WATCH: OneUAlbany Virtual Celebration Honors New Graduates

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 19, 2020) – UAlbany honored more than 5,000 new graduates during its “OneUAlbany virtual graduation celebration” on Saturday night.

The roughly 45-minute minute interactive celebration offered a chance for our new graduates to relive their favorite campus sights and sounds, hear from classmates, University leadership, alumni, and virtually light the University Torch via social media. Highlighting the event were remarks and a musical performance by multiplatinum-selling recording artist Jessie J and a message from actor/comedian Nora Lum ’11 (Awkwafina).

“I am so grateful to be here with you in this moment on this day. I know this is a completely different situation to what you thought you would be experiencing. But, the accomplishment is still just as big,” Jessie J told the graduates, from her home in Los Angeles. “This is massive. I am so proud of you. Thank you for having me and Go Great Danes."

“Although you are joining us virtually, we feel your presence, your passion, engagement and success throughout our institution and beyond. Graduates, I am so proud of you,” said President Rodríguez, live from the podium on the Uptown Campus. “Despite our physical separation, we know we are stronger together.”

By The Numbers

More than 3,400 undergraduates are set to receive degrees, including summer, fall and winter semester recipients.

Among the estimated 2,410 undergraduates completing their degrees in May, 31 percent are first-generation college graduates and 19 students are veterans. The graduates range in age from 19 to 63, with an average age of 23. Women make up 55 percent of the class. Students hail from 24 states and 21 countries. The undergraduates will receive degrees in nearly 60 different majors.

About 1,600 students are set to receive master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and graduate certificates, including summer, fall and winter semester recipients. This includes 1,278 master’s degrees, 163 doctoral degrees and 147 graduate certificates.

Among the estimated 901 graduate students finishing degree programs in May, women make up 63 percent of the class. Students hail from 18 states and 30 nations. The average age of the graduates is 29, with the oldest student set to receive a master’s degree at 67, and the youngest student receiving a master’s degree at 21. There are 16 veterans.

UAlbany will honor its new graduates at a traditional on-campus ceremony when safe to do so.