SUNY Potsdam

« Back to Recent News

SUNY Potsdam to Celebrate Class of 2026 at Commencement

SUNY Potsdam Welcomes Successful Executive Eileen Goss Whelley '76 as Keynote Speaker for Commencement on May 16

Potsdam, NY (04/29/2026) — The State University of New York at Potsdam will honor the Class of 2026, as hundreds of students earn their undergraduate and graduate degrees, during the College's 206th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16.

Keynote speaker

The ceremony will feature a keynote address by distinguished alumna Eileen Goss Whelley '76, who will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Whelley has achieved remarkable success in some of the highest corporate offices. After graduating from SUNY Potsdam with a bachelor's degree in sociology, she went on to earn her master's degree from Bowling Green State University and worked for several years at Stony Brook University. In 1981, she and her husband Don, a Clarkson University alumnus, moved to Houston, where she began her career in human resources. Having found her professional calling, Whelley progressed through HR leadership roles through 17 years at GE, including five years as the executive vice president for human resources at NBCUniversal, and finally as the chief HR officer at The Hartford and XL Group.

In 2019, she founded EGW Advisors, where she provides coaching to executives in the areas of leadership effectiveness, talent assessment and strategic alignment. In addition to her executive coaching, Whelley currently serves on the board of Expro Group as an independent director, chair of the compensation committee and member of the nominating and governance committee.

Along with her corporate work, Whelley has spent decades giving back. She currently serves as vice chair of the SUNY Research Foundation Board, and as president of the Action Council for the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. A longtime former executive committee member of the Potsdam College Foundation Board of Trustees, Whelley has endowed scholarships and funded internship opportunities which have brought Potsdam students closer to achieving their career aspirations. A steadfast supporter of education and equity, Whelley has created impact that will be felt for years. The honors bestowed on her include the 2020 Minerva Award from SUNY Potsdam's Alumni Association, and, as a member of the team from GE, the 2004 Catalyst Award. She and her husband live in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., and have two adult children, Natalie and Stevie.

Ceremony details

SUNY Potsdam will hold its Commencement Ceremony outside in the Academic Quad, rain or shine, unless there are extreme weather conditions. Guests are asked to dress appropriately for the weather, and bring umbrellas, blankets or sunscreen if needed. There will be an option for guests who are uncomfortable with weather conditions to watch the ceremony live on a large screen inside, in the Knowles Conference Center.

For family and friends around the world, SUNY Potsdam will stream the ceremony live on the College's YouTube channel again this year.

There is an emergency weather plan for Commencement, in case of extreme conditions like lightning or freezing temperatures. Under the emergency plan, indoor ceremonies would be held at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music. Graduates would be given four tickets for guests, with overflow seating made available in the Knowles Conference Center.

Immediately following the ceremony, a reception will be held for graduates and guests, also in the Knowles Conference Center.

To learn more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

About SUNY Potsdam:

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.

###

Media Attachments

Graduates wearing mortarboards and SUNY Potsdam Bears stoles process through the Academic Quad at SUNY Potsdam.

SUNY Potsdam will celebrate its 206th Commencement on Saturday, May 16 at 10:15 a.m. in the Academic Quad. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

A group of graduates smile and pose for the camera while holding their diplomas at SUNY Potsdam's Commencement.

SUNY Potsdam will celebrate its 206th Commencement on Saturday, May 16 at 10:15 a.m. in the Academic Quad. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

A line of graduates wearing their mortarboards and gowns, along with colorful stoles and cords, wait to cross the stage.

SUNY Potsdam will celebrate its 206th Commencement on Saturday, May 16 at 10:15 a.m. in the Academic Quad. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

Eileen Goss Whelley poses for a portrait.

Eileen Goss Whelley ’76 will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Commencement ceremony at SUNY Potsdam on Saturday, May 16.

Copyright © 2026 Merit Pages, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Opt Out