Something new this year for the ceremony that formally marks the start of the academic year: convocation will feature a panel of presenters, including three SUNYIT alumni.

This year’s convocation theme is "Innovation and Entrepreneurship," and the September 8 event will be held in a new location—the Student Center’s multipurpose room. Headlining the event and moderating a panel discussion will be S. Nasir Ali, co-founder and CEO of Upstate Venture Connect. Panelists will include: Michael Evke, president and CEO of Eversan, Inc.; Jo Anne Gagliano, president of edr Companies; Charles Green, president and CEO of Assured Information Security, Inc.; and Robert Hobaica, president and CEO of RJH Group, Inc. Evke, Green and Hobaica are SUNYIT alumni.

"The theme is especially appropriate, given SUNYIT’s mission and our move toward academic-industry partnerships," said President Yeigh. "We're pleased that three of our many successful alumni are returning to campus to share their stories with students and the SUNYIT community."

Convocation will begin at noon on Wednesday, September 8, in the Student Center multipurpose room on the first floor of the Student Center. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend.