The Class of 2025 includes 873 undergraduates and 186 graduate students
World-renowned physicist Dr. Sylvester Gates, Jr. to receive honorary degree
SUNY Oneonta President Alberto Cardelle will give the Commencement address
SUNY Old Westbury will celebrate the more than 1,000 members of the Class of 2025 during its 59th Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Hempstead, New York. More than 5,000 guests are expected to attend.
A highlight of the celebration will be a Commencement address given by SUNY Oneonta President Alberto J.F. Cardelle, who has across his 25-year career in higher education been dedicated to building community and championing the needs of students, faculty, and staff for their success. At the heart of his work is a steadfast belief in the transformative role of public higher education, a commitment to equity, and a strong sense of optimism about the potential future generations hold to improve our world.
Additionally, the University will present and honorary Doctor of Science to world-leading theoretical physicist Sylvester James Gates, Jr. Known for his pioneering work in supersymmetry and supergravity, areas closely related to string theory, Gates in 2013 was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, becoming the first African American theoretical physicist so recognized in its 150-year history, and, in the same year, received the National Medal of Science from then-U.S. President Barack Obama.
Also speaking during the program will be Natalie Malatino, a senior graduating with a degree in Politics, Economics and Law. Malatino, who served this academic year as president of the campus’ Student Government Association, was selected by her classmates to address the assemblage.
Additional information and a live stream of the ceremony can be found at on the University’s Commencement website.