For Release:           Immediate – May 17, 2021
Contact:                  Steve Ference, Director of University Communications
                                 (518) 429-7742 | sference@sunypoly.edu

ALBANY and UTICA, NY – Students reflected and celebrated this weekend as they were congratulated by SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s (SUNY Poly’s) leaders, including Acting President Tod A. Laursen, Interim Provost Steve Schneider, deans, and faculty during the institution’s commencement ceremonies, held at SUNY Poly’s Albany campus on Friday, May 14, and on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16 at SUNY Poly’s Utica campus. 

In addition to the nearly 900 members of the Class of 2021 who graduated, members of the Class of 2020 were also invited to participate after the COVID-19 pandemic limited in-person celebrations last May.

“Congratulations to SUNY Poly’s newest graduates, as well as the graduates from the Class of 2020, who have all proven their steadfast dedication to successfully achieving a degree during this unprecedented time,” said Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Acting President of SUNY Poly. “With such determination, there is little doubt that our newest alumni will make a meaningful and inspiring impact on the world, leveraging their unique educational experience for a lifetime of growth.” 

The top three degrees awarded by number of students were in computer and information science (M.S. and B.S., respectively), followed by family nurse practitioner (M.S.).

While safety precautions helped ensure the health of participants, graduates taking part in the engagements were each able to invite a small number of family members or friends to attend and support their new SUNY Poly alum. In addition, a suite of virtual and congratulatory videos complementing a livestream of the events were provided to celebrate the accomplishments of every student, especially in case their friends or family could not attend due to current travel restrictions around the world.

Additionally, those who earned a graduate degree also received special recognition from their respective dean who placed a hood over the head of each graduate, signifying successful program completion.

SUNY Poly’s Utica campus offers a broad array of hands-on educational degree programs in everything from engineering and the arts to cybersecurity and nursing. At its Albany campus, SUNY Poly is the world’s first educational institution to provide comprehensive curricula focused on nanotechnology research and development, with educational offerings supported by the world-class intellectual and technological resources of the Albany NanoTech Complex. In total, more than 600 students received an undergraduate degree, and nearly 300 earned a graduate degree or certificate of advanced study.

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About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
SUNY Poly is New York’s globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem. SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience and nanoengineering, as well as cutting-edge nanobioscience programs at its Albany campus, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences at its Utica campus; thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities complement the campus experience. As the world’s most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts billions of dollars in high-tech investments and hundreds of corporate partners since its inception. For information visit www.sunypoly.edu.