May 2023 - SUNY Ulster News Blog

SUNY Ulster Student, Marissa Dawson Takes First Place at Business Plan Competition

May 25, 2023 by Dina Pearlman

SUNY Ulster Student, Marissa Dawson Takes First Place in Services and Software Category at New York State Annual Business Plan Competition

Dawson outpaces tough competitors from undergraduate and graduate students of four-year universities to secure funding for her new business.

May 25, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – The New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC) announces 2023 prizewinners at Venture, NY, and the marquee event for early-stage companies, investors, and innovators hosted by the Upstate Capital Association of New York. SUNY Ulster’s very own Marissa Dawson of New Paltz, a Business & Entrepreneurial Studies student placed first in the Services and Software category.

Since March, Student competitors have been competing at the semi-final competitions hosted by partner colleges and universities held in all 10 regions of New York State. Top teams from each region advanced to the statewide finals. In all, a total of 75 teams placed in the top of their tracks during regional competitions and advanced to the NYBPC Finals. SUNY Ulster was one of only two community colleges to compete in the NYBPC finals.

On April 27, 2023, The NYBPC culminated with student competitors pitching live to judges at the OnCenter in Syracuse, New York. Over the course of the competition, over 150 judges volunteered, setting aside time from their work as venture capitalists, angel investors, investment bankers, experienced entrepreneurs, and leaders from the business community to share their input on these student-led ventures.

Marissa presented her business, Sage’s Sudzee Dudz, which provides horse blanket cleaning. Business Professor, Daniel Boice, was her coach with support from Adjunct Professor, Pat Phelan and the entire SUNY Ulster Business Club. Daniel Boice said SUNY Ulster was the
“only community college represented at the Regional” level. The ten state finalist teams in the Services and Software category included teams from Cornell University, Binghamton University, Wagner College, and many more. Each first place category winner, including Marissa, received not only a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain feedback from industry leaders but also a cash prize.

Marissa said, “Thanks to SUNY Ulster I was given the opportunity to learn about business and entrepreneurship. The bonus launch of my own small business has been a rollercoaster, but it is well worth it.”

Upstate Capital Association President and CEO, Noa Conger Simons said, “This program helps cultivate investable early-stage companies, provides a launch pad for all kinds of new ventures, and develops skills and mindsets that all competitors take forward with them in their careers. Since its inception in 2010, the NYBPC has impacted more than 6,000 students with more than $150 million of economic impact that can be attributed to student-led ventures that have gone through the program and hundreds of innovations that have led to commercialization over the past decade.”

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SUNY Ulster Summer Arts Academy for High School Students

May 24, 2023 by Dina Pearlman

May 24, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster announces registration for its Summer Arts Academy is now open. We are offering six workshops in a variety of media taught by practicing artists in the field. All workshops will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Digital Drawing + Painting will be held from July 17 – July 20.
Learn the basics of digital drawing and rendering, how to translate traditional art to screen by utilizing various digital brushes and textures, quick tips and tricks that can simplify the drawing process, as well as what goes into marketing your work to an audience online.

Instructor: Kat Farrell

Printmaking will run from July 17 – July 19.
The Printmaking workshop will introduce you to the three basic types of printmaking: Relief, Intaglio, and Planographic by exploring the techniques of Linocut, Collagraph, and Monotype. This is a hands-on class in which you will use new tools to create and print multiple images while learning the basics of working in a printmaking studio. No previous printmaking experience required.

Instructor: Joan Ffolliott

Sculpture: Creating Art in 3 Dimensions will run from July 24 – July 27.
Together we will investigate the question: “How do you make a sculpture?” You will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of materials as we explore how art concepts apply to creating in 3 dimensions.

Instructor: Sam Goldberg

Digital Photography & Image Editing will run from July 24 – July 27.
This intensive photography workshop will provide everything for the aspiring photographer. We will take advantage of the extended time together to photograph inside and outside using our cameras to full effect. Learn all about camera functions, camera usage, studio lighting, and printing photographs as well as introductions to photographics artists and how they can teach us how to make powerful images.

Instructor: Seth Rubin

Developing Personal Narrative in Drawing runs from July 31 – August 3.
In this workshop you will learn to use your own objects, photographs, and memories combined with landscapes and text to create more personal story – telling drawings. Classes will center on learning positive and negative drawing techniques in charcoal and graphite.

Instructor: Kristin Flynn

Animation 101 also runs from July 31 – August 3.
In this intro level class, you will learn the basic principles of animation. Using these principles, you will be able to see your animated projects come to life using both traditional and digital techniques. We will then work through various animation exercises to create a demo reel showcasing your animation skills.

Instructor: Cassiopeia Ottulich

To register for any of these courses, a parent or guardian must first complete our online Pre-Registration form. After the form is complete you will receive a registration link to pay for the course(s). For more information, contact Continuing Education at cereg@sunyulster.edu or 845-339-2025, or Christopher Seubert, Fine Arts Visual Arts Department Program Coordinator at seubertc@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5134.

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Registration Opens for SUNY Ulster’s Newest Microcredential: Pet Sitting, Training, and Grooming

May 17, 2023 by Dina Pearlman

May 17, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – For anyone who loves working with animals, SUNY Ulster introduces a new microcredential, Pet Sitting, Training, and Grooming. In this microcredential, students will learn key skills and knowledge needed for pet sitting, training, and grooming services. Students will also learn how to successfully start a business to offer these services and the business skills they will need.

Microcredentials are short programs that provide relevant skills needed in today’s marketplace. They take less time to earn than a degree or certificate, achievable in one year or less. Once the requirements of a microcredential are achieved, you are awarded proof in the form of a digital badge that can be added to your resume or LinkedIn.

This microcredential is composed of four to five classes totaling between 9 and 12 credits. After the completion of this microcredential, students will be able to analyze strategies for dealing with pet behavioral issues, identify grooming tools and demonstrate understanding of their uses, and create a business plan for a pet business including start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet business.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “About 80,900 openings for animal care and service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade”. In addition, animal care and service worker employment is projected to increase by 29% from 2021 to 2031. As the number of pets in households rise, and travel becomes more accessible, there is an increasing need for animal caretakers.

To learn more about the Pet Sitting, Training, and Grooming Microcredential visit SUNY Ulster’s website or contact Admissions at admissions@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5022.

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Photo by John Halpern

SUNY Ulster Holds 59th Commencement on May 20, 2023

March 12, 2026May 11, 2023 by Dina Pearlman

May 11, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s seventh President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D. will preside over the College’s 59^th Commencement on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. on the SUNY Ulster Soccer Field/Louis Berger Athletic Fields on the Stone Ridge campus. President Buckley will present 130 students with a degree or certificate at the Commencement ceremony.

Graduates marching in academic regalia will receive four tickets each for guests to attend the commencement. The Soccer Field will be open for guest seating at 8:30 a.m., and the ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m. In the event of light to moderate rain, a decision for the outdoor ceremony to be moved inside will be made and communicated to graduates as soon as possible.

The event will be video streamed live for guests without tickets and can be viewed from any remote location as the ceremony occurs from our website at sunyulster.edu/graduation or from our YouTube channel . The graduating class consists of 429 students. Three hundred twenty-nine (329) will receive associate degrees and 100 will receive certificates. The youngest graduate is 17, and the oldest is 64. Of the class, 73 are graduating with highest honors, 145 are graduating with honors, 3 students are graduating with the Honors Studies program distinction, 7 students are being recognized with the President’s Medal of Highest Honor for earning a 4.0 GPA, and 57 are members of the national honor society Phi Theta Kappa. There are also 21 students graduating as nurses.

Tim Guinee, actor and environmental activist will give the keynote address. Tim Guinee is the President of Climate Action Now and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Commission on Accelerating Climate Solutions. As a leader in former Vice-President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, he has given presentations on the climate emergency all over the U.S., Canada, and North Africa. He is also the founder of The Climate Actors and serves on the Leadership Council of Riverkeeper, the board of the Ashokan Center, and the board of Green Product Placement. He is the official climate change liaison for the town of Marbletown, NY with the Climate Mayors, and serves as the New York legislative action director for the New York Climate Reality Chapters Coalition. Mr. Guinee earns his living as an actor and has performed in hundreds of films, plays, and episodes of television.

Other speakers include Grand Marshal Kari Mack, Director of library studies, Faculty Marshal Kevin R. Stoner, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty; Deborah Briggs, Board of Trustees Chair; The Honorable Patrick K. Ryan, United States Congressman; The Honorable Michelle Hinchey, New York State Senator; The Honorable Sarahana Shrestha, New York State Assemblymember; The Honorable Jen Metzger, Ulster County Executive; The Honorable Tracey A. Bartels, Ulster County Legislature Chair; Christopher Mikesh, Esq., Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., Secretary; and Matthew Goodell, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, & Academic Senate Chair.

SUNY Ulster held an inaugural student speaker competition and Logan Erlwein was selected to deliver remarks to his fellow classmates and serve as student marshal.

The Reverend Allison Moore, Ph.D., of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Paltz, will deliver the invocation and benediction. Music will be performed by members of the College Choral Ensemble directed by Janet Gehres, and Old Capital Brass directed by Victor Izzo, Jr.

The security policy does not permit large bags and backpacks. Large purses and diaper bags will be checked. Guests will be asked to leave their strollers in a designated area on the soccer field.

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Rosendale Theatre hosts Public Screening of SUNY Ulster Student Work on May 18, 2023

May 10, 2023May 8, 2023 by Dina Pearlman

May 8, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – The Fine & Visual Arts Program at SUNY Ulster announces the Rosendale Theatre will host a public screening of “We all have something to say” on Thursday, May 18 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This screening is a collection of SUNY Ulster student work created in the Digital Visual Narrative course, which places emphasis on time-based art and storytelling.

Professor Sean Nixon will introduce his students and the selection of short stories that include, Simple Actions, Public Service Announcements, and Interviews including AI technology with a Q&A session to follow. Local filmmakers and professionals will attend to share their feedback.

Participating Students:

Ben Ambrosini
Hannah Bouck
Kaitlin Olivera
Kareena White-Dixon
Sierena Zeko

Professor Sean Nixon welcomes the community, “come view the stories, meet the students and enjoy your neighbors. What better place to tell a story than a theater. It’s where it happens.”

This event is free and open to the public; parking is in the back of the theater.

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SUNY Ulster Faculty Association Awards Six Students with Scholarships

May 5, 2023May 4, 2023 by Dina Pearlman

May 4, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster Faculty Association (SUFA) awarded six students with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship at a ceremony on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. SUFA President Dr. Nichola Harris, SUFA Vice President Chris Seubert, and Dr. Mkajuma Mbogho, Professor of Biology, were among some of the faculty who presented these awards. Kevin Stoner, Vice President of Academic Affairs gave congratulatory remarks and reflection. Candice Van Dyke, Associate Professor and Chief Diversity Officer closed out the third annual SUFA scholarship ceremony.

The following students were awarded scholarships:

Penelope Rose – “If I’m Not Human, What Am I?” – Poem

Roaa Aboueida – “Under This Roof In America” – Poem

Tandy St.Hill – “D.I.E.” – Poem

Ethan King – “My name Is Ethan and I am Christian” – Poem

Arianna Moore – “Transforming the Ancient Myth of Hades and Persephone” – Painting

Ivy Quintero – “Jamaica, Queens: A Cultural Diversity Love Letter” – Poem

The Faculty Association is the collective bargaining unit for all faculty at Ulster County Community College. The Association negotiates the faculty contract and ensures that the contract is followed by both the faculty and the administration of the College.

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Photo caption: Faculty and student scholarship recipients at SUFA presentation