Purchase College Commencement To Celebrate Distinguished Alumni Jay O. Sanders And Latrice Walker

Purchase College, SUNY will hold its 46th annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY.

Degrees will be conferred upon nearly 1,100 graduating scholars representing dozens of majors and several countries. The graduates will be joined by thousands of family members, friends, college faculty, and staff members who will come together to celebrate their achievements. The day will also feature the lively music of Purchase faculty member Joe Ferry and the Big Ska Band, creating a festive experience in keeping with the school's unique culture.

As a center for creative growth and academic excellence, Purchase marks the annual event by honoring dynamic leaders from various fields.

This year, acclaimed actor Jay O. Sanders '76 and New York State Assemblywoman Latrice Walker '01 will receive the President's Award for Distinguished Alumni.

Alex Lally, a Design Technology major and student athlete from Sunnyvale, Texas, will offer remarks on behalf of the senior class.

Purchase College President Thomas J. Schwarz said, "Though many look at graduation as an end, the word commencement itself refers to a beginning. I have no doubt that this year's graduating class will continue in the Purchase tradition of Thinking Wide Open as they forge new pathways and uphold the values they have learned at Purchase, much like the distinguished alumni we are honoring this year. "