Excelsior University Celebrates 53rd Commencement Ceremony
Albany, N.Y. — Excelsior University celebrated its 53rd Commencement on Friday, July 12 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 Sena Amegbletor, who shared the story of her journey from fourth-grade teacher in Ghana to two-time Excelsior University graduate and health care professional.
The Excelsior Alumni Service Award was posthumously presented to Norvell “Van” Coots, M.D., retired U.S. Army Brigadier General and former president and CEO of Maryland’s Holy Cross Health system. Excelsior Alumni Association president and National Academy of Public Administration director of development and philanthropy Tony Spearman-Leach honored Norvell Coots and delivered the commencement address.
Excelsior celebrates its diversity and global representation. The Class of 2024 features 4,012 graduates from across the world. The graduates represent all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico in addition to 14 other nations. A total of 1,062 graduates are from New York state, including 107 graduates from the Capital Region. The graduates range in age from 12 to 81, and the average age of the Class of 2024 is 35 years old. 25% of graduates are active-duty service members of the U.S. military, and 33 students earned more than one degree during the academic year. For more facts about Excelsior’s Class of 2024, view the Graduates at a Glance document.
“We are proud to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of Excelsior University’s Class of 2024 today,” said David Schejbal, president of Excelsior University. “Our graduates are a diverse group joining us from around the globe, but they share the determination, resilience, and passion for learning that define the Excelsior community. Most of these graduates are working adults who can put their education into practice immediately in the workplace as they advance in their careers, positively impact their communities, and achieve their personal and professional goals.”
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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Media Contact Excelsior University:
Jason Bonafide, jbonafide@excelsior.edu, 518-608-8446
ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITY
Excelsior University is an accredited, not-for-profit online institution focused on helping adults 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, 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.
