Press release:
The following students received degrees during Alfred University Commencemen on May 12:
Brittany Best, of Corfu, received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Inamori School of Engineering. Best, is the daughter of John and Genia Best and a graduate of Pembroke Central School.
Alicia Schuler, of Elba, received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood/Childhood Educationation from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Schuler, is the daughter of Kelly and Susan Schuler and a graduate of Elba Central School.
Vincent Gravanda III, of Stafford, received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Gravanda, is the son of Vincent Gravanda and Judi Anderson-Tooze and a graduate of Le Roy J.r-Sr. High School.
James Bonacquisti Jr., of Le Roy, received a Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude in Biology from the College Liberal Arts/Sciences. Bonacquisti is the son of James and Michele Bonacquisti and a graduate of Le Roy Jr.-Sr. High School.
The graduates were among 13 doctoral, 104 masters, and 423 bachelor's degree recipients who heard David J. Miller, AU Class of '66, tell them that Alfred University prepares its graduates to take risks in pursuing their passions.
Miller, a member of the AU Board of Trustees, said he owes his success as a noted lawyer and jazz musician, "in no small part to the experiences I had at Alfred University. It's the same for you," he said, noting it was on campus he learned "the importance of listening, reflecting, and respecting others' points of view.
"You need to take risks to perform on the stage of life," Miller told the Class of 2012. Then "you too can reap a life of fulfillment."
Alfred University, founded in 1836, became the first coeducational institution in New York State and the second in the nation. The university encourages students to undertake community service projects as an important part of their education. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks AU among the top 20 regional universities in the North.
