Russell Sage College celebrates Class of 2023 with 106th commencement ceremony – troyrecord

A Russell Sage College graduate poses for a photo with college president Christopher Ames. ( PHOTO BY MICHAEL GWIZDALA – MEDIANEWS GROUP)

ALBANY, N.Y. — Russell Sage College celebrated the Class of 2023 with its 106th commencement ceremony. Graduates were joined by family and friends alike Saturday evening at the MVP Arena in downtown Albany for the festivities. The class encompassed 661 graduates with 281 bachelor’s, 303 master’s, and 77 doctoral degrees being bestowed upon students respectively.

The Class of 2023 received recognition and remarks from commencement speaker Eddie Glaude Jr., Russell Sage College Board of Trustees chair Patricia Sparrell, Russell Sage President Christopher Ames, and Valedictorian Rebecca Sauer, among others.

“Your time at Sage coincided with challenges on a global scale — and no doubt, personal struggles — that complicated your path to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree,” Sparrell remarked. “You persevered through these challenges.”

“And whether you are earning a degree in health sciences, education, management, the visual or performing arts, or any of the interdisciplinary fields that Sage excels in — you are graduating with the practical skills and the mindset to make a difference,” Sparrell added regarding the ability of the graduating class to make an impact in the real world.

Ames also lauded the graduates for their accomplishments.

“Congratulations, graduates! This is a day to celebrate all that you have accomplished to achieve your degree and reach this point in your life. Enjoy the moment: you have earned it,” Ames said.

“Today’s ceremony is one of those great transitional moments or rites of passage. I hope that you will think back to this day at various turning points throughout your lives, perhaps even when your children or other loved ones march in a  commencement,” Ames explained.

“Today’s ceremony also connects all of us to a larger community of scholars, around the world and over centuries, with a common appetite for learning and a conviction that education drives the common good. We all benefit from a  citizenry that is informed and engaged,” Ames continued.

The President also left the class with these parting thoughts.

“That historical community includes American thinker Ralph  Waldo Emerson, who put it simply: “The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means of education,” Ames noted.

“You have the tools, the habits of mind, the knowledge, and the skills: to have a successful career, to lead a rich and examined life, and to make a difference in the world,” Ames added.

Sauer additionally reflected on her shared educational experience with her fellow classmates.

“After all these years, the late nights, the emotional highs and lows, potential doubts and the laughter shared, we made it!” Sauer exclaimed.

“In spite of the challenges we faced with COVID, we are graduating. After attending class in masks, social distancing,  self-teaching material, and being on Zoom, this is our time to celebrate in person. Yes, we recognize that none of us had a normal college experience, but we never let COVID define us and now we have persevered and made it through!” Sauer shared.

“Everyone in attendance and watching online are eager to celebrate with us as we receive our degrees, acknowledging all of our hard work,” Sauer continued.

The valedictorian additionally gave thanks to all of the people that made the day special and imparted some wisdom to her fellow graduates.

“I want to thank everyone at Russell Sage for helping the class of 2023, including faculty, staff, administration, and, above all, our families and friends for their support over these past few years,” Sauer noted.

“Tonight, have lots of fun, take pictures, maybe post your BeReal if it hasn’t gone off already, be proud. Get ready to walk, skip, or dance across the stage later this evening, but please don’t fall, for those of you in heels, walk slow and own the moment,” Sauer continued.

“Receive your diploma, be proud of all your accomplishments, be eager to start this next chapter in your life, and be ready to meet the new challenges and rewards that lie ahead. Let’s have a great evening!” Sauer added.

Additionally, Glaude Jr.’s commencement speech challenged the graduating class to take risks and put the best of their imaginations to use in creating a more just country and a different and better world.

“I’m sorry to place such a heavy burden on your shoulders on you this graduation day but you are so needed. I pray that you, full of spirit, will help imagine and give birth to a new America, to a new way of living together,” Glaude Jr. remarked.

“How will you respond? Will you risk yourselves for a better world? How might we hear your voices amid the noise of those clamoring for the days of old, who cling to their hatreds and fears? Will you sing off-key to you can be heard?” Glaude Jr. continued, imploring the graduating class to take action.

“What will be the nature of your steps once you leave the hallowed halls of Russell Sage College? The world cries out for visionaries, courageous women and men who aren’t perfect but who are daring to risk everything, for a more just world. A world as it could be and reject the temptation of same,” Glaude Jr. opined.

“These are the dream warriors, who understand that those in power want to occupy our imaginations, they want us to believe in the world as it is, is all that we have and we have to concede to their vision. But you, the amazing class of 2023, understand that from the most unexpected places comes a beauty and brilliance that can change the world. You are that beauty! You are that brilliance! Each of you is called to bare witness. Each of you is called to bare witness to dream and to see visions, to risk everything right now in this moment to make America new,” Glaude Jr. added, inspiring the graduates to create a greater society.