Alfred University held commencement ceremonies Tuesday, June 16, to recognize graduates from the AUNY program’s class of 2026. Graduates from the AU-NYC program earned master’s degrees in Counseling, and School and Mental Health Counseling, or completed Advanced Certification programs in Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling, at Alfred University’s satellite campuses in New York City.
Alfred University conferred 171 Master of Science in Education degrees: 118 in School Counseling, 51 in Mental Health Counseling, and two in Counseling. The university also awarded 361 Certificates of Advanced Study: 227 in Mental Health Counseling, 133 in School Counseling, and one in Counseling.
Degree recipients honored at AUNY commencement ceremonies either completed their degrees during the 2025-26 academic year, or will complete their requirements in August. Most students in the AUNY program are non-traditional students: professionals, many with families, working as counselors and administrators in the public education and health care fields while pursuing their graduate degrees.
Instagram video of 2026 AUNY Commencement
Joseph R. Marbach, retired president of Georgian Court University, was the keynote speaker for the AUNY commencement. Marbach served as ninth president of Georgian Court, a private Catholic university in Lakewood, NJ, from July 1, 2025—when he was appointed the university’s first-ever male and first-ever lay president—until his retirement on Feb. 6, 2025.
Joseph Marbach, retired president of Georgian Court University delivers his keynote address to graduates at the 2026 AUNY commencement ceremonies in Queens.
“To members of the class of 2026: congratulations,” Marbach said. “Most of you are first-generation graduate students who have mastered the art of balancing career and family obligations while completing your studies. You are determined, resilient, and accomplished.”
Marbach told graduates their accomplishments and achievements are impressive. “But if I’m being honest, these achievements and accomplishments are also a bit intimidating. I ask myself, what advice could I possibly offer to such a distinguished group of individuals who are leaders in their own right? Clearly, every member of the graduating class has achieved a level of success that would qualify him or her to be up at this podium offering these remarks.”
He advised graduates of three practices that have helped him improve his life, professionally and personally. “These have strengthened by professional relationships, aided on my mental health, and contributed to my physical well-being,” he said.
Some members of the AUNY Class of 2026 at commencement ceremonies in Queens.
Marbach urged graduates to follow the Golden Rule, “showing respect to those you encounter” each day; to recite the Serenity Prayer— “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”—which he said has “given me clarity in making decisions”; and “learn how to breathe. Mastering breathing methods can assist you in controlling your emotions, especially in moments of anxiety.”
Alfred Mancuso, dean of Alfred University’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies and a two-time Alfred alumnus—master’s degree in school psychology in 2005 and his doctorate in school psychology in 2008—presented winners of the Dougherty Awards. Created in honor of the late James F. Dougherty, who was executive director of the Center for Integrated Teacher Education, Alfred University’s partner in the New York-based programs, the awards are presented each year to students the faculty nominate based on their growth in leadership roles.
This year’s Dougherty Award recipients are Tiffani J. Bowen and Josiah Darnell. Bowen and Darnell both earned a master’s degree in School Counseling.
Alfred Mancuso, dean of the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies at Alfred University, makes comments at the 2026 AUNY commencement ceremonies in Queens.
Mancuso congratulated all graduates on their accomplishments.
“It’s great to see everyone here for this wonderful, wonderful occasion,” he said. “You worked so hard, weekend after weekend, year after year, to get here. Amazing. Amazing work.”
Mark Zupan, Alfred University president, offered closing remarks, congratulating graduates on their accomplishments, and urging them to always strive to find their purpose and improve the world around them.
Mark Zupan, Alfred University president, makes comments at the 2026 AUNY commencement ceremonies in Queens.
“Our university’s mission is five words: ‘Helping students realize their purpose.’ Purpose is something that gives you value and at the same time makes the world a better place,” Zupan said.
“I want to commend you on behalf of our faculty and staff for living a purposeful life, and for your commitment to education and helping others.”
