SUNY Fredonia's Class of 2026 includes 10 students who were part of the university's inaugural cohort in the SUNY-wide Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) Program. The students who'll receive undergraduate degrees overcame significant challenges that can easily sideline at-risk students from marginalized communities who often face barriers to achieving academic success. However, the university says they've succeeded despite these odds, adding that the program's year-to-year retention and upcoming graduation rates exceed SUNY Fredonia's general student population.
The initial 34 students enrolled in the ACE Program at Fredonia in the spring 2024 semester have blossomed to 250 today. And their achievement numbers are indeed impressive: a 90% retention rate from fall 2024 to fall 2025, and more than 60% of students have GPAs above 3.0.
The ACE Program provides students with the support they need to complete their degrees. It helps cover textbook and other academic expenses, and provides academic assistance, personalized advising and career development activities. According to ACE Program Director Dr. Susan McGee, program advisors use a holistic approach and consider all aspects of a student's college experience -- academic, social and personal growth. She added, "Our advisors help students clarify their goals, recognize their strengths and unique talents, navigate challenges and develop new skills that will serve them well beyond graduation."
The 10 students in the ACE Program graduating on Saturday are Emma Miller, Nikko Sandgren, Matt Schumaker, Maya Monell, Lynn Patterson, Hanna Bigelow, Sarah Bliek, Matt Rugg, Nicholas Mruk, and Alexandria Clemente.
Pictured, from left to right: ACE Program Director Susan McGee, Sarah Bliek, Nicholas Mruk, Lynn Patterson, Nikko Sandgren, Maya Monell, Alexandria Clemente, Hanna Bigelow, Emma Miller, Matthew Rugg, ACE Program Advisor Greg Swab. Photo by SUNY Fredonia
