Mia R. Piede receives the Lanford Presidential Prize medallion from President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. (far right) and Class President Thomas Hayes.
“You are ready.” That was the empowering message shared with the State University of New York at Fredonia’s Class of 2025 as the university celebrated its 198th annual Commencement in two ceremonies held Saturday in Steele Hall.
More than 650 students participated in two ceremonies to receive bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and the advanced certificate. Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Judith Horowitz presided over both events, with greetings offered by Fredonia College Council Chair Frank Pagano.
President Stephen H. Kolison Jr. conferred degrees and delivered the charge to the Class of 2025, commending their perseverance and encouraging them to live lives of purpose and service. “Go forth and improve the human condition, wherever you may be,” Dr. Kolison said.
He expressed pride in the graduates' determination and reminded them that their achievements were made possible with the support of others. “You will forever be a part of the tapestry that is the Fredonia story,” he said.
Afternoon Commencement speaker Gretchen Geitter (Class of ’91), who recently retired after a 30-year career with the Buffalo Bills, encouraged graduates to pursue their dreams with preparation and purpose. Drawing from her own journey from Fredonia student to NFL executive, Geitter shared how “luck” often arises when preparation meets opportunity. “You have achieved a goal you set for yourself,” she told graduates. “What you have learned and experienced over the past four years — it is a part of you. Take what you have worked so hard to achieve and go do magical and wonderful things in this world with your one wild and precious life.”
The morning speaker, Dr. Kim Harrington (Class of ’89), associate vice president for Arts, Belonging and Community at Georgia Institute of Technology, reflected on how a commitment to equity, creativity, and connection shaped her career path. “Let your creativity guide you, your compassion ground you, and your courage push you to make the spaces you enter more inclusive and more just,” she told graduates, reminding them that their voice matters in any community or organization they join.
Senior Class President Thomas Hayes, who received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts, addressed both ceremonies and presented an art piece as the senior class gift to President Kolison. The class is also giving a time capsule to the university. In his remarks, Hayes acknowledged the support of the Fredonia community in helping students navigate their academic and personal growth.
Other highlights included recognition of Mia R. Piede, recipient of the Lanford Presidential Prize from the Oscar and Esther Lanford Endowment of the Fredonia College Foundation. Piede, who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and completed a second major in Psychology, graduated summa cum laude.
National Anthem performances included Ashley Zielezinski, a magna cum laude graduate in Music Education, in the morning, and Hannah Schubring, summa cum laude graduate in Musical Theatre, in the afternoon. Opening reflections were given by graduate students Anna E. Evans and Alissa M. Dixon.
Faculty and student marshals were honored for their leadership and academic achievement. The morning mace bearer was SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Paul Mockovak of the Department of Theatre and Dance. In the afternoon, the mace was carried by Professor Linda Hall of the School of Business.
Live streaming, sign language interpretation, and musical interludes rounded out the celebratory day. The Fredonia Chamber Choir, under the direction of Dr. Vernon Huff, performed “My Companion” by Elaine Hagenberg, and led the singing of the Alma Mater.
Fredonia’s Class of 2025 leaves with more than degrees — they carry with them a message of confidence and readiness, echoed in Geitter’s closing words: “Have big beautiful dreams. Enjoy the preparation. Seize the opportunities. You are ready.”
