Achievements Archives - Page 7 of 10

SUNY Community Colleges Cancel At-Risk Indoor NJCAA Athletics

December 8, 2020 by Dina Pearlman

Student with Ulster jersey holding basketball, in action on the court

December 8, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster today announced that after careful thought, consideration, and dialogue, SUNY Community Colleges (27 of 30) that are members of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), have collectively decided to cancel intercollegiate competition for the 2020-2021 indoor sports that are considered “high risk” for COVID-19 exposure and spread of infection. These NJCAA sports include: basketball, cheerleading, dance, volleyball and wrestling. Campuses will have the option to hold on-campus workouts and training with student-athletes, should the institution allow it in a structured and monitored environment.

The low to moderate indoor sports including bowling and swimming; diving may compete in a virtual setting and must adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

At SUNY Ulster, “high-risk” indoor sports include: basketball, volleyball and wrestling. SUNY Ulster is continuing the evaluation of when on-campus workouts and training with student-athletes are able to resume in a structured and monitored environment.

NJCAA SUNY Community Colleges will continue planning for what we hope will be the safe resumption of intercollegiate athletics in spring 2021. Traditional spring sports and several traditional fall sports have been moved to spring, per the NJCAA 2021 Sports Guidelines. An official announcement on spring sports’ status will be made in January. Detailed sport specific guidelines and protocols are currently in development and Return to Play and Return to Competition Plans will be informed by nationally recognized sport specific agencies along with NYS, CDC, DOH and governing athletic associations.

NJCAA SUNY Community College decisions will continue to be guided by best practice and cautious adherence to health and safety protocols that will safeguard the well-being of our student-athletes, staff, campuses, and communities. We commit to ongoing collaborative efforts to develop cohesive safety plans to implement on our campuses in support of our student-athletes.

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SUNY Ulster’s Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center Exceeds Goals in Helping Regional Business Thrive

November 24, 2020 by Deborah Kaufman

The Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center (SBDC) continues to champion the needs of regional businesses, exceeding annual performance goals set by the Small Business Administration (SBA) in helping businesses launch, grow, and gain resilience.

In a year of turmoil for businesses because of the impact of COVID-19, SBDC served well over 1,100 clients, almost double their goal of 680. For many of these small businesses, SBDC business advisors aided clients in their understanding of and application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds or Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to keep their businesses afloat and employees paid during the pandemic.

Under SBDC guidance, clients were able to attain $27.4 million in funding for their ventures, about half of which were for COVID-related SBA help. The remaining funding is attributed to fulfilling normative business start-up or growth needs such as equipment, technology, or personnel. The $27.4 million in funding exceeds their goal by $6.4 million.

The top three industries that comprised SBDC’s clientele this past year are hospitality and food services, manufacturing, and retail. In addition, SBDC values diversity, equity, and inclusion serving a diverse population of regional clients with 13% of clients African American and 10% Latino. Every client is asked by the State to submit an evaluation of services received. SBDC achieved a 96% satisfaction rate.

Arnaldo Sehwerert, Regional Director shares, “SBDC’s free business counseling services has provided much needed support to local entrepreneurs for 35 years, during good and bad times. And, SUNY Ulster continues to assist in this contribution to the wellness of the local economy.”

The Mid-Hudson SBDC has a long-standing track record of providing exemplary work on behalf of clients. Three business advisors from the chapter were nominated for Counselor of the Year including Sam Kandel, Cathy Terrizi, and Cynthia Clune. Sam Kandel, who has been a business advisor with SBDC for over 18 years and is the highest awarded SBDC counselor in New York State was named Counselor of the Year.

Sam Kandel’s client, Pine Ridge Dude Ranch, was awarded SBDC Tourism Business of the Year. Mike Offner, who took ownership of the ranch after its owner passed away suddenly worked closely with employees to bring the ranch back to life under the guidance of SBDC’s Sam Kandel. Sam Kandel notes, “Serving the needs of the small business community in Ulster County is a distinct honor. What we at the SBDC invest in time and energy with our clients, the community gets back in spades with investment, job creation, and economic prosperity.”

SBDC provides business counseling services free of charge to start-up and existing businesses. A joint venture between SUNY and the SBA, the Mid-Hudson chapter serves Ulster, Sullivan, Orange, Greene, Delaware, and Dutchess counties. Since their inception in 1985, their expert advisors have worked directly with more than 20,000 regional businesses, helping them to invest $716,870,750 in the area’s economy, and create or save 21,143 jobs.

The Mid-Hudson SBDC is located in Kingston at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster on Mary’s Ave. Visit the SBDC website, send an email, or call (845) 802-9150 to learn more about how SBDC can help you start or grow your business.

November 24, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY

Registration Opens for Online Winter*net Courses at SUNY Ulster on October 1

September 23, 2020September 22, 2020 by Dina Pearlman

SUNY Ulster will begin registering students for its online accelerated winter session, Winter*net on October 1, 2020. Winter*net classes run from December 26 to January 16, and are a quick and economical way to earn credits toward graduation.

Winter*net is open to students at any college. Visiting students can transfer these earned credits to the college they are attending.

SUNY Ulster’s Winter*net schedule includes online courses ranging from Science, Business, and Psychology to Spanish, History, and Math. Many of these classes are general education courses required to attain an undergraduate degree. The online and accelerated class format is ideal to help students get a jumpstart on the spring 2021 semester, complete a required course, or explore a new area of interest.

To learn more about Winter*net courses and register online, visit www.sunyulster.edu/winternet.

September 21, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY

Over 50 Years of Nursing at SUNY Ulster

February 12, 2020February 5, 2020 by SUNYUlster

Group photo of nursing students on Campus

Nursing Awards Announcement:

In the Spring of 2018, the SUNY Ulster Nursing Department became the recipients of the PNA Honorary Recognition Award. This award recognizes an agency which has rendered distinguished services or valuable contributions to the nursing profession. This award came as the nursing program celebrated its 50th anniversary of service to the Ulster County community.

Celebrating 50 Years of Service:

Since its inception in 1968, the SUNY Ulster Nursing Program has proven itself time and time again as a leader in the healthcare industry of the Hudson Valley. The SUNY Ulster Nursing Program has had over 1,900 graduates- many of these graduates have gone on to win awards and be nationally recognized. Jess Robie Class of 2016 won the Future Nurse Leader Award 2017, Dana Wright class of 2015 represented the WMC/Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley on the Today Show in May 2018, and Donna Becker class of 2014 received the Registered Nurse of the Year Award at Golden Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in May 2018.

Our History:

The prestigious 50 year history of the SUNY Ulster Nursing Program is one that is filled with the highest standards of academia, ethical standards, and professionalism. The commitment to student success in the Nursing Program began in 1968 under Head Professor Mrs. Florence Irwin (pictured below) and her original staff made up of Miss. Elizabeth Dunn and Miss Joan Cassavant.

From the get-go, the Nursing Program has boasted itself as innovative and forward- thinking in its approaches to the healthcare field. In its earliest pubic recruitment efforts, the program made it known it was “-open to Men or Women, Married or Single, with High School or GED Degrees.” By the Fall of 1968, SUNY Ulster proudly announced in a newspaper headline that “50 Students Enrolled in the UCCC Nursing Program.” This first class was made up of 48 women and 2 men; 24 of those students were the first class to graduate from the program in 1971.

The photo below is of the 2019 graduating class, which was made up of 34 students and had a pass rate of 97.05% for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), which means 33 of the 34 students passed on their first try!

From the start, students in the SUNY Ulster Nursing Program have been exposed to and taught about all the different elements that go into making a healthcare facility reach its appropriate standards. Below is a photograph of students from the 1970’s practicing skills such as bed making and other “practical chores”.

Students since 1968 have been gaining experience during clinical settings. Here, a nursing student is exposed to patients of all different ages: infants, children, adults, and the elderly.

SUNY Ulster nurses have always been given the opportunity to practice the skills that make them exceptional: working hands-on with medical equipment, working one-on-one with patients, and working collaboratively at the nursing station.

The SUNY Ulster Nursing Program continues to prepare its students for the workplace, by instilling in them the skills needed to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to those in the Hudson Valley community.

The opportunities continue to grow for our nursing students!

During the 2019 Spring semester, there was a collaborative project with the Nursing program of Durban University of Technology of South Africa. It was an opportunity for our nursing students (present and alumni) to travel to South Africa to meet with their collaborating partners and observe their teammates in clinical settings.

SUNY Ulsters graduates that decide to continue with their education can now look to our recently forged partnership with Empire State College. This partnership is making it easier for Registered Nurses (R.N.) to secure their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in the Hudson Valley. It is designed to support students during their transition from an associate’s degree or diploma to a baccalaureate degree, in both an online and on-site format.

Success By Design For Sharon Wasko

September 20, 2019 by Roycroft Michaela

Sharon sitting at an outdoor picnic table with an open laptop that displays her website on the screen.

Sharon Wasko of Rosendale has taken off as a local web and graphic designer thanks to her time at SUNY Ulster learning web design skills. Recently the Blue Stone Press published an article about her success within the community. One of her professors published the print piece on his blog, you can read it here. Some of the classes she took include Graphic Design (Intro through III), Commercial Photography, and Web Design. She thanks her Web Design professor Dina Pearlman; for giving her the knowledge that has been instrumental in the launching of her website and career. Curious what this website looks like? Then give it a click!

SharonWasko.com

Logo from SharonWasko.com showcasing her love of teal and vintage ideas

It’s an online portfolio of her skills. Including but not limited to graphic & web design, photography, media layout, brand development and logo creation. In the Spring of 2018, she established her company Sharon Wasko Graphic Design, and created this site of her own. Now she has helped a few local companies to do the same. Since then, she’s gained a variety of colorful clients, mostly artists who have a professional passion that mirrors her own.

A chair sits in a pooly lit room against a wall with a small illuminated sign that reads: Think outside the box. — Photo by Nikita Kachanovsky on Unsplash

What’s She Up To Now?

While attending classes, Sharon holds a student aide position in the SUNY Ulster Marketing and Community Relations office. There she helps the webmaster to maintain, update, and add to the school’s main site, sunyulster.edu. She is also currently collaborating on an interactive site to display the school’s renovations. Capital projects, improvements to the school’s physical structures, have been followed and documented with photos. She is helping to create a site where all those improvements are fun and easy to view for all.

All those projects are just a side gig to her own thriving business as a freelance graphic designer. Her responsibilities and skills are ever-changing and evolving, as is natural with web based careers. Her already impressive portfolio is always growing.

A logo created by Sharon from her website

An Arts Education That Led To Web Design

Sharon has gotten her education in her own style. As a part of that she received her BFA before coming to our community college. Resulting in a degree from the College of New Jersey, formerly Trenton State College, with a concentration in painting and a minor in women’s and gender studies. She expressed that her time there differed greatly compared to a two year college. “It was a totally different experience, going to a residential 4-year school, but now there’s a more diverse group of students in my classes” said Sharon. SUNY Ulster’s community atmosphere provided her more freedom within her life. She has still managed to raise two young girls as she begins her business and continues to make it grow.

Another Student Success For The Books!

Among other students who have gone far with their time at SUNY Ulster. Sharon Wasko is now on the list. If you are interested in taking some of these courses, there is a degree program of classes. You can begin you associates degree in the field or just take a course or two, it’s up to you. Click here to learn more about this field and the classes offered.

Ready, Set, Fashion! Calista’s Journey to Entrepreneurship

June 28, 2019 by Roycroft Michaela

A green sewing machine works on a blue cloth with a spool of red thread sitting next to a pair of scissors

Coauthored by Calista E.

Calista Allen, SUNY Ulster Class of 2018

Another person has started here, to go far in the community with her newly learned skills. Calista chose SUNY Ulster over a well-known private college and says it was “it was one of the best decisions I have ever made” as she knew she wanted to be an involved part of a small business and remain local.

Calista has been designing and sewing for about ten years now. She credits her grandmother for teaching her garment creation basics before her time in college. Saying that her grandmother has been one of her biggest supporters and inspirations.

Most recently, she has turned her long time love of sewing and designing into a blossoming career. Thanks to the real world experience gained from her time in the fashion design program.

SUNY Ulster, Here to Help.

The fashion curriculum at SUNY Ulster has provided continuous opportunities that have shaped Calista’s life, livelihood, and career. The professors on campus encouraged and emboldened Calista to explore her talents and perfect her skills. She enhanced her design methods, portfolio building and interview skills to graduate at her highest potential as a result. Along with the well planned curriculum, the program offered Calista many internship opportunities that were vital to learn the industry first hand. Therefore she interned with brands you might know like: the Robert Tonner Doll Company, Eleven Six Knitwear, and Karina Dresses.

A sewing mannequin stands with a tape measure wrapped around it's top

Calista was proud to say that this school guided and molded her into a networking queen! To clarify she recalls one of the most impactful parts of her educational journey; that SUNY Ulster “provided endless opportunities to meet new people and interact with other local businesses and entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.”

A woman stands in a white dress with leather sleeve and belt accents — The Robin Dress ( made of chiffon with leather details).

After completing her internship with Karina Dresses, the company offered her a full time position. They realized the vigor and passion she had started to hone in on and wanted her skills to stay at their business. Calista has been working there for almost three years as the Social Media Manager and Junior Design Assistant for the brand located in Uptown Kingston. She continues gaining skill and experience while starting ventures of her own in the world of fashion.

Her design aesthetic is athletically inclined clothing with an elegant flair; a mix of sporty and sophistication. In her own words “I enjoy playing with style lines and geometric shapes to create a unique style.” She has used that as a base for a children’s clothing line, entirely of her own making, coming soon.

What’s Next for Calista?

Blue/White Gingham Dress
Cali Bee Kids Spring Line

Calista was happy to express how grateful she is for the fashion program at SUNY Ulster. The way it offered various tools and resources to kickstart her passion, and build strong relationships that continue to support and guide her future to this day. In addition, this driven young entrepreneur has started her own Spring kid’s clothing line. It’s called Cali Bee Kids and is set to launch this August! To check it out for yourself click here: http://bit.ly/CaliBeeKids

When asked what her best memory of her experience here was, she responded: “I don’t have a specific favorite part of earning my degree at SUNY Ulster, because I loved everything!”

Noteworthy Keynote Address by Dr. Ray Raymond

May 17, 2019 by Roycroft Michaela

Dr. Ray Raymond has been a well-known professor at SUNY Ulster since 2005. He teaches government, politics, international relations, and American history. In addition, he is an adjunct professor of comparative politics and international relations at the US Military Academy. He is known for riveting lectures complete with an eloquent English air about them.

Teaching students at SUNY Ulster is one of many commitments Dr. Raymond is regularly engaged in. He is also a regular visiting lecturer at the US Air Force Academy and Fellow of the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy. He is also the Director of the Katt Institute for Constitutional Studies. His efforts have been recognized numerous times, including by the Times Herald Record Online.

An Address of Importance

On Saturday, April 13, Dr. Raymond gave the keynote address at the World Affairs Council of the Hudson Valley’s 6th annual student conference. He illuminated the diffusion of power in the international system since the turn of the century and suggested that that US international leadership has to be collaborative, not unilateral.

The outline of an eagle is filled with red and white stripes and a blue pattern containing white stars

Dr. Raymond suggested that the US does not have the power it once did. He also defended the liberal rules-based world order and recommended reforms in the US intelligence process to ensure that we avoid blind spots, in hopes that this will improve our understanding of the new strategic political environment.

Curious about this man and what the feel of his lectures are? Worry not, because he has contributed mini-lectures to AcademicMinute.org which are broadcast on WAMC Public radio from Albany. His broadcasts set out his views on US foreign policy and explain some key points of commitment and co-dependence between the United States and the United Kingdom. Listen to one of his broadcasts below.

The U.K.’s and The U.S.’s Special Relationship

Dr. Raymond’s Background

So where does our noteworthy professor get his skills from?
First, he is a former British diplomat who held a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Yale University in American History. Secondly, before coming to SUNY Ulster, Dr. Raymond spent twenty years in Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service as a specialist on the United States. During that time, he analyzed US government and politics, US defense and national security issues as well US trade policy. Between 1997 and 2005, he advised then British Prime Minister Tony Blair on US politics as well as secondary and higher education. He also served as policy adviser and speech writer for High Royal Highness, The Duke of York. In recognition of his diplomatic work, he was honored by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with the Order of the British Empire.

A flag is bisected diagonally, the upper half depicting a partial american flag and the lower half depicting a aprtial uk flag

As political officer of the British Consulate General, New York he played an integral role in the UK’s response to the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 when 77 British nationals were killed in the World Trade Center. This included organizing events and giving speeches conveying the message to the United States that the United Kingdom would support it fully in the war on terror. One of them was at SUNY Ulster when Dr. Raymond gave the Howard St. John Lecture in late September 2001.

Dr. Raymond’s research has been published by The Atlantic Council and the National Interest. Currently, Dr. Raymond is working on a new book which will be published late next year by the US Naval Institute Press. It is about five of West Point’s most courageous young officers and their heroic service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Political Influence Aside

An open book sits on a table with a pair of glasses on top, there is a phone behond the book — Image by Dariusz Sankowski from Pixabay

Dr. Raymond’s top priority has always remained his students, however. In addition to teaching, he has mentored many SUNY Ulster students long after they graduated, helping them win places and often scholarships at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, and New York University among others.

This influential man also has a high satisfaction rating from his students. He has multiple inspiring reviews on sites such as RateMyProfessors.com. One anonymous reviewer, a political science student, left a rating of five out of five, saying, “Dr. Raymond always remained very professional, and he is thorough. He will explain it a second or third time if needed and always responds to my emails in a timely manner… I personally enjoyed learning from him. A stand up man/professional if there ever was one.”

His Method

A student in cap and gown puts his thumb up with a wide smile

Dr. Raymond says he gets students into history by making it stimulating. He stresses the importance and relevance of political history in ways that ensure students will be able to make an argument using facts long after they’ve forgotten details of the lesson. “If you’re not excited about it yourself, you can’t expect students to be excited,” he commented.

Another Honorable Mention for One of Our Professors: Iain Machell

April 10, 2019April 10, 2019 by Roycroft Michaela

Two trees stand in middle of the frame and are wrapped with paper that features prints if their bark. The paper extends out of the frame, as if rolling off the tree.

Iain Machell is one of many professors at SUNY Ulster that teaches and influences students with his artistic creativity and experience. SUNY Ulster is proud to have him on board! Machell was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and is currently a Professor of Studio Arts and formerly held the position of department chair of art, design, music, theatre, fashion, and communication and is now Co-ordinator of the Fine Art program.

Artist Iain Machell stands in front of a pencil drawing of what appears to be a ball of hay or twigs. He is smiling and holding a pencil.

This artist has been mentioned many times in various publications throughout his career; such as the New York Times, Saugerties Artists Tour, Chronogram, and more. One of his books can even be seen in the Museum of Modern Art/ Franklin Furnace/ Artist Book Collection. Most recently Machell was included as one of twelve skilled artists in a well known artist’s blog Vasari 21. Check out the fourth name on their “What is Drawing?” series part five, to see the shout out to this professor featuring his 2015 piece entitled “PEEL”, shown above.

Inspirations and Style

Machell creates what he calls “landscape interventions”
described as sculptures made of found materials like wood or stone that are removed from the natural environment. These things are altered in some way, often with text or signage from an unlikely source, and then replaced in the landscape. He also draws and paints other nature inspired creations in his home studio which could be said to represent the human impact on nature and vise versa. One site describes him as a Brit living in New York State’s Hudson Valley, who has been engaged in observing the battle between the human condition and the natural world for many years.

Not Again – 2006
Root Ball 31 – 2014
Sketch 17 – 2015
Sorry Not Sorry – 2005
Terra Interruptus 2 – 2012
Terra Interruptus 62 – 2013

Iain Machell’s drawings, book projects, paintings and sculptures have been shown in galleries and institutions throughout the United States and United Kingdom notably The Drawing Center, The Sculpture Center and the Center for Book Arts in New York City and a handmade book is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art/Franklin Furnace/Artist Book Collection.

To find out more about this busy man or pick his brain, visit his website: iainmachell.com, his professor bio, or his open letter to all members of the arts community and Muroff-Kotler Art Gallery supporters. If you want to see him in action, watch a video of A Classroom Moment with Iain Machell – SUNY Ulster.

The Truth About Native American Trauma

April 10, 2019November 27, 2018 by Roycroft Michaela

Dawnland is a documentary that has recently exposed the narrative of indigenous child removal in the United States, particularly in Maine. The story depicts Native American children that were taken away from their families by authorities and placed in white households.

First there’s pain, then there’s healing.

The film follows non-Natives sent out by the first government-sanctioned truth and reconciliation commission to hear the traumatic tales of those directly affected. Emotions run high as these people work together toward healing the pain and effects from loss of community and culture these people faced in their formative years.

This gut-wrenching film is “a history lesson that you’re ashamed to have never learned but whose truths you’ll likely never forget,” as stated by Crosscut news. This bold emotional journey is remarkable to many folks, from many walks of life. You name an interest you have and this film includes it; criminal justice, psychology, social science and more.

It’s kind of a big deal!

This screening is being talked about all over! Check out the NPR radio broadcast from yesterday featuring the Co-director Ben Pender-Cudlip being interviewed about his work on the project. He sheds some eye-opening information on the subject of his film. A great preview of the full feature that you’ll want to hear.

Or for a shorter read, take a look at the article about this screening in the Daily Freeman!

Your official golden ticket.

We invite you to behold the first-hand stories and emotions of the Natives that were displaced. This documentary is an inside view of a recent event that continues to have lasting effects in an area very close to home. Come and be a part of a historical investigation! By bearing witness to the moving accounts of adults that were devastated as children by the state’s poor child welfare decisions.

The screening (that you are more than welcome to attend no matter who you are) will take place on Wednesday, November

28, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. We will gather in the College Lounge, in Vanderlyn Hall on campus.

For a bit more info, visit our Facebook event page!

Take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Lucky you, not only are you invited to attend this special screening that is being shown for the last time locally here at SUNY Ulster..

We also invite you to bring your notepad and an inquisitive mind along! Filmmaker Ben Pender-Cudlip will be in the house to introduce the documentary and have a discussion after the film. This event is free of charge and open to all members of the community. Experience for yourself the healing on the path toward reconciliation, truth, and the survival of indigenous culture.

SUNY Ulster Fashion Design Program Stuns in Runway Show!

August 8, 2018May 18, 2018 by SUNYUlster

A procession of models make their way down the fashion runway.

On Saturday May 12th,2018 SUNY Ulster Fashion Design Program first and second year students showcased their garments in the programs 2nd Annual Spring Fashion Show. The show was presented under the exceptional direction of Fashion Program Coordinator Kristin Flynn.

Kristin Flynn stands at the end of the fashion shows runway as the crowd looks on! — Photo Credit: John Halpern

Glitz and Glamour.

Both the afternoon and evening shows were filled with glitz and glamour. Attendees of the 7 p.m. evening show were given an extended presentation as two student who had gone above and beyond the design programs requirements were recognized for their dedication and passion to Fashion Design during an award presentation.

Ms. Kia Ward was selected for the Outstanding Fashion Student of the Year Award.

While Ms. Patricia Bowers won the Karina Dress Challenge in collaboration with Uptown Kingston designer Karina Cousineau –also known as “Karina Dresses”

Patricia Bowers the winner of the "Karinas Dress Challenge" hold her award and smiles as Professor Kristen Flynn looks at her smiling. — Photo Credit: John Halpern

Giving Thanks.

The students and faculty of the SUNY Ulster Fashion Program want to thank everyone who as supported the program since its inceptions and as it continues to grow each year! Below are more stunning photos from the 2018 Spring Fashion Show.

We invite you all to learn more about the Fashion Design Program at SUNY Ulster here: https://www.sunyulster.edu/academics/credit_programs/fashion_design