CANTON — St. Lawrence University has announced the featured speakers and honorees for its 2025 Commencement ceremony, scheduled for Sunday, May 18. The University will recognize Mike Ranger '80, P'17, and Stephanie Ratcliffe P'13, '16, for their significant contributions to the institution and the North Country.

 Professor of Education Jeff Frank will deliver the Commencement address to the graduating class.

Mike Ranger '80, P'17 to Receive Honorary Doctorate

A devoted University trustee and accomplished business leader, Mike Ranger will be awarded an honorary doctorate for his decades of service to St. Lawrence. Ranger’s relationship with the University spans more than 40 years, including long-standing leadership on the Board of Trustees. First appointed in 1993, he became a Trustee Emeritus in 2004, rejoined the board in 2012, and served as Chair until 2023. He was named Chair Emeritus upon completing his term.

A government major in the Class of 1980, Ranger built a prominent career in banking and private equity, with executive roles at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Drexel Burnham Lambert, DLJ Merchant Banking, and Diamond Castle. He later led Covanta Holdings as President and CEO until its acquisition.

Beyond his commitment to St. Lawrence, Ranger and his wife, Virginia, have supported numerous educational and nonprofit organizations, including Morristown-Beard School, The Seeing Eye, LifeCamp, the Hartley Dodge Foundation, and Atlantic Health System. They are parents to Maggie Ranger (Denison ’14) and Alex Ranger ’17.

Stephanie Ratcliffe to Receive North Country Citation

Stephanie Ratcliffe, executive director of The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, will receive the 2025 North Country Citation for her leadership in environmental education and regional impact. A longtime advocate for sustainability, Ratcliffe has transformed The Wild Center into a nationally acclaimed natural history museum and climate science hub since its opening in 2006.

Under her direction, the museum has pioneered green initiatives, including becoming New York State’s first LEED-certified museum, launching the Wild Walk, and developing a climate solutions exhibit. She is also credited with creating the widely replicated Youth Climate Summit model and leading youth delegations to UN Climate Conferences in Paris and Scotland.

A parent of two St. Lawrence alumni, Ratcliffe has also held leadership roles at the Smithsonian Institution, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and the Maryland Science Center. She currently serves on the boards of the Association of Science and Technology Centers and the Adirondack North Country Association.

Jeff Frank to Address the Class of 2025

Professor of Education Jeff Frank, known for his scholarly insight and deep engagement with students, has been selected to deliver the 2025 Commencement address. Since joining the St. Lawrence faculty in 2014, Frank has earned widespread respect for his work in the philosophy of education and for his contributions to academic life on campus.

Frank is a two-time recipient of the Owen D. Young Outstanding Faculty Award and has served as chair of the education department since 2020. He was the founding director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Assessment and led the Commission on Laurentian Values and Resilient Community.

His work has appeared in academic journals and been featured in The New York Times. He has presented internationally, including a doctoral seminar at the University of Iceland and a keynote address at the John Dewey Center in Switzerland. Frank holds a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University.

More information about Commencement 2025 is available on the University’s website.