CANTON — SUNY Canton recognized the accomplishments of more than 900 students in the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center at the college's 109th Commencement Ceremony Saturday.

"I am extremely proud that you have achieved this major goal in your lives," said President Zvi Szafran. "I know that as you move forward, you'll be able to accomplish many great things, as have the many alumni from SUNY Canton who have preceded you."

The keynote address was delivered by Mohawk Bear Clan Matron Wa'kerakats:te Louise McDonald Herne, who received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of her work to improve the overall health and economic standing of the Haudenosaunee during the past decade.

Herne discussed her family's personal connection to the college and was enthusiastic about strengthening SUNY Canton's partnership with the Mohawk Nation.

"I am humbled by this honored invitation, and I would like to use this moment to rekindle our relationship upon these indigenous lands," she said. "I hope to bring home inspiration and renewed dedication to a joint quest for self-determination, justice, freedom and peace in our traditional territories."

Speaking directly to graduates, she encouraged them to adopt the core Native American values of a unified approach to nature and the quest for balance and equilibrium in their lives. "Above all, love and respect mother earth," she said.

Student Government Association Vice President and Applied Psychology major Fitzroy Saunders of Harlem offered words of encouragement to his fellow graduates. In addition, several students received special recognition, including:

Mechanical Engineering Technology major Alex D. Sterling of Champlain, who earned the Outstanding Baccalaureate Graduate Award.

Nursing major Claudette Dossou-Kitti of Brooklyn, who earned the Outstanding Associate Graduate Award.

Healthcare Management graduate Julian S. Shaw of Jamaica, who was chosen to receive the David R. Maynard Student Activities Award.

As students collected their diplomas, the President of the Alumni Board of Directors Kelly Obermayer, class of 1979, welcomed each graduate into the alumni family by presenting them with a special medallion. Obermayer is also the 2017 SUNY Canton Distinguished Alumna.

At the ceremony, the top five bachelor's degrees awarded, in order of popularity, were Criminal Investigation, Management, Nursing, Health Care Management and Sports Management. The top five associate degrees awarded, in order of popularity, were Nursing, Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts, Veterinary Science Technology and Business Administration.