Commencement Profile: Kaitlyn M. Beachner

Kaitlyn Beachner has earned a master of science in higher education and student affairs administration while serving in numerous leadership positions within the State University of New York system and attaining a GPA of 3.83.

Beachner will receive the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence and the President’s Distinguished Service Award during the 6:00 p.m. master’s hooding and C.A.S. ceremony at Buffalo State's 140th Commencement, Saturday, May 12, in the Sports Arena.

During her time at Buffalo State, Beachner stayed extremely active in student and university government. From 2011 to 2012, she served as president of the SUNY Student Assembly, marking the first time a Buffalo State student has held this position. In addition, she served as a member of SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher’s executive cabinet, as a trustee to the SUNY board, and as a trustee to the Higher Education Services Corporation for 2011–2012.

Beachner also served as the University College representative to the SUNY Student Assembly, a student liaison and committee member of the University Faculty Senate, and a member of the Faculty Council for Community Colleges, all in 2011–2012. Highlights of her work included speaking in Albany and introducing New York governor Andrew Cuomo at his signing of the SUNY 2020 legislation.

She exemplified a collaborative spirit in campus activities, including helping to found Buffalo State’s Graduate Student Organization. Beachner also belonged to the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society beginning in 2007 and worked as a graduate assistant in the Student Life Office. The Institutional Advancement Office awarded her an internship with the Advancement and Alumni Ambassador Program in May 2011.

She published articles including “Balancing Social Justice and Campus Safety,” presented at the 15th Biennial Professional Development Day at Buffalo State, and “The Art of Professionalism,” presented at Buffalo State’s Emerging Student Leaders Program.

Outside of campus, Beachner assisted in the coordination of Buffalo News Kids Day, organized a holiday card–making project for young patients at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and sang the national anthem at the Kicks for Kidneys soccer game in Rochester.