Hudson Valley celebrates 65th Graduation Commencement
By: Angela Scipione
News Editor
“Each May, the college’s Commencement activities highlight the diverse and remarkable achievements of Hudson Valley Community College graduates,” according to Hudson Valley Community College’s website.
When: The commencement will be conducted on Saturday, May 18. At 9 a.m. doors will open for family and guests. Graduates are to assemble in the McDonough Sports Complex field house at that time. At 10:15 the procession will begin and at 10:30 a.m. the ceremony will start. Each graduate will be individually announced and congratulated by President Ramsammy. The commencement will end at noon.
Where: The 65th Annual Commencement Ceremony will be held in the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium on Hudson Valley Community College’s main campus: 80 Vandenburgh Ave, Troy, NY 12180. Parking will be available in the parking garage and all lots without a permit.
Dress: Commencement is a formal ceremony. Graduates are required to wear a cap and gown, with appropriate attire underneath. Flat shoes are highly recommended.
Diploma: Official diplomas will be mailed to graduates four to six weeks following Commencement. If it is preferred to pick up their diploma in person, call the Registrar’s Office at (518) 629-4574.
Music: Before the ceremony begins, live music and entertainment by the Hot Club of Saratoga and New York Players will be performed.
Refreshments and flowers: Free refreshments will be provided until 10 a.m. in the Stadium Pavilion. Food and beverages will additionally be sold during the Commencement ceremony in the concession stands. Flowers and commemorative items will be available for purchase in the stadium.
Post Commencement: A free Post-Commencement Celebration will be held immediately following the ceremony, from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the student pavilion for lunch and family-friendly activities. Faculty and staff will be present. The New York Players will also provide entertainment at the Post-Commencement Celebration.
Unable to attend?: For those who cannot make it to graduation, live video streaming will be available for viewing. The Commencement will be broadcast live online, covered by John Gray, news anchor and Hudson Valley alumnus. Check out the Hudson Valley Community College website for the link!
Take notice: In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the McDonough Sports Complex field house and the Post-Commencement Celebration will be moved to the Conway Ice Rink, located in the McDonough Sports Complex.
Fun Facts!: This year’s 65th Commencement celebrates almost 2,000 graduates, 1,919 to be exact! Students graduating with academic honors numbers at 444. More than 80 career and transfer-oriented programs will be represented. Graduates range in age from 17 to 62. 259 of the total took online classes exclusively. 91 graduates are active duty members of the U.S. military or are veterans of service. The Class of 2019 includes students not only from the Capital Region but from 40 countries.
For questions: Contact Student Activities Office | (518) 629-7348
For additional information: Visit https://www.hvcc.edu/commencement/index.html