Graduating Reception Celebrates the Transformational Class of 2022

Elmira, NY (03/21/2022) — The Transformational Class of 2022 began the countdown to their graduation on March 18 during the annual Graduating Class Reception. During the celebration, students learned about their responsibilities as future alumni and were presented with awards including the Outstanding Graduate Award and Alumnae and Alumni Rings.

"It seems like yesterday that you participated in the Candlelight Ceremony around the Puddle as you began your college experience here at Elmira College," said Dr. Charles Lindsay, President, Elmira College. "While we're sad you'll be leaving us, we're also proud of what you've accomplished. You've grown enormously, both academically and personally and came together as a class, despite the challenges over the past two years with COVID-19."

Jay Wolkoff '93, President of the Elmira College Alumni Association Board of Directors, reviewed the rights and responsibilities of being alumni, encouraging the students to stay connected, leverage and become part of the alumni network, and attend reunion events.

"The greatest responsibility is to be loyal alumni," Wolkoff said.

Sabrina Byrd '22, Class President, then addressed the attendees and spoke about how the class transformed during a tumultuous time, living up to their class moniker.

"When I think of being transformational, I think of not only making outstanding change but how we respond to change positively," she said. "That is truly what we do and who we are."

"As you all are aware we've been through so much change in the past four years and not all of that change initially felt good," she continued. "At first, being online for classes seemed terrible but now I wouldn't be so upset if I could take a class in my pajamas again. However, we took those changes whether they were big or small, and continued to motivate each other to make it to this moment."

Following the remarks, President Lindsay presented the Outstanding Graduate Award to Kyle Kokoskie '22, in recognition of his sincere dedication to the welfare of the College and the student body. Kokoskie, a Business Administration major, is a Gold Key, a member of the Men's Basketball team, and is the team's Student Athlete Advisory Committee representative. He is the recipient of the Langdon Award, Simeon Benjamin Scholarship, Merit Award, and Margaret Locke Community Service Prize.

The Alumni and Alumnae Rings are awarded each year to a man and woman who represent the spirit of Elmira College. The rings are donated by members of the College alumni.

This year's Alumni Ring donor was Alumni Board member Jim VanBrunt '77. The ring recipient was Rashaad Nurse '22, a Business Administration major, member of the Men's Basketball team, and the first Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Business School intern.

The Alumnae Ring, which was first worn 134 years ago, was donated by Doris Stephens Osborne '46. Osborne received the ring from her aunt, Mary Stephen Stisser of the Class of 1924, who received the ring from her mother, Susan Dayton Stephens, who graduated in 1888. This year, the Ring was passed on to Sabrina Byrd '22, a Business Administration major; Class President; Key Award recipient; and member of the Finance Board, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Sigma Beta Delta.

The Alumni Association Board of Directors then presented alumni pins to the graduating class, followed by a champagne toast given by Wolkoff.

Below is a list of other awards presented by Ellen Himmelreich '17, Director of Alumni Relations, and Dean Michael Halperin, Registrar and Associate Academic Dean, during the celebration:

Candlelight Speakers:

• Eliza Beaudin '22, Psychology major
• Rashaad Nurse '22, Business Administration major

Reunion Chairs:

• Dayana Henry '22, Biology major
• Evelyn Schoenberger '22, Nursing major

Class Reporters:

• Sabrina Byrd '22, Business Administration major
• Rashaad Nurse '22, Business Administration major

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