Celebrating the Class of 2023

Nearly 650 graduates walked across the stage and into a brand new chapter of their lives this past Spring as Utica University held its 74th Commencement exercises.

“This will be my last Commencement as President of Utica University,” Dr. Laura Casamento told the crowd at the undergraduate ceremony. “So in a certain sense, I feel a special connection with the class of 2023, as we mark this moment before moving forward with the next chapter of our lives. And so, to our graduating class, thank you for sharing your journey with me. It is a great honor to walk with you on this momentous day.”

Held at the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium, Greg Sankey, widely recognized as one of the most influential leaders in sports, addressed the 425 members of the undergraduate Class of 2023 as Keynote Speaker at Utica University’s Undergraduate Commencement. Sankey is the commissioner of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), a 14-member Division

I athletic conference and a leader on the national landscape for intercollegiate athletics. He was named as the SEC’s eighth commissioner in 2015, after joining the conference as associate commissioner in 2002 before being named Executive Associate Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer in 2012. His career began at Utica, where he served as director of intramural sports.

During the ceremony, Utica University conferred an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Sankey.

Thomas John Morreale, a Mathematics / Adolescence Education major from Whitesboro, NY and Salutatorian

Isabella “Isa” Colleen Hudziak, an English / Adolescence Education major also from Whitesboro, NY, were both honored at the ceremony for earning perfect 4.0 grade point averages.

“Thank you for enriching our University community as well as the local community.” President Casamento told graduates. “We are better for your having been here, and I hope that you can say the same about yourselves.”

The following day a ceremony for those earning certificates, masters and doctoral degrees was held at the same location, honoring 219 students, with a keynote address by Ann Ciancia, a 2018 graduate of Utica University who received her undergraduate degrees in Health Studies, Philosophy and Spanish. While at Utica, she was very involved in campus life serving as the first ever female two-term Student Government President along with senior class president. Additionally, she was a Resident Assistant and a leader in many organizations, Greek Life, and athletics. Having earned both an MBA and a J.D., Ann served as Title IX Coordinator and Director of Compliance at Paul Smith’s College. She is now Utica University Director of Contracts and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator.

“I want to extend a special greeting to all the friends and family members in attendance today,” said President Casamento. “Your love and support have been crucial to our graduates’ success, and so we celebrate the important role you have played in making this day a reality.”