Cayuga Community College celebrated its Class of 2026 on Wednesday, as college leaders encouraged graduates to pursue their future goals with confidence, determination, and persistence.
Family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered for the commencement ceremony honoring 297 eligible graduates, making it the college’s largest graduating class since 2022.
College officials were joined on stage by Cayuga County Legislature Chair Jonathan Anna during the ceremony.
College President Brian Durant praised graduates for their hard work and perseverance, telling students they had demonstrated the value of commitment and determination.
“You’ve proven something important: that goals aren’t just dreams you hope for, they’re commitments you work toward, one step at a time,” Durant said. “Continue to be relentless, not just in chasing success, but in building a life that matters.”
Board of Trustees Chair Tony Franceschelli urged graduates to carefully consider their next steps before making major life decisions.
“Reflect on your skills, your passions, and what direction you want your life to go in,” Franceschelli said. “Set your course when you know what that direction is.”
Graduates received Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science degrees, and certificates from the college’s 32 degree programs and 10 certificate programs.
Student commencement speakers included Alaysia Harris, who earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Mechanical Technology with a concentration in Mechatronics, and Kassandra Williams, who earned an Associate in Science degree in Music.
Harris graduated cum laude and served as president of both the Engineering & Technical Club and the Tutor Club. Williams graduated summa cum laude and served as treasurer of the Music Club and vice president of service for Phi Theta Kappa.
Class marshals for the ceremony were T’Queria Bowman and Jeremy Recio, both graduates in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities and Social Sciences.
The college also recognized SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recipients Jacob Soltero and Carissa Quagliata for their academic and leadership achievements.
In addition, several faculty and staff members received SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, including Dr. Nicole Adsitt, Jennifer Gandee, Dawn Matijas-Czolowski, MaryBrooke Oropallo, and Meggan Rossman.
A recording of Commencement will be available at the YouTube page for the College’s School of Media and the Arts
