University College Commencement honors part-time graduates

University College Commencement honors part-time graduatesMay 07, 2007Eileen Jevisejevis@uc.syr.edu

University College of Syracuse University will honor the part-time students of the Class of 2007 at its 59th Annual Commencement Celebration May 10 at 6 p.m. Hendricks Chapel.

Interim Dean Bea Gonzalez will preside at the ceremony, which features keynote speaker Stephanie J. Waterman, Ph.D., a member of the Onondaga turtle clan and a faculty associate at SU’s School of Education. Waterman earned her bachelor’s degree through University College and now helps other Native American students walk the path she once traveled. She works with the School of Education’s new Native Students Program, which was developed to support the Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship students.

Part-time graduates are distinctive because of their special commitment to education and their perseverance in overcoming obstacles to earn their diplomas. Students must typically find time to attend classes and complete assignments while juggling careers and a myriad of responsibilities. The University College celebration will recognize those earning baccalaureate and associate degrees and credit certificates and students enrolled through the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), which is funded by a grant from New York State. UC also serves students earning a master’s degree part time. University College has the only HEOP program for part-time students in New York State.

University College will name the recipient of the prestigious Nancy C. Gelling Book Award, given annually to the part-time student who achieves the highest overall grade point average. In addition, students who earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.81 or higher will be named Alumni Scholars.

Each year, University College awards citations to special friends of SU who demonstrate commitment and dedication to part-time students:

• Joan Nicholson will receive the Excellence in Teaching Award;
• SU’s Office of the University Librarian and Dean of Libraries, represented by Suzanne Thorin, will receive the Staff Service Citation;
• The Bank of New York will receive the Employer Service Award

To maximize access to the ceremony for distance students and others who cannot attend, the college will post video access to the event on its web site after May 17. Students may access the broadcast at http://suce.syr.edu/commencement.

University College offers a variety of degree programs in formats tailored to the busy schedules of part-time students. For more information on part-time programs, visit the UC website, http://www.yesu.syr.edu or call 315-443-YesU.