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SUNY Ulster Presents 2026 Annual Student Exhibition: “Years in the Making”

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various student drawings

April 22, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – The Art Department at SUNY Ulster is proud to present the Spring 2026 Student Exhibition, “Years in the Making”, a dynamic showcase of original work by Fine Art/Visual Art and Fashion students.

The exhibition will run from Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, May 16, concluding on Commencement Day. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 23 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., offering the public an opportunity to meet the student artists and experience the work firsthand.

This annual exhibition celebrates the culmination of years of artistic exploration, technical development, and creative growth. Featuring a diverse range of media and perspectives, “Years in the Making” highlights the dedication and talent of SUNY Ulster’s emerging artists.

Participating student artists include: Lily Bednarz, Fiona DiBella, Alivia Dyke, Emmett Feldman, Joseph Garment, Camila Gomez, Nylla Gullickson, Chris Millian, William Reed, Skylar Naughton, Hunter Nelson, and Kaley Slader.

SUNY Ulster’s Fine Art/Visual Arts program is recognized for its strong foundation in both technical skills and creative development, preparing students for continued success in competitive art fields. Many students transfer to some of the nation’s top four-year art institutions.

This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Ulster Community College Foundation. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

For more information, please email gallery@sunyulster.edu.

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Photo caption: a collage of drawings from the participating students

Elizabeth Gross Horticulture Lecture Series at SUNY Ulster Presents “Twelve Months of Garden Inspiration” with Karl Gercens

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Karl portrait

April 22, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – Just in time for gardening season, the Ulster Garden Club presents the Elizabeth Gross Horticulture Lecture Series, featuring an engaging program, “Twelve Months of Garden Inspiration,” by renowned horticulturist Karl Gercens. Sponsored by the Ulster Garden Club, the lecture takes place on April 28 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the College Lounge, Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus. This event is free and open to the public.

Born in Mississippi, Gercens’ passion for horticulture began early. The long Southern growing seasons gave him room to experiment and innovate, eventually leading him to earn a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from Mississippi State University. His impressive career includes internships at Walt Disney World and the Filoli Estate in California, and today he curates many of the spectacular seasonal displays in Longwood’s world-famous four-acre Conservatory. With a distinctive eye for combining colorful trees, shrubs and perennials, Karl’s work has earned him recognition across the country and around the world. He has visited public gardens in all 50 U.S. states and over 24 countries, each journey deepening his expertise and inspiration.

This annual program is made possible through a generous bequest from longtime member and Kingston resident, Mrs. Elizabeth Terry Gross. Affectionately known as Betty, Mrs. Gross was part of a prominent Kingston family that owned and operated the Terry Bros. Brickyard. Alongside her husband, Conrad “Bob” Gross, she was deeply committed to civic engagement and philanthropy, contributing to numerous local and national organizations. Betty is fondly remembered for her warmth, generosity, and deep appreciation of flowers—an enduring passion that inspired her legacy gift to the Ulster Garden Club.

Founded in 1914, the Ulster Garden Club has spent more than a century enhancing the community through horticulture, conservation, and civic improvement initiatives. Among its longstanding contributions, the Club maintains the gardens at the Senate House Museum in Kingston and has led transformative efforts at Academy Green Park.

The Club’s impact extends throughout the region, with support for landscaping and tree planting projects at Frog Alley Park, the Ulster County Historical Society, SUNY Ulster, Forsyth Nature Center, and Storm King Art Center.

The Elizabeth Gross Horticulture Lecture Series continues this tradition by fostering education, appreciation, and community engagement in horticulture. Through this series, the Ulster Garden Club honors Betty Gross’s legacy while inspiring future generations to cultivate both gardens and community connections.

For more information about the lecture series or the Ulster Garden Club, please contact foundation@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Celebrates Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

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group portrait of Alumni Hall of Fame receipients

April 17, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster honored distinguished alumni from the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2023 during a special Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony held April 1. The event included an unveiling in the Clinton Hall lobby followed by a reception at Kelder House.

The ceremony recognized alumni whose professional achievements and community contributions reflect the college’s mission and values.

“Celebrating the unveiling of the Alumni Hall of Fame plaques honoring the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2023, as part of Community College Month, was an evening filled with pride and purpose. Time and again, I hear stories from our alumni across the community of perseverance, achievement, and how their experiences at SUNY Ulster transformed not only their own lives, but the lives of their families,” said Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

2020 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • Dr. Lynn May Brown (1973–1975), Liberal Arts: Math and Science, senior regulatory affairs executive
  • Scott Davis, P.E. (1988–1991), Engineering Science, professional engineer and business leader
  • John A. DeGasperis, Esq. (2000–2002), Individual Studies, attorney and business leader
  • Robert R. Jacobsen, Esq. (1996–1998), Business Administration, attorney and business leader
  • The Honorable Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr. (2003–2006), Humanities & Social Sciences, government and civic leader
  • Ambassador Beatrice Wilkinson Welters (1970–1972), Humanities & Social Sciences, government and civic leader

“As former Chair of the Ulster County Legislature, I share immense pride in supporting SUNY Ulster’s core mission of providing higher education and making it accessible for all residents in Ulster County, and as an alumnus and an Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, I proudly reflect on my time at SUNY Ulster and how it shaped my professional trajectory. I commend, and am grateful for, the support and the work faculty and staff do each and every day to deliver the public good of education while changing lives. SUNY Ulster stands for accessibility, opportunity and promise, not only for individuals but our community as well, and will continue to do so well into the future,” said The Honorable Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr.

2021 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • Dr. Lawrence Barrett (1982–1984), Communications & Media Arts, college president and civic leader
  • Cheryl D. Bowers (1983–1987), Business, bank executive and civic leader
  • The Honorable Manna Jo Greene (1973–1976), Nursing, nurse, government and civic leader
  • Lisa I. Pacht (1994–1998), Liberal Arts, school administrator
  • Dan Reinhard (1970–1972), Humanities & Social Science, sports broadcaster and global procurement manager

2023 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • The Honorable Kevin R. Bryant (1989–1991), Business/Individual Studies, government and civic leader
  • Victor Cueva, Esq. (2007–2010), Humanities & Social Science, attorney and immigration advocate
  • Brian Turner (1997–1999), Criminal Justice, law enforcement professional
  • Candice Van Dyke (2003–2005), Humanities & Social Science, professor and chief diversity officer

“To be inducted into the SUNY Ulster Alumni Hall of Fame is both humbling and deeply personal. Returning as a Professor of English and serving as Chief Diversity Officer, I am reminded daily of the transformative power of this institution and the responsibility we share to build a more equitable and inclusive future,” said Candice Van Dyke, Professor of English & Chief Diversity Officer.

The Clinton Hall lobby unveiling highlights the honorees’ accomplishments and serves as a permanent tribute to their legacy within the SUNY Ulster community.

“SUNY Ulster contributes $96 million annually to the local economy, and the impact of our alumni is deeply woven into the strength and vitality of our region. Their success, leadership, and continued contributions keep the College relevant, vibrant, and firmly rooted in the hearts and minds of our community,” added Buckley.

Photo Caption:
From left: SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D.; Dr. Lynn May Brown ’75; Candice Van Dyke ’05; Brian Turner ’99; Scott Davis ’91; The Honorable Manna Jo Greene ’76; and The Honorable Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr. ’06.

SUNY Ulster Launches Media & Performing Arts A.A.S. Program to Meet Hudson Valley Creative Boom

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four students in a broadcast room with pro audio gear

April 16, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – To meet a soaring demand for versatile digital storytellers in the Hudson Valley, SUNY Ulster is launching a new Media & Performing Arts Associate in Applied Science degree. The interdisciplinary program is designed to move students directly into the local workforce or prepare them for transfer to four-year institutions.

The new program blends content creation, media production, storytelling and performance into a single interdisciplinary curriculum that takes place in the classroom and in SUNY Ulster’s state-of-the-art media lab.

“Today’s communications industry demands versatile creators who can tell compelling stories across formats,” says Stephen Balantzian, the program’s coordinator. “This degree gives students real-world experience and the tools needed to succeed in this fast-evolving field.”

The Hudson Valley has experienced significant growth in the film, media, and communications industries, with expanding production facilities, soundstages, and post-production companies creating demand for skilled professionals.  New York State Department of Labor data shows an expanding demand for qualified digital creators as the shift from traditional to digital media continues to grow.

 With flexible learning options, small class sizes, access to experienced faculty, and exceptional student support, SUNY Ulster continues its mission to provide accessible, career-focused education that meets the region’s workforce needs.

Prospective students can learn more about the Media & Performing Arts A.A.S. program by visiting the Media & Performing Arts Program Page and registering for SUNY Ulster’s registering for SUNY Ulster’sOpen House on Saturday, April 25.

About SUNY Ulster

Located in Stone Ridge and Kingston, New York, SUNY Ulster is a comprehensive community college within the State University of New York system, offering more than 60 degree and certificate programs designed for transfer and career success.

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SUNY Ulster Presents Annual Spring Concert Series

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band musicians with conductor

April 16, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – The SUNY Ulster Music Department will present its second and third concerts of the spring semester on Wednesday, April 29, and Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. The performances will be held in the Quimby Theater in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus. These concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.

The music ensembles are comprised of SUNY Ulster students, faculty and staff, community members, collegian students, area music educators, and SUNY Ulster alumni guests.

The April 29 concert will feature the College Chorus, directed by Janet Gehres and accompanied by Edward Leavitt. They will be presenting music from the Renaissance, a Gaelic Folk Song, a Spiritual, music from an Operetta, and other music filled with hope and inspiration. The concert will feature collaborative instrumentalists on violin, oboe, and hand drum.

Also, on April 29, the String Ensemble, directed by Anastasia Solberg will perform music by Arcangelo Corelli, Bela Bartok, and Shin-Itchiro Yamamoto. Paul Chambers will be directing the African Music Ensemble with a selection of traditional drum rhythms from Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, and Ghana. The April 29 concert will also feature the Best Performances from the Spring 2026 “Wednesdays@1:30” LIVE Music Series voted by the Music Faculty.

The third and final concert will be held on May 6, with Victor Izzo directing the Tuba Quartet. The Percussion Ensemble, directed by Paul Chambers will perform music ranging from Traditional Mexican marimba band arrangements to contemporary compositions for mallet keyboards, drum, and everything in between.

The evening will conclude with the College/Community Band, directed by Carla Newsome. They will perform a variety of pieces including Molly on the Shore by Percy Grainger, Our Cast Always by Julie Grioux, Give Us This Day by David Maslanka, and KWYJIBO by David Maslanka. Guest conductors, Samuel Newsome and Jaelyn Twitchell, will be presenting two additional works as well.

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

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music concerts

SUNY Ulster Hosts John Burroughs Natural Science Lecture: “Look Underfoot – An Introduction to the Geology of Ulster County”

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portrait of Steve Schimmerich

April 7, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster invites the community to explore the ancient story beneath their feet at the John Burroughs Natural Science Lecture: “Look Underfoot – An Introduction to the Geology of Ulster County,” presented by Steven Schimmrich. It will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in BUR-120, the Captain Jack Rose Memorial Lecture Hall on the Stone Ridge Campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Inspired by the words of famed naturalist John Burroughs— “Look underfoot…”—this engaging lecture will reveal the remarkable geological history of Ulster County, a story that spans more than a billion years.

Attendees will learn how the region was once shaped by towering Himalayan-scale mountains, chains of erupting volcanic islands, shallow subtropical seas, and vast glacial ice sheets. The presentation will also highlight how geology has influenced human history in the region, including industries such as bluestone quarrying, natural cement production, and brick-making—key drivers of past economic development in Ulster County.

Professor Schimmrich has taught geology and Earth sciences at SUNY Ulster for more than 25 years. He is the author of Geology of the Hudson Valley: A Billion Years of History (2020) and is widely recognized for his research on the region’s geology and its connection to historical development.

For more information, please email schimmrichs@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Welcomes Acclaimed Poet Sarah Kay as 2026 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum and the Herbert H. & Sofia P. Reuner Library Writers Series Event

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Sarah Kay speaking

March 25, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster welcomes internationally recognized poet, performer, and educator, Sarah Kay for a special reading and conversation on Thursday, April 9 at 10:15 a.m. in the College Lounge, Vanderlyn Hall on the SUNY Ulster campus.

The event will be moderated by Samantha Dunn, Assistant Professor of English, and will offer students and community members an opportunity to hear Kay’s work and learn about the role poetry can play in education.

 Sarah Kay is best known for her spoken word poetry and has performed at the UN, Lincoln Center and the Tribeca Film Festival, among other venues. She is the founder of Project Voice, an organization that uses spoken word poetry to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences through performances and workshops at hundreds of schools, from kindergarten through the university level.

The author of five poetry collections: B, No Matter the Wreckage, The Type, All Our Wild Wonder, and A Little Daylight Left, she has built a global following through her powerful stage presence. In addition, Kay has delivered a widely viewed TED Talk, and was the first featured speaker in PBS NewsHour’s “Brief But Spectacular” series.

The Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum and the Herbert H. & Sofia P. Reuner Library Writers Series are special programs sponsored by The Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. that brings renowned writers and poets to campus each year.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information email mackk@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Holds FAFSA & TAP Completion Day April 7

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fafsa-zoom composition

March 24, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is holding a FAFSA & TAP Completion Day on Tuesday, April 7 from 2-3:30 p.m. in Hasbrouck Hall, Room 207 on the Stone Ridge campus. For both current and prospective students, the event is designed to assist students and families with the college financial aid process.

The workshop will provide one-on-one help filling out the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and New York State Tuition Assistance Program application (TAP). To complete your financial aid applications with a financial aid specialist, both students and parents should have their 2024 Federal and New York State tax returns, their New York State ID/Driver License, and social security numbers.

Federal and state grants can significantly lower the cost of college and they do not need to be repaid. In 2025, 84% of SUNY Ulster students graduated debt-free. Filing the FAFSA is also required for scholarship eligibility.

Save your spot by registering today. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5058.

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SUNY Ulster Hosts Annual “Future Voices” Art Exhibit Showcasing Local High School Talent

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photograph by Camille McMillan titled 'Shoreline'

March 12, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – Ulster County high school students will be showcased in an exhibit of their artwork with “Future Voices 2026: High School Art from Ulster County,” opening March 26 and running through April 16 at the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery on the Stone Ridge campus. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 4 – 6 p.m.

This annual exhibition features artwork from high school students throughout Ulster County. Participating schools include Saugerties, Onteora, Rondout Valley, Kingston, Ulster BOCES, New Paltz, Ellenville, Marlboro, Highland, and Wallkill. The show will include a wide variety of media including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital media, and more.

 The exhibition is being curated by Allison Constant, owner and founder of Art Bar in Kingston. Ms. Constant is a SUNY Ulster fine art program alumna. In addition to her work at Art Bar, she has curated exhibits for the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum and Woodstock Jewish Congregation. She has also exhibited her own work at The Farber Center in New York City, Samuel Dorsky Museum at SUNY New Paltz, and The Shirt Factory in Kingston, among others.

The Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 12:30 – 3 p.m. It is closed on college holidays, weekends, and spring break, March 16 – 20. The show and opening reception are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Gallery@sunyulster.edu or call 845-687-5113.

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Photo Credit: Camille McMillan ‘Shoreline’ Silver Gel Print, Rondout Valley

SUNY Ulster Presents “Black Excellence: A Legacy in Color” Art Exhibition On view February 4 – 20 at the Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery

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Press Release: Black Excellence A Legacy in Color

January 22, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY– SUNY Ulster is proud to present Black Excellence: A Legacy in Color, a collective celebration of Black artistry across media. The exhibition will be on view February 4 through February 20 at the Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery on the Stone Ridge campus.

An opening reception will take place on Wednesday, February 4, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., and is free and open to the public.

Black Excellence: A Legacy in Color features works by a diverse group of Black contemporary artists whose practices span multiple mediums and perspectives. Through vibrant color, compelling imagery, and personal narratives, the exhibition honors Black excellence during Black History Month.

Curated by Sam Goldberg, in collaboration with SUNY Ulster’s Black Student Union, and made possible by The Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., the exhibit showcases both campus and community voices and aligns with the College’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Tuwana Leonard, president of SUNY Ulster’s Black Student Union calls the exhibit, “a celebration of the legacy, culture, and creativity of Black history through art.”

Participating artists include Hadassah Graham, Ted Dixon, Lamar Leonard, LotuZ, Jenne Currie, Jacqueline Oster, Marielena Ferrer-Harrington, Linda Rose-Winters, Jaidus, and Richard Price.

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.

For more information, email seubertc@sunyulster.edu or goldbers@sunyulster.edu.
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multiple examples of artwork for Black Excellence exhibit

The Bouquet – Jacqueline Oster
Negras – Marielena Ferrer-Harrington
Gladiator – Richard Price
Hood – Richard Price
Creole – Jenne Currie