ee
Commencement
Platform Party Script
Spring 2008 Ceremony
Frank D'Andraia
2008 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
05/14/08 6:21 PM Page 1
UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY
164th COMMENCEMENT
UNDERGRADUATE CEREMONY
MAY 18, 2008
South Lawn, Science Library, Uptown Campus
9:30 a.m. — 9:50 AM
[Music CDs played over sound system]
9:50 AM
[The Earth Tones assemble on the stage. Herald
Trumpeters move to the balcony above the
platform party. Cynthia Brady signals Linda
Wheeler that the Earth Tones are in place and
ready.]
[Have Bill Hedberg make an announcement]
Bill Hedberg:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, May | have your
attention, please. Before the Commencement
ceremony begins, as a special treat, the student
a cappella group The Earth Tones will perform
two selections, “It’s Alright” and “mina
Hurry.” Please take your seats for this
performance. The processional will begin
shortly after the Earth Tones finish. At this time,
we ask that you turn off all cell phones and
beepers. Please remain seated for the
processional.”
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[Wheeler signals Cynthia Brady to have the
Earth Tones begin. While the Earth Tones are
singing, Linda radios to Cynthia Brady on
second floor and tells her to move Bu eerers
out onto balcony.]
{
After “It’s Alright’, Earth Tones will pause, and
Bill Hedberg will say:
“Ladies and gentlemen, please clear the aisles
and take your seats so that the procession can
begin as soon as the Earth Tones finish.”
Earth Tones sing “I’m in a Hurry.”
9:59 a.m.
BILL HEDBERG: (if necessary)
“Ladies and Gentlemen. Please take your
seats and clear the aisles so we can start the
procession.”
10:00 AM
[Linda Wheeler signals Christy Doyle when all
line-ups are ready.] Standby for processional start
[Linda Wheeler signals Cynthia Brady to have
the Herald Trumpeters to play 30-second
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fanfare from balcony above the stage.]
Trumpeters Go!
[After fanfare, Linda Wheeler signals Bill
Hedberg]
BILL HEDBERG:
“Ladies and Gentlemen,
Please welcome the processional of the 164th
Commencement of the University at Albany.”’
Music Go!
Procession Go!
[Linda Wheeler cues sound technician to begin
processional music. As soon as the music
starts, Christy Doyle, behind the bleachers, tells
Bosco and flagbearers to start.
Linda Wheeler Cues Bill Hedberg]
BILL HEDBERG:
“Our flags are being carried by members of the
Class of 2008. Following the U.S., State and
University flags are gonfalons signifying the
academic disciplines of the University at
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Albany. Following the gonfalons are flags
representing the international diversity of the
Class of 2008.
[Pause]
HEDBERG:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, The members of the
University at Albany graduating Class of 2008.”
[Bachelor’s candidates will be waiting behind
the bleachers at the south side of the access
road. One column splits off at aisle A, and one
at aisle C. the rest continue, with two columns
meeting at aisle B.]
Processional occurs in the following order:]
[Grand Marshal Bosco proceeds up center aisle,
followed by the flag bearers. Bosco will turn to
face the students when he reaches the stage,
then stand there until about half of the students
have reached their seats.
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[When about half the students have entered the seating area,
Wheeler radios (who?) who will escort Bosco
into the library to meet platform party.]
[At around 10:10 AM, the Platform Party (guided
by Susan Supple and marshals Desfosses and
McCaffrey) moves from robing area in the
Standish Room of the Science Library, out the
east side of the library at the loading dock door, |
to the south roadway in line-up order.]
10:05 AM
9 [The Marching Faculty should come out of the
library atrium and line up, two abreast, at the
intersection of the library access road and the
road that runs along the south edge of the
library lawn and wait there until the roadway
behind the bleachers is clear of students. When
the students have cleared the roadway behind
the bleachers, the faculty should line up there
and be ready to process fo their seats. Christy
Doyle, behind the bleachers, will tell the faculty
when fo start.]
[At around 10:10 AM, the Platform Party (guided
by Susan Supple) moves from robing area in
9 the Standish Room of the New Library, down to
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the lower level and out the loading dock door
on the east side of the library in line-up order.]
BILL HEDBERG:
“Representatives of the faculty of the University at
Albany”
[The Faculty proceed up Center aisle behind the
students, when the aisle has become fairly
clear. When the faculty reach the first row of
chairs, closest to the stage, they split left and
right and file up the stairs to the stage to the
seats behind the platform party.]
[GRAND MARSHAL BOSCO HAS RETURNED
TO THE ROADWAY FOR PLATFORM PARTY.]
[At the end of the faculty procession, Linda
Wheeler signals to Bill Hedberg, who signals
the sound technician to fade out and stop the
music; Hedberg waits for music to stop... and
then announces:]
DON’T RUSH!!
BILL HEDBERG:
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“Ladies and Gentlemen, members of the Class
of 2008, please rise for the Commencement
Platform Party.”
[Bill Hedberg cues the sound technician to
begin the Processional! music.]
Platform Party Go.
[After the Processional begins, Bill Hedberg begins
announcing the platform party groups.]
BILL HEDBERG
“The University at Albany Deans...
Pause
“The Vice Presidents of the University at
Albany.
Pause
“Mr. Brian Tregerman, president of the Student
Association;
Pause
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“Our honored guests:
“Mr. Robert Burstein, president of the UAlbany the
Alumni Association;
“The Reverend Sandra Damhoff, Campus Protestant
Ministry;
“Members of the University Council: Pierre Alric;
Michael Stein; and Professor John Delano.
Today’s speaker, State Author Mary Gordon;
And the interim president of the University at Albany,
George M. Philip.”
[When George Philip reaches the bottom of the
stairs, Cindy Brady, now positioned where she
can see him, radios to Linda Wheeler to let her
know he is at that point. Linda lets Bill and/or
sound technician know that they have about 30
seconds until the music should stop. When
George Philip has reached his seat and Grand
Marshal Bosco is at the podium Linda or Bill
will cue the sound technician to stop the
music.]
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GRAND MARSHAL BOSCO:
“President Philip, | declare that the
ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FOURTH
Commencement of the University at Albany,
State University of New York, Baccalaureate
Ceremony, is now in session.
Michael Stanziani prepares to mount the stairs to
the stage.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain standing
for the singing of the National Anthem, which
will be led by Michael Stanziani, a University at
Albany music major .”
MICHAEL STANZIANI: National Anthem
GRAND MARSHAL BOSCO:
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“Ladies and Gentiemen please remain standing
for the invocation, which will be offered by the
Reverend Sandra Damhof.”
Reverend Damhof: Invocation
[Separate statement. ]
GRAND MARSHAL BOSCO:
“Please be seated.
Ladies and gentlemen, | now take great
pleasure in introducing to you the interim
president of the University at Albany, George M.
Philip.”
[Grand Marshal Bosco is seated.]
[President Philip moves to the lectern.]
PRESIDENT PHILIP:
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Thank you, Professor Bosco...and, good
morning everyone.
Reverend Damhof, members of the University
Council, honored guests, faculty and staff, alumni,
family friends, and — most especially — members of
the Class of 2008........ Welcome to the 164"
Commencement of the University at Albany!
Class of 2008, please accept our warmest
congratulations.
As is our tradition, please join me in a moment
of silence to remember our colleagues, friends and
alumni who are no longer with us.
1]
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[Moment of silence.]
Today, we celebrate the success of each and
every member of the Class of 2008.
Our entire University at Albany community is
immensely proud of you.
As the father of three children — two of whom
earned UAlbany degrees, | know, quite well, the
great pride your parents and family members are
feeling today.
Many have helped you along the way, and |
want to start by recognizing our faculty who have
offered you such a strong foundation for your
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future. Would our faculty please rise and be
recognized?
[Leads applause.]
Thank you. We are all grateful for your
dedication.
Commencement is always a wonderful moment
in the life of our University. It’s a day that brings us
together and captures the spirit of our campus. As
all of you who joined in our Fountain Day
celebration three weeks ago know, UAlbany has
great school spirit.
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UAlbany has great spirit because itis a
remarkable place.
For me and my family and tens of thousands of
others, UAlbany has put an incredible world of
opportunities within reach.
When | received my UAIbany undergraduate
degree 39 years ago, | never imagined that one day |
would be standing before the Class of 2008 as
president of this outstanding institution.
l’ve changed a lot since that day — and so has
our University.
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This campus was actually dedicated the same
month | graduated. It was all new. It had our
fountains — and Indian, Dutch, Colonial and State
Quads. But the view from this lawn was completely
different for there was no SEFCU Arena and no
Science Library.
There also was no Empire Commons, no
nanotechnology complex, not one cell phone or
personal computer anywhere. None of us could text
our friends. | Know it’s hard to believe.
But certain very important aspects — our
mission, the excellence of our programs — never
changed.
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The UAlbany of my student days prepared me
well for the changes and challenges of my life. And
the knowledge you have gained during your years
here will do the same for you.
Graduates of this institution have been making
a difference for 163 years. Today you become a part
of this proud tradition and join a global network of
more than 140,000 alumni.
Now allow me to share some information about
you.
Our class of 2008 numbers 1,821.
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You come from 18 states and 45 countries,
including Japan, China, the Republic of Korea,
Russian Federation, Jamaica and Haiti.
In your ranks are 23 military veterans. We
honor your service and pay tribute to America’s
service people around the world.
You range in age from 20 to 53, and have
studied a wide range of subjects during your time
here.
You have earned degrees in 50 different majors,
ranging from business to psychology, and from
political science to biology.
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In sum, you reflect the rich diversity and many
strengths of the University at Albany.
You have helped create the fabric of our
remarkable community, and our community, in turn,
has offered you a broad worldview and helped
prepare you to become a true citizen of the world.
| offer my sincere congratulations to each of
you. Take pride in your accomplishment today, and
set out with confidence on the next phase of your
life journey.
As Nelson Mandela has said: “Education is the
most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world.”
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Please keep us in your thoughts and come back
to visit often.
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[Applause]
PRESIDENT PHILIP:
lam now extremely pleased to introduce this year’s
commencement speaker. Mary Gordon is one of this
country’s most admired prose writers. She is the
author of several bestselling novels, as well as
short stories, memoirs, essays, and criticism. She is
known for work that explores Irish-American family
life, single motherhood, Catholic spirituality,
thwarted love, moral struggle, personal sacrifice,
and female identity. She is often praised for her
deep insights, lyrical writing, and what Los Angeles
Times critic Ellen Akins called, “her delicate
rendering of the drama of consciousness.” In
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March she was named New York State Author for
2008-2010 in honor of her achievements. It is my
privilege to introduce State Author Mary Gordon.”
[Mary Gordon steps fo the lectern and President
Philip returns to his seat.]
MARY GORDON: Separate remarks
PRESIDENT PHILIP: |
“Thank you Mary.
It is now my privilege to welcome the Mr. Nick
Farenkopf to deliver the student address:
Nick Farenkopf moves to the podium.]
President Philip returns to his seat
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NICK FARENKOPF:
Thank You President Philip.
As | stand here before you on this momentous
occasion, | can’t help but feel moved that | was
chosen to speak today. I’m reminded of the words
of the wise and noble (Will) (Ferrell) who once said
“You obviously have made a grave error. But it’s too
late now. So let’s just go with it.”
Interim President Philip, Vice Presidents, Council
Members, Deans, Professors, Staff, Family, Friends
and of course, the graduating class, thank you for
giving me this honor.
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As | look out across this field | see so many familiar
faces. Friends... classmates... group members...
people I’ve passed on the podium, and evena
couple of students from my freshmen orientation
session. We’ve all grown since we first met;
especially since we first foot on campus nearly four
years ago. In fact a lot has changed since our
freshman year. Who knew that someday... massive
concrete structures wouldn’t look that bad?
As freshmen, we were told the men’s basketball
team never had a chance at a winning season, and
yet we witnessed two conference championships
and two NCAA appearances. Last year the
basketball arena changed acronyms, but it’s still the
house that Brown built.
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We were under the impression that students were
apathetic and didn’t care. Yet, this semester alone
UAlbany students raised nearly $100,000 for the
American Cancer Society.
Fountain Day changed our freshman year and we
expected it to be lame. Instead we set a Guinness
World Record for the largest pillow fight and
subsequently Fountain Day has been the best event
each year. Even in the torrential downpour of
Fountain Day ‘06, we braved and celebrated in the
Fountain.
We saw Burger King become Wendy’s, and Cee
Cee’s become the Outtakes Store. And yet... we still
call it Cee Cee’s... and honestly so do the freshmen.
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| guess some things never change like that. There
will always be that one guy who swears he’ll never
pay his parking tickets. It will always be called
“Indian Quad”, not “Native American Quad”. Some
things never change... like the high caliber
programs here at UAlbany, or the excellence of our
graduates.
President Philip said that UAlbany graduates have
been making a difference for 163 years. Let me give
you a few examples. (Frances) (Allen) of the Class of
1954 was the first female IBM Fellow, IBM’s highest
technical honor. In 1971 (Catherine) (Bertini)
graduated from UAlbany and later became the
Executive Director of the United Nations’ World
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Food Program- the world’s largest food aid agency.
(Gregory) (Maguire), author of Wicked, which is now
a Broadway musical, graduated in ‘76. (Norman)
(Snyder) graduated from UAlbany in 1983 and went
on to found a little company called SoBe. (Valerie)
(Walsh), who graduated in 1988, is the producer and
co-creator of Dora the Expiorer and Go, Diego, Go!
And just three years ago (Boo-Na) (Con-Duel)
graduated before becoming the star goalie for the
Colorado Rapids Major League Soccer Team. The
interesting thing is that years from now someone
will recall a graduate of the Class of 08 and their
accomplishments. (Big Pause, Transition) That
means that at least one of us needs to make
something of ourselves...
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Like the alumni before us we'll go on to do amazing
things in our chosen fields. Maybe our field will
change, like everything else, but we will continue to
excel.
So while we’ve seen many changes these past four
years, large or small, good or bad, we can take
comfort in them. Change is nothing new to us; it is
no longer unexpected. While the names of the
graduates of the University at Albany change from
year to year, their quality does not, and their future
success is imminent. | would go as far to say that
we are more than experienced, or accustomed to
change. We will embrace it, and thrive on it. Even
more so, we will be the effectors of change.
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(Harry) (Truman) once said: “Progress occurs when
courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to
change things for the better.” As students we’ve
learned about and experienced changes ina
multitude of fields and ways. We’ve seen what
needs changing, and from this day forward it is our
chance to walk in the footsteps of the alumni before
us and create that change.
In closing, | recall the insightful words of (Robert)
(Gallagher) who said “Change is inevitable... except
from vending machines.” (pause) Ladies and
gentlemen of the Class of 2008... Let’s show the
world what we can change.
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Before | sit down | have one more duty. President
Philip, would you please join me at the podium for
the presentation of the Senior Class Gift?
[PRESIDENT PHILIP joins Nick at the podium.]
[Fardin Sanai (7) retrieves the check from the
back of the stage for the presentation.]
The Senior Class Gift is our chance, as the Class of
2008, to leave a lasting impression on our alma
mater and to leave the University in a better
situation than we found it. It is our introduction to
philanthropy.
This year the Class of 2008 decided to help an
organization that helps so many students and
community members by donating money to help
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Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service purchase a
much needed new ambulance.
We were challenged by President Philip, Foundation
Board President (George) (Hearst), and Acting Vice
President for Development (Far-DEAN) (Sa-Nye). If
we had more than 300 students donate to the Senior
Class Gift, they would EACH donate $1,000 of their
own money. I’m thrilled to announce that the 2008
Senior Class Gift is the most successful Senior
Class Gift in the history of this institution with (436)
seniors donating to date. On behalf of the Class of
2008, | present to the University at Albany this
check for ($16,316.12).
Thank you.
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[Applause]
Nick Farenkopf moves to the right of the
podium.]
[Fardin Sanai continues to display the check
while President Philip moves to the podium
microphone.]
PRESIDENT PHILIP:
PRESIDENT PHILIP:
“Nick, and all members of the Class of 2008, |
gratefully accept your generous gift on behalf of
your University. Your generosity is a great
demonstration of your pride in our University
and your desire to keep our University strong
for those who follow you. You have also set a
truly outstanding example for the classes who
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come after you. Thanks so very much, Class of
2008!
[When applause begins to die down,
sets the check aside and returns to his
seat. Nick also returns to his seat.
PRESIDENT PHILIP:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, the ‘Earth Tones’ will now
perform UAIbany’s Fight Song, ‘Purple and Gold.’”
[President Philip returns to his seat.]
[The Earth Tones sing the University at Albany
“Fight” song.]
[When the song ends...and the applause begins
to die down...]
[Presidenr Philip returns to the podium]
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PRESIDENT PHILIP:
“Please welcome Mr. Robert Burstein, of the
Class of 1972 and President of the University at
Albany Alumni Association.”
[President Philip returns to his seat, as Robert
Burstein steps to the lectern]
Robert Burstein:
[Separate Statement]
[Mr. Burstein returns to his seat]
[Cynthia Brady signals the herald trumpeters to
move to the balcony to play short fanfare.]
TRUMPET FANFARE
[Sue Faerman goes to podium while fanfare is
playing. As soon as fanfare is finished, she
begins.]
CONFERRAL OF BACHELOR'S DEGREES:
INTERIM PROVOST PHILLIPS:
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“Good morning. | am Provost Susan Phillips,
and it is now my honor to begin the centerpiece
of the Undergraduate Ceremony, the
recognition of the graduates here assembled.
President Philip, Ms. Gordon, graduates, family
members and assembled guests:
Among our graduates today are those who are
graduating with the academic honors -- cum laude,
magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. The names
of these honors graduates are signified by an
asterisk in your program and the graduates
themselves are wearing honor medallions.
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“| ask those students who are graduating cum
laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude to
please rise now and receive our congratulations.”
[after applause ends]
INTERIM PROVOST PHILLIPS:
“President Philip, graduates, family members, and
assembled guests, we now move to the recognition
of all of our bachelor’s candidates who will receive
the baccalaureate under a wide range of academic
majors that comprise a University at Albany
undergraduate degree. The degree candidates will
now be introduced by Sue Faerman, Vice Provost
for Undergraduate Education.”
[Provost Phillips returns to her seat; Vice
Provost Faerman moves to the podium and
President Philip stands and moves to the left of
the podium]
be
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VICE PROVOST FAERMAN:
“We will recognize the degree candidates by school.
“Will the graduates in the School of Business
please rise to receive the congratulations of this
gathering.”
“Ladies and Gentlemen .. . the degree candidates of
the School of Business!”
[Applause, hollering, shouting, etc. for a few
minutes]
“Congratulations to you all...
“Will the candidates from the School of
Business please be seated.”
VICE PROVOST FAERMAN:
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“Next, will the degree candidates with majors in
Public Policy and Political Science please rise to
receive the congratulations of this gathering.
“Ladies and gentlemen... the degree
candidates of the Nelson A. Rockefeller College
of Public Affairs and Policy!”
[Applause]
“Congratulations to you all.
“Will the Rockefeller College candidates please be
seated.”
“Next, will the Social Welfare majors please rise to
receive the congratulations of this gathering.
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“Ladies and gentlemen, the degree candidates of
the School of Social Welfare!”
[Applause]
“Congratulations to you all.
“Will the Social Welfare majors please be seated.”
“Will the Criminal Justice degree candidates
please rise to receive the congratulations of this
gathering.
“Ladies and gentlemen... the degree candidates of
the School of Criminal Justice!”
[Applause]
= “Congratulations to you all.
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“Will the Criminal Justice majors please be seated.”
“Will the Computing and Information degree
candidates please rise to receive the
congratulations of this gathering.
“Ladies and gentlemen .. . the degree
candidates of the College of Computing and
Information!
[Applause]
“Congratulations to you all.
“Will the Computing and Information candidates
please be seated.”
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Finally, will the degree candidates of the
College of Arts and Sciences .. .all other majors
... please rise to accept the congratulations of
this gathering!
Ladies and Gentlemen... the degree
candidates of the College of Arts and Sciences.
[Applause]
Will the candidates of the College of Arts and
Sciences please be seated.
[Vice Provost Faerman then continues...]
VICE PROVOST FAERMAN:
“| now ask ALL candidates for the degrees
BACHELOR OF ARTS and BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
. to rise for the conferral of the degree.”
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[Pause]
“President Philip...
[Vice Provost Faerman turns briefly to President
Philip]
... these candidates have completed a program
broadly based in the fundamental fields of the arts
and sciences, with specialized study in one of the
schools or colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business,
Computing and Information, Criminal Justice, Public
Affairs and Policy or Social Welfare.
“In the name of these Faculties, | have the honor of
presenting these candidates to you that you may
confer upon them the degree, BACHELOR OF ARTS
or BACHELOR OF SCIENCE as appropriate. “
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[Vice Provost Faerman steps back, and returns
to her seat.]
[President Philip moves to podium
microphone.]
Prepare to release flutterfetti
PRESIDENT PHILIP:
“By virtue of the authority vested in me by the
Regents of the State of New York and the Trustees
of the State University of New York, | hereby confer
upon you the degree of BACHELOR OF ARTS or
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE as earned, with all the
rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining
thereunto. Congratulations.!!!”
[Flutterfetti Release here!]
[After all the applause and cheering]
“To all 2008 graduates of the University at Albany . ..
please accept the warm congratulations and best
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wishes of the faculty, staff and administration of the
University.
“And now graduates, it’s your turn. You are joined
today by members of your family -- your parents,
grandparents, siblings, -- as well as members of
your extended families and friends. Each of them
has helped you to reach this significant moment in
your life.
“Before we end the ceremony, graduates, please
stand, turn to your families and friends, and let them
hear from you how much you appreciate all they
have done for you.”
[Pause for applause]
PRESIDENT PHILIP continues:
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“We are enormously proud of you.
Congratulations and to each and every one of
you.”
“Now, please rise for the singing of the Alma Mater
led by Michael Stanziani.”
Michael Stanziani:
ALMA MATER
College of the Empire State,
Mother of an army great,
Thou the molder of our fate,
Thee we sing today.
Thine the hand we clasp so strong,
Holding tho’ the years be long,
Thou the burden of our song,
Thee we sing today.
Wisdom’s duty heeds thy call,
Ever in Minerva’s thrall,
Pass the torch from one to all,
Guide each destiny.
‘Neath the Purple and the Gold,
Let thy history unfold,
Sons and daughters, young and old,
2008 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
05/14/08 6:21 PM Page 45
Hail to Albany.
[At the conclusion of the Alma Mater Grand
Marshal Bosco goes fo the lectern]
GRAND MARSHAL BOSCO:
“President Philip, | declare that the ONE HUNDRED
SIXTY FOURTH commencement of the University at
Albany is now concluded.”
“Class of 2008, Ladies and Gentlemen, this
concludes the commencement ceremony. You are
free to meet your graduates.
[Hedberg cues sound technician to start playing
music.]
[Marshals McCaffrey and Desfosses come forward
toward President Philip. Bosco turns to his left and
leads Desfosses, Philip and the rest of the stage left
platform party off around the back of the chairs and
45
2008 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
05/14/08 6:21 PM Page 46
into the Barnes & Noble Room. McCaffrey leads
Phillips and the platform party members on his side
of the stage stage right around the chairs and into
the Barnes & Noble Room.]
RECESSIONAL:
Finnis
