Congratulations to our May 2023 graduate candidates! We have an exciting slate of events to celebrate everyone earning their degree and we hope that you can all join us in recognizing this important milestone in their academic journey.

This email contains important event details; you can also refer to this page.

SUNY ESF Commencement

Saturday, May 13

2 p.m. | St. Joseph's Health Amphitheater at Lakeview

490 Restoration Way | Syracuse, NY 13209

Food is available to purchase from Bull and Bear Roadhouse before and after the ceremony*

*Vendors are 100% cashless; credit, debit, and mobile payments will be accepted.

Commencement Speaker

We are thrilled to welcome Anne Therese Gennari as our Commencement speaker. Anne Therese is a TEDx speaker, author of "The Climate Optimist Handbook," educator, and sustainable influencer who is passionate about changing the narrative on climate change so we can act from courage and excitement.

Commencement Ceremony Details

Parking Guests may park on-site at the Amphitheater in the Orange Lot. Please follow directional signage. It's about a 10-minute walk from the lot.



Clear Bag Policy The Amp has a clear bag policy that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into all events. Bags will be checked upon entry. You can get more details here.

Event Accessibility Accessible parking and drop-off are both available at the Amp. Accessible seating is also available. Closed captioning for hearing impaired guests and participants is provided. For questions about accessibility or to request accommodation, please contact 315-470-6660 or studenthelp@esf.edu.

Weather Commencement will proceed, rain or shine! All attendees will be seated under a covered area.  

Livestream A livestream link will be posted here on our website for those participating remotely. 

Seating All guests are to be seated in the Amp seats, not the lawn. Please note there will be sections designated for graduates and faculty; all other seating is available for guests.

Get Your ESF Gear ESF merch will be available for purchase from the ESF Bookstore tent at the top of the lawn. The Bookstore will also sell signed copies of the book "The Climate Optimist Handbook," authored by commencement speaker Anne Therese Gennari.

Food and Beverages Food and drink will be available for purchase from Bull & Bear Roadhouse before and after the ceremony, so please come early and plan to stay after to celebrate with the Class of 2023 and ESF faculty and staff! Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options will be available. The Amp is cashless; credit, debit, and mobile payments will be accepted.

Graduate School Higher Degree Ceremony

Friday, May 12

4:30 p.m. | ESF Gateway Center

Reception with refreshments to follow

Parking Parking will be available to guests in all available campus lots, including our auxiliary lot (P22). No parking permits are required.

Livestream The ESF Higher Degree Ceremony will be broadcast live beginning at 4 p.m. Friday, May 12. Watch it here.

Graduate/Family Breakfast, Graduate Photo, Procession

to JMA Dome

Sunday, May 14

Gateway Center | 7:30 a.m.

Gather on the Quad at 8:30 a.m. for a graduate group photo

Joint Ceremony with Syracuse University

Sunday, May 14

9:30 a.m. | JMA Wireless Dome

Ceremonies, Receptions, and Special Events

Inclusive Excellence Reception

Tuesday, May 9 | Gateway Center | 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served

Graduation Rehearsal and Champagne Toast

Wednesday, May 10 | Gateway Center | 3 p.m.

Honors Ceremony

Saturday, May 13 | Gateway Center | 9:30 a.m.

Department Receptions

Saturday, May 13 | 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Chemical Engineering: Walters Hall, Second Floor Lobby

Chemistry: Baker Lab, 3rd Floor Vending Area

Environmental Biology: Illick Hall, 1st Floor Lobby

Environmental Resources Engineering: Gateway Center Event Space

Environmental Science: Gateway, 2nd Floor (Admissions Open Area)

Environmental Studies: Baker Lab, Room 408

Landscape Architecture: Gateway, 2nd Floor (Open Academy Open Area)

Open Academy: Gateway, 2nd Floor (Open Academy Open Area)

Sustainable Resources Management: Bray Hall, 1st Floor Rotunda