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Binghamton University Athletics

Graduation Splash Phto

Pomp and Circumstance

| By: David O’Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)
Donna Napolitano

Over 80 Binghamton student-athletes receive degrees during commencement weekend

VESTAL, N.Y. --- Binghamton's graduating student-athletes were back in the Events Center one final time this weekend. Instead of wearing their competition uniforms, however, they were dressed in their cap and gowns to take part in the university's graduation weekend.

Over 80 Binghamton student-athletes received either their bachelor's degree or their master's degree during the weekend. In addition, women's track & field athlete Donna Napolitano delivered the student speech at the College of Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) ceremony on Friday afternoon.

"I am extremely proud of each and everyone of our seniors," Director of Athletics Gene Marshall said. "They have successfully raised the bar of Bearcat Athletics- academically, athletically and socially! High GPAs, winning championships, serving over 4,500 hours of community service every year! They have made an impact on this university and this community. I wish them the very best in the future! Success will follow each of them." 

For the graduating student-athletes, commencement weekend was a chance for them to reflect on what their years at Binghamton University meant to them.

"Binghamton became more than just a place to me, it became a home, men's soccer player Rio Onwumere said. "It's where I met friends who turned into family and mentors who helped guide me, support me, and shape the person I am today. My time in Binghamton taught me resilience, growth, and the value of genuine connections."

"While it's rather cliche, I wouldn't exchange my college experience for any other. Deciding to come to Binghamton four (nearly five) years ago was the best decision I've ever made," women's track and cross country runner Syndey Leitner said. "Courtesy of my coaches and my professors, I was encouraged to grow in each aspect of life. As an athlete, I was encouraged to find a balance between my sport and my profession. My team gave me friends I never knew I needed, and the men and women I've spent my career with have given me everlasting memories."

While the majority of the graduating student-athletes were on campus, the baseball and softball teams were continuing their seasons. The baseball team was at UMass Lowell for a three-game conference series. The softball team - which won their second straight America East title on May 9 - took part in the NCAA Tournament's Oklahoma Regional.

After the softball team's final game of the weekend in Oklahoma, senior pitcher Olivia Kennedy was asked during the post-game press conference about what her time at Binghamton meant to her.

"Coming to Binghamton has been the best thing that's ever happened to me," senior pitcher Olivia Kennedy said. "The experiences I have had as a Bearcat have shaped me into the person I am today."

Back on campus, commencement weekend was a bittersweet time for Binghamton's graduating student-athletes. While they were beyond grateful for their college experience, there was a sadness on having to close the book on it.

"I'm not quite ready to leave my dingy college apartment and force myself to look back on the time I've spent here," Leitner said. "However, this special time has given me much to look forward to. I feel prepared for my future, encouraged to take on new challenges and continue to upkeep the bonds I've made here that will hopefully last a lifetime."

 
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