Dina Pearlman

SUNY Ulster Holds Instant Admissions Week June 16, 17, 18, & 20 and  One Day – One Stop June 25

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Press Release

A Quick and Easy Way to Go From Application to Accepted & Enrolled on the Spot

June 2, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s Instant Admissions Week is scheduled from June 16 through June 20 from 10 am to 4 pm. Campus will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The event will be held in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge Campus. For anyone interested in attending SUNY Ulster in Fall 2025, this is a quick and easy way to complete the admissions process in one day.

On Wednesday, June 25 from 10 am to 4 pm, the Enrollment & Success Center will hold a One Day-One Stop event at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster on Mary’s Avenue in Kingston. Arrive, apply, get accepted and registered all in one day. You’ll also have the opportunity to take SUNY Ulster’s Entering Student Assessment if applicable, and Financial Aid Representatives will be able to assist you and your family with questions about the financial aid process.

Those interested in attending should bring their official, sealed high school transcript, original GED certificate, or original IHIP Letter of Substantial Equivalency, and any official college transcript (if applicable). Participants will be guided through the entire process by admissions counselors. Financial aid reps will also be on hand to answer questions and assist with the financial aid process. You’ll also have the opportunity to take SUNY Ulster’s Entering Student Assessment on campus (if applicable).

SUNY Ulster offers students over 60 academic programs that lead to either transfer to a four-year college or entry into the job market. To best help students afford college, the Ulster

Community College Foundation awards $1 million in scholarships each year to entering, continuing, and transferring students.

Reservations for an Instant Admissions appointment are required. REGISTER NOW!

For more information, contact the Enrollment & Success Center at esc@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5022.

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SUNY Ulster Faculty and Staff have been awarded the 2025 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

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 May 29, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce four members of the faculty and staff have been awarded the 2025 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence. These members include; Dr. Mark Stewart, P. Matthew DeLaMater, Rebecca Mercado, and Kirk Maisch.

The Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence are system-level honors conferred to acknowledge and provide system-wide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. These programs underscore SUNY’s commitment to sustaining intellectual vibrancy, advancing the boundaries of knowledge, providing the highest quality of instruction, and serving the public good. Through these awards, SUNY publicly proclaims its pride in the accomplishment and personal dedication of its instructional faculty, professional and classified staff across its campuses.

Dr. Mark Stewart, Assistant Professor of Engineering and Coordinator of Engineering received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. A colleague stated, “Mark is always active beyond engineering, helping in math. He’s a pleasure to work with and is kind to our students.”

Matthew DeLaMater, Adjunct Instructor, Social Sciences, History & Education received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. A peer stated, “Matthew started teaching here in the midst of the Covid pandemic in 2020 and proved adept at teaching remote, online, and HyFlex courses.  He always makes time for his students and treats them with dignity and respect.”

Rebecca Mercado, Enrollment & Success Counselor received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. A colleague stated, “Rebecca is such a vibrant light and positive force at SUNY Ulster. As an Enrollment and Success Counselor, she treats every prospective student with the utmost respect, care, kindness, and consideration. She is an excellent co-worker and team player, always lending a helping hand to her colleagues.”

Kirk Maisch, Campus Maintenance Specialist, Maintenance & Plant Operations received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. A peer commented, “Kirk wears many hats here on campus. What some people do not realize is that when Kirk works, he gives 100% of himself to the job. That is the way he shows us he cares and his only reward is to see you smile when he has completed his job.”

Individuals selected for this tribute are the SUNY community’s role models in their respective areas. In acknowledgment of their selection, recipients will be given recognition for the particular award received in the college catalog, a letter, certificate, and a Chancellor’s Award for Excellence Medallion are also bestowed to commemorate selection. Each individual has long lists of impressive professional achievements in addition to their remarkable comradery with the campus community. Even more telling is the high praise they have received from colleagues for their dedication, commitment, and inspiration to students and our College community. SUNY Ulster applauds their hard work and effort in going above and beyond for both their colleagues and students.

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Photo caption: Dr. Mark Stewart, Rebecca Mercado, and Kirk Maisch. No photo included for P. Matthew DeLaMater.

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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SUNY Ulster Opens Registration for Four New Microcredentials Providing Skills to Advance Careers 

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broadcasting

April 28, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is registering students for four new microcredentials to help local residents distinguish themselves in high-demand careers. These microcredentials allow students to gain highly focused skills aligned with the needs of businesses in the Hudson Valley or conducive to joining the gig economy as an entrepreneur.  Classes begin on August 25, 2025.

Digital Storytelling teaches students how to create powerful stories using a range of media and technologies. In four courses, students will be prepared for work in marketing, social media, and content creation.

Fashion Design combines the creative and technical sides of fashion design, providing a strong foundation in apparel design, construction, and the fashion business. Its focus on the practical skills empowering students with the knowhow to gain entry into this exciting career.

Medical Office Administrator adds the skills to students’ tool belts to keep things running smoothly in busy medical offices. As careers in healthcare administration grow, workers who know how to schedule appointments, manage patient records, and handle billing will be an asset to any medical office.

Music Therapy provides the expertise for students to make a meaningful impact in clinical and educational settings that facilitate personal growth, emotional well-being, and improved communications. This microcredential offers an added career opportunity for anyone with a music background.

SUNY Ulster currently offers 27 microcredentials in a wide variety of skills and career applications. Microcredentials are short programs of study that provide relevant skills needed in today’s marketplace. They take less time to earn than a degree or certificate, often achievable in one year or less. Once the requirements of a microcredential are achieved, students are awarded proof in the form of a digital badge that can be added to a resume or LinkedIn profile. All of the credits earned from completing a microcredential can be stacked toward a SUNY Ulster Associate’s degree at any time.

Online and professional education association, UPCEA, reports their recent study found nearly 100% of organizational leaders see benefits from employees earning microcredentials. Employers appreciate employees or prospective employees’ initiative in developing new skills and competencies.

 Learn more ,about SUNY Ulster’s microcredentials

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The Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery at Invites Alumni to Submit Artwork for Exhibition

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The Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery at SUNY Ulster Invites all Alumni to Submit Artwork for June 26 to July 24 Exhibition

April 29, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery invites all alumni to submit their creative work for a juried exhibition from June 26 – July 24, 2025. The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 16.

In addition to being an alumnus of the College, artwork must be completed after graduation, preferably within the last three years. Artwork can be two or three-dimensional, video-based, or installation-specific. Alumni can access the full Call for Artists on the SUNY Ulster Blog, which includes submission formats, how to deliver work, and presentation requirements, among other important details.

Juried by guest curator and alumnus, John A. DeGasperis, Esq. ‘02, this event is made possible by the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.

Questions can be directed to Chris Seubert, Chair of the Art Department at SUNY Ulster, at seubertc@sunyulster.edu.

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About the Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery

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

The College’s permanent art collection enriches the cultural climate on campus by making additional works of high artistic achievement available to students and the community. In this manner, the collection serves as a permanent visual reference source.

The College believes that the acquisition of artworks and the presentation of different art exhibitions assist the College community in setting standards for judgment and perception.

Alumni Call for Artists

SUNY Ulster Holds Student Art Exhibition This May

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April 25, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – Students from the Fine Art: Visual Art program of SUNY Ulster will hold a spring exhibition of their work on the Stone Ridge campus. The exhibition will run from Thursday, May 8 through Saturday, May 24. The opening will be held on May 8 from 4-6 p.m. in the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery in Vanderlyn Hall, room 265.

The Fine Art/Visual Art Exhibition will feature work from the graduating class of 2025. Displayed outside the gallery will be a curated selection of student work representing a range of art courses, including Drawing and Composition II, Painting, Printmaking, Watercolor, Introduction to Drawing, Photography, and Introduction to Design Foundations.

SUNY Ulster’s art programs provide students with foundation courses and career skills, taught by faculty who are working professionals in their fields. Students learn artistic, technical, and theoretical skills in addition to general education courses that prepare them for transfer to complete their four-year degree or enter the job market. Many of SUNY Ulster’s art graduates transfer to top art colleges such as Fashion Institute of Technology, School of Visual Arts, SUNY New Paltz, and more.

The event is free and open to the public. The Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more information on the exhibition, contact Chris Seubert at seubertc@sunyulster.edu.

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