SUNY Cobleskill Celebrates Class of 2025 at Colleges 107th Commencement

COBLESKILL — SUNY Cobleskill marked its 107th Commencement Saturday, officially conferring degrees upon more than 470 graduates of the Class of 2025. Graduates represented more than 50 baccalaureate and associate degree programs across agriculture and technology disciplines.

President Marion Terenzio celebrated graduates as embodiments of the College's “Learning by Doing” philosophy and living testimonies to the institution's motto that “education is the hope of the world.”

“You’ve mastered your learning by becoming agents of your educational journey and creating your own sovereignty of achievements,” said President Terenzio, highlighting the graduates' impressive accomplishments ranging from research presentations to athletic championships. “Your greatest tool today is your capacity to step into real situations needing real solutions. Continue to practice your learning by doing and challenging both the status quo and yourself as you move forward into your future careers.”

In addition to celebrating student’s academic achievements, the College also awarded an honorary SUNY Doctorate of Humane Letters to keynote speaker Thomas Sakokweniónkwas Porter.

Mr. Porter, a Bear Clan Elder from the Mohawk Nation, founded the Kanatsiohareke community in New York's Mohawk Valley. He has dedicated his life to preserving Indigenous culture, co-founding the Akwesasne Freedom School and the White Roots of Peace, a group of Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) representatives that traveled across North America, sharing native teachings and encouraging Indigenous communities to reconnect with their traditions. As Tehanakarine sub-chief (1971-1992), he provided spiritual and political leadership for his people. In 1993, he established Kanatsiohareke as a sanctuary for traditional Mohawk values, emphasizing language as essential to cultural preservation.

"Your learning has prepared you to be guardians of our shared home," Mr. Porter said to graduating students. "I ask that you maintain a sacred connection with Mother Earth and apply your knowledge to protect her. Remember that your decisions today must benefit not just your generation, but the seven generations that follow. Safeguard the air, water, and soil that sustains all life. And as you walk this path, never forget to honor those who came before you - your mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and grandfathers - for they are the roots from which your strength grows."