Achievements

Nursing Program Vital Signs are Healthy with 100% NCLEX Pass Rate

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Press Release with image of nursing student with patient reinaction

SUNY Ulster Nursing Program Vital Signs are Healthy with 100% NCLEX Pass Rate for Second Year in a Row

February 27, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster proudly announces that its most recent cohort of nursing students achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for the second year in a row. This achievement underscores SUNY Ulster’s success in preparing its students for this difficult test as well as for the demanding career of being a nurse.

For over 60 years, SUNY Ulster has kept up the highest caliber of teaching in the constantly evolving healthcare industry. From exceptional faculty and innovative curriculum to state-of-the-art equipment and hands-on learning students graduate into the workforce to provide critical care and support to community members. Students also receive on-site experience through our local hospitals.

“We are incredibly proud of our nursing graduates for their outstanding performance throughout their educational journey,” says Maria McCabe, department chair.  “Our commitment to training nurses who are not only clinically skilled but also have the ability to rise to whatever challenges may face them throughout their career is unwavering.”

In addition to the 100% NCLEX pass rate, the employment rate upon graduation has held steady at 100% for 2023 through 2025. Historically, the nursing pass rate was 95% in 2023 with 100% employment and 92.59% in 2022 with a 93% employment rate. SUNY Ulster also has a track record for surpassing the State and National pass rates which have ranged from 82 – 88% for New York State and 87% to 91% Nationally.

 “I applaud the unwavering dedication of our Nursing faculty in championing student success, as demonstrated by our students’ 100% NCLEX pass rate for the second consecutive year.  Our Nursing faculty’s tireless commitment to academic excellence and clinical preparation ensures that our graduates enter the workforce fully prepared to serve residents across Ulster County and beyond. Through their mentorship, expertise, and steadfast support, our faculty are shaping compassionate, highly skilled nurses who will touch countless lives and strengthen the health of our communities for years to come,” Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

SUNY Ulster’s Nursing program is part of the SUNY Reconnect program where adults aged 25 to 55 with no prior degree can earn this nursing degree for free. SUNY Reconnect pays for tuition, books, fees, and supplies.

Learn more about SUNY Ulster’s nursing program.

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Herrington Showcase Concert this March at SUNY Ulster Honors Memory of Former SUNY Ulster Bandleader, Lee Herrington

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Students performing in Concert

February 18, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – On Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. the music ensembles of SUNY Ulster will perform a concert to honor the memory of Lee Herrington. Herrington was a dedicated musician and mentor, the former band director at SUNY Ulster, a longtime Rondout Valley music teacher, and the former director of the Kingston local American Federation of Musicians Concert Band. The event will be held in the Quimby Theater, Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus. A snow date is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026.

This annual memorial concert will have multiple performances with various combinations of groups that include SUNY Ulster college students, faculty, and staff members, SUNY Ulster Collegian students from Ulster County high schools, Ulster County community members, advanced high school and middle school students from Ulster County, and music educators from Ulster, Orange, and Dutchess counties.

Musical groups include the College Chorus, directed by Janet Gehres with accompanist Edward Leavitt; the College/Community Band, directed by Carla Newsome; the Percussion and African Music Ensembles, directed by Paul Chambers; and the String Ensemble, directed by Anastasia Solberg.

The College Chorus will perform music from the Renaissance, The Patriotic Hymn “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”, and a wonderful arrangement of the well-known spiritual, “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel”.  The College/Community Band will be performing Kaleidoscopic Dances by Joshua Trentatdue, Selections from The Greatest Showman as arranged by Paul Murtha, and Havana Nights by Randall Standridge. The Percussion Ensemble will perform a variety of contemporary works alongside traditional percussion music from Mexico and Uganda. Traditional drumming rhythms and songs from Guinea and Nigeria will be performed by the African Music Ensemble and after a several year hiatus, we happily welcome the String Ensemble back to SUNY Ulster.

This event is free and open to the public, donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, contact Janet Gehres at gehresj@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Announces President’s and Dean’s Lists for Fall 2025

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January 20, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster releases its President’s List and Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester. Of the 359 full-time and part-time students who made the President’s and Dean’s lists, 69 are Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. scholarship recipients.

Full-Time President’s List

 A total of 123 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Fall 2025 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 and higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Fall 2025 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Matthew Beesmer, Sophia Johnson, Nora Suszczynski, Oliver Weiss.
  • Bearsville:  Atomic Chornuk, Navah McElroy.
  • Cairo:  Katelyn Del Gandio.
  • Catskill:  Aidan Ryan.
  • Cottekill:  Gunnar Bednarz, Lily Bednarz.
  • Ellenville: Meadow Concepcion, Karla Lopez, Maya Williams.
  • Gardiner:  Annabelle Brutvan, Jordan Delano, David Velasquez Sierra.
  • Germantown:  Dylan Bowles.
  • High Falls:  Nate Borner, Jasmine Maschotta-Edwards.
  • Highland:  Emma Fritche, Olyvia McFarlane, Rachel Robinson, Katie Schaeffer.
  • Hopewell Junction:  Amanda Scirbona.
  • Hurley:  Aidan Banbury, Austin Bonse, Mia Ferraro, Wade Holsapple, Garrett Parker.
  • Kerhonkson: Tucker Chase, Kendra Lake, Sarah Pistone.
  • Kingston:  Jhadai Ajiataz, Jayden Berard, Cristian Chun Coy, Olivia Coughlin, Aiden Day, Melissa Engracia, Riley Fisher, Joseph Garment, Gregory Haller, Cloe Jones, Elasha Jones, Kimberly Kilbride, Rui Li, Catherine Maisonet, Daniil Malinoski, Claire Nelson, Vincent Reggero, Giuliana Schleuderer, Marina Souza, Gianna Vianello.
  • Lake Katrine:  Laura Maria Sobrino Colorado.
  • Middletown:  Steven Potenzieri, Natalie Rodriguez.
  • Milton:  Candace Kharbedia.
  • Monroe:  Holly Berra.
  • Napanoch:  Conner Beckley, Daniel Farfan, Ethan Olcsvary.
  • New Paltz:  Ethan Greger, Braxton Lehman, Jonah McDuffie, Austin Moore, Daniel Morreale, Marisa Morreale, Mercedees Rosado, Tsumugi Sakamoto, Natalia Seager, Matthew Tanner, Gabriella Walsh.
  • Newburgh:  Robert Conti.
  • Olivebridge:  Xiaohui Wen.
  • Palenville:  Eugene Edwards.
  • Phillipsport:  Richard Rober.
  • Pine Bush:  Jeffrey Lang, Jesse Morse.
  • Plattekill:  Hilda Escalante.
  • Port Ewen:  Kyla Kelley.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Latte Martin, Mirvat Meky, Alyssa Young.
  • Saugerties:  Danny Cuchelo, Miya Gambino, Kerrie Hockx, Mary Kazolias, Riley Naccarato, Sydney Sidor, Jordan VanValkenburg, Ava Zagoreos.
  • Shokan:  Brenden Lomoe-Thompson.
  • Somers:  Noah Elconin.
  • Stone Ridge:  Sierra Hikade.
  • Tillson:  Ava Kelsey.
  • Ulster Park: Nicholas Coutant, Hans Fraude, Hannah Schaber.
  • Walden:  Arianna Miranda.
  • Wallkill:  Joseph Alvarado, Jeff Conroy, Alex Crandon, Khalil Farrell, Pablo Garcia, Rohan Hamilton, John Hamlett, Willie Jackson, Kevin Maldonado-Irizarry, Reginald McDonald, Joseph Moss, Raymond Mundo, Leroy Porteous, James Richard, Aenghus Rose, Lucien Salnave, Laura Thorenz, Hasan Vaughan.
  • Wappingers Falls:  Erkut Toygan.
  • Wawarsing:  Alexander LaBounty.
  • West Shokan:  Skylar Naughton.
  • Woodridge:  Caleigh McDole.
  • Woodstock:  Adam Funk, Angus Maxwell
  • Wurtsboro:  Kimberly Sullivan.

Part-Time President’s List

A total of 40 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Fall 2025 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 or higher, plus other requirements.

 The part-time Fall 2025 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Beacon:  Alexandria Garnot.
  • Big Indian:  Sierra Apolito.
  • Ellenville:  Gabriel Julca, Shantol Martin.
  • Gardiner:  Aaron Blasingame.
  • Highland: Victor Dahowski, Arline Herrera, Tania Mendez, Jai Ndiaye.
  • Kerhonkson:  Paige Lawlor, Catarina Lutin, Aurora Tisman.
  • Kingston:  Brittany Karanza, Corin Mosack, Keeghan Nolan, David Osterhoudt, Liza Mae Robison.
  • Lake Katrine:  Hannah Blass.
  • Modena:  Avryl Fred.
  • New Paltz:  Mena Crystal, Veda Parthasarathy, Adam Snyder.
  • New York:  Spencer Thomas.
  • Olivebridge:  Adelaide Braunstein, Mara Dean.
  • Phoenicia:  Maya Raffaele.
  • Pleasant Valley:  Angela Curcio, Katherine Keeney.
  • Rhinebeck:  Patricia Walter.
  • Rockaway Park:  Emily Henry.
  • Saugerties:  Monika Berlinska-Glasser, Gil Hartrum.
  • Stone Ridge:  Harris Kyaw, Nyra Lang.
  • Tillson:  Laura Moshier.
  • Wallkill:  David Tenace.
  • Wappingers Falls:  Ally Gullo.
  • Warwick:  Alexandria Garnot.
  • West Park:  Kalya Maduro.
  • Westbrookville:  Andrew Whiteman.

Full-Time Dean’s List

A total of 136 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Fall 2025 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Hunter Ridgely.
  • Albany:  Laiya Jade
  • Boiceville:  Hudson Anderson.
  • Bronx:  Edwin Bueno, Daouda Komara.
  • Brooklyn:  Neal Santos.
  • Campbell Hall:  Marco Barahona.
  • Clintondale:  Lucia DeAngelo.
  • Cold Spring:  Doris Jean Kolarek.
  • Cottekill:  Jordan Parsons, Odin Vitek.
  • Ellenville:  Emily Chipman, Alen Ibric, Jeremy Lopez, Brandon Taborda, Matthew Urquia.
  • Gardiner:  Tate Mattioli, Evan Trifilo.
  • Germantown:  Brooke Simmons.
  • Hartsdale:  Asif Bhuiyan.
  • High Falls:  Chloe Goodin.
  • Highland:  Adam Bliden, Maddyson Jones, Manny Markman.
  • Hurley:  Troy Hajba, Anna Tochterman, Aneska Zindulka.
  • Kerhonkson:  Janette Bower, Jon Chamberlain, Marianna Florine, Jacqueline Kennedy.
  • Kingston:  Rana Abosharr, Kailee Cammarata, Mia Chambers, Braeden Costello, Fiona DiBella, Lauren DuBord, Shade’ja Florence, Carly Frasch, Aurora Garcia, Sebastian Guerra-Cox, Helaisha Hernandez Vega, Madison Hunlock, Haven Kara Forte, Ayden LaBounty, Anne Larsen, Max Maouris, Amber Murchison, Dylan Murphy, Kaitlyn Murphy, Madelyn Nelson, Leila Ohkawa, Katie Rescalvo-Gomez, Keilyn Tobias, Julissa Vizcaino, Megan Weiss.
  • Lake Katrine:  Brianna Constable, Max Molyneaux.
  • Marlboro:  Alexis DeLauro, Jesse Peck, Jillian Rosenberg, Jennifer Waage.
  • Middletown:  David Gomez.
  • Millerton:  Fig Sielaff.
  • Monroe:  Joshua Cordero.
  • Montgomery:  Brian Murtagh, Gianna Slovitsky.
  • Napanoch:  Tyler Beadle, Ethan Cataldi, Abigail Elkins.
  • New Paltz:  Scarlette Cabrera, Noah Devolin, Stella Muyanga, Zorian Shepko-Hamilton, Nino Tuccillo, Avery Vitarius.
  • Newburgh:  Melazia Jackson, Giada Post, Angel Rosario Giron.
  • Pomona:  Devora Greenwald.
  • Port Ewen:  Jasmine Daley, Liam Gherardi, Kyle Sison.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Carissa Douglas, Abby Jones, Isabel Letterii, Destine Lyons, Ezekiel Robertson, Saniyah Tunison.
  • Red Hook:  Connor Gibson.
  • Rosendale:  Cecilia Kwiecinski.
  • Saugerties:  Raya Ackert, Jack Bucci, Aiden Carlotti, Cameron Churchill, Christina Cox, Alivia Dyke, Nastia Konyk, Bruce Lent, Joe Maloney, Kelly Mazzuca, Hunter Nelson, Michael Pettit, Mya Pineiro, Caden Powers, Maryuri Rivera Nataren, Kaydin Rodriguez, Mackenzie Zeidler.
  • Shokan:  Alex Davis, Dylan Edelstein, Julia Milla, Alivia Zahorsky.
  • Staatsburg:  Kathleen Perry.
  • Stone Ridge:  Sophia Clark, Kylie Ivan, Aaron LeBlanc, Charlotte Smiseth, Bradley Turner.
  • Tillson:  Brian Ferry, Emily Ferry, Israel Valdez Sanchez.
  • Tuxedo:  Thomas Iazzetti.
  • Ulster Park:  Elijah Anderson, Latoya Green-Grant.
  • Wallkill:  Amin Booker, Patrick Jeanty, Shannon Lovitt, Giovanni Paneto, Joel Roberts, Andre Rodriguez, Kaley Slader.
  • Wappingers Falls:  Ryann Coffey.
  • Washingtonville:  Jediah Jones.
  • Wawarsing:  Daniel Gorr.
  • West Shokan:  Frank Parslow.
  • Woodstock:  Vivian Leon.

Part-Time Dean’s List

A total of 60 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is at least 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The part-time Fall 2025 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Ancram:  Tiffany Peterson.
  • Clinton Corners:  Amelia Baffi.
  • Ellenville:  Lyon Carlino, Olivier Rekuc, Karla Zhuno.
  • Grahamsville:  Ashley Miller.
  • Greenfield Park:  Pete Mele.
  • High Falls:  Morgan Borchert.
  • Highland:  Olivia Casabura, Rylie Klein.
  • Kerhonkson:  Gage Davis, Lucas Dee, Emily Lawlor, Erin Logan, Julia-Ann Valenti.
  • Kingston:  Angelia Alvarez-Brodhead, Elizabeth Amell, Ashley Anaya, Madelyn Chiera, Sara Choudhry, Melissa Cordaro, Tyliisa Davis, Katelynn Galewaler, Liam Griffin, Sean Herrmann, Dominique Kelley, Sean Martin, Joseph Orlando, Ian Penman, Maxen Rodriguez.
  • Lake Katrine:  Victor Ganda.
  • Marlboro:  Hana Bozinovska.
  • Napanoch:  Emilee Avery.
  • New Paltz:  Lyla Casamento, Anthony Castelonia, Thorn Friberg, Spencer MendezN, Cat Morgiewicz, Zlata Shmarina.
  • Plattekill:  Sandra Benitez.
  • Ravena:  Geri Pelham.
  • Saugerties:  Collin Burley, Miranda Carey, Kasandra Frye, Amber Mignano-Campbell.
  • Stone Ridge:  Ryan Basten, Peter Zickler.
  • Tillson:  Danielle Stockhofer.
  • Wallkill:  Chloe Canal, William Harrigan, Tyrone James, Insha Khan, Marc Lee, Jared Manuel, Donald Michel, Anthony Nash, Keith-Marcus Wilkinson.
  • Wappingers Falls:  Abigail Glover.
  • Woodstock:  Matthew Venegas.
  • Wurtsboro:  Phoebe Baker.

2025 Fall Music Concert Series December 3 and 4 

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Press Release with tuba photo representing music

The SUNY Ulster Music Department Presents the 2025 Fall Concert Series
December 3 and 4

 

The Annual Tuba Christmas Concert is back on December 6

November 19, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will host its second and third concerts of our annual fall concert series beginning Wednesday, December 3, with the College/Community Band performance and the Percussion Ensemble. On Thursday, December 4 the College Chorus, African Music Ensemble, and Best of the “Weds@1:00” LIVE Music Recital Series will perform. On Saturday, December 6, after a few years hiatus, the annual Tuba Christmas concert is back.

SUNY Ulster’s ensemble members consist of SUNY Ulster students, faculty, and staff members, area high school students, community members, and area music educators. The December 3 and December 4 concerts will be held in Quimby Theater in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge Campus beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are greatly appreciated.

Wednesday, December 3 – College/Community Band & Percussion Ensemble

Directed by Carla Newsome, the College/Community Band will perform a diverse program including The Old Boatman by Florence Price, Frenzy by Andrew Boysen, Jr. (conducted by guest conductor Randolph Loder), Sleep by Eric Whitacre, Arabesque by Samuel Hazo (conducted by guest conductor Vic Izzo), Of Our New Day Begun by Omar Thomas, and selections from The Polar Express.

The Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Paul Chambers, will perform works by Wes Stephens, Alex Stopa, Béla Bartók, and Alan Keown, featuring an array of instruments such as marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, toms, conga, and bongo.

Thursday, December 4 – College Chorus, Best of the “Weds@1:00” Recitals, & African Music Ensemble

The College Chorus, directed by Janet Gehres with Edward Leavitt accompanying, presents an eclectic program centered around themes of Unity, Peace, Joy, Celebration, Praise, and Change. The evening includes a Mozart opera chorus, a patriotic hymn, seasonal and folk selections, and multicultural music featuring Paul Chambers on djembe.

The evening will also feature top student performers selected from the “Weds@1:00” Recital Series, highlighting applied music and community music school lesson students.

The African Music Ensemble, directed by Paul Chambers, will perform drumming rhythms of the Malinke and Ga peoples from Guinea, Mali, and Ghana, using authentic African instruments such as the djembe, dundun, kenkeni, and sangoan.

Saturday, December 6 – Annual Tuba Christmas Concert

After a few years’ hiatus, the cherished Tuba Christmas Concert returns to the Quimby Theater. Musicians of all ages are invited to bring their tuba or baritone, don festive attire, decorate their instruments, and join in the holiday music-making.

  • Registration: 10:30 a.m. ($15, includes commemorative button)
  • Rehearsal: 11:30 a.m.
  • Concert: 12:30 p.m.

 This event is free and open to the public.

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

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music concerts of different genres

SUNY Ulster Announces Preview Day for Prospective Students and Families on Saturday, December 6

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Press Release

November 18, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will host Preview Day, an admissions event designed to give prospective students and their families an inside look at the student experience. This event is taking place on Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon on the Stone Ridge Campus. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for check-in in the College Lounge in Vanderlyn Hall.

Participants will begin with a Welcome message during the general information session. Included in the day’s activities is an overview of the admissions process, a campus life showcase featuring student opportunities, resources, support clubs, organizations, athletics, and more.

To help students explore potential academic interests, attendees will choose one of four Academic Pathways Sessions that introduce the following programs, career opportunities, and the hands-on learning experiences available at SUNY Ulster:

 Campus Tours are available, led by Enrollment & Success Counselors. All participants will receive complimentary tickets to SUNY Ulster’s Annual Tuba Christmas which takes place on campus right after the event at 12:30 in Quimby Theater. Tuba Christmas is a SUNY Ulster tradition where musicians of all ages bring their tuba or baritone, don festive attire, decorate their instruments, and join in on holiday music-making.

Registration for Preview Day is required and can be found For more information,email admissions@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster GED Graduates Celebrate Milestone and Pursuit of Bright Futures

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November 14, 2025 – Kingston, NY – SUNY Ulster celebrated the graduation of 17 students who earned their General Equivalency Diploma. Ten graduates participated in the ceremony that took place at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster on November 7.

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. Deborah Briggs, Chair of the Board of Trustees, also participated in the presentation of the graduates. Curtis Turner, GED Coordinator was the Master of Ceremony, Alana Keneally sang the Star-Spangled Banner, and Professor of Geology/Earth Science and Chair of the STEM Department, Steven H. Schimmrich 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 Athena Lasonde Middleton and Jon Marshall Jr.

“It takes courage to go back and finish. Many faced obstacles yet all of the 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 17 graduates, one is currently enrolled in the fall semester and another student will be enrolled in the spring 2026 semester. Approximately 5 students are starting the SUNY Ulster application process. The remaining graduates are working with SUNY Ulster for employment and career support.

“The achievements celebrated at the recent GED ceremony speak to the determination and promise of our graduates. We are honored to share in this milestone with them and eager to witness the bright futures they are building through their continued goals and aspirations,” Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The next two GED sessions run from January 6 through February 12 and February 24 through April 2. To learn more, email Mr. Turner at turnercu@sunyulster.edu or call 845- 339-2025.

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Welcome Graduates banner with graduates holding diplomas.

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

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

Deborah BriggsOctober 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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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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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

 

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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