Dina Pearlman

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

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

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

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Press Release

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

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

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.

“time Again” images by Marie Mastronardo and B. Robert Johnson

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

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

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

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

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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Arie Drewes portrait

 

The SUNY Ulster Music Department Presents the Fall 2025 Showcase Concert 

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 September 30, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will host its first concert of our annual fall concert series on Wednesday, October 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Quimby Theater in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge Campus. The concert will feature the College Chorus, African Music Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the College/Community Band. The concert is free and open to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated.

The Showcase Concert is a concert of appetizers, offering a few musical selections by each of our SUNY Ulster music ensembles. The College Chorus is directed by Janet Gehres and accompanied by Edward Leavitt. The ensemble is made up of primarily SUNY Ulster students as well as members of the community, staff, and faculty. Enjoy performances of the music from the Renaissance – Cantate Domino by Hans Leo Hassler, Seasonal Music – Autumn Gives Her Hand to Winter by Keith Loftis, and the Patriotic Hymn – America, the Beautiful by Samuel A. Ward and Katharine Lee Bates.

The SUNY Ulster African Music Ensemble, directed by Paul Chambers and made up of students along with community, staff, and faculty members will perform Drumming Rhythms from Guinea. 

The Percussion Ensemble, also directed by Paul Chambers, is made up of students and community members and will perform music by Composer Steve Reich and Traditional Marimba Band Arrangements.

The evening will conclude with the SUNY Ulster College/Community Band directed by Carla Newsome. This ensemble is made up of SUNY Ulster students, community members, advanced high school and middle school students, and music educators from across the Hudson Valley. Enjoy a performance of On an American Spiritual by David Holsinger, Frank Ticheli’s setting of Shenandoah, Selections from Sweeney Todd, arranged by Stephen Bulla, and March from Paul Hindemith’s work Symphonic Metamorphosis.

For more information, contact Janet Gehres at gehresj@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Announces Faculty Promotions

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September 18, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce the promotion of four distinguished faculty members, recognizing their outstanding contributions to teaching and service to the College and their respective fields.

Dr. Jennifer Guiher, Christopher Seubert, Dr. Mark Stewart, and Dr. Ellen Tangney have been promoted in recognition of their continued excellence and dedication to the College and their students.

Dr. Jennifer Guiher, Professor and Coordinator of the Environmental Studies program, predominantly teaches Environmental and Biology courses. She holds a PH.D. in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior from the CUNY Graduate Center. Dr. Guiher was instrumental in gaining a National Science Foundation grant, allowing the College to add a field research component with the Department of Environmental Protection to the Environmental Studies program.

Christopher Seubert, Professor and Chair of the Art Department, teaches drawing, painting, 2-D design, and portfolio development, among other topics. He holds a Master in Fine Arts from the New York Academy of Art in Painting and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration from Pratt. Chris Seubert actively exhibits and has participated in group exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, among other museums and galleries.

Dr. Mark Stewart is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Engineering Science program. He holds a PH.D. in electrical engineering from Lehigh University and a Bachelor degree in Physics and Applied Mathematics from Drew University. Dedicated to helping students become world class engineers, he teaches courses in Statistics, Digital Logic, Engineering, and Electric Circuit Analysis.

Dr. Ellen Tangney, Professor of Nursing, is lead professor for Nursing Three and Four, teaching theoretical content as well as clinical and practicum experiences in the therapeutic setting.  She has also taught in the laboratory setting introducing new skills and procedures to students. Dr. Tangney holds a dual Master’s degree in adult health with a focus on gerontology and nursing education as well as a Doctorate in Nursing Science, Leadership and Education from Sage College.  Dr. Tangney holds a current nursing license and practices as a critical care nurse at a local hospital.

“These promotions reflect the high caliber of our faculty and their unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and supporting our students,” said Alison Buckley, Ed.D., president of SUNY Ulster. “We are honored to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to their continued contributions.”

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faculty
Dr. Jennifer Guiher, Christopher Seubert, Dr. Mark Stewart, and Dr. Ellen Tangne

SUNY Ulster Fine Art Faculty Exhibit at Stone Ridge Library

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

September 8, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster fine arts faculty is participating in a group exhibit at the Stone Ridge Library during the months of September and October 2025 in the library’s activity room.

Included in the exhibit are Les Castellanos, Joan Ffolliott, Michelle Moore, Sean Nixon, Cassiopeia Ottulich, Rick Price, Seth Rubin, and Chris Seubert. Each of these faculty members are working artists who not only display their work regularly but bring technical skills, mentorship, creative inspiration, and professional guidance to their classes.

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

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artwork
Left to right: Seth Rubin, Cassiopeia Ottulich, Joan Ffolliott,

Police Basic Training Program at SUNY Ulster Celebrates a New Class 94% of Graduate Secure Employment

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August 8, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster proudly announces the graduation of its latest class from the Police Basic Training program. In a ceremony held on July 24, 17 cadets were officially recognized for completing the rigorous program that prepares them for careers in law enforcement.

This year’s class achieved a 94% employment rate, with 16 of the 17 graduates hired by area police departments, including the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Ulster Police, Town of New Paltz Police, Town of Goshen Police, Town of Woodstock Police, and the Village of Ellenville Police. The remaining student is expected to be employed before the end of this year.

Several students were recognized for their academic achievements, including Natalie Welsh of the Town of Goshen Police Department who was presented with the Top Cop Award and the Top Physical Fitness Award for having the highest overall average for academics as well as physical fitness. Dominick Almeida received the Top Academic Award and the Krupica Scholarship Award. This award was created by George Krupica, a proud SUNY Ulster alumnus and retired law enforcement professional, to support students pursuing careers in criminal justice and law enforcement.

Acceptance into the Police Basic Training program is competitive based on performance on the physical agility test. The 30-credit hour certificate program is achieved through collaboration between SUNY Ulster and the Ulster County Law Enforcement Training Group (UCLETG) and incorporates all of the NYS approved pre-employment curriculum and objectives. In addition to preparing recruits for future employment in law enforcement, SUNY Ulster’s Police Basic Training Certificate Program satisfies 30 college credits of Criminal Justice coursework towards SUNY Ulster’s A.A.S. in Criminal Justice.

SUNY Ulster President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D. stated, “SUNY Ulster is dedicated to helping students succeed—preparing them to launch meaningful careers and earn family-sustaining wages. Our Police Academy graduates are entering the local workforce with a strong commitment to serve and protect, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. We are proud of all they have accomplished in the Academy and look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make in the years ahead.”

SUNY Ulster’s Police Basic Training program, which celebrated its 20th year in 2024 has a long track record of excellence in preparing students for a rewarding career in law enforcement. And, a new class of 28 students recently started the program on August 4th.

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police academy graduation

SUNY Ulster Open House on August 14 at the Kingston Center Short Term Credentials that can be Obtained in Less than a Year

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press release KCSU

July 31, 2024 – Kingston, NY – SUNY Ulster is holding an Open House on Thursday, August 14 at the Kingston Center, 94 Mary’s Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will highlight many of the career programs and courses offered this fall that are in high demand in the Hudson Valley region. Tuition for many of these programs are covered by scholarships and grants.

Learn more about specific programs at information sessions held throughout the day such as:

  • Advanced Manufacturing: 11 am – 6 pm
  • Building Science Principles: 11 am – 6 pm
  • CASAC, Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse:  5 – 7 pm
  • CCMA, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant:  5 – 7 pm
  • E-CMT Career Workshop with Lunch: 9 am – 1 pm
  • EKG:  5 – 7 pm
  • Phlebotomy:  5 – 7 pm

Registration for these individual information sessions is required and participants can come at any time during the session. Visit sunyulster.edu/workforceinfosessions to sign up for one or all of the info sessions.

Admissions counselors will be available to answer questions and help those who want to apply and register.

For questions or to learn more, call the Continuing & Professional Education office at (845) 339-2025 or email cereg@sunyulster.edu.

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