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Scientist delivers keynote at SUNY Poly 650 graduates make commencement largest in college’s history

MARCY — SUNY Polytechnic Institute hosted its 41^st annual commencement ceremony at the Wildcat Field House on Saturday , recognizing the 650 members of the Class of 2015 which represent the largest graduating class in the institution’s history.

More than 3,000 family and friends attended the ceremony.

“Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s innovation-driven educational model in New York State enables SUNY Poly to provide its students with a world-class learning experience and all the skills and knowledge necessary to emerge as leaders in the 21^st century global economy,” said Dr. Alain Kaloyeros, Founding President and CEO of SUNY Polytechnic Institute. “I congratulate our 2015 graduates and wish them the best of luck as they build their careers on a solid SUNY Poly foundation.”

“SUNY Poly is committed to building a bright future for New York State by graduating highly skilled students who understand that creating knowledge is the key to innovation and that innovation is the key to success. Members of the class of 2015 are a perfect example of this and should be proud of their accomplishments,” said Dr. Robert Geer, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SUNY Polytechnic Institute. “We welcome today’s graduates to our family of alumni and wish them continued success.”

The top three undergraduate degrees awarded at the ceremony were Bachelors of Science degrees in Business Administration, Mechanical Engineering Technology, and Nursing, respectively. The top graduate degrees awarded Saturday were Masters of Science in Computer Information Systems, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Technology Management, respectively.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Ioannis Miaoulis, president and director of the Museum of Science, Boston, and former dean of Tufts University’s School of Engineering. Miaoulis, who was awarded an honorary degree at today’s ceremony, championed the introduction of engineering into the Massachusetts science and technology public school curriculum in 2001, making the Commonwealth first in the nation to develop a K-12 statewide curriculum and assessments for technology/engineering.

“SUNY Poly, known for its innovative and experiential curriculum, is proud of these accomplished students beginning their important careers. We will watch with pride as they flourish and experience success, just like the thousands of graduates who have gone before them,” said Dr. William Durgin, SUNY Poly provost.

SUNY Poly’s Utica commencement was followed by a reception outside the Student Center. Commencement activities at SUNY Poly’s Albany location will take place on May 16 . With graduates from the class of 2015, SUNY Poly alumni now number more than 26,000.