2026 School of Professional Development Convocation
Monday, May 18, 2026 at 5:00 pm
STONY BROOK ARENA
Live streaming on Stony Brook's YouTube Channel
Order of Exercises
PRELUDE AND PROCESSIONAL
MARSHALS
Leo Giglio, PhD
Human Resource Management Program
Brian Kerr, EdD
Higher Education Administration
Diane Perillo, EdD
School of Professional Development Administration
THE PLATFORM PARTY
DEGREE AND CERTIFICATE CANDIDATES
★
WELCOME
Peter C. Diplock, PhD
Vice Provost for Continuing, Professional and Online Education
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Prince Johnson, '98, MA '03
2026 New York State Teacher of the Year
STUDENT SPEAKER
Aleecea Denton
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies '26
PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES
Announced by graduate program directors
Sue Ryan, MA, Athletics Coaching
Brian Kerr, EdD Higher Education Administration
Higher Education Administration
Human Resource Management
Advanced Graduate Certificates
Liberal Studies
Teaching
Educational Leadership and School District Business Leadership
CONCLUSION
Peter C. Diplock
RECESSIONAL
★
RECEPTION
Wang Center Lobby
The Wang Center is a short walk away from the Arena.
A shuttle will be available for those with accessibility needs.
Candidates for Degrees and Certificates
SPEAKERS
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
Prince Johnson '98, MA '03
Prince Johnson, a 26-year veteran educator, is the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year as well as the current Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE) and a leader in sustainability, he teaches social studies at Food and Finance High School in New York City and serves on the NYCPS Climate Education Leadership Team. His drive as an educator was shaped by the injustices he observed while teaching on Rikers Island. Today, he develops cross-curricular projects that unite history, culinary arts, and environmental stewardship. He encourages students to apply their skills and voices to create stronger, more equitable communities, always with the goal of empowering every student to realize their full potential.
Student speaker
Aleecea Denton, MA '26
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies
Aleecea Denton is graduating with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, maintaining a near-perfect GPA with a concentration in Inclusive Leadership. A musician and an educator at heart, Aleecea transitioned from her roots in Music Education at SUNY Fredonia to becoming a vital pillar of the Stony Brook community. For the past three years, she has called the Stony Brook campus home, serving as the Residence Hall Director for Lauterbur and Chávez Halls.
Beyond her daily work with students, Aleecea is a passionate advocate for inclusive
leadership and mentorship. She has spent her time at SBU exploring how to build stronger
"allyship" and creating spaces where everyone, from first-year students to her fellow
professional staff, feels they belong. One of six siblings, Aleecea credits her family
for teaching her the value of forging one’s own path while staying deeply connected
to others. After graduation, Aleecea hopes to continue her work in higher education.
She is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside her peers and is honored to be
a part of the SPD Class of 2026.
