11-05-2025
870 graduate from SUNY Canton
May 10—CANTON — At its 117th commencement Saturday morning, SUNY Canton awarded 870 students degrees, with more than half participating in the ceremony.
"This is a slight increase over the nine degrees that were conferred at our first graduation in June 1909," SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran said before a packed house of friends and family at the Convocation and Athletic Recreation Center.
"At our ceremony today, we'll be awarding degrees to students graduating from the School of Business and Liberal Arts; the Canino School of Engineering Technology; and the School of Science, Health, and Criminal Justice," Szafran said.
Graduates came from all over the United States and the world.
"They represent 20 different states including New York, mostly in the east, but also including Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin," he said. "In addition to our American graduates, they also represent four foreign countries: Cameroon, the Czech Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Canada, including the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec."
College Council Chairman Ron O'Neill told the students to remember the people who made their success possible.
"Reaching this amazing milestone in your life is certainly a testament to your strength, courage and confidence, but we all know you didn't get here by yourself," he said. "Today is also a celebration for your entire support system as well, your parents, grandparents, spouses, partners, children, family, mentors, faculty members and staff at SUNY Canton and all those who have not only believed in you but have helped and encouraged you all along the way."
Three students were recognized for their achievements with Outstanding Graduate Awards.
Natalie E. Bartle was one of two Baccalaureate-level awardees.
Bartle, an applied psychology major with a 3.902 cumulative GPA, also earned a bachelor's in health & fitness promotion.
"Natalie has been a pivotal member of the women's basketball team wherein she became the first SUNY Canton women's basketball player in program history to be named All-Region at the NCAA D-III level and just the second ever student-athlete across all sports in the school's history to be named to an All-Region team," Vice President for Student Affairs Courtney Bish said.
Bartle, from Negaunee, Michigan, is looking for opportunities to play basketball overseas and may pursue a master's in sports psychology.
The second Baccalaureate Award went to Eli Larson of Greenville. Larson is a mechatronics major with minors in math and physics and graduated with a 3.969 cumulative GPA.
"During Eli's undergraduate career, he founded and served as president of the Axios Club and was an integral member of the men's basketball team. Eli also served as a resident assistant and as a part-time residence hall director for a semester, filling vital roles in supporting our students. Eli is a recipient of the Leaders of Tomorrow Award and a President's List scholar," Bish said.
The winner of the Associate-level award was Betsy M. Brabant of Ogdensburg.
Barbant is a nursing major with a minor in psychology, with a 3.897 GPA.
"Betsy is described by those who supported her nomination as determined, deeply hard-working, academically curious, and committed to her education," Bish said.
Evan Velasquez, president of the Student Government Association, gave the class address.
"I know some of you have plans after this. Some of you don't. And some of you might feel like you're behind some imaginary curve," Velasquez said. "But it's not about being behind or ahead; it's about doing the right thing right now. It's about self respect and being your best self at all times. It's about learning from your mistakes, not just accepting them, but embracing them."
Velasquez said his goal was to be free and have no enemies.
"Control what you can, let go of the rest, and don't be afraid to truly live," he said.
