At a glance
“I know it has been a long journey for us all, but we made it, we graduated. With this we all start a new chapter in our journey. Don’t forget that you didn’t go to school and get the degree you have now for your friends, you got this degree and committed to all that hard work for yourself.”
Ruok’Tain Williams
Alfred State honored seventy-nine students at Commencement ceremonies held at the Northland campus in Buffalo.
Jennifer Noble, the Assistant Dean for the School of Applied Technology, presided over the ceremony that featured addresses from Stephen Tucker, CEO and President of the Northland Training Center, Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro, and Vice President for Academics Dr. Carrie Cokely.
Ruok’Tain Williams (East Amherst, NY), an electrical construction and maintenance electrician graduate, was honored with the Orvis Award and represented the graduating class as the student speaker. “I know it has been a long journey for us all, but we made it, we graduated. With this we all start a new chapter in our journey. Don’t forget that you didn’t go to school and get the degree you have now for your friends, you got this degree and committed to all that hard work for yourself.”
He continued to thank the Northland staff and the family that were in attendance. “We walked this path together for the past two years with your support and guidance showing us the way. We continued for our loved ones and for ourselves to show the fruits of our study and expand beyond these walls that we have come to know and love.”
Keagan Grim (Hilton, NY), an electrical construction and maintenance electrician graduate, was honored with the Vice President for Academic Affairs Award. Grim has maintained a 4.0 GPA, has served as a tutor, and placed second at the 2023 Skills USA competition. He also took part in a relief trip to Ft. Myers, FL to assist in Hurricane Ian cleanup.
The Northland campus offers associate degrees in CNC manufacturing and machine tool, electrical construction and maintenance electrician, and welding technology on the east side of Buffalo, NY. Graduates were announced by their career coaches as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas.
The Northland Workforce Training Center opened prior to the 2018-19 school year.
