UAlbany Celebrates 2013 Spring Commencement

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 19, 2013) – More than 3,100 students participated in the University at Albany’s 169th commencement ceremonies Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19. Republic Records founders, "The Voice" talent producers, and UAlbany alumni Monte Lipman, 86’ and Avery Lipman, ’88 delivered the keynote to approximately 2,250 students at Sunday’s undergraduate commencement ceremony on the Entry Plaza lawn near Collins Circle.

The Lipman brothers brought along a great surprise for the graduates, their families and friends. Cassadee Pope, season 3 winner of “The Voice,” delighted the audience by performing two songs at the ceremony.

More than 3,100 students took part in UAlbany's 169th Commencement Ceremonies.

UAlbany’s undergraduate Class of 2013 hailed from 19 states and 20 countries, including Brazil, China, Great Britain, Japan, Nepal, South Africa and Turkey. Students received degrees in 50 different majors, including the most popular disciplines: psychology, sociology, business, communication, economics, biology, accounting, English and political science. Females made up 51 percent of the class. The average age of the Class was 23; the youngest graduating student was 19 years old and the oldest 59.

At the undergraduate ceremony, Daniel C. Tomson, former University Council chair, received the University at Albany’s highest award for distinguished service, the Medallion of the University. For 16 years, Tomson served on the University Council, UAlbany’s oversight council appointed by the governor. He currently serves as managing director in the Municipal Securities Division at Citigroup and oversees the firm’s public finance business in New York.

Another 860 students received master’s degrees, doctoral degrees and graduate certificates at the graduate commencement ceremony on Saturday in the SEFCU Arena. Jack Henion, a leading scientist in the pharmaceutical industry lauded for his contributions to chemistry analysis, delivered the keynote address and received an honorary Doctor of Letters from the State University of New York. Henion is the Co-Founder and Chairman of Advion, a globally recognized firm in the development of automated, chip-based mass spectrometry technology.

At the graduate ceremony, 683 students earned master’s degrees, 153 doctorates, and 30 graduate certificates. Graduate students hailed from 22 states and 27 countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, France, Israel, Mongolia, Romania and Taiwan. They received master’s degrees in programs that included social welfare (MSW), business (MBA), public administration (MPA), public health (MPH), and information science (MS). Females made up 61 percent of the class.

On Saturday, the family picnic for all graduates, families and friends was held at Dutch Quad Commons. The University commemorated the transition from student to alum with Torch Night on May 18. The event symbolizes the passing of the torch of knowledge, as seniors are welcomed into the Alumni Association. Fireworks concluded the event.

Commencement weekend got started Friday with the Lavendar Graduation ceremony, honoring the achievements of graduating LGBTQ students and allies. Communications consultant and political commentator Libby Post delivered the keynote address in the Campus Center Ballroom.

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