Achievements

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

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June 25, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster releases its President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester. Of the 316 full-time and part-time students who made the President’s and Dean’s lists, 65 are Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. scholarship recipients.

Full-Time President’s List

 A total of 108 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Spring 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 Spring 2025 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Rebecca Gamar, Hunter Ridgely.
  • Bearsville:  Navah McElroy.
  • Big Indian:  Kylie Apolito.
  • Boiceville:  Deli Smith.
  • Chester:  Melanie Rolon.
  • Clinton Corners:  Ally Gullo.
  • Cottekill:  Gunnar Bednarz, Lily Bednarz.
  • Ellenville: David Castro, Denilson Morales, Ashley Nunuvero, Michelle Wang, Karla Zhuno.
  • Gardiner:  David Velasquez Sierra.
  • Goshen:  Natalie Welsh.
  • High Falls:  Chloe Goodin.
  • Highland:  Giovanni Arpino, Liam Held, Anthony Silverio, Ariana Terrell, Jack Vett, Melissa Williams.
  • Hopewell Junction:  Amanda Scirbona.
  • Hurley:  Aidan Banbury, Troy Hajba, Apollo Liewa, Austin Uhl.
  • Kerhonkson: Keitha Brown, Jennifer Drouin, Emily Lawlor, Paige Lawlor, Isabella Shaw, Aurora Tisman.
  • Kingston:  Jhadai Ajiataz, Addison Bryant, Lindzy Carlson, Cristian Chun Coy, Benjamin Cunningham, Henry Davies, Lauren DuBord, Jacob Franklin, Helaisha Hernandez Vega, Anne Larsen, Rui Li, Catherine Maisonet, Daniil Malinoski, Adriana Marano, Kubra Ozyildirim, Alannah Rolph, Jair Rosas Chavez, Gianna Vianello.
  • Lake Katrine:  Brianna Constable, Jenna Smith.
  • Malden-On-Hudson:  Emma Maxwell.
  • Middletown:  Dominick Almeida.
  • Millerton:  Fig Sielaff.
  • Milton:  Candace Kharbedia, Sofia Leon Escobar, Timothy Liu.
  • Monroe:  Holly Berra, Jordan Fusco, Maeve McGinn.
  • Napanoch:  Tyler Beadle, Daniel Farfan.
  • New Paltz:  Ivy Arnade, Kristie Benel, Declan Chase-Salerno, Braxton Lehman, Jonah McDuffie, Natalia Seager, Gabriella Walsh, Max Zurlini.
  • New York:  Erkut Toygan
  • Olivebridge:  Adelaide Braunstein, Xiaohui Wen.
  • Pine Bush:  Jesse Morse.
  • Pleasant Valley:  Katherine Keeney.
  • Port Ewen:  Sarah Hewitt, Kyla Kelley.
  • Red Hook:  Lillian Carey.
  • Rhinebeck:  Alexis Howard.
  • Saugerties:  Raya Ackert, Spencer Benzenhoefer, Jack Bucci, Gil Hartrum, Joe Maloney, Alfredo Martinez, Riley Naccarato, Caelin Piper, Noah White.
  • Shokan:  Dylan Edelstein, Alivia Zahorsky.
  • Tillson:  Chris Cook.
  • Ulster Park: Nicholas Coutant, Olivia Sachse.
  • Walden:  Nathan Hall.
  • Wallkill:  Chase Godwin, Justin Sprankle.
  • Warwick:  Alexandria Garnot.
  • Wawarsing:  Gina Garofolo-Goodman.
  • West Hurley:  Tristan Nielsen.
  • West Kill:  Zora Gookin.
  • Woodstock:  Sable Bielawa, Alex Bonilla, Angus Maxwell.
  • Wurtsboro:  Hailey Murphy, Kimberly Sullivan.

Part-Time President’s List

A total of 25 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Spring 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 Spring 2025 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Albany:  Trisha Churchill.
  • Cottekill:  Melissa Frumenti.
  • High Falls: Theodore Gresler, Violet Sinatra.
  • Highland:  Samantha Durand.
  • Kerhonkson:  Ella Drouin, Yana Pylypiv.
  • Kingston:  Macey Hahne, Nadya Pallak, Derek Snyder, Shamira Young.
  • Lake Hill:  Sean Delbridge.
  • New Paltz:  Julia Breaux, Bryce Casamento, Austin Moore, Marisa Morreale.
  • New Windsor:  Savannah Ordonez.
  • Port Ewen:  Matthew Wright.
  • Rosendale:  Freja Ermer.
  • Saugerties:  Debbie Auer, Denis Cooke, Terri McAleer, Graciela Reyes-Bondar, Jacob Spitzberg.
  • Woodstock:  Maria Mazariego-Moran.

Full-Time Dean’s List

A total of 142 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 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 Spring 2025 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Olivia Olechowski, Jacob Stange, Terrence Stange.
  • Bloomington: Thomas Van Tassell.
  • Boiceville:  Hudson Anderson, Arely Tapia.
  • Chester:  Dwayne Clarke.
  • Clintondale:  Lucia DeAngelo.
  • Ellenville:  Payton Exner, Sara Gonzalez, Jeremy Lopez, Heather Ramos, Gabriella Sorbara, Dina Stewart, Meghan Stone-Wardnyski.
  • Glasco:  Noah Travis.
  • Goshen:  Samantha Brown.
  • Grahamsville:  Jesper Whitted.
  • Haverstraw:  Cristofer Moscozo.
  • High Falls:  Kanoekapuaokawa Mann, Jasmine Maschotta-Edwards, Meribelle Stringham.
  • Highland:  Gabriella Acosta, Emma Fritche, Maddyson Jones, Rachel Robinson, Katie Schaeffer.
  • Hurley:  Austin Bonse, Sean Cornelison, Johnathan Helsley, Bryan Monz.
  • Hyde Park:  Joshua Mittermaier.
  • Kerhonkson:  David Santillo.
  • Kingston:  Aina Anjum, Jayden Berard, Mariah Bravo, Kailee Cammarata, Makayla Chapman, Benjamin Davis, Aiden Day, Infiniti Dueno, Sahja Ector, Alexi Fallon, Yadira Gonzalez Hernandez, Daeanna Green, Austin Grosin, Kyle Guido, Imari Harris, Madison Hunlock, Cloe Jones, Elasha Jones, Jennifer Lopez-Garcia, Shantol Martin, India Martinson, Daniel Moeykens, Charlie Molyneaux, Madelyn Nelson, Kimberly Olson, David Osterhoudt, Kadijha Peterson, Ashley Rios-Palma, Giovanni Rosas Chavez, Benjamin Rounds, Jamie Seward, Ayla Sickler, Demario Smith, Lilith Soechting, Marina Souza, Jasmine Tiano, Sean White, Tyliisa Williams, Conrad Witte.
  • Lake Katrine:  Sharon Gomez-Reyes.
  • Marlboro:  Jillian Rosenberg.
  • Maybrook:  Gia Pfleger.
  • Middletown:  Shemar McDonald, Tori Meurer.
  • Modena:  Marie DeStefano, James Poirier.
  • Montgomery:  Abigayle Wilson.
  • Mt. Marion:  Mason Beck.
  • New Paltz:  Samrina Amjad, Nina Brady, Julia Brooker, Joshua Finch, Braden Hulbert, Daniel Morreale, Melissa Nieves, Zorian Shepko-Hamilton, Matthew Tanner.
  • Newburgh:  Ennis Cruz, Melazia Jackson, Irving Mejia, Yaseen Saleh.
  • Port Ewen:  Jasmine Daley, Jason Deising, Rayan Khan.
  • Port Jervis:  Jake Harford, Bronson Krupunich.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Autumn Beeman, Abby Jones, Majalon Teye, Samantha Vumbico.
  • Red Hook:  Joe Alveira, Connor Gibson, Gabriela Gomez-Mendoza, Colin MacDonald.
  • Rifton:  Riley Chambers.
  • Saugerties:  Kierstin Benson, Sophia Buono, Christina Cox, Alivia Dyke, Kasandra Frye, Kerrie Hockx, Hunter Nelson, Frankie Nuzzi, Mya Pineiro, Caden Powers, Ava Zagoreos.
  • Shokan:  Shea Delisio, Tessa Delisio.
  • Spring Valley:  Jonathan Barajas.
  • Stone Ridge:  Faith Avello, Danielle Driekonski, Aaron LeBlanc, Matthew Locke, Caroline Stafford.
  • Tillson:  Brian Ferry.
  • Ulster Park:  Salvador Acosta, Rebecca Daley.
  • Walden:  Hunter Norman.
  • Wallkill:  Alana Boutureira, Stormy Dyckman, Shannon Lovitt, Kaley Slader, Laila Stoner, Laura Thorenz.
  • Wappingers Falls:  Amanda Matuskovic.
  • West Shokan:  Skylar Naughton.
  • Westtown:  Luke McKeon.
  • Woodstock:  Kylie Osterhoudt.
  • Yonkers:  Lourdes Suarez.

Part-Time Dean’s List

A total of 41 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 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 Spring 2025 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Albany:  Amber Streett.
  • Ellenville:  Lily Horvath, Marcus Lewis-Rivera, Jessica Santos, Jonathan Torres, Alvaro Urquia.
  • Gardiner:  Oswaldo Rosa.
  • Highland:  Tyler Benitez, Rose Toder.
  • Kerhonkson:  Courtney Hill.
  • Kingston:  Nadia Formisano, Emma Ivy, Sabrina Tarantino.
  • Lagrangeville:  Maria Dube.
  • Lake Katrine:  Loris Pemberton.
  • Marlboro:  Giovanni Felicello.
  • Napanoch:  Benjamin Gazsi, Angelina Lopez, Emily Raiban, Bethany Rodriguez.
  • New Paltz:  Margaret English, Isabella Finch, Jonah Grossman, Luke Murphy, Alyson Murray.
  • Olivebridge:  Ava Fox, Jessica Johnson.
  • Pine Bush:  Christine DeGroodt, Alida Goldsmith.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Ashley Dajer, Abby Marino.
  • Red Hook:  Prestell Pinckney.
  • Rhinebeck:  Margaret Gutmann.
  • Saugerties:  Anya Meneses, Ruth Zaccardo.
  • Shady:  Rio Frisina.
  • Sparrow Bush:  Madelyne Somma.
  • Stone Ridge:  Tess Pitcock.
  • Ulster Park:  Hannah Schaber.
  • Wallkill:  Mica Rickman.
  • Wappingers Falls:  Janiece Cirilo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Phi Theta Kapa

 May 27, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster celebrates its students recognized for their academic achievements. Each of these individuals are pursuing careers in different fields and are on a successful path toward realizing their collegiate and personal goals.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students for outstanding academic achievements, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the State University of New York. The 2025 Chancellor’s Awards go to Gia Pfleger and Deli Smith.

Gia Pfleger graduated with an Associate in Arts degree in Adolescence Education 7-12 with a concentration in social studies. Committed to academic excellence, Gia has been on the President’s List for multiple semesters and is graduating with a 3.8 GPA. Gia plans to pursue a double major in Education and Political Science when she transfers to SUNY New Paltz. Her hope is to use her degrees by mentoring students and making a difference in society through teaching.

Deli Smith graduated with an Associate in Science in Individual Studies. Taking pride in their academic portfolio, has maintained a 4.0 GPA. Deli will be attending SUNY Oneonta in the fall to major in Media Studies with the plan of obtaining a Master’s degree in Communication and work in the music industry. Deli is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, has maintained a place on the President’s List, and has contributed as a Student Trustee for the 2024-2025 academic year. Deli also is a member of SUNY Ulster’s Student Government Organization and Student Engagement Board where they work with fellow students on club activities and special events.

The Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.  Gabriella Acosta is the 2025 Recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa – All New York Academic Team.

Gabriella Acosta of Highland, NY, started her journey at SUNY Ulster as a L.A. Humanities and Social Sciences major who graduated this semester. She aspires to transfer to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a career goal of becoming a school psychologist.  A member of Phi Theta Kappa, Gabriella is committed to academic excellence and leadership in her community, as a passionate advocate for her town and its residents.

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

Princess Giselle Burden-Green’s goal is to become a therapist, social worker, and business owner. Over the course of her time at SUNY Ulster Princess has been a dedicated, responsible EOP student proactively improving her academic standing. She has been accepted to SUNY New Paltz where she will attend in the fall and major in psychology. Princess volunteered to speak to EOP students about her college experience and convey tips for new EOP students during our pre-college summer program this year. Princess works for a youth organization focused on developing leadership skills for underserved youth. She holds the position of Girls Lead Counselor.

SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. said, “I am proud of our students’ individual and collective commitment to academics, service, and excellence as they reach their educational goals by starting here at SUNY Ulster and Going Far!”

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High School Seniors Compete in Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition for Scholarships

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Press Release

Kingston High School Seniors to Compete in Anita Williams Peck

Public Speaking Competition for $7,500 in Scholarships

Sponsored by the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.

May 22, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – On Monday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m., Kingston High School students will compete in the annual Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition for $7,500 in scholarship awards for the best public speaking presentations. The event will be held at SUNY Ulster in the College Lounge in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus.

The event will feature qualifying seniors presenting five-minute persuasive speeches on current event topics of their choice before a panel of noted judges.

Three scholarship awards totaling $7,500 will be presented: 1st place, $3,500, 2nd place, $2,500 and $1,500 for 3rd place. Judging the competition will be Stephen Balantzian, Associate Professor of Communication & Theatre, and Coordinator of Media & Performing Arts and Mary Tarzca ‘78, Professor of Communications.

Established through a partnership between the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. and Kingston High School with a charitable gift from Anita Williams Peck who continued to support the program annually, the competition is designed to encourage students to refine their oral communication skills.

The College and members of the community experienced a great loss with the unexpected passing of Ms. Peck in January, 2019. Longtime proprietor of Williams Lake, Ms. Peck is also remembered for her civic leadership and guidance as a past chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Anita Williams Peck’s legacy includes her personal dedication to others, her spirit, and her generosity to so many.  She endowed the Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition with a major gift to the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., one which ensures the continuation of this event in perpetuity.

This event is free and open to the public. To make your required reservation, please contact the Foundation Office at (845) 688-6042.

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SUNY Ulster’s 61st Commencement on Saturday, May 24, 2025

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2025 Commencement

May 20, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will proudly celebrate its 61st Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Senate Gymnasium on the Stone Ridge campus. Presiding over the event will be President Alison Buckley, Ed.D., who will confer degrees and certificates upon 143 graduates during the ceremony.

The Class of 2025 comprises 340 students in total. Of those, 288 will receive associate degrees, and 81 will be awarded certificates. The graduating class spans generations—its youngest members are three 17-year-olds, and its oldest is 65.

Of the class, 51 students will graduate with highest honors, and 112 with honors, 8 students will receive the President’s Medal of Highest Honor for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, 52 graduates are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society, 15 students are recipients of the President’s Challenge Scholarship, who will receive the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Medallion of Excellence, and 6 are recognized as College Scholars.  14 nursing students will receive their pins as part of the ceremony.

Each participating graduate will receive six guest tickets, and the Senate Gymnasium will open for seating at 9:00 a.m. For friends and family unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed and available on the college’s website  and on the SUNY Ulster YouTube channelr.

The keynote address will be delivered by Elliott Auerbach, former New York State Deputy Comptroller and current Director of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. A dedicated steward of education and opportunity, Mr. Auerbach has devoted nearly five years to advancing the Foundation’s mission, championing scholarship initiatives that have profoundly enriched the lives and futures of our students.

Representing the student body, Deli Smith, this year’s Student Trustee, will serve as the student speaker. Smith is graduating with an Associate Degree with High Honors, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and was recently honored with the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. They plan to continue their education at SUNY Oneonta.

Introductions will be made by Jenn Zell, Chief of Staff & Secretary to the Board and Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President. Other participants include Grand Marshal James Hobbs, Professor of Psychology; Faculty Marshal Candice Van Dyke, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of Faculty; Deborah Briggs, Board of Trustees Chair; The Honorable Peter Oberacker, NYS Senator; The Honorable Peter Criswell, Ulster County Legislative Chair; Dr. Mark Stewart, Assistant Professor of Engineering & Academic Senate Chair, Rebecca Mercado, ESC Counselor & Staff Assembly Co-Chair, and John DeGasperis, Esq., Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Chair.

The invocation and benediction will be offered by The Rev. Gregory Simpson, Ph.D., SUNY Ulster Trustee and Pastor of Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church.

Musical performances will feature the College Chorus, under the direction of Janet Gehres, and the Old Capital Brass, directed by Victor Izzo, Jr.

Security Notice: Guests are advised that large bags and backpacks are not permitted. Large purses and diaper bags will be subject to inspection, and strollers must be left in designated areas.

SUNY Ulster looks forward to honoring the achievements of its graduates with family, friends, and the community in attendance.

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SUNY Ulster GED Graduates Celebrate Milestone and Pursuit of Bright Futures

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Press Release GED Grads 2025

May 5, 2025 – Kingston, NY – SUNY Ulster celebrated the graduation of 18 community members upon receiving their GED on April 25, 2025. The ceremony took place at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster.

Dressed in caps and gowns and attended by families, President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. and Vice President for Workforce, Economic Development, and Community Partnerships, Christopher Marx Ed.D., presented each graduate. Robert R. Jacobsen, Esq., Trustee, was present to represent the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees on the platform party. Curtis Turner, GED Coordinator was the Master of Ceremony, Chief of Staff, Jenn Zell sang the National Anthem, and Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, Candice Van Dyke was the keynote speaker. The invocation and benediction were performed by the Reverend Gia Lynn Hall, Pastor of St. James Methodist Church in Kingston. Student reflections were given by graduates Shawn Michael Jackson and Aiden Ryan.

“It takes courage to go back and finish. Many faced obstacles yet all of the 18 students achieved their goal of attaining their GED. And, achieving this goal means opportunities lie ahead for these graduates in terms of continuing their education and gaining better jobs with higher salaries,” said Curtis Turner, GED Coordinator.

Of the 18 graduates, four are already enrolled at SUNY Ulster and seven more are exploring SUNY Ulster as the next step of their educational journey.

“We are inspired by our 2025 GED graduates and were honored to participate in the inaugural graduation ceremony at the KCSU. We look forward to their bright futures as they attain their goals.”  Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The next two GED sessions run from May 27 through July 3 and September 9 through October 16. To learn more, email Mr. Turner at turnerc@sunyulster.edu or call 845 339-2025.

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SUNY Ulster Holds Student Art Exhibition This May

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

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

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

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

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Meet Michelle Moore

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image of floral fabric designed by michelle moore

Michelle Moore is a SUNY Ulster alumnus and now an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Ulster. Here is her recent interview with Bold Journey Magazine:

Michelle, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Creativity like all things in life needs nurturing and care. There will be periods of high activity and periods of dormancy. I have learned that when I am in either state that I have to be mindful that it will not last forever.

The creative mind needs rest in order to come up with new ideas and be to be inspired. The only way to keep it thriving is to listen, and give it what it needs when it needs it.

On the other side of that is when the “creative spark” hits, I know I have to act on it, and move the idea forward in order to keep my advancing my work.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hi! I am an Artist, Surface Designer and Art Educator located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State.

I am currently focused on the use of natural dyes using homegrown flowers and botanicals for textiles and artwork. I spent the last ten(ish) years experimenting with this craft and have honed in on the specific area of hammered flowers and leaves on cloth and paper. Over that time I have worked with major retail brands to bring naturally dyed goods to the commercial market. I have designed natural dye kits that have been sold across the US, and have taught many workshops to share this art form with others.

Over the last few years I have been writing a book about my hammered flower process that is due to publish at the end of the year. Keep an eye out!

I also teach art courses at my Alma Mater – SUNY Ulster. I teach courses in drawing, 2D Design, graphic design foundation.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

  1. Digital design. I decided early on in my artistic journey that it was as important if not more to learn how to Floral wall hanging use CAD programs, as well as create my own website in order to showcase my artwork. We live in the world of tiny screens and limited attention spans. You need to grab your viewers attention quick, and the best way is through great photos and presentation of the work your invested so much time creating.
  2. Stop comparing yourself. This is indeed a learned “skill”. It doesn’t matter what everyone else around you is doing. Just keep focused on what you are doing and it will in time evolve organically the way it i supposed to. Everything good takes time, energy, and consistency. Keep chipping away.
  3. Don’t focus on what you “don’t know”. I think the biggest challenge sometimes is getting started. We often think we don’t know enough to make progress. The truth is that you need to start somewhere. Be curious, make mistakes, lean into the process. The more experiments you do, the more knowledge you will gain.Keep at it. It gets easier.Continuing to show up for yourself is best quality you can have.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always looking for new ways to share my work with the world!

I’d love to do collaborations with my hammered flower art specifically.I’d love to work with an eco friendly stationery or home goods brand to bring these designs into the retail market in small batches. I also would love to work with a fashion designer to create a really beautiful hammered flower garment for something special.

I’m also looking to exhibit more of my original artwork this year.

More flowers on everything!

Contact Info:

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

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nursing students

April 15, 2025 – 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). 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 is also 100%. Historically, the nursing pass rate was 95% in 2023 with 100% employment and 92.59% in 2022 with a 93% employment rate. SUNY Ulster has surpassed the 2024 NCLEX pass rate for New York State of 87.07% and 90.63% nationally.

“I applaud the work of our Nursing faculty in supporting the success of our students as they enter the workforce ready to serve residents in Ulster County and beyond in their critical role as nurses, touching the lives of their patients and communities,” Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

For more details about SUNY Ulster’s nursing program, please visit https://bit.ly/ulsternursing.

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Poet and Activist, Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre will read at 2025 Poetry Forum

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Press Release Kyle Tran Guante and book cover

SUNY Ulster Presents Poet and Activist, Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre

2025 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum

April 8, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster presents the 2025 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum with poet and activist Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre along with student and faculty presenters on Thursday, April 17, at 1:15 p.m. in the College Lounge in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus.

Kyle Tran Myhre (aka Guante) is a poet and activist whose work explores the relationships between narrative, power, and resistance. He’s performed at the United Nations, been featured on a Grammy-winning album, been a member of two National Poetry Slam championship teams, and visited countless colleges, conferences, and festivals, using spoken word and storytelling as doorways into critical dialogue. His most recent book is “Not a Lot of Reasons to Sing, But Enough.” Learn more about Guante.

Whether writing about men’s roles in ending gender-based violence, challenging dominant narratives related to race and racism, or just telling stories about the different jobs he’s had, Tran Myhre strives to cultivate a deeper engagement with social justice issues, one based in both empathy and agency. An educator as well as a performing artist, Tran Myhre completed his Masters studies at the University of Minnesota with a focus on spoken word, critical pedagogy, and social justice education, and regularly facilitates workshops and residencies. He currently lives in Minneapolis.

Sponsored by the Ulster Community College Foundation, The Poetry Forum is an annual event that brings well-known and award-winning poets to SUNY Ulster. In 2007, the program was renamed the Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum to honor the memory of Ellen Robbins (1952-2006) who was on the faculty at SUNY Ulster from 1994 until 2006, and Chair of the English department from 2002-2006.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kari Mack at mackk@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5214.

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