LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — SUNY Sullivan held its 61st annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17, in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse on campus. The event honored the achievements of the Class of 2025, with a total of 230 associate’s degrees conferred. Additionally, earlier that day, SUNY Sullivan held its Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony to honor graduates of the nursing and respiratory care programs.

The ceremony featured a keynote address by Shannon Daniel ‘00, regional program manager for Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers. SUNY Sullivan President David Potash and board of trustees chair Dr. Nancy Hackett presided over the conferral of degrees.

“Today is not just a ceremony, it’s a celebration of your journey, your perseverance and your growth,” said Hackett. “You’ve reached the finish line, and this moment is the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice and determination. But more than anything, today is about something deeper, something that brought you here: persistence.” 

“The small town of Loch Sheldrake, the grassroots of where I grew up and SUNY Sullivan, led to the door of opportunity for my career journey and current life,” said Daniel in her keynote address. 

“I believe that the desire for success and achievement is in everyone, and it just takes little moments of breaking out of your comfort zone to unleash that,” said Adrienne Lee ‘25, member of the board of trustees, student government association president and class salutatorian. “This journey wasn’t without its struggles, but we made it through. We persevered. And that resilience is something we should carry with us wherever we go.”

Pastor Seth Switzer offered the invocation and benediction, while Sullivan County legislator Nadia Rajsz delivered welcoming remarks. Student Government Association president Adrienne Lee ’25 served as the class speaker, representing the voices of her fellow graduates.

In another milestone, the inaugural graduating class of the Homestead School also crossed the stage during SUNY Sullivan’s commencement ceremony. Representing the first cohort to complete their associates degrees through the Homestead School’s partnership with SUNY Sullivan, these students joined the Class of 2025 in celebrating their academic achievements.

As part of the afternoon’s commencement ceremony, Adrienne Lee ‘25 received the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, recognizing her outstanding achievements and contributions. Simon J. Clement, interim director of athletics, was honored with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, while Thomas J. Martin, associate professor of language arts, earned the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities. Additionally, Nancy Dileo, associate professor of Spanish, was recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching.