DATE: Saturday, May 17
TIME: 1 p.m.
LOCATION: Morrisville State College Recreation Center
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF GRADUATION CANDIDATES: 725
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Madison County Sheriff Allen Riley
An experienced law enforcement official, Riley was a member of the New York State Police for 28 years, serving as a criminal investigator, gaming unit investigator and a uniformed trooper. He was also a K-9 handler for 18 years, for both narcotics and explosive detection dogs, and worked on numerous search and rescue details.
Retiring from the NYSP to run for sheriff, he was sworn in January 2010 and is the county’s first African American sheriff. He was recently named by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to serve on the juvenile justice commission aimed at raising the age of criminal responsibility. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the New York State Sheriff’s Institute and the New York State Association for Incarcerated Education Programs, serves as Chairman of the Native Affairs Committee and serves on the Legislative and Standards and Goals Committee for the New York State Sheriff’s Association.
Riley attended Morrisville State and is a 1983 graduate of the New York State Police Academy. His training includes evidence handling, DNA collection, interrogation and interviewing, casino due diligence, anthrax training, clandestine labs, domestic violence, sexual harassment, hostage/critical incident command, hazardous materials and U.S. Customs narcotics officer-cross designation.
A lifelong resident of Madison County, Riley resides in Earlville with his wife Carol, a Morrisville alum, and their two daughters. They own and operate a 110-acre, pasture-based beef operation.
STUDENT SPEAKER: Student Government Organization (SGO) President Nathan Compton
UNIQUE ASPECTS: The colorful ceremony will begin with the Syracuse Scottish Bagpipe Band leading graduates into the formal commencement exercises. The stage will be adorned with flowers grown and supplied by students in the college's horticulture program and arranged by graduating seniors from the program.
SHUTTLE SERVICE: The campus shuttle service will be available to transport guests to the ceremony.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For more information, visit www.morrisville.edu/commencement or contact the Morrisville State Public Relations Office at 315.684.6041.