May 6, 2024 Staatsburg, New York…Anderson Center for Autism announced today that it will host its 100th annual commencement on Friday, June 21st at Anderson Center for Autism in Staatsburg, New York.
Said Patrick Paul, CEO/Executive Director at Anderson Center for Autism, “Graduation day is a culmination of many years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance on the part of our graduates, their families, and our team members; it is always inspiring. And this year, the celebration not only marks a major life milestone for the students, but likewise for our organization, as it is our Centennial year.”
Since 1924, approximately 1750 students have graduated from Anderson Education Center. The Class of 2024 includes sixteen students, all of whom share a primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. 1 in 36 are diagnosed with autism, which presents with a wide range of communication, sensory processing, and behavioral challenges (Centers for Disease Control, 2023).
Said Dr. Tina Covington, Chief Operating Officer at Anderson Center for Autism: “It is always a great honor to witness these students getting their credentials, and to see the sense of accomplishment that they feel. Over the past 100 years, people have come from near and far to share in the ceremony – families, volunteers, colleagues – and even luminaries like Eleanor Roosevelt have attended; in fact, she was even our commencement speaker on two occasions: June 24, 1944 & June 21, 1952!”
Anderson Center for Autism’s Class of 2024 includes Ethan B., Thomas C., Abbas F., Christian D., Daniela P., Mitchell G., Asher M., Thomas O., Sean R., Max S., Matthew S., Henry T., Kevin T., Ryan S., Jacob V., and Henry P.
At Anderson Center for Autism, the collaborative, interdisciplinary education program incorporates behavioral analytic teaching strategies, interventions, and evaluative data review; visual, environmental, sensory, and communication supports are utilized as needed by the team of behavior specialists and analysts, speech and occupational therapists, and certified special educators. Classroom content is developed in the context of New York State Learning Standards, and progress is measured against goals set forth in IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) developed and adopted annually for each student.
In addition to its educational program at the Staatsburg campus, the organization also offers programs for younger students through Anderson Early Learning Academy at Cold Spring Elementary School in Stanfordville, New York and the recently-launched Anderson Early Learning Academy in Latham, New York.
This year’s graduation speaker will be Marybeth Cale, Secretary of Anderson Foundation for Autism’s Board of Trustees, co-president of Cale Communications, and founder of Estuary Coaching.
“Anderson’s graduation ceremony always serves as a reminder that we all thrive when we’re part of a caring community of people,” said Cale. “It will be a great privilege for me to share in this very special event with Anderson’s Class of 2024, their families, and all of the team members who have worked tirelessly to maximize success for these wonderful students – and it will be especially meaningful to do so in Anderson’s Centennial year.”
Said Paul, “We are very proud of our rich history optimizing the quality of life for individuals with autism, and look forward to continuing to strengthen that legacy as we begin the next century in Anderson’s story.”
For more information, call 845.889.9208 or visit andersoncenterforautism.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism
Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism
