Congratulations Class of 2026!

Graduates crossed the stage earning their degrees, certificates, and microcredentials during the College’s 56th Commencement on May 21 as applause and cheers echoed through the M&T Bank Center. The day was filled with joy, hugs, and a meaningful ceremony as the Class of 2026 marked this milestone in their lives with their families, friends, mentors, professors, College staff, and other vision supporters. The 424 members of the Class of 2026 invited to Commencement now join the SUNY Schenectady network of more than 21,003 alumni.   
Photos of graduates on stage will be posted in the next two weeks!
Full-length video of Commencement coming soon!

Among the Class of 2026 was Nadine Dávila, Student Speaker and Student Government Association President, who graduated with her Business Administration A.S. Degree and Business Startup and Grow Microcredential. She addressed her fellow graduates saying, “The pathway to success is not always a straight line. It’s never too late, you can fall, you can start over, and you can still rise higher than you ever imagined. So wherever life takes you after today, stay encouraged, stay hopeful, and never stop pursuing the life that has been placed on your heart.” Nadine is continuing her education at the University at Albany, where she plans to complete her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Management before pursuing graduate studies and a future career in law and public service.

SUNY Schenectady Class of 2026 At A Glance

• 424 graduates were invited to participate in this year’s Commencement ceremony.
• 121 earned A.S. Degrees
• 41 earned A.A. Degrees
• 78 earned A.A.S. Degrees
• 47 earned A.O.S. Degrees
• 117 earned Certificates
• 20 earned Microcredentials
• 16 students graduated through the Early College Grant Program with their Associate Degrees at the same time they are graduating with their diplomas from Schenectady High School.
• Five international students from five countries were among the graduates.
• Eight military veterans graduated.
• The Average GPA of the Class of 2026 was 3.23.
• The Average Age for the Class of 2026 was 28 years old.
• The youngest graduate was 17 years old and the oldest graduate was 68 years old. 

Students graduated with degrees, certificates, and microcredentials in academic programs offered through the:
• School of Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism
• School of Music
• Division of Liberal Arts
• Division of Math, Science, Technology and Health
• Center for Aviation Sciences

Dr. Steady Moono, College President, addressed the graduates. “As you leave SUNY Schenectady, remember that your degree is more than a credential," he said. "It is a symbol of possibility. It is proof that you can confront challenges and overcome them. It is evidence that growth happens when courage meets opportunity. The world you enter today needs you desperately. It needs compassionate nurses, innovative thinkers, ethical leaders, teachers, scientists, entrepreneurs, public servants, artists, advocates, air traffic controllers, pilots, and bridge-builders. Most importantly, the world needs people of character. Your success in life will not be measured only by titles, salaries, or accomplishments. It will be measured by how you treat people, how you uplift others, and how you use your gifts to improve the lives of those around you.”