October 2025 - SUNY Ulster News Blog

SUNY Ulster Dedicates Memorial Bench Honoring Founding Trustee Emeritus Kenneth Davenport

October 31, 2025 by Dina Pearlman

October 31, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster has honored the legacy of Trustee Emeritus Kenneth Davenport with the dedication of a handcrafted stone bench on the Vanderlyn Quad at the College’s Stone Ridge campus. The memorial bench, complete with an engraved plaque, commemorates Davenport’s enduring contributions to the institution and the community it serves.

Davenport was appointed to the inaugural Board of Trustees in April 1962 by the Ulster County Board of Supervisors (now the Ulster County Legislature) and was later elected as the Board’s first permanent Chairman. A key figure in the founding of Ulster County Community College, he served through August 1968 and was later named Trustee Emeritus in recognition of his exceptional leadership and steadfast dedication.

His commitment extended beyond governance. In 1965, SUNY Ulster broke ground on its Stone Ridge campus—165 acres of farmland donated in part by the Davenport, Leggett, and Van Winkle families. Davenport’s role in this milestone reflects both his personal and professional commitment to expanding access to education in Ulster County.

“Our father, Trustee Emeritus Kenneth Davenport, was the first permanent, unanimously elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ulster County Community College,” shared the Davenport family—Bill and Tildy Davenport, Barbara Brinig, and Andrea and Mark Skwarek. “Together, we remember his profound commitment to education, exemplified through his dedicated service as a founding Trustee. We are honored to commemorate his lasting legacy with this bench on the Stone Ridge campus.”

SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D., reflected on Davenport’s legacy:

“Here at SUNY Ulster, we believe every student deserves access, support and opportunity. Trustee Emeritus Kenneth Davenport’s foresight laid a foundation of community, commitment and care that still serves our students today. This bench stands as a tangible symbol of that legacy—reminding us of our heritage, inspiring our present, and guiding our future.”

For more information, please contact Deborah Kaufman (845) 687-5261.

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Board of Trustees Chair Deborah Briggs Appointed to National Association of Community College Trustees Board of Directors

October 30, 2025 by Dina Pearlman

October 29, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY- SUNY Ulster proudly announces that Deborah Briggs, Chair of the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees, has been elected to the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Board of Directors as a Northeast Regional Director. Her three-year term was confirmed at the 56th Annual ACCT Leadership Congress, Reimagining Community College: Innovation for a Changing World, held in New Orleans, LA.

ACCT is a nonprofit educational organization representing more than 6,500 elected and appointed trustees serving on over 500 community, technical, and junior college governing boards across the United States and beyond. Its 26-member Board of Directors is elected by member boards to represent the voice of community college governance nationwide.

Briggs has served on the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees since 2018, and as Board Chair since 2022, leading the College’s Presidential Search Committee in 2022. She has previously served with distinction on ACCTs 2024 Finance and Audit Committee and, for 2025, is serving on ACCTs Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.

“Chair Briggs brings a powerful, place-based perspective to the national stage,” said Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President of SUNY Ulster. “She understands firsthand the transformative power of community colleges and is committed to expanding opportunity, advancing equity, and driving student success and institutional innovation—especially for those too often left out of the conversation. Our institution has benefited greatly from her engagement with trustees across the country, and we are proud to see her continue advancing ACCT’s mission as a member of its Board of Directors.”

“The SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees affirms that ACCT will benefit from Chair Briggs’ active and passionate advocacy,” said Tim Sweeney, Vice Chair of the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees. “She has been a steadfast voice for the community college sector, and we know she will continue to represent our students and institutions with distinction.”

Reflecting on her appointment, Briggs said, “I believe the strength of America’s community colleges lies in their diversity. As a first-generation graduate and trustee, I am committed to ensuring that all colleges—and the students they serve—are fully represented, supported, and empowered through national policy, advocacy, and leadership. Representing SUNY Ulster and our Board of Trustees on the ACCT Board of Directors is an honor and privilege.”

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Student Government Hosts Blood Drive for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Monday, October 27

October 21, 2025 by Dina Pearlman

October 20, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, SUNY Ulster’s Student Government Organization (SGO) is partnering with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive on Monday, October 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event will take place in the Student Life Dining Hall in Vanderlyn Hall on SUNY Ulster’s Stone Ridge campus.

The blood drive is open to students, faculty, staff, and members of the public.
While appointments are encouraged and can be made at https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/333542, walk-ins are also welcome.

Participants are asked to:

Bring a valid student or government-issued photo ID
Eat well and hydrate before donating
Be free of any cold or flu symptoms

Donating blood is one of the most direct ways to support patients in need. Whether it’s for cancer treatment, surgery, or emergencies, every donation has the potential to save lives.

The blood drive highlights the ongoing need for blood donations, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as many cancer patients require transfusions as part of their treatment.

This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact:
Samm Chambers
Student Activities Coordinator
Email: chambers@sunyulster.edu
Phone: 845-687-1560

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SUNY Ulster and Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. to Hold Annual Homecoming Reunion on October 18

October 14, 2025 by Dina Pearlman

October 14, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster and Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. will host its annual Homecoming Reunion on Saturday, October 18 from 1-5 p.m. on the Stone Ridge campus.

Get ready to walk down memory lane as the SUNY Ulster Alumni society welcomes alumni, families, and friends back to campus. Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, Homecoming 2025 is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, relive favorite moments, and see how our campus has flourished. The afternoon will be packed with activities for all ages, combining food, fun, and celebration in a display of true SUNY Ulster spirit.

Event highlights include:

Men’s Basketball Showcase
Art Exhibition
Lawn Games & Family Activities
Crafts, Music, and more

“We are thrilled to welcome alumni and their families back home to SUNY Ulster,” said John DeGasperis, Esq. ‘02 Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Board Chair. “This is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the vibrant SUNY Ulster community as well as network among peers.”

SUNY Ulster president, Alison Buckley, Ed.D., shared, “Homecoming is always a special time to celebrate the heart of who we are as a college – our students, alumni, employees, and community. Homecoming is a celebration of connection: to each other, to our community, and to the impact SUNY Ulster has had on so many lives. We are proud to welcome our alumni back to where their journey began and to celebrate the same pride and purpose that unite us all. It’s a moment to reflect on our shared history and to look ahead with pride and optimism on the future we are building together.”

Admission is free, but registration is encouraged. To RSVP and learn more, visit SUNYUlsterHomecoming.com

About the SUNY Ulster Alumni Society

The SUNY Ulster Alumni Society fosters lifelong relationships between the College and its alumni through events, mentorship, and engagement. Homecoming is one of the Society’s signature events, celebrating the impact of SUNY Ulster and the memories that bring us back together. If you attended SUNY Ulster at any point in your academic journey, we encourage you to join the Alumni Society.

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SUNY Ulster Presents “time Again” an Exhibit of Drawings, Paintings, and Sculpture by Marie Mastronardo and B. Robert Johnson at the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery

October 7, 2025 by Dina Pearlman

October 7, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – The Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery at SUNY Ulster is proud to present “time Again”, a two-person exhibition featuring the diverse works of Marie Mastronardo and B. Robert Johnson. The exhibit runs from October 16 through December 4, with an opening reception on October 16 from 4-6 p.m. This exhibition is sponsored by the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.

“time Again” brings together selected works of Johnson and Mastronardo on the 50th anniversary of their first exhibition together at the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery in 1975.

Marie Mastronardo is showing sculptures, sculpted in clay, coil built, and some done in plaster reliefs. Voluminous, yet fragile, her pieces take shape one thin coil at a time from the ground up and evolve into free-flowing figurative vessels and sculptures. Ms. Mastronardo holds a B.A. in art from Hunter College followed by a year’s travel in Europe, a decade long association with the Art Students” League, studying drawing with Marshall Glasier, painting with Julian Levi, and sculpture with John Hovannes. She has participated in both solo and group shows in New York City and upstate New York.

Robert Johnson is a multidisciplinary artist who describes his paintings and drawings as geometric landscapes and interpretations of the natural world, balancing realism and abstraction to represent the essence of beauty that nature possesses. Mr. Johnson holds a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute and is the Director of Graphic & Printing Services at SUNY Ulster, designing award-winning visual communication publications for the promotion of the College. In addition, he serves on the Exhibition Committee for the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery, was a past board member of the Art Society of Kingston, curated the city-wide outdoor Sculpture Biennial in 2011, and has been making art cars for the Kingston Artists Soapbox Derby since 1999.

“time Again” reflects both artists’ life-long commitment to art making and the way art invites the viewer to return, reconsider, and see their work anew.

For more information, please contact Chris Seubert at seubertc@sunyulster.edu.

About the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery

The Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery at SUNY Ulster serves as a center for creative activity at the College and within the community. It also functions as an environment for teaching, performing, and exhibiting.

About the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.

Since 1976, the Ulster Community College Foundation has been committed to advancing student success, academic excellence, and community impact at SUNY Ulster. Rooted in a mission to bridge opportunity with action, the Foundation has awarded over $8.5 million in scholarships to more than 8,700 students. Each year, the Foundation offers almost $1 million in scholarships, enabling students to pursue degrees across disciplines ranging from Nursing and STEM to Business and the Arts. The Ulster Community College Foundation’s impact extends far beyond scholarships. The organization invests in cultural enrichment, academic innovation, teaching technologies, and student-centered programming. The Foundation also plays a pivotal role in alumni engagement, donor cultivation, and positioning SUNY Ulster as a hub of innovation and opportunity in the Hudson Valley.

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Ulster Community College Foundation to Hold Soiree for SUNY Ulster October 9, 2025

October 6, 2025 by Dina Pearlman

September 25, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – Ulster Community College Foundation will host its annual fundraising event on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Diamond Mills Resort & Spa in Saugerties at 5:30 p.m. This event is open to the public with tickets available at www.sunyulster.edu/soiree.

The fundraiser and recognition event honors individuals, organizations, and businesses in support of student success. Bringing together community leaders, alumni, donors, and friends of SUNY Ulster, this event is a celebration of the power of higher education as it raises funds for student scholarships and programs.

This year’s soiree will feature an awards presentation honoring those whose contributions embody SUNY Ulster’s spirit of community and service and include:

Your Promise – Their Future Award: Eli Basch, Esq. & Susan Raymond Basch ‘74 (posthumously) — recognizing donors whose substantial gifts are transformative.
#BeLikeAnita Award: Bill Calderara — recognizing community members who lead by example and dedicate personal time to bettering others.
Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.): Alejandro Duran-Sanchez ‘19 — honoring a recent graduate who has distinguished themselves through volunteerism, professional growth, and philanthropic values.
Caring for the Community Award: Tony Marmo — for exceptional dedication to the well-being of the community.
Anne R. Donovan Award for Faculty & Staff: Dr. Mark Stewart, PhD — for members of the campus community who go above and beyond in their service to SUNY Ulster’s mission.

“Our Soirée is more than a fundraising event — it’s a celebration of the people whose vision, generosity, and commitment make SUNY Ulster what it is,” said John DeGasperis, Esq. ‘02 Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Board Chair. “We’re thrilled to honor this year’s remarkable individuals, and to continue supporting our students through their generosity.”

SUNY Ulster president, Alison Buckley, ED.D. shared, “The Soiree is a meaningful evening that shines a light on the incredible generosity of our community, the commitment of our honorees, and, most importantly, the life-changing opportunities that our Foundation provides for our students. Together, we are investing in futures, building pathways to success, and strengthening the Hudson Valley through education.”

The evening will include a cocktail reception, fine dining, live music, auctions, and presentations from individuals whose lives have been shaped by SUNY Ulster and the Ulster Community College Foundation. Early reservations are encouraged as seating is limited.

For more information, please contact the Foundation office at foundation@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5283.

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SUNY Ulster Director of New Start, Arie Drewes Named SUNY Basic Needs Champion

October 7, 2025October 3, 2025 by Dina Pearlman

October 3, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce that Arie Drewes, Director of New Start, has been named a SUNY Basic Needs Champion, one of only five honorees selected from across SUNY campuses statewide. The recognition was announced on September 18, 2025, by SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. King, Jr. during the SUNY Basic Needs Summit in Albany.

The Basic Needs Champion award honors faculty and staff who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to removing barriers to student success by advancing holistic support services. Honorees are recognized not only as advocates, but also as leaders who help foster a culture of care and equity across the SUNY system.

Drewes joined SUNY Ulster in April 2021 and has served in various academic administration and program development roles. Since June 2023, she has led New Start, an opportunity program designed to promote academic success and economic mobility for adult and parenting students. She brings a strong academic and professional background, holding advanced degrees and credentials from studies spanning Boston University, Trinity College Dublin, Berklee College of Music, New York University, and Dutchess Community College. Drewes is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Adult Learning at Empire State University.

“For students to succeed, their basic needs—housing, food, childcare, and transportation—must be met. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues in our community, at SUNY Ulster, and across the SUNY system, who are committed to making this possible and work with me to connect students with essential resources. This recognition is truly a testament to that collective effort,” said Arie Drewes.

“Arie’s work reflects the very best of SUNY Ulster—putting students at the heart of everything we do,” said Alison Buckley, Ed.D., president of SUNY Ulster. “She is relentless in removing barriers, amplifying student voices, and ensuring that every learner has the resources to thrive. This recognition affirms the impact of her leadership and the culture of care she is helping to build at our college.”

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