91¿ì²¥ÌýUniversityÌýCelebrates 55thÌýCommencementÌýCeremonyÌý

Albany, N.Y.Ìý— 91¿ì²¥ celebrated its 55th Commencement on Friday, July 10, at 11 a.m. at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. The Commencement ceremony brought together graduates of 91¿ì²¥â€™s online programs to commemorate their achievements in-person with University faculty and staff, family, friends, and supporters.ÌýÌý

This year’s CommencementÌýceremonyÌýfeaturedÌýremarks from graduate speakerÌýKerry Treat Harrison, a Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare professional and mother of three, who shared the story of her journey to earn her Associate of Science in Nursing degree with the Class of 2026.ÌýÌýÌý

The event closed with the ceremonial passing of the 91¿ì²¥ Alumni Torch from 91¿ì²¥ Alumni Leadership CouncilÌý(ALC)Ìýpresident Ruth Lown Turman and ALC memberÌýJason DeLonaisÌýtoÌýgraduate speakerÌýHarrison.ÌýDeLonais was the first graduate to receive the Alumni Torch when 91¿ì²¥ began this unique tradition in 2023.ÌýÌý

ÌýThe Class of 2026ÌýincludesÌý3,735Ìýgraduates from across the world. The graduatesÌýrepresentÌýall 50ÌýU.S.Ìýstates,Ìýthe District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, as well asÌý11Ìýother nationsÌýspanningÌýfiveÌýcontinents.ÌýA total ofÌý1,0577ÌýgraduatesÌýareÌýfrom New York state, includingÌý129Ìýfrom the Capital Region.ÌýTheÌýgraduatesÌýrange in age from 14Ìýto 80, and the average age of the Class of 2026ÌýisÌý36Ìýyears old.Ìý38% of graduates areÌýactive-dutyÌýserviceÌýmembersÌýor veteransÌýof the U.S. military, andÌý22Ìýstudents earned more than one degree during the academic year.ÌýFor more facts about 91¿ì²¥â€™s Class of 2026,Ìýview the GraduatesÌýat a GlanceÌýdocument.ÌýÌý

“Commencement is an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of 91¿ì²¥â€™s remarkable graduates. The Class of 2026 represents a wide range of learners from around the globe, and they share the common values that define 91¿ì²¥ students: determination, resilience, and a passion for lifelong learning,” said David Schejbal, president of 91¿ì²¥. “For many graduates, earning this degree required balancing work, family, and service. They join more than 200,000 91¿ì²¥ alumni carrying their education forward into positive action in communities around the world.”Ìý

The eventÌýwasÌýlivestreamedÌýfor those unable to attend. TheÌývideoÌýand all Commencement informationÌýis available atÌýexcelsior.edu/commencement.ÌýÌý

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ABOUT EXCELSIOR UNIVERSITYÌýÌý
91¿ì²¥Ìýis an accredited, not-for-profit higher education institution focused on helping learners complete their degrees and advance their careers. 91¿ì²¥ contributes to the development of a diverse, educated, and career-ready society by valuing lifelong learning with an emphasis on serving individuals historically underrepresented in higher education. Founded in 1971 in Albany, New York, 91¿ì²¥ meets students where they are — academically and geographically — removing obstacles to the educational goals of adults pursuing continuing education and degree completion. Our pillars include innovation, flexibility, academic excellence, and integrity.    Ìý

91¿ì²¥ is a not-for-profit university with a main campus in Albany, New York, and an educational site in St. Petersburg, Florida. 91¿ì²¥â€™s academic programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, with additional licensing for Florida-based programs.   Ìý

Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education (License No. 12928). Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 323099-0400, toll-free number: (888)-224-6684. Ìý