The Unprecedented Class of 2024 began the countdown to their graduation on March 15 during the annual Graduating Class Reception. During the celebration, students learned about their responsibilities as future alumni and were presented with awards including the Outstanding Graduate Award and Alumnae and Alumni Rings.

"This reception is a celebration of YOU, the Unprecedented Class of 2024," said Dr. Charles Lindsay, President of Elmira College. "While we're sad you'll be leaving us, we're also proud of what you've accomplished. You've grown enormously, both academically and personally."

Dawn Marullo Stever '03, President of the Elmira College Alumni Association Board of Directors, reviewed the rights and responsibilities of being alumni, encouraging the students to stay connected, leverage and become part of the alumni network, and attend reunion events.

"Enjoy your remaining time at Elmira to the fullest," Stever said. “Spend time with your friends and get to know classmates you don’t know well.”

Sydney Fendick ’24, Class President, then addressed the attendees. "The last four years have been filled with highs and lows, setbacks and successes, and – let’s be honest – a lot of fun. There have been friends made and lessons learned, in and out of the classroom. I want to take a second to just say how proud I am of each and every member of the class of 2024. Every last one of you has grown into confident, intelligent, and resilient people."

Following the remarks came the awarding of the Alumni and Alumnae rings, which are awarded each year to a man and woman who represent the spirit of Elmira College. This year's Alumni Ring recipient was Marc Artuz ’24. The ring was donated by John "JP" Patience ’78. This year’s Alumnae Ring recipient was Hailey Clancy ’24. The ring was donated by Susan Frisch Lehrer ’73.

Lindsay announced this year’s Outstanding Graduate Award, which recognizes a well-rounded student who is sincerely dedicated to the welfare of the College and student body. The student exemplifies citizenship, character, standing among peers, and contributions to extra-curricular life at Elmira College. This year's winner was Sydney Fendick ’24.

The Alumni Association Board of Directors then presented alumni pins to the graduating class, followed by a toast given by Stever. Wine for the toasted was donated by Jack Hurley ’71 and Bedell Cellars.

Additional awards, presented by Director of Alumni Engagement Sydney Stringham ’19, MSEd ’21, MS ’23 included:

Reunion Chairs:

  • Jenna Ellis '24

  • Jared Smith '24

Class Reporters:

  • Sarah Wagner '24

  • Lindsey Smith '24

Class Agent:

  • Hailey Clancy '24

  • Sydney Fendick '24

Candlelight Speakers:

  • Marc Artuz '24 and Madison Morton '24

  • Parent Speaker: Kelley Morton (mother of Madison Morton '24)

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