Day: April 10, 2026

Acclaimed Poet Sarah Kay Inspired a Standing Room Only Audience at SUNY Ulster 

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April 10, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – Sarah Kay, known for her powerful, fun, and honest performances delivered a series of poems interwoven with personal anecdotes at SUNY Ulster to a packed audience of SUNY Ulster students, high school students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Her poems explored themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth that garnered laughter, reflection, and extended applause throughout the event. Her reading was followed by a thoughtful series of moderator and audience questions that offered insight into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of storytelling as a way to understand oneself, others, and the world around us.

When asked about her inspiration, Sarah explained, “The act of reaching for poetry is something I’ve done my whole life. I turn to it when there’s something I’m trying to figure out and I’m having a hard time figuring it out. It might be an interpersonal relationship, people, memories, or something in the news. I say, okay, I might have to poem my way through this.”

Kay’s visit was part of SUNY Ulster’s ongoing commitment to bringing arts and cultural programming to campus to enrich students and the community.

About SUNY Ulster

SUNY Ulster provides Ulster County residents and the surrounding population with an exceptional and affordable education in a student-focused environment. The College offers over 60 academic programs – associate degrees, certificates, and credentials – at its Stone Ridge Campus and the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster where students are prepared to either enter the workforce or transfer to four-year colleges to complete their bachelor degrees. 

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Sarah Kay gesturing
Acclaimed poet Sarah Kay performs for a packed audience at SUNY Ulster on April 9, 2026

SUNY Ulster Hosts “Teaching Diversity in an Adverse Time” with Albert Cook

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Albert Cook portrait

April 10, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will present Teaching Diversity in an Adverse Time, a special lecture and discussion featuring noted educator and historian Albert Cook, on Wednesday, April 22 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the College Lounge on the Stone Ridge campus.

This event will offer a pedagogical presentation and open discussion focused on the challenges and importance of teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s evolving social climate. Participants will gain insight into effective approaches for engaging students in meaningful conversations about race, history, and identity.

Albert Cook is a noted lecturer on the history of African cultures and the development of race and racism in North America. He is also the co-author of Bearing Witness: Exploring the Legacy of Enslavement in Ulster County (2024), a work that examines the region’s historical connections to enslavement and its lasting impact on the community.

“Our mission is to educate individuals and elevate the community,” said Dr. Hans Vought, Professor of History and Chair of the Social Sciences, History and Education Dept. “This event combines academic inquiry with current events, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion.”

Developed in coordination with SUNY Ulster’s Social Science, History, & Education department in partnership with the College’s Chief Diversity Officer, the presentation is open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.

For more information, please email Nichola Harris, Ph.D., Professor of European History & Coordinator of History and Political Science at harrisn@sunyulster.edu.

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