Student Speaker Talks about the Plattsburgh Experience

Gambino, a communication disorders and sciences major from Cortlandt Manor, N.Y., told classmates about the impressive quality of education they have received at Plattsburgh State.

"Life as a Plattsburgh State student is more dual natured than anywhere else I have discovered," said Gambino. "We thrive on a bustling campus with activities, classes, events and jobs littering our day planners, but are nestled in the center of a quiet, leisurely city."

Gambino concluded talking about the "small stuff" that is at the very core of the Plattsburgh State Experience. "We are going to think about all those small, seemingly inconsequential occurrences that ooze with 'Burghiness.' It is this simple: the small stuff is what counts the most at Plattsburgh State," said Gambino. "Our experience here at Plattsburgh State will serve us well in the years to come.

"We are at the brink of our futures and we will all head down different paths, in search of individual dreams. Where we will end up is almost impossible to say, but we will be successful and we will be prepared because all of us sitting here today are privileged enough to have Plattsburgh State as our 'little thing.'"

Several awards were presented during the ceremony:
* Robert Garrow, who received his bachelor's in 1952 and master's in 1959 from Plattsburgh State, and Dr. John Clark, interim president of the College, received the 2004 Distinguished Service Award. 

* Nancy Kress, a 1969 alumna of Plattsburgh and distinguished author of science fiction, received the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.

* Sussy Komala, one of Asia's leading English language novelists and a1974 graduate from Plattsburgh State, received the 2004 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

* Dr. Mark Cohen was honored as a SUNY Distinguished Professor.

* Richard Mikkelson was honored as a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Art.

* Dr. Nancy Church was honored as a SUNY Distinguished Service Professor of Marketing and Management.

* Dr. Nancy Elwess, associate professor of biology, received of the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching

* Dr. Donald Adams, professor of earth and environmental science, received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities

* Dr. Kathleen Camelo, director of the Center for Student Health and Psychological Services, received the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

                             

  

Dr. Charles Zinser, professor of geography, was the faculty marshal for the 114th commencement ceremony. He led the processional of faculty and students into the ceremony, carrying the College mace. The Adirondack Brass played "Pomp and Circumstance" and the Montreal Pipe Band played the bagpipes. The Cardinal Singers, under the direction of JoEllen Miano, associate professor of music, sang the "Star Spangled Banner."
 
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