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MORRISVILLE, N.Y. -- Morrisville State College graduates celebrated their accomplishments alongside family and friends during the college’s 97th commencement exercises in the John W. Stewart Center for Student Activities on May 17.

Morrisville State College President Dr. Ray Cross was joined by Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs, James Van Riper, school deans and members of the college council in presiding over the ceremony, which began with a 20-piece Scottish Bagpipe Band and herald trumpeters leading graduates into the formal commencement exercises.

Cross called the Class of 2008 the college’s “centennial class” in honor of the Morrisville State College’s inception in May 1908.

“The celebration of the college’s centennial allows us to recognize one great moment in the past, which, as a result, has changed tens of thousands of lives and created even more opportunities,” he said. “The Class of 2008, and this moment in time, will forever represent a special place in the college's history. Your legacy is strong.”

College Council Chair Matthew A. Morgan, of Homer, N.Y., expressed the college community’s pride for the graduating class.

“As you leave us, I want you to take with you the knowledge that Morrisville State College—your alma mater, now—has touched the lives of thousands of people in New York State, the nation and the world,” Morgan said. “You, the students, are the reason for all of this success. You keep the faculty and staff excited and driven to succeed. You are the reason why we are all here.”

The keynote speaker at the ceremony was Patrick Hooker, New York State Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets and member of the Morrisville State College class of 1982. Hooker spoke to graduates about his time at Morrisville and his experiences since the last time he stood on the stage as student speaker at commencement 25 years ago.

“My Morrisville experience has been very valuable to me throughout my career,” he said. “I learned how to learn here.”

He encouraged graduates to find careers that they love, and surround themselves with good and positive people.

“Life is short and it does go fast,” Hooker said. “It is a remarkable world—take advantage of it and run with it.”
During the ceremony, several members of the college community were recognized. Joseph Coppola, of Fayetteville, N.Y., associate professor of electrical engineering technology/diesel technology, was awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award; Wayne Hausknecht, of Eaton, N.Y., assistant professor of wood products technology, was recognized for winning the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching; and Jerome Caretti, of Morrisville, N.Y., an instructional support associate in electrical engineering technology, was recognized for winning the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.
Graduating students Gretchen Cramer, of Vermontville, Michigan, Alexander Parsons, of Pittsford, N.Y. and David Sookey III, of Adams, Massachusetts, were recognized for winning the Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, a prestigious SUNY-wide award.
Morrisville State College offers more than 75 bachelor and associate degrees and options. Considered to be one of the most technologically advanced colleges in the nation for its ThinkPad University program and wireless technology initiative, the college was the first in the nation to comprehensively replace landlines in residence halls with individual cellular phones. Morrisville State College was also chosen as one of the top five colleges in the nation for campus activities by Campus Activities magazine.

The Morrisville State College Norwich Campus offers associate degree programs in accounting, business, computer systems technology, office administration, liberal arts transfer, nursing, early childhood, criminal justice and human services to south central New York residents and employers. Students may also apply coursework to other associate or bachelor degrees at the main campus.