University College Commencement honors part-time graduates

University College of Syracuse University will honor the part-time students of the Class of 2010 at its 62nd annual Commencement celebration on Thursday, May 13, at Hendricks Chapel.           

Roberta S. Jones,  assistant provost and acting dean of University College, will preside at the ceremony, which features keynote speaker Brian McLane, executive director of SU’s Burton Blatt Institute. The Burton Blatt Institute was established to advance civic, economic and social participation of persons with disabilities. McLane, who has a bachelor’s degree from SU and a master’s degree from Ohio University, was previously the assistant commissioner of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities.           

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, families and community responsibilities. The University College celebration will recognize those earning baccalaureate and associate degrees, and credit certificates, as well as students enrolled through the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), which is funded by a grant from New York State and is the only HEOP program for part-time students in the state. UC also serves students earning master’s degrees part-time.           

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 GPA of 3.7 or higher will be named Alumni Scholars. Jasmine Pryor, who is graduating from The College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, will be the student speaker.           

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

• Bart O. Murphy will receive the Excellence in Teaching Award;
• SU’s Office of Housing, Meal Plan and I.D. Card Services, represented by director Eileen H. Simmons, will receive the Staff Service Award;
• The Syracuse Veterans Administration Medical Center, represented by Tracey Morris, education program manager, and Mark Antinelli, manager of human resources, 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 website after May 20. Students may access the broadcast at www.uc.syr.edu/Commencement. 

University College is the home to SU’s part-time and summer students. UC is committed to helping adult students continue their education at SU. For more information on part-time programs, visit the UC website, http://uc.syr.edu, or call 315-443-9378.