Campus Life

Spring Concerts on April 27 and May 5, 2022

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

April 22, 2022 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will hold its Spring Concerts on April 27 and May 5 in the Quimby Theater. Both concerts begin at 7:30 pm. The concerts are free and open to the public.

The April 27 concert will feature the SUNY Ulster Community Band, Brass Choir, and Woodwind Choir, Victor Izzo, director. The program includes three major Wind Band works directed by special Guest Conductor, Dr. Adam Fontant, director of Ensembles at SUNY New Paltz:

  • Downtown Divertimento by Johan de Meij
  • Vientos y Tangos by Michael Fanfolfi
  • Shine by Julie Giroux

The Brass Choir will perform Symphony No. 1 for Brass by Brian Balmages with Guest Conductor, Adam Kuliszewski.

The Woodwind Choir will perform works by Telemann and Debussy.

On May 5, the SUNY Ulster Chorus directed by Janet Gehres and accompanied by Edward Leavitt will open with “Viva la Musica” (Long Live Music) and continue with an eclectic program of music from the Renaissance, the Beatles, Ukraine, Americana, and music based on the poetry of Langston Hughes.

The SUNY Ulster Mixed Instrument Ensemble, directed and arranged by Greg Dinger will perform works by Carcassi, Mozart, and Lennon/McCartney arranged for flute, alto sax, guitar, piano, and electric bass.

In addition, winners of the Best Solo Performances from the Spring 22 Music Department’s convocation Series will be announced.

For more information and questions, email gehresj@sunyulster.edu.

COVID screeners will be on-site to conduct a brief health screening and issue wristbands for all visitors.  Additionally, SUNY Ulster has moved to a masks-optional policy for all vaccinated employees, staff, and visitors. Visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination at check-in. Those without proof of vaccination will be required to wear a mask while indoors.  Face masks are still encouraged to be worn in any setting where social distancing of three feet cannot be maintained.  SUNY Ulster fully supports all members of our community who wish to continue wearing masks to protect themselves, dependents at home, or for various reasons.

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SUNY Ulster Presents a Virtual Event with Author, Erika Meitner

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portrait of poet for Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum - Erika Meitner

 April 4, 2022 – Stone Ridge, NY – Registration is now open for the 2022 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum with poet, essayist, and social critic, Erika Meitner via Zoom on Tuesday, April 19 at 1:15 p.m.

Moderated by Rachael Pompeii, Instructor of English at SUNY Ulster, this virtual event will include Ms. Meitner reading from her work and an interview.

Erika Meitner is the winner of the 2018 National Jewish Book Award for Poetry and author of six books of poems: Useful Junk; Holy Moly Carry Me; Inventory at the All-Night Drugstore; Makeshift Instructions for Vigilant Girls; and Ideal Cities, which was a 2009 National Poetry series winner; and Copia. Her poetry and prose have been widely anthologized.

Born and raised in Queens and Long Island, NY, Meitner is a first-generation American: her father is from Israel; her mother was born in a refugee camp in Germany, which is where her maternal grandparents settled after surviving the Holocaust. Meitner is currently a professor of English at Virginia Tech.

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 for intimate question and answer sessions. 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, 2002-2006.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Zoom information will be provided upon registration via a confirmation email. To learn more, contact Kari Mack by email at mackk@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Celebrates Pi Day!

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Professor Albertini at the blackboard

March 14 marks Pi Day, an annual celebration of the mathematical sign pi which was founded in 1988 by physicist Larry Shaw. March 14 was selected because the numeral date (3.14) represents the first three digits of pi and it also happens to be Albert Einstein’s birthday-the perfect pi-incidence.

One of the reasons Pi is special is because it’s involved in many common formulae, such as the area of a circle (Pi*r^3) and the value of a sphere (4/3 Pi*r^3). From an early age, we learn that for any circle with radius r and diameter d=2r, the circumference is Pi*d and the area is Pi*r^2.

Pi Day With Professor Jules Albertini

At SUNY Ulster, Pi Day is Professor Jules Albertini and his students’ favorite day. “All those that appreciate any level of mathematics and science love the number Pi. Even though, no matter how hard we try, we can only ‘taste’ a finite piece of it. I am so happy that our culture celebrates such a useful and mysterious number (even with the constant irrational behavior!), says Professor Albertini. Have fun watching Jules on Pi Day!

Fun Ways to Celebrate Pi Day

  • Eat Pi Foods: A celebration without food is not a celebration. On this day, have students eat foods that start with “Pi”. Pizza and pineapples, or pineapples on the top of the pizza are other examples of Pi foods.
  • Bake Pies: Have students bake pies in the shape of the pi symbol. If you are not much of a baker, don’t worry. An ugly pie can still be an edible pie. A few ideas include mini pi-shaped pies, pi-shaped turnovers, and baking a pizza pie with pepperoni in the shape of the pie symbol.
  • Classroom Pi Day Workout: After consuming all that Pi-shaped food, a workout to burn off some calories may not be a bad idea. So start with the number three and work your way through the digits of Pi.
  • Pi Day Scavenger Hunt: Have a scavenger hunt by hiding Pi-related clues around the school and allowing students to search for them. Clues can be 3 markers, 1 notebook, 4 folders.
  • The Form of Pi: Have the students line up outside in a field or oval. The students should form the Pi symbol. Take an overhead of it. This can be a great Pi day event.
  • Pi Contests: Hold a relay race that requires students to run from station to station. In order to proceed, they must answer a piece of Pi trivia. Another idea is to have a contest to see how many words can be made that start with ‘Pi’. The winner can take home an actual pie.
  • Hold a Pi Day Run: It’s a great way to get your community involved in the celebration. Be sure that the run is 3.14 miles in that there is a prize for the winner. Prizes can include a few pies and a medal of some sort that represents Pi day.

How Did We Come to Celebrate Pi Day?

In 1988, the earliest known or large-scale celebration of Pi Day was organized by Larry Shaw at the San Francisco Exploratorium where Shaw worked as a physicist, with staff and public marching around one of its circular spaces, then consuming fruit pies. And, the Exploratorium continues to hold Pi Day celebrations.

On March 12, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution (111 H. Res. 224), recognizing March 14, 2009, as National Pi Day.

The entire month of March 2014 (3/14) was observed by some as ‘Pi Month’. In 2015, March 14 was celebrated as “Super Pi Day”. It had special significance as the date is written as 3/14/15 in month/day/year format. At 9;26;53, the date and time together represented the first 10 digits of Pi, and later that second Pi instant represented all of Pi digits.

Go eat some Pi today!

 

 

 

SUNY Ulster Holds On-Campus Prospective Students Day December  4

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Student in Library with Text Overlay saying: Perspective Students Day

November 10, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – High school students and their support systems who want to learn more about the value of a community college education and the SUNY Ulster admissions process can register for Prospective Students Day. The event will take place on Saturday, December 4 starting at 9 a.m. on the Stone Ridge Campus.

The program for this event begins in Quimby Theater located in Vanderlyn Hall and will include:

  • An introduction to the SUNY Ulster campus and the admissions process
  • An overview of academic programs and college services including scholarships, financial   aid, and transferring to a four-year college
  • A Start Here, Go Far panel consisting of current students and alumni providing their college experience and perspective
  • A guided campus tour given by Student Admissions Ambassadors who will share experiences about campus life

All participants will receive a SUNY Ulster swag bag filled with helpful resources. There will also be the opportunity to schedule an individual follow-up appointment with a SUNY Ulster admissions representative to help guide students and answer questions.

Registration is required and can be accessed at sunyulster.edu/visit. For more information, call (845) 687-5022. Masks are required.

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SUNY Ulster Holds Ulster County Domestic Violence Information Forum:

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9th annual ulster county domestic violence information forum flyer

October 18, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster, Ulster County Executive Patrick K. Ryan, and the Ulster County Inter-Agency Council on Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking will host “Hidden Truths and Youth” on Thursday, October 28, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. via Zoom.

This year’s forum will identify and address domestic violence in the familial and intimate partner relationships of young people. A Q&A Discussion will follow a variety of presentations from local organizations and local community leaders.

This is the 9th Annual Ulster County Domestic Violence Information Forum. These forums are held each October as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and include information and resources for campus and community members on domestic violence

This training is free and open to the public. To learn more, contact Beth LaValle at blav@co.ulster.ny.us or by phone at (845) 334-5221. To register, visit https://forms.gle/kBh4BTaLrySJZtaL9. Participants will receive the Zoom link to access this event in their registration email confirmation.

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SUNY Ulster Alumni Art Exhibition- Calling All Alumni!

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All SUNY Ulster alumni are invited to submit work to be included in the 2021 Alumni Exhibition! The Exhibition will run from October 1st – November 14th, 2021. Alumni can submit up to three pieces for consideration. All artwork must be original, and all media are acceptable.

 

Eligibility:

Open to all SUNY Ulster alumni- not just Art Majors! Works must have been completed after graduation, preferably within the last three years.  Artwork may be 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, video-based, or installation/site-specific.

Entry to this exhibition implies agreement on the part of the sender to the conditions set forth in this prospectus. The deadline to submit is August 27th, 2021.

 

Media/Specifications:

All work accepted for the show must be ready to hang, self-supporting on a pedestal or the floor, prepared for viewing on a monitor, or ready for display in another specified manner.
Three-dimensional or installation work may include up to 2 additional detail images. Artists submitting video artwork must submit a five-minute clip of the video for review. Potential final acceptance of video work will be determined after viewing the full video.

Submission Format:

● All works must be submitted in .jpg format.
● Submissions will be accepted online only; any submitted work that differs from the digital entry guidelines below may be disqualified.
● All image files must be named exactly as follows: Lastname_Firstname_Titleofwork.jpg
● Important: The names of your image files must not contain spaces or special characters ( – / . # etc). Underscores _ are fine.
● Files must be 72 dpi and no more than 600 pixels on its’ largest side.
● Email files to: Gallery@sunyulster.edu Please include “Alumni Exhibition” in your subject line.

Acceptance of Work:

Alumni whose work is selected for the exhibition will be notified by September 3rd, 2021.

Selected artists are requested to provide a current artist statement to accompany exhibited artwork addressing where you are in your career.  Additionally, selected artists are requested to provide information for promotion (3 images, contact information, website, and social media contact).

Accepted work may be delivered in person or shipped postage paid by the artist in appropriate packaging for artwork that is reusable upon return shipment.

Presentation:

  • Wall-mounted work: Not to exceed 5’ in height or width and 60 lbs.
  • Installations: May not alter the character of gallery walls, ceiling, or floor.
  • Pedestals will be provided for 3-D work.
  • All works must be ready to install. 2-D work must be framed under plexiglass or glass (with exception of works on canvas) and wired with the necessary hanging device attached. Unframed works should be shipped with the appropriate hanging equipment and installation instructions.
  • The juror or Program Coordinator may withhold works that are misrepresented by digital submission or that are not adequately prepared for display.

Delivery/shipment of accepted work:

● Delivery, shipment, and return of artwork are at the expense and responsibility of the artist.
● Accepted work may be delivered in person or shipped postage paid by the artist in appropriate packaging for artwork that is reusable upon return shipment.
● Deliver all accepted works to:
○ SUNY Ulster Community College
℅ Muroff-Kotler Gallery
491 Cottekill Rd, Stone Ridge, NY 12484
● Hand-delivered work should be delivered directly to the Muroff-Kotler Gallery.  Delivery times are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.
● Shipped artwork will be returned in the packing that it arrives in and must contain information (prepaid shipping label, etc.) for return.
●  All packages must include a pre-paid return address label (if the return address label is not included, the address on the original submission form will be used to return the work.)
● If inappropriate shipping materials are used, damaged work will not be covered by the gallery.
● C.O.D. deliveries will not be accepted.
● Please: No Packing Popcorn

●Pick up/Return of Artwork will be from November 15th – 27th,  2021.

Contact Information: Gallery@sunyulster.edu Please include “Alumni Exhibition” in your subject line.

 

Meet the Juror

Joan Ffolliott began her formal artistic training at the University of Washington in sculpture and printmaking. She went on to earn her MFA at the Rhode Island School of Design and was the recipient of a Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant.

Joan has exhibited her work in numerous shows around the country and she is included in many private collections. In addition to teaching at RISD, Sonoma State University, and Wheaton College, she is currently a member of the faculty at SUNY Ulster Community College, the Woodstock School of Art, and the owner of Ffolliott Design. She lives and works in Malden-on-Hudson, New York.

SUNY Ulster Holds 57th Commencement on May 15 

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Students preparing for the commencement ceremony

May 5, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s sixth President, Dr. Alan P. Roberts, will preside over the College’s 57th Commencement on Saturday, May 15.

SUNY Ulster is offering several commencement options for graduating students:

On May 15 at 9 a.m., a pre-recorded virtual commencement will be available for graduating students and guests that can be viewed from any remote location from the College’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Page. After Commencement, the video will be available for viewing on our Commencement web page and on SUNY Ulster’s YouTube Channel.

SUNY Ulster will also host a drive-through diploma ceremony on the Stone Ridge Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for 70 graduating students who pre-registered to attend. Social distancing and other health safety protocols outlined by the CDC will be followed.

Graduates can also choose to participate in a Safe Diploma Delivery option in which President Roberts will visit their home after the drive-through ceremony and will continue deliveries over the following days. All social distancing and safety protocols will be observed.

SUNY Ulster’s class of 2021 consists of 406 students. Of this group, 354 will receive associate degrees and 91 will receive certificates. The youngest graduate is 16, and the oldest is 64. Of the class, 64 are graduating with highest honors, 122 are graduating with honors, three students are graduating with the Honors Studies program distinction, nine students are being recognized for earning a 4.0 GPA while at SUNY Ulster, the President’s Medal of Highest Honor, and 57 are members of the national honors society Phi Theta Kappa.

Pomp & Circumstance played by SUNY Ulster’s brass quintet from the College’s 2016 Commencement will open the Ceremony as well as the SUNY Ulster Alma Mater from the 2016 College Chorus. America the Beautiful, Lift Every Voice and Sing will be performed by SUNY Ulster alumna, Marena Clunie. The virtual ceremony kicks-off with a welcome from President Dr. Alan P. Roberts. Video and audio messages will continue from Alan Lomita, Chairman of the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees; U.S. Senator, Chuck Schumer; U.S. Congressman Antonio Delgado; New York State Senator, Michelle Hinchey; Assemblymember, Kevin A. Cahill; Ulster County Executive, Patrick Ryan; Chair of the Ulster County Legislature David Donaldson; Chair of the SUNY Ulster Academic Senate, Professor Jim Hobbs; SUNY Chancellor, Dr. Jim Malatras; Chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., Laurel Sweeney; ESPN College Basketball Analyst, Dick Vitale; and CNBC Business News Correspondent, Contessa Brewer.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Kevin Stoner will speak on Academic Achievements of the class of 2021 followed by a presentation of the candidates through virtual slides submitted by participating graduates and voiceovers by Assistant Dean for Student Success, Wendy Beesley and Assistant Dean for Student Services, Matt Brennie.

A combined Invocation/Benediction message will be given from Rev. Allison Moore, PhD. from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Paltz, NY.

An electronic version of the Commencement Program will display all 2021 graduates.

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Drive In Arts Exhibition at SUNY Ulster on April 30

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Collage of students participating in the arts exhibition

April 13, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is holding a Drive In Arts Exhibition on April 30, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Rain date is May 1 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

On exhibit will be art from SUNY Ulster’s first and second year arts program students including Fashion Design, Fine Art/Visual Art, and Music. When visitors drive onto the SUNY Ulster campus, they will be guided through the outdoor exhibits by directional signage, a printed program, and by dialing into a specifically designated radio station to learn more about the works, educational programs, and to hear the performing ensembles.

The Fine Art/Visual Art program is a foundation-based program preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions or career entry. On view will be first-year student paintings, drawings, photography, design, and printmaking. Second year students will display their transfer/career portfolio projects. Second-year students will be finishing their Bachelor degrees at the School of Visual Arts, SUNY New Paltz, and SUNY Fredonia, among other colleges.

The Fashion Design program will be showing pencil skirts and button down shirts that highlight the pattern-making, sewing, and construction skills by first-year students. Second-year graduating students will show their final collections: a coordinated group of garments with tops, pants, dresses, and coats that include a focus on surface decorations including embroidery, applique, and patchwork. Graduating students will be transferring to the Fashion Institute of Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design or SUNY Oneonta to complete their four-year degrees.

The Music program will feature several of their performing ensembles available to students and community members including the SUNY Ulster Community Band, Jazz Ensemble, College Chorus, and Guitar Ensemble. Some of the four-year institutions music program students are transferring to include SUNY Fredonia, SUNY Potsdam, Ithaca, and Bard.

To keep traffic flowing, interested attendees are required to register and choose a convenient time slot.

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Drive in Arts Exhibition

Black History Month

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Collage of important black figures from history and text overlay: Black History Month

Here at SUNY Ulster we strive to encourage a diverse atmosphere of inclusion. One of the many ways that we try to achieve this goal is with our robust celebration of Black History Month.

Candice VanDyke-LondonOur Chief Diversity Officer, Candice Van Dyke – London, stated in a recent interview that SUNY Ulster wants to create awareness and open dialogue. We want to focus on the acknowledgment and celebration of Black Americans’ contributions throughout the history of the world. It is her desire that highlighting these contributions will help everyone move away from the one-dimensional view that America has of Black history.

Candice sees Black History Month as a time to recognize and honor the role that Black Americans have played in the foundation of America. This month provides a means of reminding us all what Black Americans have fought for and overcome and the continued battle they face every day for equity and equality.

A Brief History

Carter Woodson and Jesse Moorland
Carter Woodson and Jesse Moorland

In 1915, 50 years after the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, historian Carter Woodson and minister Jesse Moorland founded the Study of Negro Life and History. This organization was dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and others of African descent.

In 1926 the group sponsored a national Negro History Week. They chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Schools and communities nationwide planned events, celebrations, performances, and lectures to commemorate the event.

Over the next 40 years, mayors and cities across the nation issued yearly proclamations recognizing Negro History Week.  Until, in the late ’60s,  it became known as Black History Week throughout a number of higher learning institutions.

Negro History Week Flyer
In 1976 president Gerald Ford officially recognized February as Black History Month. He called upon everyone to, “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Every year since 1976 February has been recognized as Black History Month.

SUNY Ulster invites you to view a Black History Month Slide Show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pridesgiving 2020

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Pridesgiving 2020 banner

 

Rae AndersoIn an effort to provide a positive holiday experience to her fellow students, Rae Anderson was inspired to create Pridesgiving – an opportunity for the entire student body to come together and create lasting holiday memories filled with joy.

Many members of the LGBTQ+ community face the holiday season with trepidation and sadness because they lack a supportive and accepting family dynamic. Imagine sitting around a table filled with people who can’t or won’t accept you for who YOU are.

According to Rae, she recognized her own difficulties faced during the holidays. When asked what inspired her creation of Pridesgiving Rae said, “I wanted to provide a positive experience for those who associate holidays with isolation, trauma, hunger, or stress of any kind.”

Pridesgiving 2018

Pridesgiving 2018With assistance from the LGBTQ+ advisor, Brandon Burnette, and the Student life Coordinator, Meg Sheeley, the first Pridesgiving came to fruition on November 20, 2018.

The event was a potluck event held in the Student Dining Hall. Then student, Kerri Hostetter, invited her Queer positive choral group, “Key of Q” to provide musical entertainment. The event was well attended by students, guests, staff, and faculty. It was a great success.

Meg and Brandon discussed the outcome and it was decided…Pridesgiving would become an annual event at SUNY Ulster!

Pridesgiving 2019

In an effort to make a cozier, more personal event, Pridesgiving was held in the Student Lounge. In 2019 many more clubs got involved and collaborated to make an amazing event. Stephanie Sensini, from the Business Club, created an amazing graphic that was made into a physical banner to commemorate the event.
Pridesgiving BannerThe Student Government Organization (SGO) purchased turkeys and Jason from Lessings was kind enough to cook them. “Ready for the Holidays” clothing racks were set up with the supplies and help of those participating in the Start Here. Go Far Boutique. And a staff member, Danielle Wayman, donated beautiful homemade candies.

All of this was complemented by live musical entertainment from “A Judgmental Swarm of Bees”. And once again, the event was an overwhelming success!

Pridesgiving 2020…PRIDE MARCHES ON!

In this year of upheaval and unprecedented change, the tradition will continue. With the efforts of Meg Sheeley, Brandon Burnette, and LGBTQ+ Association President Bailey Savatgy Pridesgiving will continue for its third annual run.

Things will be a bit different this year. It will be a virtual event with students registering to attend. However, do not be discouraged! This is still a free event open to all! Not to mention, those registered will be entered into a raffle drawing for prizes! (Yay, free stuff!)

During this year’s virtual event there will be a slideshow of  “SUNY PRIDE MARCHES ON” artwork submissions. They are still seeking submissions of artwork so get those masterpieces submitted!

There are also many items in the works for this year’s event including musical entertainment and guest speakers.

Come and be a part of an amazing, enriching tradition at SUNY Ulster that continues to inspire a spirit of inclusivity and togetherness in this brave new world we face every day!