Cayuga Celebrates Class of 2025 in Commencement at Falcon Park

Cayuga Community College honored the Class of 2025 on Wednesday, with College and community leaders encouraging graduates to believe in themselves and confidently pursue any future they wish.

Family and friends joined Cayuga staff and faculty at Falcon Park in Auburn for the ceremony, which has been the home for the College’s Commencement exercise since 2022. College leaders and trustees were joined on-stage by Cayuga County Legislature Chair Jonathan Anna.

College President Dr. Brian Durant and Board of Trustees Chair Tony Franceschelli applauded graduates for their perseverance, and called on them to rely on the skills they developed at Cayuga in the years ahead as they join the workforce or transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“The world needs your optimism, your courage, and your vision. It needs problem-solvers who don’t run from complexity, but toward it. It needs listeners and bridge-builders, innovators and advocates. In short — it needs you,” said Dr. Durant. “So whether you’re stepping into a new job, continuing your studies, launching a venture, or still discovering your path, carry with you the spirit of curiosity and compassion that defines this institution.”

Chair Franceschelli encouraged graduates to exercise patience before rushing through a decision about their next step after earning their degree.

“Think about what you want, about what’s best for you and your family. Remember everything you’re capable of, everything you demonstrated here at Cayuga. You have no reason to doubt yourself, and every reason to believe in your best future possible. And that is what we wish for you — the best future possible,” he said.

Graduates earned Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees and certificates from the 32 degree programs and 10 certificate programs available at Cayuga.

Student speakers for the ceremony were Jorge Jimenez, who earned an Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences, and Charlene Maciak, who earned an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing.

Jimenez is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, graduated magna cum laude, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, and the SUNY Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. Maciak earner her fourth collegiate degree Wednesday, is a Phi Theta Kappa member, graduated summa cum laude, and is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Class Marshals were Max Morabito, who graduated with an Associate in Science in Computer Science, and Shaqueta Small, who graduated with an Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences with a concentration in Psychology.

Jimenez and Julia Wilson, who earned an Associate in Science in Business Administration, were recognized for receiving the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

The College also honored employees who received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence. Professor Mark Montgomery received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and Professor Elizabeth Seton Mignacca, who is also the Director of the Office of Institutional Assessment, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. Custodian Donna Whiting received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

A recording of Commencement will be available at the YouTube page for the College’s School of Media and the Arts, https://www.youtube.com/@mediacayuga3821.