Thousands of parents, family members, alumni, and friends gathered on Saturday, May 22, to honor the Class of 2004 at the College’s 115th Commencement. Depending on their major, students attended one of two main ceremonies in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House, followed by a divisional ceremony, where the graduates received individual diplomas and awards. In all, nearly 1,300 students were awarded degrees.
The address to graduates was presented by Karen Dineen Wagner ’76, who received an honorary SUNY Doctor of Science degree. Karen is the Clarence Ross Miller Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch. President Alan B. Donovan and Stephanie Gross, a College at Oneonta junior who serves as President of the Student Assembly of the State University and a member of the SUNY Board of Trustees, awarded the honorary degree.
In addition to her position at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Karen has served as Medical Director of the Child Psychiatry Inpatient Service, Director of the Outpatient Clinic, and Director of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Texas Medical Branch; as a member of the editorial boards of four major neuro-psycho-pharmacological journals; as a premier researcher; as an executive member of the Child Abuse and Neglect Committee of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; and as a member of many national boards related to the psychiatric profession. SUNY and the College are honoring her for her contributions as a role model, educator, and inspiration to current students.
At the 2004 Commencement, President Donovan and Provost F. Daniel Larkin conferred the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching to Assistant Professor Tracy H. Allen of the College’s Geography Department and Assistant Professor Richard E. Lee of the English Department. Associate Professor Francis L. O’Mara, Jr., of the Communication Arts Department received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. Associate Athletic Director Tracey M. Ranieri, head coach of the College’s national champion women’s soccer team and NCAA Division III coach of the year, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.
Dr. David W. Brenner ’57, ’59G, Chair of the College Council, greeted the assembly. President Donovan and Provost Larkin conferred the degrees on graduates. Class President Paul J. Habernig ’04 offered remarks to his classmates, and Alumni Association President Colleen Brannan ’83, ’89G, greeted the new alumni.
Music for the ceremonies was provided by the Catskill Brass under the direction of Professor Carleton Clay. Selections included the premier performance of “Recessional, Oneonta ’04,” an original piece composed by Professor Clay and dedicated to the graduating class.
The Mohawk Valley Frasers provided bagpipe music for the processional and recessional. Vocalists Andrew J. Smith ’04 and Lila Smith ’04 led the audience in singing the national anthem and the alma mater. Distinguished Teaching Professor Patrick H. Meanor of the English Department was the mace bearer for the recessional.