University recognizes 100,000th graduate

By Lisa Kashinsky

Binghamton University's Spring Commencement had the usual academic accolades, scholarship awards and other honors. One graduate, however, received an honor that was truly unique: being recognized as the University's 100,000th graduate.

Brian May received this recognition during the Professional Schools Ceremony on May 16. While University officials knew of his selection, May was not aware of the honor until the ceremony itself.

"I was very shocked," May said. "I felt extremely honored that I would be recognized as this milestone. I couldn't believe that I would mark the start of the next generation of collegiate students to be given the honor to graduate from this great University."

May, a computer science major, is a graduate of the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science. During his time at the University, he was involved in many activities, including being a founding member of the philanthropic fraternity Theta Delta Chi. Through this organization, May volunteered at the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen, nursing homes and mentored and tutored children at Vestal Hills Elementary School. He said the fraternity also raised thousands of dollars for Relay For Life and organized cleanup projects for the City of Binghamton.

"Being involved in this fraternity broadened my horizons to new friendships and new ideas," May said.

May has several options to pursue post-graduation. He plans to visit graduate schools in North Carolina, Boston and New York. If he does not find one that fits, he intends to follow up on a few job offers, he said.