SUNY Empire State College today announced “Commencement Closet,” a sustainability initiative it will launch on Earth Day to collect used SUNY Empire regalia and provide it to future graduates.

Students who receive donated regalia will be asked to “pay it forward,” by returning it to the college after the ceremony so that it can be used again the following year.

“Commencement is far and beyond the capstone moment in a student’s SUNY Empire experience, and it’s important that the college do all it can to ensure every student has an opportunity to participate,” said SUNY Empire Officer In Charge Mitch Nesler. “Caps and gowns are often worn only for a short time and they are of limited use after the big day, so we are hopeful that our new alumni will view the Commencement Closet as a natural outlet to promote sustainability while also supporting future SUNY Empire graduates.”

Previously used SUNY Empire regalia will be collected, laundered and provided to future graduates on a first-come, first-served basis. Class of 2018 graduates will have an opportunity to donate their regalia following commencement, as will future classes.

Regalia in like-new condition may be donated to SUNY Empire Commencement Closet at any one of the college’s 34 locations across New York State, or by mail to Janet Aiello-Cerio, 2 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866-6079.

Students seeking regalia from the Commencement Closet may put in a request by email, to Janet.Aiello-Cerio@esc.edu.

SUNY Empire will hold eight regional commencement ceremonies at locations throughout New York, beginning May 31 in Rochester, and another four internationally. Jamie Merisotis, president and CEO of Lumina Foundation, will have his honorary degree conferred and will keynote the Capital Region ceremony June 3.

A complete schedule of SUNY Empire commencements is available online.

About SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College educates nearly 18,000 adult students in person, online and through a blend of both at more than 30 locations in New York and worldwide, at eight international sites. The SUNY Empire experience is unique; together with one of the college’s more than 1,300 faculty mentors, each student designs his or her own customized pathway to a college degree – one that accommodates his or her schedule and awards credit for prior college-level learning. SUNY Empire awards more than 3,000 degrees annually and 94 percent of graduates stay in New York state. Today, more than 81,000 SUNY Empire alumni are entrepreneurs, veterans and active members of the military, professional athletes, teachers, medical professionals and leaders in their field, as well as in their communities. To learn more, visit www.esc.edu and follow us on social media @SUNYEmpire.