SUNY Sullivan celebrated the commencement of 181 students this past Saturday, May 13.
Leading the ceremony was Bethel resident, retired physician and community and health advocate, Dr. Larysa …
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SUNY Sullivan celebrated the commencement of 181 students this past Saturday, May 13.
Leading the ceremony was Bethel resident, retired physician and community and health advocate, Dr. Larysa Dyrszka, M.D., who honored the class of 2023 with the commencement address.
Dr. Dyrszka, of Ukranian descent, spoke of her protest of the ongoing war against Ukraine by Russia, and her family members personal experience and death while fighting for making the world a better place.
“Thank you for allowing me to share this day with you. It’s special, and I wish you the best as you move to the next phase of your lives, full of hope, love, knowledge, and understanding—skills that will make this world a better place,” said Dr. Dyrszka. “If I can offer you one piece of advice, as you continue your journey, it’s to defend your beliefs. Never take them for granted. Be the change that you wish to see in the world. Congratulations, class of 2023!”
Also in attendance was Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Nancy Hackett, and Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Rose Hanofee. Pastor Ken Ronk gave the invocation and benediction, Sullivan County Legislature Vice Chair Michael Brooks, Dr. Hackett, and SUNY Sullivan Officer in Charge Dr. Ellen Galligan delivered welcoming remarks.
“I wanted to be certain to communicate how very proud the faculty and staff here at SUNY Sullivan are of each and every one of you and your tremendous accomplishments. We are grateful to be inspired by you in our work each day,” said Dr. Galligan. “You join prior SUNY Sullivan graduates as the embodiment of our work here at SUNY Sullivan: educated, inspired, empowered citizens who will now apply your skills and knowledge to improve the lives of your families and your community.”
Monticello High School Alumni and Student Government President, Roxanne Dastparvardeh was the student speaker, and congratulated her fellow classmates for all their hard work in overcoming the many obstacles to get to graduation day. She gave special tribute to her family saying tearfully “I want to thank my mom and my dad for always pushing me to work hard, and for always supporting me. I really would not be here without them.”
As part of the Saturday afternoon’s commencement ceremony, Haddy Gai ’23 and Roxanne Dastparvardeh ’23, Associate Professor, Liberal Arts, Sciences and Health Sciences Jessica Lopez-Barkl, Director of Institutional Research and Acting Director of Institutional Technology Andrew Becker, and Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Worker Lou Russell received the 2023 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence.
As tradition, the celebrations also included the SUNY Sullivan Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony for graduates of the College’s Nursing and Respiratory Care programs. “I’m very proud of your accomplishments. You’ve done well,” said Respiratory Care Director Tom McManus.
Nursing Program Director, Dr. Chyrise Taylor, encouraged Nursing graduates to acknowledge the army of people who helped get them to this point stating “You want to seek the people who are practicing your profession at the highest level.” She left the future healthcare professionals with the following advice, “Please, stay away from anyone who is going to hold you back.”
For the full list of SUNY Sullivan student academic and athletic awards, visit sunysullivan.edu.
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