Month: May 2025

Four Students Recognized by SUNY, Phi Theta Kappa, & EOP for Academic Achievements

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Phi Theta Kapa

 May 27, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster celebrates its students recognized for their academic achievements. Each of these individuals are pursuing careers in different fields and are on a successful path toward realizing their collegiate and personal goals.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students for outstanding academic achievements, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the State University of New York. The 2025 Chancellor’s Awards go to Gia Pfleger and Deli Smith.

Gia Pfleger graduated with an Associate in Arts degree in Adolescence Education 7-12 with a concentration in social studies. Committed to academic excellence, Gia has been on the President’s List for multiple semesters and is graduating with a 3.8 GPA. Gia plans to pursue a double major in Education and Political Science when she transfers to SUNY New Paltz. Her hope is to use her degrees by mentoring students and making a difference in society through teaching.

Deli Smith graduated with an Associate in Science in Individual Studies. Taking pride in their academic portfolio, has maintained a 4.0 GPA. Deli will be attending SUNY Oneonta in the fall to major in Media Studies with the plan of obtaining a Master’s degree in Communication and work in the music industry. Deli is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, has maintained a place on the President’s List, and has contributed as a Student Trustee for the 2024-2025 academic year. Deli also is a member of SUNY Ulster’s Student Government Organization and Student Engagement Board where they work with fellow students on club activities and special events.

The Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.  Gabriella Acosta is the 2025 Recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa – All New York Academic Team.

Gabriella Acosta of Highland, NY, started her journey at SUNY Ulster as a L.A. Humanities and Social Sciences major who graduated this semester. She aspires to transfer to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a career goal of becoming a school psychologist.  A member of Phi Theta Kappa, Gabriella is committed to academic excellence and leadership in her community, as a passionate advocate for her town and its residents.

SUNY’s Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Excellence is awarded to Princess Giselle Burden-Green. Now celebrating its sixth class of honorees, the award recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance.

Princess Giselle Burden-Green’s goal is to become a therapist, social worker, and business owner. Over the course of her time at SUNY Ulster Princess has been a dedicated, responsible EOP student proactively improving her academic standing. She has been accepted to SUNY New Paltz where she will attend in the fall and major in psychology. Princess volunteered to speak to EOP students about her college experience and convey tips for new EOP students during our pre-college summer program this year. Princess works for a youth organization focused on developing leadership skills for underserved youth. She holds the position of Girls Lead Counselor.

SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. said, “I am proud of our students’ individual and collective commitment to academics, service, and excellence as they reach their educational goals by starting here at SUNY Ulster and Going Far!”

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High School Seniors Compete in Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition for Scholarships

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Press Release

Kingston High School Seniors to Compete in Anita Williams Peck

Public Speaking Competition for $7,500 in Scholarships

Sponsored by the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.

May 22, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – On Monday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m., Kingston High School students will compete in the annual Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition for $7,500 in scholarship awards for the best public speaking presentations. The event will be held at SUNY Ulster in the College Lounge in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus.

The event will feature qualifying seniors presenting five-minute persuasive speeches on current event topics of their choice before a panel of noted judges.

Three scholarship awards totaling $7,500 will be presented: 1st place, $3,500, 2nd place, $2,500 and $1,500 for 3rd place. Judging the competition will be Stephen Balantzian, Associate Professor of Communication & Theatre, and Coordinator of Media & Performing Arts and Mary Tarzca ‘78, Professor of Communications.

Established through a partnership between the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. and Kingston High School with a charitable gift from Anita Williams Peck who continued to support the program annually, the competition is designed to encourage students to refine their oral communication skills.

The College and members of the community experienced a great loss with the unexpected passing of Ms. Peck in January, 2019. Longtime proprietor of Williams Lake, Ms. Peck is also remembered for her civic leadership and guidance as a past chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Anita Williams Peck’s legacy includes her personal dedication to others, her spirit, and her generosity to so many.  She endowed the Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition with a major gift to the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., one which ensures the continuation of this event in perpetuity.

This event is free and open to the public. To make your required reservation, please contact the Foundation Office at (845) 688-6042.

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SUNY Ulster’s 61st Commencement on Saturday, May 24, 2025

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2025 Commencement

May 20, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will proudly celebrate its 61st Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Senate Gymnasium on the Stone Ridge campus. Presiding over the event will be President Alison Buckley, Ed.D., who will confer degrees and certificates upon 143 graduates during the ceremony.

The Class of 2025 comprises 340 students in total. Of those, 288 will receive associate degrees, and 81 will be awarded certificates. The graduating class spans generations—its youngest members are three 17-year-olds, and its oldest is 65.

Of the class, 51 students will graduate with highest honors, and 112 with honors, 8 students will receive the President’s Medal of Highest Honor for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, 52 graduates are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society, 15 students are recipients of the President’s Challenge Scholarship, who will receive the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Medallion of Excellence, and 6 are recognized as College Scholars.  14 nursing students will receive their pins as part of the ceremony.

Each participating graduate will receive six guest tickets, and the Senate Gymnasium will open for seating at 9:00 a.m. For friends and family unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed and available on the college’s website  and on the SUNY Ulster YouTube channelr.

The keynote address will be delivered by Elliott Auerbach, former New York State Deputy Comptroller and current Director of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. A dedicated steward of education and opportunity, Mr. Auerbach has devoted nearly five years to advancing the Foundation’s mission, championing scholarship initiatives that have profoundly enriched the lives and futures of our students.

Representing the student body, Deli Smith, this year’s Student Trustee, will serve as the student speaker. Smith is graduating with an Associate Degree with High Honors, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and was recently honored with the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. They plan to continue their education at SUNY Oneonta.

Introductions will be made by Jenn Zell, Chief of Staff & Secretary to the Board and Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President. Other participants include Grand Marshal James Hobbs, Professor of Psychology; Faculty Marshal Candice Van Dyke, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of Faculty; Deborah Briggs, Board of Trustees Chair; The Honorable Peter Oberacker, NYS Senator; The Honorable Peter Criswell, Ulster County Legislative Chair; Dr. Mark Stewart, Assistant Professor of Engineering & Academic Senate Chair, Rebecca Mercado, ESC Counselor & Staff Assembly Co-Chair, and John DeGasperis, Esq., Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Chair.

The invocation and benediction will be offered by The Rev. Gregory Simpson, Ph.D., SUNY Ulster Trustee and Pastor of Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church.

Musical performances will feature the College Chorus, under the direction of Janet Gehres, and the Old Capital Brass, directed by Victor Izzo, Jr.

Security Notice: Guests are advised that large bags and backpacks are not permitted. Large purses and diaper bags will be subject to inspection, and strollers must be left in designated areas.

SUNY Ulster looks forward to honoring the achievements of its graduates with family, friends, and the community in attendance.

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SUNY Ulster Launches Free Associate Degree Program for Adults

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

SUNY Reconnect Tuition, Fees, Books, and Supplies Covered for Adults Ages 25–55 without a Prior Degree

May 19, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce the launch of SUNY Reconnect, Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative to make college more accessible for adults aged 25 to 55 who have not yet earned a degree. Beginning in Fall 2025, eligible students can pursue an associate degree tuition-free in fields that lead to in-demand, family-sustaining careers.

Backed by the leadership of Governor Hochul, SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., and the New York State Legislature, SUNY Reconnect is designed to support adult learners in achieving their educational goals while strengthening the regional workforce.

At SUNY Ulster, qualifying adults can pursue an associate degree for free in the following high-demand fields:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Network Administrator
  • Nursing
  • Pathways to Teaching in shortage areas

“Expanding access to higher education is central to the mission of community colleges,” said Alison Buckley, President of SUNY Ulster. “Governor Hochul and Chancellor King’s leadership in launching SUNY Reconnect is a game-changer. This program aligns perfectly with SUNY Ulster’s commitment to empowering individuals, supporting families, and uplifting our entire community. We are excited to welcome more students into programs that lead to meaningful careers and brighter futures.”

Enrollment is open for the Fall 2025 semester, which begins August 25. Interested individuals are invited to learn more at an upcoming virtual information session on Thursday, May 22 at 6 p.m. via Zoom. Registration for the session is available at sunyulster.edu/visit.

For full program details and eligibility, visit sunyulster.edu/freeCC.

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SUNY Ulster GED Graduates Celebrate Milestone and Pursuit of Bright Futures

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Press Release GED Grads 2025

May 5, 2025 – Kingston, NY – SUNY Ulster celebrated the graduation of 18 community members upon receiving their GED on April 25, 2025. The ceremony took place at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster.

Dressed in caps and gowns and attended by families, President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. and Vice President for Workforce, Economic Development, and Community Partnerships, Christopher Marx Ed.D., presented each graduate. Robert R. Jacobsen, Esq., Trustee, was present to represent the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees on the platform party. Curtis Turner, GED Coordinator was the Master of Ceremony, Chief of Staff, Jenn Zell sang the National Anthem, and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, Candice Van Dyke was the keynote speaker. The invocation and benediction were performed by the Reverend Gia Lynn Hall, Pastor of St. James Methodist Church in Kingston. Student reflections were given by graduates Shawn Michael Jackson and Aiden Ryan.

“It takes courage to go back and finish. Many faced obstacles yet all of the 18 students achieved their goal of attaining their GED. And, achieving this goal means opportunities lie ahead for these graduates in terms of continuing their education and gaining better jobs with higher salaries,” said Curtis Turner, GED Coordinator.

Of the 18 graduates, four are already enrolled at SUNY Ulster and seven more are exploring SUNY Ulster as the next step of their educational journey.

“We are inspired by our 2025 GED graduates and were honored to participate in the inaugural graduation ceremony at the KCSU. We look forward to their bright futures as they attain their goals.”  Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The next two GED sessions run from May 27 through July 3 and September 9 through October 16. To learn more, email Mr. Turner at turnerc@sunyulster.edu or call 845 339-2025.

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