Joel Freedman
On Oct. 3, 1981 I attended the first-ever commencement at Attica Correctional Facility in which several inmates, including two inmates I corresponded with while they were completing their courses, received bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts.
Attica’s superintendent personally greeted guests when we arrived. Inmate speakers, attired in traditional caps and gowns, talked about overcoming the difficulties of acquiring academic knowledge in prison. In his address, Niagara University Professor Joseph Sundram spoke about higher education, introspection, self-respect and respect for others and how each should harmonize with the other three. Inmate graduates and guests were served lunch after the commencement ceremonies.