Excelsior University Celebrates 55th Commencement Ceremony
Albany, N.Y. — Excelsior University celebrated its 55th Commencement on Viernes, julio 10, at 11 a.m. at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The Commencement ceremony brought together graduates of Excelsior’s online programs to commemorate their achievements in-person with University faculty and staff, family, friends, and supporters.
This year’s Commencement ceremony featured remarks from graduate speaker Kerry Treat Harrison, a Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare professional and mother of three, who shared the story of her journey to earn her Associate of Science in Nursing degree with the Class of 2026.
The event closed with the ceremonial passing of the Excelsior Alumni Torch from Excelsior Alumni Leadership Council (ALC) president Ruth Lown Turman and ALC member Jason DeLonais to graduate speaker Harrison. DeLonais was the first graduate to receive the Alumni Torch when Excelsior began this unique tradition in 2023.
The Class of 2026 includes 3,735 graduates from across the world. The graduates represent all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, as well as 11 other nations spanning five continents. A total of 1,0577 graduates are from New York state, including 129 from the Capital Region. The graduates range in age from 14 to 80, and the average age of the Class of 2026 is 36 years old. 38% of graduates are active-duty service members or veterans of the U.S. military, and 22 students earned more than one degree during the academic year. For more facts about Excelsior’s Class of 2026, view the Graduates at a Glance document.
“Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of Excelsior’s remarkable graduates. The Class of 2026 represents a wide range of learners from around the globe, and they share the common values that define Excelsior students: determination, resilience, and a passion for lifelong learning,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “For many graduates, earning this degree required balancing work, family, and service. They join more than 200,000 Excelsior alumni carrying their education forward into positive action in communities around the world.”
The event was livestreamed for those unable to attend. The video and all Commencement information is available at excelsior.edu/commencement.
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ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. Excelsior contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, Excelsior meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.
Excelsior es una universidad sin ánimo de lucro con un campus principal en Albany, Nueva York, y un centro educativo en San Petersburgo, Florida. Los programas académicos de la Universidad de Excelsior están registrados por el Departamento de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, y cuentan con una autorización adicional para los programas impartidos en Florida.
Autorizada por la Comisión de Educación Independiente del Departamento de Educación de Florida (n.º de licencia 12928). Para obtener información adicional sobre esta institución, póngase en contacto con la Comisión en la dirección 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32309-0400, o llame al número gratuito: (888)-224-6684.
