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SUNY Sullivan grads urged to climb mountains and help others

Margaret Bruetsch - Reporter / Photographer
Posted 5/23/17

LOCH SHELDRAKE — SUNY Sullivan's 53rd Commencement not only focused on the struggles and successes of the graduating class of 2017, but the hard work and support of the faculty, family and friends …

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SUNY Sullivan grads urged to climb mountains and help others

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LOCH SHELDRAKE — SUNY Sullivan's 53rd Commencement not only focused on the struggles and successes of the graduating class of 2017, but the hard work and support of the faculty, family and friends supporting and standing by the graduates during their individual journeys.

“While the accomplishment is certainly yours, great work is often collaborative,” Acting President Jay Quaintance reminded the graduates. He urged them to remember the hard work of their professors and mentors at SUNY Sullivan and to emulate them as they move out into the world.

“You are only as strong as those around you,” Quaintance said. “When the opportunity arises reach out, lift up, be human.”

Student speaker Brianna Worden reminded her fellow graduates that life will always be filled with twists and turns, something the 19-year-old knows all too well. Worden was born with Neurofibromatosis (NF), a condition that causes tumors that grow along the nervous system, and has survived cancer three times. Worden likened life to climbing Mount Everest, reminding each of her classmates that they have their own mountains to climb.

Before attending SUNY Sullivan, Worden participated in an experimental chemo trial that led her to doubt she could ever reach her goal of studying at Wheelock College in Boston, Mass.

“I was stuck at my base camp,” Worden said when she was suffering side effects from the trial at home, “The chemo was too strong, it was killing me. NF was winning. I doubted myself and I doubted my goals. Then I started SUNY Sullivan.”

Worden compared the faculty and staff at the university to Sherpas who help to put climbers on the right path, just like the professors worked to help each of their students.

“Fellow grads, I know each of you have your own mountains to climb. Remember those around you from your base camp up,” Worden urged before imparting words of wisdom from her idol, “As my mama always says, ‘Bri, it's not brave if you're not scared.'”

In addition to conferring 224 degrees to students who have graduated from the college, the college also recognized four faculty members and two students with SUNY Chancellor awards. Faculty members Larry Reeger, Tamara Porter, Jennifer Martinetti, and Mary Sudol accepted awards alongside students Sarah Espinosa and Daisy O'Bryan.

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