Convocation

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies celebrated the class of 2025 on Thursday, May 8, at its 77th annual Convocation Ceremony. In total, 182 students were recognized for completing their program of study in 2025, representing seven schools and colleges within the University.

Dean Michael Frasciello congratulated the graduating class and honored the families earning their degrees and certificates. Hand in hand with their children, graduates walked across the stage. A powerful and uplifting moment that reminded the audience that no obstacle is too great and that with determination and heart, anything is possible.

B.P.S. graduate Catherine Ancillotti, motivated the class of 2025 and reflected on her ten-year journey during her student speech.

“I stand before you, having attended three colleges, completed 50 courses, attended over 200 live Zoom sessions, and spent thousands of hours studying. I finally made it to the end,” Ancillotti said. “No matter what the future holds for you, persevere through the tough times and believe in yourself. You’ve got this!”

To view the live streamed convocation ceremony, visit go.syr.edu/uc/convocation2025.

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College Marshal

Robert Louis Salvato

Student Speaker

Catherine Ancillotti

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Student Recognition

Nancy C. Gelling Award

Recognition of the Part-time commuter student with the highest grade point average

Samantha Anne Bonocora

Diane M. Malikow

Alumni Scholars

Members of the Class of 2025 with the highest grade point averages

Kathleen Brody

Alexander Lee Cook

Guy Mitchell George

Jvne Melendez

Samantha Marie Mills

Matthew Joseph Pallotta

Jennette Lee Peters

Troy Charles Quinn

Robert Louis Salvato

Eric Tremblay

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College of Professional Studies Service Awards

Service awards were presented to those who serve as academic pillars in the Syracuse University community.

Dean’s Excellence Award

Anne Collins

Senior Functional Business Analyst | Bursar & Registration

Faculty Excellence Award

Karen deJarnette

Bachelor of Professional Studies Instructor

Syracuse University’s College of Professional Studies celebrated the Class of 2024 on Thursday, May 9, at its 76th annual Convocation Ceremony. Eighty-three students, in total, were recognized for completing their program of study in 2024, representing eight schools and colleges within the University.

Keynote speaker Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56, a life trustee and head of Heritage Management Company, LLC, inspired students to explore the curiosities and wonders of life.

“We learn that every problem is an opportunity when we begin to seek and dig down and discover what we are made of,” Seinfeld said.

Graduating cum laude with dual degrees in neuroscience and psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies through the part-time Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), Leondra Tyler ’24 served as the student speaker and delivered a motivating message on the power of community. Although this marks the end of an academic chapter, Tyler said Syracuse will always feel like home. 

To view the live streamed convocation ceremony, visit go.syr.edu/uc/convocation2024.

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Student Recognition

Recognition of the Alumni Scholar with the highest grade point average

James Edward Bennett

Maxamillian Crawford

Ryan Thomas Simmons

William Hayden Stewart

Sylvia Wyckoff Award

Recognition of outstanding achievement in the College of Visual and Performing Arts

Katherine Vincent

Alumni Scholars

Members of the Class of 2024 with the highest grade point averages

Jesus E Adkins

James Edward Bennett

Maxamillian Crawford

Lyneisha N Dickenson

Kelly Haley

Walter Ellis Hunt Jr

Jenny Ragan

John Carmen Rose

Ryan Thomas Simmons

William Hayden Stewart

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College of Professional Studies Service Awards

Service awards were presented to those who serve as academic pillars in the Syracuse University community.

Dean’s Excellence Award

Jacqueline Monsour

Assistant Director of the English Language Institute

Faculty Excellence Award

Emily Luther

Bachelor of Professional Studies Instructor

Judith Greenberg Seinfeld ’56, a life trustee and head of Heritage Management Company, LLC, will deliver the keynote speech during the College of Professional Studies’ 2024 Convocation, on Thursday, May 9 at 6 p.m. inside Hendricks Chapel. A reception will follow at 7 p.m. on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle.

Seinfeld is the fourth-generation head of Heritage Management Company LLC, a long-standing real estate investment, development and management company based in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Before joining Heritage, Seinfeld was the founder and president of Judith Greenberg Gallery, a jewelry design company, and she was also an executive vice president at Balenciaga Perfumes. A longtime patron of the arts, Seinfeld is the co-founder of the Nantucket Comedy Festival and the producer of several Tony award-winning plays.

Seinfeld earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University’s School of Education, and a master’s degree in administration from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1957. In addition to her current role as a life trustee participant on the Academic Affairs committee, Seinfeld’s service to the University includes previous positions on the boards of the School of Education and the School of Architecture. Her service also includes assisting in establishing the Seinfeld Housing Initiative, the Judith Greenberg Seinfeld Distinguished Fellowships and the Judith Greenberg Seinfeld Prize for Creative Teaching Endowment.

Seinfeld resides in Saddle River, New Jersey, and Nantucket, Massachusetts, and is the mother of Jeffrey Greenberg and the late Steven Greenberg.

For more information on the celebration, visit the 2024 College of Professional Studies Convocation page.

 

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About the College of Professional Studies

The College of Professional Studies is a global, inclusive and future-facing college, providing access to diverse students and learners seeking a Syracuse University degree, credential, certificate, or education experience.