2 Local Colleges Celebrate Graduates

May 16, 2026 - 05:06

Hundreds of graduates from Mohawk Valley Community College marked the end of their academic journey with a ceremony held at the Adirondack Bank Center. The event, which drew a large crowd of family members and faculty, celebrated the hard work and dedication of the Class of 2024. Students crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, many with smiles and tears of joy as their names were called. The keynote speaker encouraged the new alumni to embrace the challenges ahead and to use their education to make a difference in their communities.

Meanwhile, another local institution also held its commencement exercises this week. SUNY Polytechnic Institute hosted its own graduation ceremony, recognizing students who completed degrees in fields ranging from engineering to nursing. The event featured remarks from college leaders and a student speaker who reflected on the resilience shown during the past few years. Both colleges emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and the value of a strong local workforce. The ceremonies brought together students from diverse backgrounds, all sharing the common goal of starting the next chapter of their lives. As the graduates tossed their caps into the air, the atmosphere was filled with pride and optimism for what lies ahead.