From the President
Posted: Monday, October 31, 20222022–2023 Commencement Committee
I am pleased to announce the membership of the 2022–2023 Buffalo State Commencement Committee:
Chair: Marcus Watson, Assistant Professor, Individualized Studies
Vice Chair: Gliset Colón, Assistant Professor, Exceptional Education Department
Immediate Past Chair: Kathleen O’Brien, Chair and Lecturer, Hospitality and Tourism Department
Secretary: Ann Delmont, Administrative Assistant 2, Academic Affairs
Aaron Daniel Annas, Director, Television and Film Arts Program
LeVar Burke,* Chief of Staff, President’s Office
Bernadette Gilliam,* Interim Director, Events Management Office
Abdi Hajikandi, Assistant Director for Academic Services, Educational Opportunity Program
Andrew Hashey, Associate Professor, Exceptional Education Department
Luke Haumesser,* Associate Director, Student Leadership and Engagement
Kimberly Jackson,* Deputy Director of Commencement Operations, Academic Affairs
Brian Kantz,* Creative Services Director, Marketing and Communications
Ann Liao, Associate Professor, Communication Department
Amy McMillan, Director, Honors Program
Kevin Miller, Director, Graduate Studies Office
Lisa Morrison-Fronckowiak,* Interim Chief Diversity Officer, Equity and Campus Diversity Office
Rita Zientek,* Associate Dean, School of the Professions
Gabriella diSpirito, Graduate Student
Lisa Michael, Undergraduate Student
Tahynnis Newsome, Undergraduate Student
The Commencement Committee is responsible for advising the president, the provost, and other appropriate college administrators on matters pertaining to Commencement; planning and implementing Commencement ceremonies and related events; submitting proposed actions and changes of a substantive nature to the president for his or her consideration; disseminating information about Commencement throughout the institution to appropriate departments and other interested constituents; and making recommendations to the president for Commencement speakers, if necessary. Members of the committee serve as institutional advocates and champions for Commencement activities.
*Also serves on the Subcommittee for Commencement Operations
