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ESF Class of 2026 Encouraged to ‘Dare Mighty Things’
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — May 9, 2026 — “Dare mighty things.” This was the charge given to graduates of the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) by honorary degree recipient Basil Seggos during commencement exercises May 9, at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview.
Seggos was among the speakers at the May 9 commencement who offered graduates congratulations and advice as they begin the next chapter of their lives’ journey.
President Joanie Mahoney urged graduates to “remember that achievement is not measured only by outcomes, but by how you pursue them, by the values you carry, by the choices you make … Lead with purpose. Innovate with intention. Advocate for both people and the planet.”
Student speaker Isabella Uzcategui recalled her own journey to ESF and her experiences as a Mighty Oak. “Each of us arrived at ESF with different backgrounds, different uncertainties, and different goals. Regardless of how we got here, we grew here. We learned how to collaborate, how to adapt, how to push through challenges. And most importantly, we learned that growth doesn’t always follow a straight line.”
Growth, she reminded her peers, happens when one is uncomfortable, and challenges reveal one’s capacity. “It is easy to think we have reached our breaking point when we are struggling, but the truth is often the struggle pushes us to reach higher limits and learn new skills.”
“Let us be proud of all we have accomplished, and never forget what it means to be an ESF graduate. It means to have personal integrity, to be committed, to be passionate, and to carry forward a lifelong commitment to learning and environmental stewardship.”
Seggos, who was honored in recognition of his national leadership on climate, energy and environmental policy, is partner and senior policy director at Foley Hoag and the longest‑tenured commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. He told graduates that by working together, people can bring about change.
Noting that current events may seem insurmountable, Seggos shared his personal experience in the days following the Sept. 11 attacks. It was there he assisted at Ground Zero in New York City and witnessed the best of humanity following tragedy.
“The experience solidified a belief that has guided me ever since: we have the capacity to band together and shape the world around us for the better. Even in the face of impossibly difficult circumstances. Especially in such times,” he said.
Quoting President Theodore Roosevelt, Seggos said, “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.”
“This is my charge to you today … Dare mighty things.”
Along with their degrees, the Class of 2026 amassed other honors. Dr. Zora Thomova, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, noted these achievements:
- 21 bachelor's candidates completed the ESF Honors Program
- 44 inducted into Alpha Xi Sigma, the ESF Honor Society
- 20 inducted into Sigma Lambda Alpha, the national landscape architecture honor society
- 1 inducted into Sigma Lambda Chi, the International Construction Honor Society
- 7 graduates were ESF in the High School participants
- 1 received the Norman McConney Jr. Award
- 4 are veterans of the United States Armed Forces
Dr. Lindi Quackenbush, provost and vice president for research, closed out the celebration by reminding graduates that while they build their careers, there is more to life than work.
“While I encourage you to work hard, make sure you look after yourself and take the time to stop and smell the roses. Any chance you get, make someone’s day better by sharing those roses — whether they be physical or philosophical. Avoid sharing negativity and focus instead on how you can share the wonders around us and have a positive impact, one action at a time.”
Following the ceremony, graduates and their guests enjoyed a reception on the grounds of the amphitheater.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.