Saturday, May 17 | Sports Arena
To our new graduates: We are so proud of your hard work and accomplishments. Now, we celebrate!
Our Commencement ceremony honors the Class of 2025, our 153rd graduating class, and your transformation from hard-working student to proud alumni. Congratulations, Bengals!
Commencement Day
Ceremonies
The Provost and deans will announce individual graduate names by academic school.
- School of the Professions (9:00 a.m.)
- School of Arts and Sciences (1:00 p.m.)
- School of Education including Individualized and Multidisciplinary Studies (5:00 p.m.)
Bachelor's Class of 2025
Honoring
- August 2024 Graduates
- December 2024 Graduates
- January 2025 Graduates
- May 2025 Graduates
August 2025 Degree Candidates
Graduate Class of 2025
Honoring
- December 2024 Graduates
- January 2025 Graduates
- May 2025 Graduates
- August 2025 Degree candidates
Includes master's degrees, certificates of advanced study, and graduate certificates.
Student Speakers & Award Recipients
Briggs, recipient of the President's Medal for Outstanding Graduate Student, will deliver the student address at the 5:00 p.m. ceremony.
Fazal, recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, will deliver the student address at the 9:00 a.m. ceremony.
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recipient
Riley, recipient of the President's Medal for Outstanding Undergraduate Student, will deliver the student address at the 1:00 p.m. ceremony.
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recipient
Alumni Speakers & Award Recipients
Founder of 26 Shirts and co-founder of Bills Mafia
Chief executive officer of Leadership Buffalo
Music educator
President’s Distinguished Service Award Recipients
Restaurateur, businessman, and philanthropist
Professional football offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL)
Superintendent of the Buffalo Public Schools
Commencement Celebrations
May 8 - Lavender Graduation
12:15-2:00 p.m. in the SAMC Atrium
Celebrating the achievements and resilience of LGBTQ+ students and their allies
May 15 - Class of 2025 Senior Send-Off
7:00-9:00 p.m., JVL Alumni and Visitor Center
Class of 2023 semi-formal celebration.
May 16 - Commencement Preview and Celebration
2:30 p.m. Buffalo State Sports Arena
Our Commencement Preview and Celebration is a Bengal tradition! All Buffalo State graduates are invited to the celebration.