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ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø celebrated the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, with College and community leaders encouraging graduates to be confident and persistent in pursuing the goals they’ve set for their futures.

Family and friends joined Cayuga staff and faculty to celebrate the Class of 2026, which with 297 eligible graduates stands to be the largest class since 2022. College leaders and trustees were joined on-stage by Cayuga County Legislature Chair Jonathan Anna.

College President Dr. Brian Durant and Board of Trustees Chair Tony Franceschelli applauded graduates for their achievements and determination, and encouraged them to apply the same lessons and values they exhibited at the College in the years ahead.

“You’ve proven something important: that goals aren’t just dreams you hope for, they’re commitments you work toward, one step at a time. And now, you carry that proof with you into whatever comes next. Continue to be relentless, not just in chasing success, but in building a life that matters. Be relentless in your curiosity, your compassion, your willingness to grow. Be the person who shows up, who lifts others, who creates opportunities where none seemed to exist,” said Dr. Durant.

Chair Franceschelli encouraged graduates to exercise patience before rushing through a decision about their next step after earning their degree.

“Reflect on your skills, your passions, and what direction you want your life to go in,” said Chair Franceschelli. “Set your course when you know what that direction is. And then apply yourself with the verve and dedication you demonstrated to everyone here at Cayuga. Do that, and I have no doubt that success — in your education, your career, and your life — will be the result.”

Graduates earned Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees and certificates from the 32 degree programs and 10 certificate programs available at Cayuga.

Student speakers for the ceremony were Alaysia Harris, who earned an Associate in Applied Science in Mechanical Technology with a concentration in Mechatronics, and Kassandra Williams, who earned an Associate in Science in Music.

Harris graduated cum laude, worked in the Auburn Campus Learning Commons-Library, earned a tutor certification, and was the President of the Engineering & Technical Club and the Tutor Club. Williams graduated summa cum laude, served as the treasurer of the Music Club, and as the Vice President of Service for Phi Theta Kappa.

Class Marshals were T’Queria Bowman and Jeremy Recio, each of whom graduated with an Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences.

The College recognized its SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recipients, Jacob Soltero and Carissa Quagliata. Soltero earned an Associate in Applied Science in Media Arts: Audio Production, and was the President of the Radio and Television Guild and Cayuga Records. Quagliata was the President of Phi Theta Kappa and was also a member of the Book and History Clubs.

The College also honored employees who received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. Recipients were:

• Nicole Adsitt, Professor & Director of the Centers for Student Excellence and Academic Advisement, Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service;
• Adjunct Assistant Professor Jennifer Gandee, Excellence in Adjunct Teaching;
• Professor Dawn Matijas-Czolowski, Excellence in Teaching;
• Assistant Director of Student Financial Services MaryBrooke Oropallo, Excellence in Professional Service;
• Senior Typist Meggan Rossman, Excellence in Classified Service.

A recording of Commencement will be available at the YouTube page for the College’s School of Media and the Arts, .