U.S. House member, a Binghamton University graduate, to address Class of 2020 commencement

VESTAL, N.Y. — A member of the U.S. House of Representatives who graduated from Binghamton University in 1992 will be the keynote speaker at the school’s Class of 2020 commencement ceremony during homecoming weekend.

The Class of 2020 in-person commencement ceremony is set for next Sunday, Oct. 10, at 12 p.m. in the Binghamton University Events Center on campus.

Hakeem Jeffries is the first Binghamton University graduate to serve in Congress. The fifth-term representative is one of the highest-ranking Democrats in the House of Representatives, representing New York’s 8th Congressional District, which encompasses large parts of Brooklyn and a section of Queens. He is currently caucus chairman and a former whip of the Congressional Black Caucus.

More than a year after their graduation, Binghamton University will acknowledge the degrees that the Class of 2020 earned during the in-person event. The 2020 commencement ceremony first took place virtually last year, due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

“We are looking forward to hosting an in-person ceremony and welcoming the Class of 2020 graduates back to campus,” Harvey Stenger, president of Binghamton University, said in a release. “These students have earned the right to cross that stage after the COVID-19 pandemic forced an abrupt ending for them…”

Jeffries has a master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University and a law degree from New York University. He majored in political science during his time at Binghamton and was active in the Black Student Union and president of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi. He credits his work outside the classroom and in the Binghamton community with developing his confidence and his leadership skills.

“The Class of 2020 worked hard, ran the race and crossed over the finish line, all during a global pandemic that drastically changed our lives,” Jeffries said. “It is my privilege to return to my alma mater and congratulate a class that persevered and is now taking on the world. I thank President Harvey Stenger and the entire Binghamton University community for giving me this honor and look forward to celebrating the Class of 2020 and their achievements during homecoming weekend.”

The ceremony will follow the traditional commencement format, including a pipe and drum band, music by Binghamton University’s wind symphony, and remarks from various speakers. This ceremony is open only to graduating students and their guests. Masks are required for all graduates and their guests, regardless of vaccination status.