Commencement

June 2007 Lake E-ffect

Photos Jim Russell ’83

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The Class of 2007 was the first to graduate in SUNY Oswego’s new Campus Center—the first new building on campus in more than 35 years. Families and friends filled the arena seating for Oswego’s 146th Commencement.	The trumpets sound to mark the beginning of the 146th Commencement at Oswego State, May 19.	[From left to right] SUNY Oswego President Deborah F. Stanley and Amber Dray ’07 present the Class of 2007 Alumni Banner during the ceremony.
President Deborah F. Stanley gives remarks about Rev. Richard Rice after presenting him with a Presidential Medal during the morning Commencement, May 19.	Dr. Barbara Palmer Shineman ’65 addresses the Class of 2007 after accepting a Presidential Medal during the afternoon commencement ceremony, May 19. “Treasure your memories about this wonderful college by the lake,” she said.	Student Association President Daniel Tascarella ’07 greeted his fellow classmates during the School of Education and School of Business ceremony. “It seems like only yesterday that we were moving into the dorm rooms,” he said. “…The next chapter in our lives is upon us. It may have uncertainty and doubt…if you follow your heart and your dreams then you are following the right path.”
The processional makes its way into the Campus Center arena and onto the stage as the ceremony begins.	President Deborah F. Stanley places a Presidential Medal around the neck of John McLoughlin ’75, retired Port Authority police lieutenant and World Trade Center survivor. McLoughlin received standing ovations at both the Commencement Even dinner and Commencement.	John McLoughlin ’75 shared words of wisdom with the graduates and thanked Oswego for honoring him with a Presidential Medal. “Thirty-two years ago when I was sitting out there [graduating] I didn’t expect to return for such an honor,” he said.
U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer was the guest speaker at this year’s commencement. He addressed the graduates with words of advice and congratulations.	“Today is clearly a turning point in your lives,” Sen. Charles E. Schumer said to the Class of 2007. “Go for it. Sometimes you’ll make the wrong choice but you’ll pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move forward.”	Presenting the Alumni Banner for the Class of 2007, Amber Dray ’07 gave encouraging words to her fellow classmates. “Being students was just the beginning of our relationship with this college,” she said. “Because of our experiences here we are ready to move forward with our accomplishments, knowing that Oswego is behind us.”
Graduates waved from their seats to family and friends in the audience.	Smiles and excitement filled the arena as members of the Class of 2007 walked to the stage to receive their diplomas.	Graduates acknowledged the outcome of all of their hard work the last four years, posing with their diplomas for family and friends to take photographs.
Graduates of the School of Education were robed with the appropriate colors before receiving their diplomas.	Graduates, families and friends lined the sidewalks in front of the Campus Center taking photographs before and after each Commencement ceremony.