Over 700 graduate from SUNY Niagara

SUNY Niagara Press Release & Photo

SUNY Niagara honored the Class of 2025 on Saturday in a celebration held on its campus in Sanborn. More than 300 students and their families attended the college’s 61st commencement ceremony.

The event featured a faculty message from professor Scott Steiner, an award-winning chef who teaches at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute; and a student address from Tracy Solotes of Lockport, who enrolled at SUNY Niagara at the age of 50 and has completed a dual major in business administration and accounting.

Steiner, a recipient of the National American Culinary Federation Culinary Educator of the Year Award, shared lessons from his own professional experiences and spoke about how the family atmosphere at SUNY Niagara is an asset to everyone within the college community. He advised graduating students to build their support systems, stay humble, keep learning and, “Never take ‘No’ for an answer.”

SUNY Niagara President Lloyd Holmes, who introduced Solotes, described him as, “a student whose pursuit of knowledge will serve him well as he prepares to begin work toward an MBA.” Holmes also noted Solotes’ service as a peer mentor in the college’s Academic Center for Excellence. “He didn’t just tutor in one discipline. He tutored students in an incredible 14 courses.”

Solotes, in his address, recalled his path to and through SUNY Niagara.

“Today, I stand before you not just as a graduate, but as a 52-year-old proud nontraditional student, a father, a brother, a worker – and now, a scholar,” he said. “I would like to say to anyone out there who thinks it is too late, who feels they have made too many mistakes, or missed too many opportunities – I promise you: It is not over. Find your SUNY Niagara and you will find your hope.”

Over 700 students were eligible to graduate following the spring semester. Commencement marks the end of the 2024-25 academic year. SUNY Niagara’s summer session will begin May 21.