Graduates of the SUNY Old Westbury Class of 2017 were encouraged to use their wisdom, experiences, and newly-earned degrees to transform and elevate their lives, and the lives of those around them. The 51st Commencement Ceremony, which took place on May 21, 2017, honored more than 1,100 students – both undergraduate and graduate – making it one of the largest in the history of the College.
Photos from the College's 51st Commencement ceremonies can be viewed below or by visiting the SUNY Old Westbury online photo album .
“The role of this College was to prepare you for the future so you can face the new challenges of our global society,” said College President Calvin O. Butts, III to the graduates. “You will leave here today to continue forward in what is an ever-changing world -- a world that stands in desperate need of your knowledge, passion, and energy.”
During the ceremonies for the School of Arts and Sciences, and the Schools of Business, Education, and Professional Studies, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James addressed the audience as the Commencement speaker. James implored the graduates to persevere, and look beyond failures, as they are often a set-up for success.
“Your generation is the engine of our present and the guardians of our future,” said James to the Class of 2017. “You each carry the strength and resilience of every person that has ever stood up for what is right – you carry within you the power to change this world for the better.”
Along with the awarding of degrees, Commencement included recognition of the recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, Sara Bey, Alicia Fyne, and Nadia Hameed, and the President’s Medal for Scholarship winner Winsome Rodney.
