College of Arts and Sciences News Archive

A young woman wearing graduation garb smiles for a portrait in front of Albany’s main fountain. Her cap carries a gray tassel and she is wearing multiple colorful sashes and cords as well as a medal. One of the Sashes us purple satin and says “Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program” with the Middle Earth logo.
Grads at a Glance: 2026 Class Speaker Finds Community Through Service
Senior Amaya Neuwirth came to UAlbany from Orchard Park, N.Y., drawn by the promise of a diverse campus community. Now on the brink of graduating with double majors in Psychology and English, Neuman will leave a proven campus leader, with a clearer sense of self.
UAlbany students stand for a photo in front of a painting of the Puerto Rican flag.
Tracking Storms from Above: UAlbany Students Launch Weather Balloons in Puerto Rico
A team of University at Albany atmospheric science undergraduates recently traded Albany’s chilly start to spring for weather balloon launches in Puerto Rico’s tropical heat.
A young woman with long gold-brown hair smiles for a portrait wearing a black graduation gown. Around her neck, she is wearing a blue and white cord, a medal hung on a purple and gold ribbon, and a purple sash that says “Spellman Scholar.” She is standing outside with a blooming lilac bush and greening springs tree in the background. The Catskill mountains are visible off in the distance.
Grads at a Glance: Health Advocate on Track Toward a Career in Medicine
UAlbany senior Pratiksha Malayil was drawn to UAlbany for its nationally-renowned public health program and longstanding partnership with the New York State Department of Health. Four years later, she's graduating as an accomplished campus leader, a global health advocate and a future medical student.
A panel of women are seated indoors speaking about their women's, gender and sexuality studies final projects during Showcase 2026 at UAlbany.
Grads at a Glance: Exploring Global Backlash on Gender Studies
For master’s candidate Raneem Afifi, journalism is more than storytelling — it’s a form of resistance. This spring, Afifi produced a documentary, Gender (Studies) is Burning, examining the global rise of political attacks on gender studies and what they signal about academic freedom.
Ryan Sontarp stands in front of his poster at Showcase 2026.
Grads at a Glance: A Meteorology Career Sparked by Hurricane Sandy
Atmospheric science major Ryan Sontarp’s path to meteorology began with a historic storm.
Grace Augenstern stands with her arms crossed in the Tom & Mary Casey Stadium concourse.
Grads at a Glance: Marching from Band Toward a Teaching Career
For history and anthropology major Grace Augenstern, the University at Albany struck all the right chords.
Photo of a graduate's cap with 2026 tassels
Thousands of Great Danes Get Ready to Graduate at UAlbany
The University at Albany will celebrate the Class of 2026 this week with a four-day series of Commencement events beginning May 14. Approximately 4,900 graduates will earn their degrees, joining a global network of more than 205,000 alumni.
The SUNY logo and headshots of of five UAlbany faculty members
SUNY Elevates Five UAlbany Faculty Members to Rank of Distinguished Professor
The title ranks above full professor and is conferred by the SUNY board of trustees to faculty who have made significant contributions to research and scholarship in their respective fields, garnering national or international prominence.