SUNY Plattsburgh Commencement Dec. 11

Esther Robinson, an elementary education major and Spanish minor from the Commonwealth of Dominica, will be the student speaker during commencement.

"This is quite an honor," said Robinson. "I never thought that my experience at Plattsburgh State would end this way. I'm just so excited."

Robinson has spent her last semester at SUNY Plattsburgh as a student teacher at the Oak Street Elementary School and St. Peter's Elementary School. Her post graduation plans include working in her field for a year before moving on to graduate school.

Robinson said that she has enjoyed being a student at SUNY Plattsburgh.

"At first, as expected, I went through my own private period of adjustment," she said. "But now I have fallen in love with the school and the serenity of Plattsburgh. I have become comfortable here because of the persistent love of my family and the company of new-found, sincere friends."

Robinson, who will be graduating summa cum laude, said she has met several professors who have inspired her.

"During my time at the College, I have pursued the things I love: Spanish, music and education," she said. "Along the way, I met professors who loved these as much as I do. I was able to establish warm, working relationships with my professors because we share this common ground."

Robinson has been active while on campus and said that she's always been interested in working with the community. She was the director of the Newman Center Sunday Choir and has been involved in other campus choirs. She also participated in Alternative Spring Breaks, World Week events and Club Caribbean activities.

Robinson has worked in the Claude J. Clark Learning Center, the Educational Opportunity Program and the International Student Services Office.

She has received numerous awards on campus including the Fanny S. Schiff Scholarship and the Foreign Language Award.

Robinson is also a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, the national honor society for non-traditional adult students, Phi Kappa Phi, the national academic honors society, and Kappa Delta Pi, the international Education honor society.

"While at Plattsburgh, I have found most people to be receptive, professors were welcoming and helpful, the facilities were accommodating and the school population was of comfortable size. I have also enjoyed the serenity and safety of Plattsburgh. I have been successful here because I have enjoyed studying here. I've felt at home here," said Robinson.

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Dr. John Ettling will preside over his first commencement ceremony as the 10th president of SUNY Plattsburgh.

Dr. Charles I. Zinser, professor of geography, will serve as the faculty marshal for the commencement ceremony. Zinser joined the faculty as an instructor in 1966 and served as the first chair of the geography department in 1973-74. Zinser will lead the processional of faculty and students into the ceremony, carrying the College mace.

The Adirondack Brass will provide the music including  "Pomp and Circumstance" and the Champlain District Pipe Band will play the bagpipes.

The Cardinal Singers, under the direction of Timothy Morningstar, adjunct lecturer of music, will also perform during the ceremony. 

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