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Sarah Lawrence College, the prestigious, coeducational liberal arts college celebrating its centennial in 2026, has announced that Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at the College’s 98th Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 8.
President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate, Andrea Stewart-Cousins is the Senator for the 35th District. As the longest-serving Democratic Majority Leader in New York State Senate history, and the first woman and African American woman to occupy this role, her tenure is distinguished by significant legislative achievements and a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of New Yorkers.
Leader Stewart-Cousins has been instrumental in protecting and advancing women's health rights in New York, safeguarding these rights against external threats and ensuring that New York remains a beacon of support for women's health and autonomy.
Education has been another key focus of her tenure. She played a pivotal role in securing historic funding for New York schools, a significant milestone in providing equitable and high-quality education for all students across New York.
Under her leadership, the Senate has passed the most comprehensive and aggressive climate change legislation in the nation, and the strongest tenant protections and affordable housing packages in state history.
Born and raised in New York, Leader Stewart-Cousins' journey in public service began well before her election to the State Senate in 2006. Representing Greenburgh, Mount Pleasant, and the city of Yonkers, she has been a consistent advocate for the underserved and working families. Her previous roles include serving as a Westchester County Legislator, where she was Majority Whip and Vice-Chair, and as the first African American Director of Community Affairs for the City of Yonkers.
Her extensive legislative work and community service have earned her numerous recognitions, including being named a “Trailblazer of Democracy” by Eleanor’s Legacy and receiving awards such as the “Dolores Huerta Award” and the “Champion of Choice” honor. She has also been scored one of the highest ranks for environmental protection by the New York League of Conservation Voters.
“It is an honor to recognize Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins at this year’s commencement,” said Sarah Lawrence College President Cristle Collins Judd. “Throughout her impressive career as a public servant, she has led with integrity and spearheaded meaningful change, which we hope will inspire our graduates as they begin their own journeys into lives of purpose and impact.”
The College’s commencement exercises will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 8, under a tent on the campus’s South Lawn. For full details on Sarah Lawrence College’s 98th Commencement, visit the commencement website.