Applause, cheers and bell ringing punctuated commencement at Hartwick College in Oneonta, as about 310 seniors wrapped up their undergraduate education Saturday.
``It’s exciting _ it’s sad, because this is my home,’’ said Jessica Schwartz, 22, an English and history major originally from Andover, N.J. ``It’s bittersweet, definitely.’’
Andres Carpio, 22, a psychology major from Beacon, agreed. After transferring to play on Hartwick’s basketball team, he said that he found the college to be a ``perfect fit.’’
``It was the best decision I ever made,’’ Carpio said. ``Leaving really hurts.’’
Schwartz and Carpio were among about 310 seniors in the class of 2012, which included 12 students who were the first to graduate in the college’s three-year program, college officials said. Hartwick is a private liberal arts and science college enrolling 1,500 students.
Several parents expressed pride to see their children graduate from Hartwick, whether in three or more years.
Commencement speakers praised students’ academic and personal achievements and hinted about life journeys ahead.
Eric Rodgers Schultz, Student Senate president and a Fulbright Scholar from Gloversville, described Hartwick as a ship that has taken students to some of life’s many ports and been a formative vessel in which to learn and gain experiences. He reminded students to focus on the journeys rather than the destinations of life.
``The wind is building in our sails,’’ he told graduating classmates. ``May our voyages all be long.’’
Kathy Palmer Ordonez, a 1972 alumna who received an honorary doctoral degree from Hartwick in 2000, returned Saturday as commencement speaker. She referred to her undergraduate education and talked about her career in molecular biology, genetics, medical diagnostics and business.
Ordonez, who lives in Oakland, Ca., is senior vice president for discovery and development at Quest Diagnostics and president of Celera. She told graduates to be prepared for a world that will continue to change, and she encouraged them to find their ``own way’’ with curiosity, confidence and more.
``I urge you to leverage the knowledge and the art of learning that you have mastered during the last four years with initiative and your imagination, but most of all, to do this with integrity,’’ she said. ``Do it with passion and integrity as you continue to grow into that special person you will ultimately become.’’
Other awards were given Saturday, including the Margaret B. Bunn Award for Outstanding Teaching to Mark Davies, associate professor of education.
Hundreds of parents, relatives and friends gathered on Elmore Field, where a gala tent sheltered the crowd from direct sun. Some spectators gingerly held flowers until graduates recessed from the ceremony, while others jockeyed for positions to take pictures with cameras or cell phone .
Nicole Bell of Ellenville was among parental photographers recording the graduation event for her son, Antonio, 22, who earned a degree in sociology. ``He did it in four years, playing football,’’ she said. He will be attending the Police Academy for Ulster County, she said. ``I’m so proud _ I’m so proud.’’
Hartwick began offering a three year degree program for 25 of its majors in 2009. By graduating in three years, a student saved an estimated $48,945 for next year’s tuition, room, board, fees and expenses, college officials said.
The three-year program has 87 students, and another 43 students are expected to enroll in the fall, they said.
“As a pioneer in the three-year degree model, Hartwick College recognizes that students should have the option to pursue cost- and time-saving options, college President Margaret L. Drugovich said in a media release. “The growth and success of Hartwick’s three-year degree program clearly illustrates the viability of and demand for this innovative educational approach.’’
On Saturday, Dave McDonald of Ballston Lake said he wasn’t aware of the three-year program but wished he had been. He and 10 relatives were at graduation to see his son Brian graduate with a degree in business.
``We’re very proud of him,’’ Mc- Donald said. Two other sons took five and six years to finish college, he said, which made Brian’s graduation even more of a ``huge achievement.’’ ``We just hope he gets a job soon,’’ McDonald said.
On the Bright Side
Hartwick College rings in commencement ceremonies
- On the Bright Side
-
-
Otsego Relay for Life marks 15 years
Progress seemed to be the theme of the 15th annual Cooperstown/Otsego County Relay For Life as events kicked off with an opening ceremony Friday night.
Continued ... -
Bassett's bucks back Cooperstown scholars
COOPERSTOWN - Robert Clarke Bassett believes in giving back. The great nephew of Dr. Mary Imogene Bassett, founder of Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, came to the hospital complex Thursday to recognize two Cooperstown Central High School seniors for their academic achievements and leadership potential.
Continued ... -
Agency, Bassett team up to promote kids' health
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County has teamed up with Bassett Healthcare to encourage healthier lifestyles in Delhi preschoolers and their families.
Continued ... -
Families honor moms in style at Hyde Hall
Mother's Day was celebrated at historic Hyde Hall on Saturday with dozens of families treating their mothers to high tea at the historic mansion.
Continued ... - Area students to visit Washington, Philly
- May 9, 2013
-
Otsego group blazes new bicycle trails
Trails and some roads in Oneonta and Otsego County have been enhanced for bicyclists, thanks to an initiative to identify and improve routes and develop the area as a destination for bicyclists.
Continued ... - May 8, 2013
- SK class' book highlights autism
- May 7, 2013
- Area clinic hosts student artists' work
- May 6, 2013
-
SUNY students take to the streets
More than 700 SUNY students went into the streets of Oneonta and surrounding areas Saturday to put a spring shine on the community.
Continued ... - May 4, 2013
- Main Street kicks off Fabulous Fridays season
- May 3, 2013
- SUNY Oneonta's study abroad program wins awards
- May 2, 2013
-
NYSEG trip sparks curiosity in local students
Crackle, pop, bang! The sounds and light flashes of electricity passing through power lines prompted oohs and aahs from about 100 fourth-graders watching a demonstration at the NYSEG offices in Oneonta Wednesday.
Continued ... - May 1, 2013
-
Area women's group to mark 50 years
A local philanthropic chapter will celebrate its founding -- and five decades of helping women seeking higher education -- on Thursday.
Continued ... - Apr 30, 2013
-
Hartwick junior named poetry prize winner
English major Elizabeth Greco has won Hartwick College's 2012-13 Anna Sonder Prize with her poem, "Girl."
Continued ... - Apr 29, 2013
-
Hundreds to gather in Cooperstown for New York History Day
Students from across the state will converge in Cooperstown to compete in New York History Day.
Continued ... - Apr 27, 2013
- Fox Hospital chaplaincy marks 36 years
- Apr 26, 2013
- Area man's railroad art earns award
- Apr 25, 2013
- SUNY Oneonta to honor eight area teachers
- Apr 24, 2013
-
Pooches pay visits to area nursing home
HOWES CAVE -- People love dogs, and dogs love people, and so when Kerrie Colin, director of the Animal Shelter of Schoharie County, fielded a request from a local nursing home to bring dogs to the facility, she quickly said "yes."
Continued ... - Apr 23, 2013
-
Andes to open community garden at school
Andes residents will soon have a chance to get back to nature while also helping a school endeavor. The Andes Community Garden will be introduced Wednesday at 1 p.m. during an event at Andes Central School.
Continued ...
-
Otsego Relay for Life marks 15 years



