2025 College of Business Convocation

Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 6:00 PM

Convocation Details Convocation Program Guest Speaker Student Speaker FAQs

Important Information Ticket Information Parking Information Regalia Your Journey Ahead

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College of Business Convocation

Wednesday, May 21, 2025
6:00 PM
Stony Brook Arena
100 John S. Toll Drive
Stony Brook, NY 11790

Convocation Details

College of Business Convocation Ceremony

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 @ 6:00 PM - arrive by 5:00 PM; procession starts at 5:45 PM
Location: Stony Brook Arena
The ceremony will last approximately 90 minutes.
The ceremony will also be live-streamed at stonybrook.edu/live.

Convocation Guest Speaker

Anant Yardi, CEO of Yardi Systems, to deliver keynote at Stony Brook University College of Business Convocation.

Convocation Student Speaker

Karisma Persad, BS in Business Management with Specializations in Finance and Operations Management, Minor in Information Systems.

Main University Commencement Ceremony

Date: Friday, May 23, 2025 @ 11:00 AM
Location: Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium

Please note, both are ticketed events. There is no charge for tickets.

College of Business Convocation Guest Speaker

Anant Yardi, CEO & Founder of Yardi Systems

In 1982, Anant Yardi recognized the need for an integrated accounting and property management software for the residential marketplace. As the director of systems development for Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys) and with 14 years of programming experience, he knew he had the background to design such a product. In 1984, “Basic Property Management” was created for the Apple II computer. Since that time, Anant has directed the company through over 35 years of steady growth, remaining the President and CEO as Yardi became a leader in real estate asset and property management solutions.

Anant’s vision is the driving force behind the development of effective and innovative software solutions for global real estate portfolio management. He has been recognized as one of the early pioneers in the commercial real estate automation industry, a “visionary in respect to automation systems and the resultant benefits in property operations,” according to Realcomm, when they honored him with the 2004 “Digie” award. He was inducted into the Multi-Housing News “Hall of Fame” that same year, and his company continues to receive industry accolades.

Anant has an M.S. in Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley, and B.Tech from Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He worked for 14 years developing programming methodologies

College of Business Convocation Student Speaker

Karisma Persad, BS in Business Management with Specializations in Finance and Operations Management, Minor in Information Systems

Karisma Persad is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management with specializations in Finance and Operations Management, and a minor in Information Systems. She is passionate about empowering her community and streamlining operations through technology and innovation. Over the past four years, Karisma has been intentional about developing both personally and professionally. It is with excitement and gratitude that she enters this next chapter of life, hoping to make a meaningful impact, continue growing, and pursuing work that aligns with passion and purpose.

Applying for Graduation and Ceremonies

The deadline for degree candidates to apply for graduation via SOLAR is May 9, 2025.

The last day for 2025 degree candidates to apply for graduation and be included in the commencement publication was April 16, 2025.

Please note: Applications submitted after April 16, 2025 will not appear in the digital commencement publication.

Students must officially apply for graduation in order to be awarded their degree and receive a diploma. This can be done through the graduation application link on SOLAR.

After submitting your graduation application, the next step is to complete the ceremony registration form in SOLAR. This form allows you to indicate whether you plan to attend the University-wide commencement, your department-level ceremony, both, or neither.

Students can participate in the spring ceremony if they have graduated in the winter or fall before the ceremony or anticipate graduating in the summer or fall after a spring ceremony. This will ensure students will not have to travel back after their graduation to participate in commencement.

If you wish to change your ceremony choices, use the ceremony change form on SOLAR.

Please note: Participating in the ceremony does not mean your degree has been awarded. The degree conferral process takes place 2–3 weeks after the commencement ceremony, following a review of all degree requirements.

Information for Day of Ceremony

The ceremony procession will begin at 5:45 PM sharp, so you should arrive by 5:00 PM for candidate check-in and line-up in the Pritchard Gym - go in the main doors of the Arena and we will direct you to candidate check-in/line-up. There will be lot of staff there to assist you if you have questions.

Doors will open at 5:00 PM for your guests. Elevators and accessible seating options are available, and staff will be available to assist you.

Be sure to leave enough time to find a parking space and walk to the arena.
Graduates and guests should plan to park in the Indoor Sports Complex Parking Lot (Lots 6A&B) accessed via Gym Road. Come in the Main Entrance of the Stony Brook Arena on John S. Toll Drive, not the side entrance doors.

For more information, visit our parking information page.
Arrive dressed in your cap, gown & hood. Wear sensible shoes - there are stairs that you will be going up and down. If you have not gotten your regalia yet, please visit Shop Red West (campus bookstore). We do not recommend waiting until the day of the ceremony!

For more information, visit our regalia page.
At this ceremony, you will have your name called as you cross the stage. When your line is prompted to approach the stage, bring your reader card with you. If anyone needs a ramp to access the stage, we can arrange that. Please let us know ASAP.
Every graduate will be photographed 2-3 times as they are recognized across stage and return to their seat. To ensure you receive your free commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, please complete this QR Selfie Check-in! Please register in advance for their photo ordering system. Doing this in advance will make it easier on you on the day of the ceremony. Your reader card will have a QR code on it, so you can complete it onsite, but you'll have to have your phone with you!

There is absolutely no obligation to purchase and packages start at only $7.95.

For more information, click here.

Who Was Your Favorite Faculty Member of the 2024-2025 Academic Year?

Vote for your favorite faculty member of the 2024-2025 academic year. They will receive special recognition at the College of Business Convocation Ceremony.

Vote Through May 7th!

Navigating Convocation Information

Everything you need to know for the big day - right at your fingertips. Explore the details below to make your convocation experience smooth, memorable, and stress-free.