Side by side to the finish: Friendship defines commencement journey for two SUNY Morrisville graduates

When Jordan Scantlebury and Kedrin Connor crossed the commencement stage at SUNY Morrisville, it was one more milestone reached the same way they had reached so many others - together.

Best friends since middle school, the two have navigated college side by side as classmates, roommates, workout partners and aspiring nurses, building a friendship that has become central to their journey.

Surrounded by family and friends, Scantlebury and Connor celebrated alongside fellow graduates during the college's 2026 Commencement ceremony, held Saturday, May 16. They both earned associate degrees in nursing, with plans to continue together in SUNY Morrisville's bachelor's degree nursing program.

Cheering graduates on were family, friends and proud faculty and staff. SUNY Morrisville President David Rogers was joined by school deans and members of the College Council in presiding over the ceremony, with the stage adorned with ferns and flowers grown by students in the college's horticulture program.

"Wherever your life may take you, SUNY Morrisville will go with you," said President Rogers. "Farewell. Do us proud. Be proud to tell the world, by your words and your work, that you are a graduate of SUNY Morrisville and the State University of New York."

Among those embodying that pride were Scantlebury and Connor.
For the Brooklyn natives, friendship has been more than companionship - it has been a source of motivation.

Whether preparing for demanding nursing coursework, heading to the fitness center or navigating campus life, the two have built a routine rooted in accountability and support. Both previously earned associate degrees in computer information technology before enrolling in the nursing program.

Their partnership has extended beyond the classroom. Scantlebury recently won the Cotton Business competition, with Connor by his side - another example of the teamwork that has defined their college experience. That kind of support, they say, has become second nature.

Their story echoed one of the themes woven throughout the day - that success is often strengthened by support.

Student speaker Shani Hedge, who graduated with a degree in agricultural business, shared a similar message in remarks to classmates.

"One thing Morrisville taught me is that not everything is in our control. But what is in our control is how we show up for each other," she said. "And if there's one thing I hope people remember about me, it's this: no matter how busy I was, I always tried to say, "I got you. Because none of us got here alone.

"So, to the Class of 2026: don't let the fear of making a decision stop you from making one at all. We didn't have perfect paths. We had real ones, messy ones, growing ones. But we kept showing up anyway. And look at us now. We made it."

Commencement speaker Adam Saunders, associate librarian, online learning and instruction librarian and recipient of the SUNY Morrisville Distinguished Librarian Award, encouraged students to be "uniquely human" in a world increasingly shaped by AI. "Congratulations, Class of 2026 - go out there and show the world what it means to be uniquely human."

For Scantlebury and Connor, commencement marked not only the completion of one chapter, but the continuation of a path they plan to pursue together in the college's online bachelor's degree nursing program. Both aspire to be nurse practitioners and hope to one day work side by side.

They were high-achieving students, both named to the Dean's List multiple semesters. Their shared faith also connected them; they held a Bible study group in the library and both participate in Brothers and Sisters in Christ and CSTEP.

"There is no other person I could have done this with," Scantlebury said of Connor. "We both have the same outlook on life - to do our best and leave this world with no regrets."

"This is another stepping stone to add to our journey," Connor said. "It shows how far hard work can get you."

That spirit of perseverance and achievement was also reflected in several awards presented to faculty, staff and students during the ceremony:
• SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence
o Harper Callard, '26 aquaculture & aquatic science
o Ethan Unthank, '26 automotive technology
• SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service: Rebecca Hargrave, associate professor of environmental sciences
• SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching: Justin Mikuszewski, complex manager, Morrisville Auxiliary Corporation
• SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service: Julie Wright, Administrative Assistant 1
• SUNY Morrisville Distinguished Librarian Award: Adam Saunders, associate librarian; online learning and instruction librarian