A list of the 14 most stunning outdoor settings for college commencements lists two Hudson Valley campuses.

The list was put out by Lawnstarter, and ranks the top colleges and universities across the country based on the aesthetics of where they hold their graduation ceremonies. Natural beauty, landscaping, architecture and other attributes were all factored into the decision. Lawnstarter says that they only ranked places where school wide commencements take place, and excluded any schools use outdoor stadiums for their ceremonies.

Number eight on the list was Marist College. Their commencement, which is held on the green space overlooking the Hudson River is a spectacular sight. The space, which used to be a huge parking lot, has transformed the entire campus, making it much more pedestrian friendly and serves as a multi-purpose meeting space.

Also making the list is Vassar College. Coming in at 14 on the list is the outdoor amphitheater on campus which is used for commencement ceremonies every year. The "numbers trees" and views of Sunset Lake were listed as reasons for making the list. Anyone who has seen the natural amphitheater in person knows how breathtaking it can be, especially when filled with celebratory students and families at graduation time.

It's pretty cool that our area actually has two of the 14 top schools from the entire country right in our own back yard. Congratulations to Marist and Vassar.

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