Convocation Program
Browse ceremony details, graduate recognition, and other important information as we celebrate this special occasion.
Order of Exercises Candidates for Degrees Student Award Winners
Order of Exercises
PROCESSIONAL
Pomp and Circumstance
ORDER OF MARCH
INTERIM DEAN
Dr. Julia Bear, Interim Dean, College of Business
DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKER
Velchamy Sankarlingam, ‘95, President of Product and Engineering, Zoom
BOARD CHAIR, DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD
Mark J. Snyder, ‘69, Managing Partner, Snyder Wealth Group
PAST PRESIDENT, STONY BROOK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Gloria Snyder, ‘72, Vice President, Snyder Wealth Group
PRESIDENT, STONY BROOK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Neil Butterklee, ‘80, ‘83, College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board, Adjunct Faculty,
College of Business; Retired Associate General Counsel, Con Edison
DISTINGUISHED GUESTS
College of Business Dean’s Advisory Board
College of Business Executives-in-Residence
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS FACULTY
Led By:
Dr. Julia Bear, Interim Dean
Dr. Danling Jiang, Associate Dean for Programs
MASTER’S CANDIDATES
Led By:
GRADUATE MARSHAL
Dr. Cecilia Feng, Director, MS Accounting & Analytics, Associate Professor, Accounting
BACHELOR’S CANDIDATES
Led By:
UNDERGRADUATE MARSHAL
Michael Nugent, MBA, Senior Lecturer, Finance
OPENING OF CEREMONY
Amy Milligan, Senior Assistant Dean for Curriculum, Accreditation, and Student Services
NATIONAL ANTHEM
DEAN’S ADDRESS
Dr. Julia Bear, Interim Dean, College of Business
DISTINGUISHED GUEST SPEAKER
Velchamy Sankarlingam, ‘95, President of Product and Engineering, Zoom
PRESENTATION OF DEAN’S CHOICE AWARD
Mark and Gloria Snyder
STUDENT SPEAKER
David Safo, Bachelor of Science in Business Management Specialization in Finance;
Minor in Real Estate & Insurance
PRESENTATION OF FACULTY AWARDS
Dr. Julia Bear, Interim Dean, College of Business
Presented To:
Michael Nugent, MBA - Outstanding Undergraduate Instructor
Dr. Cecilia Feng - Outstanding Graduate Instructor
PRESENTATION OF MASTER’S CANDIDATES
MS in Accounting; MS in Accounting & Analytics
Dr. Cecilia Feng, Director, MS in Accounting & Analytics
MS in Decision Analytics
Dr. Andrew Xiao, Area Head, Management: Operations & Decision Analytics
MS in Finance
Dr. Andrew Xiao, Area Head, Management: Operations & Decision Analytics
Master of Business Administration
Dr. Lily Blocker, Interim Area Head, Management: Organizational Behavior/Strategy
& Entrepreneurship
PRESENTATION OF BACHELOR’S CANDIDATES
Robert Ettl, Senior Lecturer, Marketing & Management
Dr. Margaret Echelbarger, Assistant Professor, Marketing
CONFERRAL OF DEGREES
Dr. Julia Bear, Interim Dean
Dr. Danling Jiang, Associate Dean for Programs
RECESSIONAL
Candidates for Degrees
BACCALAUREATE
ADVANCED DEGREES & CERTIFICATIONS
Master of Business Administration
Please note: This program includes candidates who have or will have fulfilled all requirements for graduation as of May, June, July, August, and Fall 2026. This listing reflects students who applied for graduation as of May 1, 2026.
College of Business Convocation Guest Speaker
Velchamy Sankarlingam, President of Product and Engineering at Zoom
We are honored to welcome Velchamy Sankarlingam (’95) back to campus as our 2026 College of Business Convocation keynote speaker at our ceremony on May 20, 2026!
As the President of Product and Engineering at Zoom, Velchamy has played a pivotal role in scaling the technology that keeps the world connected. From his time at Stony Brook earning his MS in Management and Policy to his leadership roles at VMware, Webex, and IBM, his journey is a masterclass in innovation and leadership.
We can’t wait for our graduates to hear his insights on navigating the evolving business landscape and leading through change.
College of Business Convocation Student Speaker
David Safo, Bachelor of Science in Business Management with a Specialization in Finance, Minor in Real Estate and Insurance
David Safo is a Business Honors student in the Stony Brook University College of Business pursuing a degree in Finance with a minor in Real Estate. He serves as the Undergraduate Student Coordinator for the Dean of Students, where he leads initiatives that support student success, mentorship, leadership development, and campus engagement, while working closely with university leadership to enhance the student experience.
He also serves as a College of Business Intern and Student Advisor, helping students navigate academic and professional opportunities. In addition, David is a Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, and Chief Justice of the Undergraduate Student Government, where he promotes community, accountability, and student advocacy. Professionally, he has gained experience through roles with Société Générale and Broadridge Financial Solutions.
David is passionate about leadership, service, and creating opportunities that positively impact others.
Navigating Convocation Information
Everything you need to know for the big day - right at your fingertips. Explore the details below to make your convocation experience smooth, memorable, and stress-free.
