at Herkimer and the degree that you have earned have set you up for success."

Student Government President Elizabeth Cingranelli '24, of Stittville, said " Take a moment to acknowledge your current success and know this is just the start. Appreciate the bumps in the road, as this will enrich your appreciation for life. Find the courage to overcome the challenges regardless of the settings, field, court, or classroom. And that is what will define legacy, not the jobs you get or connections you make but the impact you leave, determination and the positive words you spread. So may the victory become sweeter and our abilities be pushed."

Grace Marjorie Smith ‘24, of Eaton, NY delivered the student address titled To the Class of 2024. Smith reflected on her time at Herkimer and what made it special. "As we stand here today, on the brink of this new chapter in our lives we have come a long way since we started. We all have made new friends, learned new things, and grown as individuals," she said. 

Laino recognized several faculty, staff, and graduates with awards, including:

  • Shea Manley '01, Campus Peace Officer, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in the Classified Service
  • Aaron Alford '93, Bursar, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service
  • Robert Gassmann, Professor, Communication and Media, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
  • Elizabeth Cingranelli '24, SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence 
  • Rebecca Lynn Swart '24, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society All-New York Academic Team Award
  • Lydia M. Reimer '24, SUNY Scholar Athlete Award

The program can be downloaded here. 

Photography

The College contracted with Genesee Photo to take photos of each graduate. Within a few weeks of the ceremony, proofs will be available on Genesee Photo's website here:  https://www2.geneseephoto.com/Grad/Welcome

Diplomas

Diplomas will be mailed in July to all graduates whose degree requirements have been met.