Achievements

2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

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Chancellor's Award Medal

SUNY Ulster Faculty and Staff Honored with 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards
for Excellence

June 3, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster proudly announces that four distinguished members of its faculty and staff have been recognized with the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence, one of the highest honors bestowed across the State University of New York System. This year’s awardees include John Sheehan, Tina Pfeiffer, Tess Hartman-Cullen, and Mary Prato.

These awards are conferred to acknowledge and provide system-wide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence. It underscores SUNY’s commitment to sustaining intellectual vibrancy, advancing the boundaries of knowledge, and providing the highest quality of instruction or service to the campus community.

Each honoree has demonstrated an exceptional record of accomplishment, as well as the admiration and respect of colleagues for their leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to students.

John Sheehan, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. A colleague shared, “John has been a mentor and professor in computer science, growing the program, building strong relationships with students, and helping them succeed. He always has a smile and takes time to help students in need.”

Tina Pfeiffer, Adjunct Instructor in Nursing, was awarded the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching. A peer noted, “Each student who has had the privilege to work with Professor Pfeiffer has gained knowledge, experience, and skills in the nursing profession. She is always willing to contribute her time and expertise to support both students and faculty and to advance the Nursing Program.”

Tess Hartman-Cullen, Assistant Librarian and Interim Accreditation Liaison Officer, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. As one colleague remarked, “Tess is deeply committed to student success. Whether through mentorship, curriculum development, campus leadership, or stepping up to assume a key leadership role in the College’s MSCHE self-study process, she consistently works to create a supportive and enriching learning environment. Her thoughtful, student-centered approach makes her an invaluable part of the SUNY Ulster community.”

Mary Prato, Head Cleaner in Maintenance & Plant Operations, was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. A peer commented, “Mary never walks in front of you; she walks alongside you, always making you feel that we are a team.”

 “I am honored to celebrate the faculty and staff members who have been recognized with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence,” said SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. “This distinguished recognition reflects their exceptional dedication to our students, their colleagues, and the mission of public higher education. Through their leadership, innovation, service, and commitment to excellence, they embody the very best of SUNY Ulster and demonstrate the transformative impact community colleges have on the individuals and communities we serve. We are proud of their achievements and grateful for the meaningful contributions they make to our College every day.”

Individuals selected for this tribute are the SUNY community’s role models in their respective area. In acknowledgement of their selection, recipients are given recognition for the specific award received in the college catalog and commencement program, a letter, certificate, and a medallion. SUNY Ulster applauds their hard work and effort in going above and beyond for both their colleagues and students.

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Four Students Recognized by SUNY, Phi Theta Kappa, & EOP for Academic Achievements

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May 14, 2026 – 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 2026 Chancellor’s Awards go to Aidan Banbury and Tuwana Leonard.

Since enrolling at SUNY Ulster in Fall 2024, Aidan Banbury, a resident of Hurley, NY, has demonstrated strong leadership as a Student Admissions Ambassador and as Student Government President for the 2025–26 academic year. A member of Phi Theta Kappa and a President’s List recipient, this reflects his strong commitment to academic excellence. Aidan is completing an Associate in Science in Individual Studies and plans to transfer to Siena College to major in Political Science. Following his undergraduate studies, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in multiple areas of civil law.

Tuwana Leonard, an Individual Studies major who earned her certificate in General Management, is graduating with an Associate in Science while simultaneously completing the Medical Office Assistant microcredential, as the first SUNY Ulster student to earn this microcredential. Additionally, she recently earned certification as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. Committed to academic excellence, Tuwana is a Dean’s List recipient, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and is proud to serve as President of SUNY Ulster’s Black Student Union. A Kingston-based community advocate, Tuwana inspires and uplifts those around her, including her family through leadership exemplifying resilience, purpose, service, and learning, demonstrated by completing six credentials in three years.

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.  Aidan Banbury and David Velasquez Sierra are the 2026 recipients of the Phi Theta Kappa – All New York Academic Team.

David Velasquez Sierra of Gardiner, NY, started his journey at SUNY Ulster as a Human Services major earning his Associate in Science in Fall 2025. He aspires to transfer to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a career goal of working in healthcare and/or education in the discipline of psychology or sociology.  A member of Phi Theta Kappa, David is committed to academic excellence, is an active volunteer in his community and is a passionate advocate for people with learning disabilities.

SUNY’s Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Excellence is awarded to Shantol Martin. Now celebrating its seventh class of honorees, the award recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance.

After arriving in New York from Jamaica at age 14, with Jamaican Creole as her primary language, Shantol worked diligently graduating in two years with her A.A. from SUNY Ulster in Fall 2025. Throughout her time at Ulster, Shantol demonstrated discipline and determination by consistently attending tutoring sessions, meeting with counselors and professors, and staying committed to her studies while also serving as a caregiver for her siblings at home. Beyond the classroom, Shantol has contributed generously to the campus community as a student ambassador, admissions event volunteer, tour guide, and EOP student mentor. Shantol is attending SUNY New Paltz where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. said, “I am extremely 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!  Their hopes, ambitions, hard work, and needs remain at the heart of everything we do. As we educate the individual and elevate the community, our students’ achievements continue to give purpose and meaning to our work and inspire our unwavering commitment to their success.”

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The Filmmaking Club at SUNY Ulster Debuts Uncanny Ulster Film Premiere on Friday, May 1

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April 28, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s newest club – The Filmmaking Club – will debut the Uncanny Ulster Film Premiere on Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m. in Quimby Theater on the Stone Ridge campus. The event is free and open to the public.

 This event will feature a selection of original short films created entirely by club members and represents a significant milestone for the student organization.  Officially recognized by Student Government on January 30, 2026, the Filmmaking Club has quickly established itself as a dynamic and creative force on campus.

Led by president Sebastian Alarcon and advised by Stephen Balantzian, Associate Professor, Communication & Theatre and Coordinator of the Media & Performing Arts Associate degree program, the club has built an impressive roster of student filmmakers, all united by a shared commitment to storytelling.  The club has also fostered meaningful connections within the local film industry, welcoming guest speakers such as representatives from HUDSY and sound engineer, Carl Welden, offering students a firsthand look into the professional world of filmmaking.

The Filmmaking Club and SUNY Ulster invite the community to attend the premiere and support this upcoming generation of filmmakers as they bring their stories to the big screen. For more information, please contact StudentLife@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.

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.