President's Report Masthead
June 30, 2014

Jonathan King
Mortarboards say it all at the 2014 Spring Commencement.

Schumer to graduates: ‘Go for it!’

Mortarboard messages at CommencementThe Class of 2014 has “two major advantages” as its members enter the next stages of their lives, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer told graduates at two Binghamton University Commencement ceremonies.

“This is one of the 10 top educations in America,” Schumer said. “So you are graduating with a leg up in terms of your education. Secondly, you are the first generation to grow up amid all of this new technology. … Technology is to your generation like water is to a fish. You’ve been swimming in it your whole life.”

More than 3,200 doctoral, master’s and baccalaureate degree candidates were honored at nine Commencement ceremonies held May 15-18 on campus.

Schumer, who spoke at the School of Management and Harpur College of Arts and Sciences’ Division of Science and Mathematics ceremonies, told graduates that their Binghamton University education and technological proficiency have given them a great opportunity.

“Now is the time to figure out your dream and reach high to get it,” he said. “Then reach down inside yourself and see what you are made of. See if you can achieve that dream. My advice to the Class of 2014 is simple: Go for it!

“Sometimes you’ll make the wrong choice, but if my experience is any indication, you will pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move forward,” he said. “But if you make the right choice – with a lot of hard work, a little luck and some prayer – your life will be enriched forever.”

President Harvey Stenger presided over the nine ceremonies and shook the hand of every graduate who walked across the stage.

“This is the culmination of a long and challenging journey – a journey filled with the excitement of exploration and discovery, the guidance of faculty members and the friendship of colleagues and peers,” he said. “I welcome you into the new stage of your career and life. I look forward to learning of your many successes and hope that you remain steadfast members of the Binghamton University community.”

Read more about the ceremonies
Read more about the student speakers