Oswego Alumni Magazine » commencement

Photo: Commencement speaker

Shane M. Liebler — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:42:55 +0000

Joseph Coughlin ’82, who is internationally known for his work in gerontology and public policy, received an honorary doctor of science degree from the State University of New York May 12 at Oswego’s 151st Commencement. Coughlin, the founding director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab, shared the words of an Oswego professor who deflected Coughlin’s gratitude toward future generations. “Perhaps the best advice I still carry with me from Oswego — give thanks to those who invested in you by being generous with others tomorrow,” Coughlin told the graduates and their families. The Oswego Alumni Association honored him with the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2003, and he has been the keynote speaker at Quest, the college’s annual symposium of scholarly research and creative activity.

Honoraries offer Commencement gems

Michele Reed — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 20:31:00 +0000

The State University of New York conferred two honorary degrees at the Oswego Commencement: an honorary doctor of science degree to Augustine Silveira Jr., emeritus distinguished teaching professor of chemistry at Oswego, and an honorary doctor of humane letters degree to Frank G. Pogue, president of Grambling State University in Louisiana.

Frank G. Pogue

Gus Silveira

“Seek your place in the world by following your own dreams, while at the same time, cultivating inner strength and a set of values and ethics that will guide you through life,” urged Silveira, who was honored at the morning commencement ceremony.

“Colleges and universities may be the only hope we have left to ensure the creation of a civil democratic society,” Pogue told graduates at the afternoon Commencement.

No. 123 – Mace and Medallion

Shane M. Liebler — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:26:24 +0000

The official College Medallion donned by the SUNY Oswego president at Commencement and other official ceremonies was a gift of the Class of 1966.

President James Perdue, center, with the College Medallion.

Designed by Art Professor Emeritus Dominic T. DiPasquale, the medallion commemorated President James Perdue’s inauguration. It contains two dates: 1861 for the college’s founding and 1948, which marks the date Oswego became a SUNY school.

“At the time Oswego was very small … the kind of place where everybody knew everyone else,” said Russell Herrmann ’66, who was class president at the time. “The students definitely had a special feeling for the college and they wanted to leave their mark.”

That they did, as the Medallion is still in use today.

“I am honored that it is still a part of the [Commencement] ceremony,” said Herrmann, whose wife, Leslie Seelbach Herrmann ’66, was also a class officer. Son Greg ’91 is also a graduate of Oswego.

Another Commencement staple, the College Mace, was a gift to Perdue from the Class of 1969. Art Professor Joseph F. Shoenfelt created its design and silver work while Technology Education Professor Emeritus William D. Todd shaped its rosewood shaft.

The jade sphere centerpiece symbolizes wisdom and knowledge, according
to a short history included in the Commencement program. The first to bear the mace was the late Professor Donald Snygg.