Commencement 2023: Featured Speakers

Hon. Kevin R. Bryant ’93

Robert Kyncl ’95

SUNY New Paltz will welcome distinguished alumni the Hon. Kevin R. Bryant ’93 (Political Science) and Robert Kyncl ’95 (International Relations) back to campus to deliver the Commencement Addresses at undergraduate ceremonies on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, 2023, respectively.

Justice Bryant serves as Justice of the New York State Supreme Court in the Third Judicial District of New York, and is the first African American male to be elected in the entire Third Judicial Department of New York, which is comprised of 28 counties. He will address graduates of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the Saturday Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.

Robert Kyncl is CEO of Warner Music Group, which encompasses well-known record labels such as Atlantic, Warner Records, Elektra and Parlophone, as well as music publishing company Warner Chappell Music. He will address graduates of the Schools of Business, Education, Fine & Performing Arts, and Science & Engineering at the Sunday Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. Kyncl will also receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters degree, the highest form of recognition offered by the State University of New York.

Retiring Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Barbara Lyman will offer brief congratulatory remarks at our Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 19.

Please read on for brief bios of our honored guests and links to more extensive profiles of their professional accomplishments and contributions to the SUNY New Paltz community.

The Hon. Kevin R. Bryant ’93 has been an accomplished attorney with more than 20 years of experience seeking sound and balanced justice for clients regardless of their socioeconomic circumstances. He was sworn in as a New York State Supreme Court Justice on Jan. 1, 2022, and previously served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Kingston, where he acted as the primary legal advisor to the Mayor, the Common Council and all city commissions and boards.

Justice Bryant’s determination to make a difference in his community has been a personal goal throughout his life. While attending SUNY New Paltz, he also worked full time with troubled youth at the St. Cabrini Home in West Park, where he became a mentor to many of the young residents who sought his guidance as they sorted through numerous personal issues.

“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to return to my alma mater as the Commencement Speaker 30 years later,” said Justice Bryant. “I look forward to assuring the Class of 2023 that they are more than prepared to succeed in the next chapter of their lives.”

Please use this link to read more about the Hon. Kevin R. Bryant ’93.

Robert Kyncl ’95 assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Warner Music Group in January 2023. He previously served for more than a decade as Chief Business Officer at YouTube, where he played a central role in defining the company’s strategy, leading its content and operations, driving the development and expansion of its creator, artist and media company ecosystem, and helping launch its paid subscription services. 

Kyncl met his wife, psychotherapist Luz Avila Kyncl ’96 (Psychology), at SUNY New Paltz and together they have shown a strong commitment to creating opportunity for students at their alma mater. They have established the Robert Kyncl ’95 and Luz Avila Kyncl ’96 Computer Science & Engineering Scholarship Fund, which offsets tuition costs for students, especially women and minorities, seeking careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related industries.

“After arriving here from the Czech Republic, SUNY New Paltz opened up a whole new world for me, helping me build strong intellectual, social, professional, and personal foundations, including meeting my wife,” Kyncl said. “As immigrants, we’re both deeply thankful for the experiences that this great school gave us. Together, Luz and I are committed to helping the next generation of students access the same opportunities. I’m grateful to receive this honor and look forward to returning to this wonderful institution to celebrate with the Class of ’23.”

Please use this link to read more about Robert Kyncl ’95.

About Commencement 2023 at SUNY New Paltz

This year’s Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies will be held on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21, 2023, on the Old Main Quad on the SUNY New Paltz campus. Both ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m.

The Saturday Ceremony honors graduates of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and the Sunday Ceremony honors graduates of the School of Business, School of Education, School of Fine & Performing Arts and School of Science & Engineering.

The Graduate Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 19, at 6 p.m., also on the Old Main Quad.

More information at https://www.newpaltz.edu/commencement/.

About the SUNY Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

The Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters is the highest form of recognition offered by the State University of New York, honoring exceptional scholarship, service and professional achievements that stand as an example for the many diverse students attending SUNY institutions.