Hundreds of students and thousands of guests celebrated accomplishments during three Commencement ceremonies on May 13.
Lakers walked the stage, celebrated and embraced loved ones, while speakers provided insight and wisdom from the podium. Highlights include:
Dr. Mary C. Toale, Officer in Charge:
"My fellow Lakers, the academic and social experiences you have consumed at SUNY Oswego have equipped you to continue learning, to think critically and be your best possible selves. We are so proud of you, class of 2023, for your commitment and your personal power."
"Lead with purpose and morality. Follow your passion. Make a difference. Show up for the opportunities you never knew existed. Surround yourself with people of high character, those who are deliberate, thoughtful, respectful and resilient as you are."
Dr. Juhanna Rogers, Senior Vice President of Racial Equity and Social Impact for CenterState CEO:
"I'm asking you to keep climbing, keep believing in who you are and the things that you dreamt about as young people, and pursue them no matter what."
"To the class of 2023, I say to you, keep climbing, keep dreaming and leaning into the work."
The Honorable Billy Barlow, Mayor of the City of Oswego:
"Be sure to take the time to find what you truly enjoy doing. Focus less on what you want to be, and devote that time and energy to figuring out who you want to be."
"We all have a fundamental obligation as leaders, as a society, as human beings, to give the world your best, help as many people as you can along the way and to leave this place better than we found it."
Dr. Robert Simmons, Head of Social Impact and STEM Programs for Micron Technology and the Micron Foundation:
"As you leave this institution with your degree in hand, you must be willing to discover things about yourself along the way."
"Your dream for a happy and successful life is bigger than your careers. You will realize that not all of your talents will fit into a career. All of you have so many passions."
Tom Ehrhard, Student Association President:
"Cast your eyes forward towards the horizon, and understand that our generation has so much potential to continue improving the world, and I have full faith and confidence in our ability to do so."
"The future is getting brighter every day, and I know each and every one of you will work hard to create a better world for yourself, your children and your children's children. Your future is in your hands. Take care of it."