St. Lawrence University Announces 2025 Commencement Speakers
In recognition of their outstanding accomplishments and enduring contributions to St. Lawrence University and the North Country community, Mike Ranger ’80, P’17, and Stephanie Ratcliffe P’13, ’16, will be honored during the Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 18. Professor of Education Jeff Frank will deliver the address to the Class of 2025.
Mike Ranger ’80, P’17
Longtime University trustee and accomplished business leader, Mike Ranger ’80, P’17 will be presented with an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to St. Lawrence and devoted service to its mission. Ranger’s connection to St. Lawrence spans decades. He was first appointed to the Board of Trustees in 1993, named Trustee Emeritus in 2004, rejoined the board in 2012, and concluded his tenure as Board Chair in 2023. Upon stepping down, his colleagues honored him with the title of Chair Emeritus. He earned his bachelor’s degree in government in 1980.
Ranger built a distinguished 40-year career in banking and private equity, holding leadership roles at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette, Drexel Burnham Lambert, DLJ Merchant Banking, and Diamond Castle. Following his retirement from Diamond Castle in 2020, he served as President and CEO of Covanta Holdings until its acquisition by private equity.
In addition to steadfastly supporting St. Lawrence University, Ranger and his wife Virginia have demonstrated deep dedication to nonprofit and educational institutions, including leadership roles with Morristown-Beard School, The Seeing Eye, LifeCamp, the Hartley Dodge Foundation, and Atlantic Health System.
The Rangers have two children: Maggie Ranger (Denison ’14) and Alex Ranger ’17.
Stephanie Ratcliffe P’13, ’16
This year’s North Country Citation will be awarded to Stephanie Ratcliffe P’13, ’16, executive director of The Wild Center in Tupper Lake, New York. Under Ratcliffe’s leadership, The Wild Center has become a nationally recognized natural history museum and climate science hub, serving as a model for green building and environmental education.
Since it opened in 2006, Ratcliffe has shaped the museum’s educational programming, including multimedia content, living exhibits, and interpretation of the Center’s 115-acre campus—all advancing its mission to allow visitors to “explore new ways that people and nature can thrive in the same place.” The Wild Center was the first LEED-certified museum in New York State and features initiatives such as the Wild Walk, a 3,000-square-foot climate solutions exhibit, and an internationally adopted Youth Climate Summit model.
Ratcliffe has led youth delegations to UN Climate Conferences in Paris and Scotland, and currently serves on boards including the Association of Science and Technology Centers and the Adirondack North Country Association. She previously held positions at the Smithsonian Institution, Brooklyn Children's Museum, and Maryland Science Center. A committed community leader and proud Laurentian parent of Emily Shrope ’16 and Christopher Shrope ’13, she holds degrees from George Washington University in art marketing and museum education.
Jeff Frank
Since he arrived at St. Lawrence in 2014, Professor of Education Jeff Frank has become known for the curiosity, empathy, and intellectual rigor he brings to his work. A respected teacher and scholar in the philosophy of education, Frank has been invited by President Kathryn A. Morris to address the Class of 2025 at this year’s Commencement ceremony.
Twice honored by students with the Owen D. Young Outstanding Faculty Award, Frank is deeply committed to student engagement and academic excellence. He served as the inaugural director of the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Assessment, has chaired the education department since 2020, and led the Commission on Laurentian Values and Resilient Community as faculty director. A dedicated educator and innovator, he regularly develops new courses, mentors student research, and supports independent studies.
He is the author of two books, a frequent contributor to academic journals, and has been cited in The New York Times. His scholarship has been shared internationally, including a doctoral seminar at the University of Iceland and a keynote at the John Dewey Center in Switzerland. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University.
