Marking 80 years of Academic Excellence at Utica’s 2026 Convocation Ceremony
“The next breakthrough won’t come from technology alone. It will come from people. It could come from one of you.”
“Provost Damiano, I declare the 2026-2027 academic year of Utica University to be in session.”
With ceremonial mace in hand, Macebearer and Professor of Management Dr. Thomas Rossi officially ushered in the start of a new academic year at Utica University.
Coming from the Latin word ‘convocarte,’ which means “to call together,” the formal gathering at the beginning of the fall semester Convocation is a time-honored tradition to welcome and celebrate students on their next step in their journey through higher education and, as a bookend to the end of year commencement, commemorate the start of a new academic year.
Even before the ceremony got underway, the energy rang through the campus as students, dressed in everything from t-shirts to sunglasses in the school’s colors of orange and blue, lined the walkways behind Strebel Student center, cheering on their professors and their fellow Pioneers as they processed to Clark Athletic Center.
It was an enthusiastic kickoff, but that excitement paused for a somber moment to reflect and remember the life and legacy of legendary Professor Emeritus of English Dr. John Cormican, who passed away a week prior at the age of 85 following a career that spanned five decades and numerous generations at Utica.
Provost Ann Damiano noted the 80-year history that preceded the start of the 2026 semester and the formation of Utica University as Utica College after the end of WWII. The inaugural address was delivered by the Dean of the College, Dr. Winton Tolles, who promised an institution interested in individuals, opportunity and learning, good teachers, hard workers, and advantages from a small, personalized school.
“Tolles described Utica as ‘a college of hope’ where ‘the hard-working industrious, serious student will be given the personal, intimate teaching and help’ needed to succeed,” Provost Damiano said. “He envisioned an institution that gave to each student what he called ‘the greatest gift any college can give: the joy of learning. I would add that that is what being a pioneer truly is – someone who explores paths leading to new knowledge, new skills and abilities new ideas.”
“Learning transforms,” she continued. “When you walk into the Utica Aud in 2030 and hear the faculty applauding you, you will be a different person that you are today. And that’s exciting. We come together this morning, a community united by a shared mission. You’ve come to the right place. We’re glad you’re here. Welcome, Pioneers!”
The incoming class was surrounded by the very faculty members they will be learning from and leaning on in the years ahead, ready and willing to offer their guidance and wisdom to these leaders of tomorrow.
Among them was Distinguished Professor of Philosophy Dr. Christopher Riddle – recipient of The Harold T. Clark Endowed Professorship, awarded every 5 years to a faculty member who has faithfully served the University for at least ten years, who holds the rank of full professor, and who has an outstanding record of teaching scholarship and professional service.
“An impressive record of noteworthy scholarship, the author of six books, over 35 journal articles, 12 book reviews, and over three dozen presentations, several of which were delivered on the international stage,” Provost Damiano noted of Dr. Riddle. “In addition, he has delivered expert testimony before various state houses and assemblies.”
His ever-increasing and impressive resume includes having earned the Harold T. Clark Jr Award for Distinguished Faculty Scholarship and Professional Accomplishment and the Dr. Virgil Crisafulli Distinguished Teaching Award. Service to the University included membership on the Curriculum Committee, the Faculty Affairs Committee, the General Education Council, the Professional Developmental Committee, and various other University or departmental committees.
“In teaching, scholarship, and service, he excels,” Provost Damiano told the crowd.
Delivering the 2026 keynote address was someone familiar with the ways of the Utica Pioneer - Jennifer Waters ’09 G ’17 - Vice President for Business Development at New York State’s Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration, a division of Empire State Development.
“I hope your time here is filled with lifelong friendships, late-night conversations, changed perspectives, haunted houses, the throwing of at least one teddy bear, and yes—even a Deep Freeze,” she told students.
Waters was once exactly where the very students she addressed were, arriving convinced she was going to become an English teacher – a decision she’d already changed twice before her classes even started. Understanding and embracing the ability to change your mind as you learn and experience more was perhaps a sign of how key being flexible has been throughout her path to helping lead New York’s strategy to grow on of the world’s most important industries – semiconductors.
“I always knew I wanted to wear Pioneer blue. As the youngest of three, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my two older sisters, both proud Utica graduates. Watching them succeed made choosing Utica one of the easiest decisions I ever made.”
Growing up in the Mohawk Valley, Waters remembered, many people believed they had to leave home to build a successful future. She, however, believed something different. She knew she needed the stability of home to help build her future, and there was no better place to begin than Utica University.
“During my junior year, I interviewed for a communications internship with Mohawk Valley EDGE in Strebel Lounge. I graduated from Utica on a Sunday and started working full time at EDGE the very next morning. Fourteen years later, I left as Vice President.”
Along the way, one of her mentors, then-Mohawk Valley EDGE President Steven DiMeo, encouraged her to return to Utica to earn her MBA while continuing to build her career, raise two young sons, and teach as an adjunct professor.
“That season taught me far more than finance or data analytics. It taught me resilience, confidence, and that growth almost always happens in moments of discomfort.”
The students before her are entering a world defined by extraordinary change, living through one of the most significant technological transformations in history. Though despite whatever technology is developed, Waters notes that it is the people that are key driver of any change to come.
“The next breakthrough won’t come from technology alone,” Waters said. “It will come from people. It could come from one of you. People who know how to think critically, solve difficult problems, communicate clearly, work across differences, and lead with integrity. Technology will continue to evolve, but those human qualities will only become more valuable. That’s the education you’re beginning today at Utica University. Those are the skills that will allow you not only to adapt to change—but to shape it.”
She advised students to never underestimate the power of the relationships they build during their time at Utica.
“The person sitting beside you today could one day become your colleague, your business partner, your lifelong friend—or someone who helps you accomplish more than you ever imagined.”
Noting that the degrees they’ll earn over the next several years are not the finish, but the beginning, she reminded students that they may never know when, where, or how they’ll draw upon the knowledge and experiences the accumulate throughout your life.
“You don’t have to know exactly where your path leads. I certainly didn’t. You simply have to take the next step, keep learning, and keep showing up,” she said. “Walk through those doors with curiosity. Face change with confidence. Lead with integrity. Ask difficult questions. Solve meaningful problems. And remember that success isn’t measured only by what you achieve, but by the lives you improve, the communities you strengthen, and the opportunities you create for others.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, President Stephanie Nesbitt took to the podium to offer students some final pieces of advice before departing for the start of a new semester and a new academic year.
“When challenges feel overwhelming, focus on the next step. Focus on what you can control,” she said. “Today, you begin a journey that will challenge you. There will be moments when you feel uncertain. There will be distractions, both good and bad, setbacks, and obstacles. When those moments come, remember to keep your eyes on the long-term goal and focus on the next step in front of you.”
