Leo Lambert, Elon University president emeritus, to give Alfred University commencement address

Leo M. Lambert, president emeritus at Elon University, will deliver the keynote address for Alfred University's 2025 commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 17. Commencement ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. in the Galanis Family Arena, McLane Center.

Lambert led Elon's rise to national prominence from 1999 to 2018, during which time he promoted relationship-rich education by fostering meaningful mentorship among students, faculty, and staff. During his 18 years as president at Elon, a private school in Elon, NC, the university experienced significant growth and reputation, including a nearly two-thirds increase in enrollment and a doubling of the faculty. The academic climate of the campus was strengthened through investments in faculty development, teaching innovation and instructional excellence, and investments in library resources. A chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was sheltered in 2010 and both a School of Law (2006) and a School of Health Sciences (2011) were founded.

With a focus on developing students as global citizens, ethical leaders, and creative problem-solvers, Lambert led two decade-long strategic plans as Elon built a national reputation for excellence in undergraduate education. Under his guidance, the university created innovative programs in global education, undergraduate research, leadership, interfaith dialogue, civic engagement, and preparation for post-graduate success in careers or advanced study.

Lambert prioritized deep partnerships with K-12 public education and was instrumental in the creation of the Elon Academy in 2007, an enrichment program for academically talented high school students who have financial need or no family history of college attendance. He also created the Center for Access and Success at Elon, which houses the Odyssey Scholars program, providing outstanding undergraduate students with significant financial and mentoring support.

Elon's physical plant grew significantly during Lambert's presidency, with more than 100 new buildings added to the campus. Under his leadership, the university invested heavily in shaping its residential character, building four major neighborhoods, integrating academic and residence life programs, and nurturing a flourishing intellectual climate. Elon is a member of NCAA Division I athletics and was invited to join the Colonial Athletic Association (now the Coastal Athletic Association) in 2014. The university's varsity athletic facilities were dramatically improved during Lambert's tenure, and the university acquired additional property to host student recreation and intramural competitions.

Lambert graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in English, and from Syracuse University in 1984 with a doctoral degree in education. In 2002, SUNY Geneseo awarded him an honorary doctorate of humane letters. He is a member of the board of directors of the Association of Governing Boards, The Washington Center, and the John N. Gardner Institute for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. He previously served on the board of directors of Association of American Colleges and Universities, the American Council on Education, Campus Compact, Project Pericles, and the NCAA Division I President's Forum.

Others scheduled to speak during Alfred University's commencement ceremony include the 2025 Marlin Miller Outstanding Senior Award recipients Marcella Peccorini and Elijah Hammarlund.

Peccorini, from San Salvador, El Salvador, is set to a bachelor's degree in biomaterials engineering, with a minor in chemistry, and has a 3.82 grade-point average. The recipient of a Dean's Scholarship, the Treddenick Scholarship, and Keeling Scholarship as well as support from the New York State College of Ceramics Endowed Performance Fund, Peccorini is a member of several honor societies, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Tau Beta Pi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Material Advantage.

Hammarlund, from Florence, MA, will receive bachelor's degrees in biomaterials engineering and chemistry. He has a 4.00 grade-point average and has been on the Dean's List each semester he has been at Alfred. The recipient of a Presidential Scholarship, Hammarlund is winner of the 2024 Outstanding Ceramic Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) Senior Award, given to an outstanding senior and based on scholarship and service to the university and community, and the 2023 Scholes Scholar Award, presented to the sophomore engineering student with the highest GPA, and is a member of Tau Beta Pi honor society.

Winners of the Marlin Miller Outstanding Senior Award are chosen based on scholarship, extracurricular achievement, personal character and conduct, and nominations by faculty, students, staff, and alumni. The award was established to honor Alfred University alumnus Marlin Miller '54, H '89, H '19 one of Alfred University's most generous supporters. Miller has been a member of Alfred University's Board of Trustees since 1972 and is a former Board chair.