Three Ceremonies Mark SUNY Plattsburgh Spring Commencement May 18

SUNY Plattsburgh’s spring 2024 commencement will salute about 850 students from three schools and more than 50 programs of study.

The Saturday, May 18 graduation at the field house will be divided into three ceremonies representing the School of Arts and Sciences at 9 a.m., the School of Business and Economics at noon, and the School of Education, Health and Human Services at 3 p.m.

It is a university tradition for members of the graduating class to serve as student speakers. At the May 18 ceremonies, the speakers will represent each of the three schools and will address their classmates as SUNY Plattsburgh alumni for the first time.

Cole Kachejian

Cole Kachejian, a double major in psychology and TV/video production from Smithtown, Long Island, will speak on behalf of students graduating from the School of Arts and Sciences.

“SUNY Plattsburgh offered me the opportunity to study both fields I’m passionate about at the same time,” Kachejian said. “The nature and environment surrounding the campus made me excited to explore a new type of freedom far away from home. I thought the campus was beautiful, and as I first walked around the grounds, it truly felt like I belonged (here). I wouldn’t change a thing. I don’t think I could have gotten a better learning experience and social experience at any other SUNY than the one I was blessed with at SUNY Plattsburgh.”

After graduation, Kachejian plans on going to grad school to earn his master’s in psychology and eventually a Ph.D. in clinical psychology.

“While pursuing my higher education in psychology, I plan on continuing to work as a freelance digital artist, offering my services as a photographer, videographer, screenwriter and editor.”

Adeeb Chowdhury

Adeeb Chowdhury, a economics and finance major from Chittagong, Bangladesh, will address his classmates from the School of Business and Economics. Aside from SUNY Plattsburgh’s affordability, Chowdhury said many alumni of his high school are graduates.

“Now that I am graduating, I definitely appreciate the resources and opportunities provided to me by the SBE as well as the amazing network of friends, faculty and professionals I have gotten to develop,” he said.

A minor in political science, Chowdhury said he is appreciative of Dr. Lucia Manzi, assistant professor in the program. He said she “really renewed my interest in political activism and fighting for social justice causes that matter to me. Her support led me to win the 2023 Feinberg Undergraduate Research Prize.”

After graduation, Chowdhury plans to work in financial and wealth management with a focus on data-driven investment strategy.

“I also hope to be an author and write children’s fiction,” he said.

Jaiden Varmette

Jaiden Varmette is earning her bachelor’s and master’s degree in childhood education through the BS/MSEd, grades 1-6 and special education birth-6^th grade and will speak to her classmates in the School of Education, Health and Human Services. The Port Henry, N.Y., native has just accepted a position in the North Country as an elementary special education teacher.

“I plan to stay near Plattsburgh and give back to the community that pushed me to be where I am today,” she said.

Varmette chose Plattsburgh because it was close to home, “and a majority of my teachers growing up went here for education, and they recommended the program,” Varmette said.

“Graduation is this huge change that everyone talks about since freshman year. Once you start college, you can never imagine it ending. Then one day you have a countdown, and you’re starting a new job and leaving everything you know behind.

“I feel entirely different than I was when I first came here, and I am excited to see what the future holds,” she said.

University President Alexander Enyedi will preside over commencement exercises with Dr. Brent Carbajal, interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, presenting candidates for degrees. Matthew Veich ’94, first vice president, Plattsburgh Alumni Association, will welcome the new alumni into the association.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Bagpipe Band will perform “Scotland the Brave” and “The Rowan Tree” in procession as well as “The Green Hills” and “Balmoral” in recession.

The May 18 event will be livestreamed at https://www.plattsburgh.edu/plattslife/commencement/livestream.html.

For more information, contact the Office of the President at 518-564-2010 or email [email protected].

— Photos, Story by Associate Director of Communications Gerianne Downs