UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) celebrated the achievements of 794 graduates during its 51st Commencement ceremonies earlier today.

“Commencement represents both a culmination and a beginning for our students,” said SUNY Poly President Winston Oluwole Soboyejo. “As we celebrate our graduates during SUNY Poly’s 60th anniversary year, we recognize not only their academic accomplishments, but also their resilience, innovation, and commitment to making a difference. Our graduates are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving world, and we are proud to see them embark on the next chapter of their journeys with purpose and confidence.”

A total of 529 students received undergraduate degrees, while 265 earned graduate degrees or certificates of advanced study. The top three undergraduate programs by number of graduates were Nursing, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering Technology. The top three graduate programs were Family Nurse Practitioner, Computer Science, and the Certificate of Advanced Study in Psychiatric Mental Health.

In addition, SUNY Poly awarded its first-ever Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, marking an important milestone for the university and its growing portfolio of advanced healthcare programs.

Two ceremonies were held, with the College of Engineering ceremony taking place at 10 a.m., followed by a 2 p.m. ceremony honoring graduates from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Health Sciences.

The following commencement speakers addressed SUNY Poly’s newest graduates at the ceremonies:

Dr. Henry Cialone – College of Engineering Ceremony
Dr. Henry Cialone is a nationally respected engineering executive and innovation leader who served as President and CEO of EWI for the past two decades. During his tenure, he led efforts to advance engineering and manufacturing technologies that strengthened U.S. industrial competitiveness, expanded EWI’s operations in Buffalo, New York, and helped foster major public-private partnerships, including the American Lightweight Materials Manufacturing Innovation Institute (LIFT). Prior to joining EWI in 2005, he served as an executive at Battelle Memorial Institute. Dr. Cialone holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in materials science from Brown University.

Robert Esche – Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Health Sciences Ceremony
Robert Esche is a nationally recognized sports executive, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Following a professional hockey career in the National Hockey League, he returned to his hometown of Utica and helped lead the development of the Adirondack Bank Center, the Utica Comets, and the Utica University Nexus Center through his leadership at Mohawk Valley Garden. Through these initiatives, Esche has helped position the Mohawk Valley as a regional destination for sports, entertainment, and major events. He is also founder of the Save of the Day Foundation, which supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.