Submitted photos Graduates and families filled Steele Hall field house for two commencement ceremonies Saturday.

That charge from President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. set the tone as the State University of New York at Fredonia celebrated its Class of 2026 during two Commencement ceremonies Saturday in Steele Hall. More than 600 students participated in the ceremonies to receive bachelor’s and master’s degrees and advanced certificates.

Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Judith Horowitz presided over both ceremonies, with greetings offered by Fredonia University Council Chair Frank Pagano.

Kolison commended the graduates for their perseverance and determination and encouraged them to carry Fredonia’s values with them into the next chapters of their lives. “You are now, and forever, part of the rich tapestry that is the Fredonia story,” he said.

Morning Commencement speaker and Fredonia alum Jim Ranney (’88) built on that message by encouraging graduates to recognize the power they have to contribute to the greater good. Ranney is director of communications and senior adviser to New York State Sen. Patrick Gallivan.

Senior Class President Hana Gist addresses fellow graduates and families.

“The only promise I can make you today is that you will be presented with wonderful and unimaginable opportunities and difficult and formidable challenges,” Ranney told graduates. “You won’t know what, when, where or why. But they will come. And when they do, the only thing you can control is how you respond.”

Drawing from his own career in broadcasting, teaching and public service, Ranney encouraged the Class of 2026 to use unplanned moments to learn, serve, and help others. “Just know that you have the power to make a difference in your career, in your community and in the lives of others,” Ranney said. “Congratulations and go make Fredonia proud.”

The afternoon Commencement speaker was Fredonia alum Craig A. Harris (’98), vice president of development for Catholic Health System. Harris encouraged graduates to think about their purpose, recognize those who helped them reach this milestone, and consider how they can support others in return.

“None of us achieves a moment like this completely on our own,” Harris told graduates. “At some point, somebody gave us a leg up.”

Drawing from his own Fredonia experience, Harris reflected on the faculty, staff, friends and family members who helped him grow after early academic challenges and eventually shaped his commitment to mentoring others.

SUNY Fredonia President Stephen H. Kolison, Jr. and SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin confer an honorary Doctor of Science degree to Fredonia alum Reginal Spiller (‘74).

“My ‘why’ from that point on was crystal clear: To be a mentor, to pay it forward, to be present and support others as they blaze their own paths,” Harris said. “Mentoring is not just about teaching skills. It’s about meeting someone exactly where they are and simply helping them discover what they are capable of.”

Senior Class President Hana B. Gist addressed both ceremonies and presented the senior class gift to President Kolison. The Class of 2026 is giving the campus a cherry blossom tree and a contribution to an existing scholarship fund.

Gist, who received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a second major in Communication Studies, reflected on the growth students experienced during their time at Fredonia. She told classmates that uncertainty, discomfort, and personal challenges helped shape who they have become.

“During my time at Fredonia, I’ve learned three key lessons: that uncertainty is something to embrace, the value of stepping outside your comfort zone, and that each of us has our own story of growth,” Gist said. She said the class gift reflects both gratitude and a lasting connection to the university.

“As this chapter closes, we plant roots for the future of this university, creating space for others to grow and bloom,” Gist said. “Class of 2026, remember it doesn’t matter where you start. What matters most is where you’re willing to go and having the courage to get there.”

During the morning ceremony, Fredonia alum Reginal Spiller (’74) received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the State University of New York. He was introduced by President Kolison, and the degree was conferred by SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin.

Other highlights included recognition of Julia T. Skiba, recipient of the Lanford Presidential Prize from the Oscar and Esther Lanford Endowment of the Fredonia College Foundation. Skiba graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Genetics and a minor in Communication.

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recipients Alexander G. Scalcione and Sivan C. Adler also were recognized during the ceremonies.

Graduates also were welcomed into the Fredonia Alumni Association by Shawn Buffum (’97), a member of the Fredonia Alumni Association Board of Directors, during the morning ceremony, and Christine Starks (’91, ’94), president of the Fredonia Alumni Association, during the afternoon ceremony.

National Anthem performances included Lucas M. West, a summa cum laude candidate for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, in the morning ceremony, and Mia O. Sorgi, a magna cum laude candidate for a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education, in the afternoon. Opening reflections were given by graduate students Kassidy Kovac and Hannah Rich.

Faculty marshals were Dr. Mark Nickerson and Dr. Sabrina Musson in the morning, and Professor Christina Jarvis and Lecturer Nicholas Smith in the afternoon. Nickerson and Smith are 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recipients.

Student marshals for the morning ceremony were Babak Askary, Fox Birdtail, Sydney Ryan Hawkins, JaeRyoung “Sammy” Lee, Lynn Patterson, Tahanni St. Bernard and Emma Steffenhagen. Afternoon student marshals were Jana Alexandrine “Lexe” Ausa, Reed Cook, Samaria Hicks, Mackenzie Minor, Angelina Seamster and Samantha Zotara.

The morning mace bearer was SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus Michael Jabot. The afternoon mace bearer was SUNY Distinguished Professor James Davis.

Music was provided by the Commencement Wind Symphony and Commencement Wind Ensemble, led by School of Music faculty members Dr. Paula Holcomb and Senior Lecturer Donna Dolson. The Fredonia Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Vernon Huff, performed the musical interlude “Set Me as a Seal,” arranged by René Clausen, and led the singing of the Alma Mater.