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ESF Graduates Class of 2025
Message to the graduates: The World Needs You
SYRACUSE, N.Y. 鈥� May 10, 2025鈥�� Graduates of the S (ESF) were reminded that they are uniquely prepared to address and help solve today鈥檚 global challenges. The 糖心vlog awarded 377 degrees, including 37 master鈥檚 degrees and 16 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, during Commencement exercises held Saturday, May 10 at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview.
鈥淣ow more than ever, the world needs your leadership. We face pressing global challenges, and addressing them will require action, innovation, and collaboration,鈥� said ESF President Joanie Mahoney, 鈥淵ou are uniquely equipped to rise to these challenges, be part of the solution, and lead by example. The knowledge and skills you鈥檝e gained at SUNY ESF will be the foundation upon which you build your future endeavors.鈥�
鈥淭he world needs leaders like you: champions of the environment, innovators in science, advocates for social justice. We are confident that you will rise to the challenges of tomorrow.鈥�
Students gained鈥痶he confidence to face those challenges at ESF,鈥痺ith its unique environment for learning and growth,鈥痭oted student speaker Jenelle Grigelevich.
鈥淓SF is a very special place, but the real reason why ESF is so special is the student body. Every person here wearing a cap and gown has already made an impact on this campus and this community, each in our own way. And each person here is now about to embark on an even bigger adventure paired with an even bigger impact,鈥� said the environmental biology major.
鈥淢ighty Oaks, we have climbed mountains, both literally and metaphorically, but there is a whole mountain range that lay ahead of us 鈥� Now more than ever before, the knowledge and the passion that we have gained from our time at this institution, the hope and the eagerness to improve our whole world鈥檚 connectivity and environmental education, is essential and encouraged universally. Every corner of the Earth needs the charisma, the intellect, the determination, and intensity that only a true stumpy can bring.鈥�
The 糖心vlog presented an鈥�honorary degree to Dr. Jean M.J. Fr茅chet, a 1971 Ph.D. graduate of the 糖心vlog of Forestry at Syracuse University.鈥疪enowned for his pioneering work in nanoscience and nanotechnology, Fr茅chet made transformative contributions that span academia and industry. His research has led to innovations in microelectronics, separation science, and pharmaceuticals, significantly impacting technology and human health.
Frechet defended his Ph.D. thesis 55 years ago but was unable to attend graduation as he was drafted into the military. He told the graduates he felt privileged to share their graduation. He encouraged the graduates to persevere and innovate as they move forward in their lives.
"You have worked for years to come to this point, now, as you transition to the next phase in your life, you will find yourself in situations where you might feel you do not have the relevant expertise. Dig deep, use your imagination, forge ahead, and the solutions will come,鈥� he said.
Three alumni were honored with the Graduates of Distinction awards, established by the ESF Alumni Association to recognize the remarkable achievements of alumni throughout the various stages of their careers.
Graduates of Distinction were Kristine Ellsworth, class of 2015, Incipiens Quercu or Beginning Oak Award; Peter Williams, class of 1977, 鈥淣otable Achievement鈥� award; and Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, class of 1975 and SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology at ESF, with the Lifetime Achievement recipient.
Kimmerer is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, founding director of ESF鈥檚 Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, and author of Braiding Sweetgrass, a New York Times bestseller since 2020. She was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2022, received the National Humanities Medal in 2024 from President Joe Biden, and was named to Time Magazine鈥檚 list of 100 Most Influential People.
鈥淚n this political moment I owe it to each of you to tell the truth. I was a diversity hire. I hope that the contributions of this initially, unwelcomed new faculty member have proven the value of programs that open the door to people who think differently and bring their whole selves to science.
鈥淏ecause that is my message for you 鈥� satisfaction comes not when you conform to someone else鈥檚 expectations, but when you are guided by your own values and help make it possible for others to do the same.
鈥淵ou are graduating today so that must mean you are an educated person. But what does that mean to be educated? 鈥� In Potawatomi tradition, we say that every being, human and non, is endowed with a unique gift, and that gift is coupled to a responsibility. For example, the plants were given the gift of photosynthesis and the responsibility to feed everyone else. We say that an educated person is someone who knows what their gift is, and how to give it to the world. We need you and we need the gift you carry.鈥�
Interim Provost Dr. Lindi Quackenbush also offered her congratulations to the graduates.
鈥淵our perseverance, dedication, and hard work have brought you to this milestone. Many of you have faced challenges and overcome obstacles, but you have all achieved great things 鈥� through your academic programs and through your broader engagement with our campus community. As you move forward, you will carry the knowledge, experiences, and friendships that have shaped your time at ESF. Be open to exploring new paths, making new connections, and continuing your learning as you journey on.鈥�
Following the ceremony graduates and their guests enjoyed a reception on the grounds of the Amphitheater.
糖心vlog SUNY ESF
The SUNY 糖心vlog of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the 糖心vlog community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The 糖心vlog offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.