News

SUNY Ulster Student, Marissa Dawson Takes First Place at Business Plan Competition

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

SUNY Ulster Student, Marissa Dawson Takes First Place in Services and Software Category at New York State Annual Business Plan Competition

Dawson outpaces tough competitors from undergraduate and graduate students of four-year universities to secure funding for her new business.

May 25, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – The New York Business Plan Competition (NYBPC) announces 2023 prizewinners at Venture, NY, and the marquee event for early-stage companies, investors, and innovators hosted by the Upstate Capital Association of New York. SUNY Ulster’s very own Marissa Dawson of New Paltz, a Business & Entrepreneurial Studies student placed first in the Services and Software category.

Since March, Student competitors have been competing at the semi-final competitions hosted by partner colleges and universities held in all 10 regions of New York State. Top teams from each region advanced to the statewide finals. In all, a total of 75 teams placed in the top of their tracks during regional competitions and advanced to the NYBPC Finals. SUNY Ulster was one of only two community colleges to compete in the NYBPC finals.

On April 27, 2023, The NYBPC culminated with student competitors pitching live to judges at the OnCenter in Syracuse, New York. Over the course of the competition, over 150 judges volunteered, setting aside time from their work as venture capitalists, angel investors, investment bankers, experienced entrepreneurs, and leaders from the business community to share their input on these student-led ventures.

Marissa presented her business, Sage’s Sudzee Dudz, which provides horse blanket cleaning. Business Professor, Daniel Boice, was her coach with support from Adjunct Professor, Pat Phelan and the entire SUNY Ulster Business Club. Daniel Boice said SUNY Ulster was the
“only community college represented at the Regional” level. The ten state finalist teams in the Services and Software category included teams from Cornell University, Binghamton University, Wagner College, and many more. Each first place category winner, including Marissa, received not only a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain feedback from industry leaders but also a cash prize.

Marissa said, “Thanks to SUNY Ulster I was given the opportunity to learn about business and entrepreneurship. The bonus launch of my own small business has been a rollercoaster, but it is well worth it.”

Upstate Capital Association President and CEO, Noa Conger Simons said, “This program helps cultivate investable early-stage companies, provides a launch pad for all kinds of new ventures, and develops skills and mindsets that all competitors take forward with them in their careers. Since its inception in 2010, the NYBPC has impacted more than 6,000 students with more than $150 million of economic impact that can be attributed to student-led ventures that have gone through the program and hundreds of innovations that have led to commercialization over the past decade.”

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Marissa Dawson

SUNY Ulster Summer Arts Academy for High School Students

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

May 24, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster announces registration for its Summer Arts Academy is now open. We are offering six workshops in a variety of media taught by practicing artists in the field. All workshops will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Digital Drawing + Painting will be held from July 17 – July 20.
    Learn the basics of digital drawing and rendering, how to translate traditional art to screen by utilizing various digital brushes and textures, quick tips and tricks that can simplify the drawing process, as well as what goes into marketing your work to an audience online.

Instructor: Kat Farrell

  • Printmaking will run from July 17 – July 19.
    The Printmaking workshop will introduce you to the three basic types of printmaking: Relief, Intaglio, and Planographic by exploring the techniques of Linocut, Collagraph, and Monotype. This is a hands-on class in which you will use new tools to create and print multiple images while learning the basics of working in a printmaking studio. No previous printmaking experience required.

Instructor: Joan Ffolliott

  • Sculpture: Creating Art in 3 Dimensions will run from July 24 – July 27.
    Together we will investigate the question: “How do you make a sculpture?” You will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of materials as we explore how art concepts apply to creating in 3 dimensions.

Instructor: Sam Goldberg

  • Digital Photography & Image Editing will run from July 24 – July 27.
    This intensive photography workshop will provide everything for the aspiring photographer. We will take advantage of the extended time together to photograph inside and outside using our cameras to full effect. Learn all about camera functions, camera usage, studio lighting, and printing photographs as well as introductions to photographics artists and how they can teach us how to make powerful images.

Instructor: Seth Rubin

  • Developing Personal Narrative in Drawing runs from July 31 – August 3.
    In this workshop you will learn to use your own objects, photographs, and memories combined with landscapes and text to create more personal story – telling drawings. Classes will center on learning positive and negative drawing techniques in charcoal and graphite.

Instructor: Kristin Flynn

  • Animation 101 also runs from July 31 – August 3.
    In this intro level class, you will learn the basic principles of animation. Using these principles, you will be able to see your animated projects come to life using both traditional and digital techniques. We will then work through various animation exercises to create a demo reel showcasing your animation skills.

Instructor: Cassiopeia Ottulich

To register for any of these courses, a parent or guardian must first complete our online Pre-Registration form. After the form is complete you will receive a registration link to pay for the course(s). For more information, contact Continuing Education at cereg@sunyulster.edu or 845-339-2025, or Christopher Seubert, Fine Arts Visual Arts Department Program Coordinator at seubertc@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5134.

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Registration Opens for SUNY Ulster’s Newest Microcredential: Pet Sitting, Training, and Grooming 

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

May 17, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – For anyone who loves working with animals, SUNY Ulster introduces a new microcredential, Pet Sitting, Training, and Grooming. In this microcredential, students will learn key skills and knowledge needed for pet sitting, training, and grooming services. Students will also learn how to successfully start a business to offer these services and the business skills they will need.

Microcredentials are short programs that provide relevant skills needed in today’s marketplace. They take less time to earn than a degree or certificate, achievable in one year or less. Once the requirements of a microcredential are achieved, you are awarded proof in the form of a digital badge that can be added to your resume or LinkedIn.

This microcredential is composed of four to five classes totaling between 9 and 12 credits. After the completion of this microcredential, students will be able to analyze strategies for dealing with pet behavioral issues, identify grooming tools and demonstrate understanding of their uses, and create a business plan for a pet business including start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet business.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “About 80,900 openings for animal care and service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade”. In addition, animal care and service worker employment is projected to increase by 29% from 2021 to 2031.  As the number of pets in households rise, and travel becomes more accessible, there is an increasing need for animal caretakers.

To learn more about the Pet Sitting, Training, and Grooming Microcredential visit SUNY Ulster’s website or contact Admissions at admissions@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5022.

 

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Photo by John Halpern

Student with dog

SUNY Ulster Holds 59th Commencement on May 20, 2023

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SUNY Ulster Graduate holding up diploma

May 11, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s seventh President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D. will preside over the College’s 59th Commencement on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. on the SUNY Ulster Soccer Field/Louis Berger Athletic Fields on the Stone Ridge campus. President Buckley will present 130 students with a degree or certificate at the Commencement ceremony.

Graduates marching in academic regalia will receive four tickets each for guests to attend the commencement. The Soccer Field will be open for guest seating at 8:30 a.m., and the ceremony starts at 10:00 a.m. In the event of light to moderate rain, a decision for the outdoor ceremony to be moved inside will be made and communicated to graduates as soon as possible.

The event will be video streamed live for guests without tickets and can be viewed from any remote location as the ceremony occurs from our website at sunyulster.edu/graduation or from our YouTube channel . The graduating class consists of 429 students. Three hundred twenty-nine (329) will receive associate degrees and 100 will receive certificates. The youngest graduate is 17, and the oldest is 64. Of the class, 73 are graduating with highest honors, 145 are graduating with honors, 3 students are graduating with the Honors Studies program distinction, 7 students are being recognized with the President’s Medal of Highest Honor for earning a 4.0 GPA, and 57 are members of the national honor society Phi Theta Kappa. There are also 21 students graduating as nurses.

Tim Guinee, actor and environmental activist will give the keynote address. Tim Guinee is the President of Climate Action Now and a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Commission on Accelerating Climate Solutions. As a leader in former Vice-President Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, he has given presentations on the climate emergency all over the U.S., Canada, and North Africa. He is also the founder of The Climate Actors and serves on the Leadership Council of Riverkeeper, the board of the Ashokan Center, and the board of Green Product Placement. He is the official climate change liaison for the town of Marbletown, NY with the Climate Mayors, and serves as the New York legislative action director for the New York Climate Reality Chapters Coalition. Mr. Guinee earns his living as an actor and has performed in hundreds of films, plays, and episodes of television.

Other speakers include Grand Marshal Kari Mack, Director of library studies, Faculty Marshal Kevin R. Stoner, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty; Deborah Briggs, Board of Trustees Chair; The Honorable Patrick K. Ryan, United States Congressman; The Honorable Michelle Hinchey, New York State Senator; The Honorable Sarahana Shrestha, New York State Assemblymember; The Honorable Jen Metzger, Ulster County Executive; The Honorable Tracey A. Bartels, Ulster County Legislature Chair; Christopher Mikesh, Esq., Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., Secretary; and Matthew Goodell, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, & Academic Senate Chair.

SUNY Ulster held an inaugural student speaker competition and Logan Erlwein was selected to deliver remarks to his fellow classmates and serve as student marshal.

The Reverend Allison Moore, Ph.D., of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Paltz, will deliver the invocation and benediction. Music will be performed by members of the College Choral Ensemble directed by Janet Gehres, and Old Capital Brass directed by Victor Izzo, Jr.

The security policy does not permit large bags and backpacks. Large purses and diaper bags will be checked. Guests will be asked to leave their strollers in a designated area on the soccer field.

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Rosendale Theatre hosts Public Screening of SUNY Ulster Student Work on May 18, 2023

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

May 8, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – The Fine & Visual Arts Program at SUNY Ulster announces the Rosendale Theatre will host a public screening of “We all have something to say” on Thursday, May 18 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. This screening is a collection of SUNY Ulster student work created in the Digital Visual Narrative course, which places emphasis on time-based art and storytelling.

Professor Sean Nixon will introduce his students and the selection of short stories that include, Simple Actions, Public Service Announcements, and Interviews including AI technology with a Q&A session to follow. Local filmmakers and professionals will attend to share their feedback.

Participating Students:

  • Ben Ambrosini
  • Hannah Bouck
  • Kaitlin Olivera
  • Kareena White-Dixon
  • Sierena Zeko

Professor Sean Nixon welcomes the community, “come view the stories, meet the students and enjoy your neighbors. What better place to tell a story than a theater. It’s where it happens.”

This event is free and open to the public; parking is in the back of the theater.

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Two SUNY Ulster Students Receive 2023 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

April 26, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce Mark LaBorde and Arianna Moore, both of New Paltz, NY as the recipients of the 2023 State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. This award recognizes students who have demonstrated academic excellence along with significant campus, community, or career accomplishments. A ceremony took place on Monday, April 24 at the Albany Capital Center in Downtown Albany, NY.

Mark LaBorde is a Music Major with a concentration in Voice and is President of the SUNY Ulster Music Club as well as a member of the Environmental Club. Mark is also a member of the Alpha Rho Delta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and currently holds a 3.6 grade point average and was named on our 2021 Dean’s list for both semesters and President’s list for fall 2022. After graduation this May, Mark plans to attend SUNY New Paltz.

Arianna Moore is a Fine Arts Major and is an active member of the SUNY Ulster community. Arianna is a member of the Student Government Organization as well as a member of the Alpha Rho Delta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. In addition to her extracurricular activities, Arianna maintains a 3.9 grade point average and her artwork has been accepted and displayed in the Chancellor’s Gallery. Currently Arianna is a student aide for both the Community Relations Department and the Fine Arts Department at SUNY Ulster. Due to her commitment and dedication to her academics as well as her community, Arianna has been recognized on the college’s past three President’s Lists, has been awarded the College Scholars Award, and the SUFA: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award for both 2022 and 2023.

“SUNY Ulster’s award recipients are a tremendous source of inspiration,” said Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President. “Both Arianna and Mark, our 2023 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence honorees, serve as leaders within our institution, are engaged in student life, prioritize their academic coursework, and serve our community. Congratulations on your contributions to SUNY Ulster as you Start Here and Go Far!”

The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997 to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and have been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts, campus involvement, or career achievement. Each year, SUNY campus presidents establish a selection committee, which reviews the accomplishments of exemplary students. Nominees are then forwarded to the Chancellor’s Office for a second round of review. Finalists are then recommended to the Chancellor to become recipients of the award.

“There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and each of the students recognized today is an example of our extraordinary student body and their rich and diverse ‘SUNY stories,’” said Chancellor King. “Student success is at the core of everything we do, and I am honored to celebrate students from 63 SUNY campuses who are receiving this year’s Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence. Every student can find their community at SUNY, and I congratulate each of the CASE winners for making the most out of their college experience.”

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SUNY Ulster Holds Spring 2023 Music Concerts for April and May

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

April 17, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will hold its second and third ensemble concerts of the spring semester on Wednesday, April 26 and Wednesday, May 3 in the Quimby Theater in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus. Both concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. The concerts are free and open to the public.

The April 26 concert will feature the SUNY Ulster College/Community Band directed by Victor Izzo. Dr. Adam Fontana, director of Ensembles at SUNY New Paltz will be the guest conductor and will direct La Fiesta Mexicana by H. Owen Reed. Additional selections are:

    • La Fiesta Mexicana – H. Owen Reed
    • Conga del Fuego Nueva – Arturo Marquez
    • Symphonic Dance No. 3 – Clifton Williams
    • San Antonio Dances – Frank Techeli
    • La Mezquita de Córdoba – Julie Giroux

La Fiesta Mexicana composed in 1954 and established a framework for many concert band compositions using Hispanic musical influences. Although each of the other pieces are unique in their melodic themes, there is a thread commonality that formed the basis for this program.

On May 3, the SUNY Ulster College Chorus directed by Janet Gehres and accompanied by Edward Leavitt will feature a diverse choral program of music from the Renaissance, Zambia, Vocal Jazz, operetta, and 21st Century America. Also performing is the African Drumming Ensemble directed by Paul Chambers, and will be played on traditional African instruments. In addition, this concert will feature performances by the spring 2023 Honors Recital Winners and The SUNY Ulster Jazz Combo Alumni Band.

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

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Chorus Singers

Community Band

SUNY Ulster Presents Poet and Author, Kimiko Hahn 2023 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum

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Portrait photograph showing Kimiko Hahn's side profile

SUNY Ulster Presents Poet and Author, Kimiko Hahn 2023 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum

April 11, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster presents the 2023 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum with poet and author Kimiko Hahn on Thursday, April 27, at 10:15 a.m. in the College Lounge in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus.

The event, moderated by Dolores Quiles, Professor Emerita will include a reading, interview, and question and answer period. Books will be available for purchase.

Kimiko Hahn was born in Mount Kisco and grew up outside New York City.  Hahn is a distinguished professor in the MFA Program in Creative Writing & Literary Translation at Queens College, The City University of New York. Hahn earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa before returning to New York to attend Columbia for her Master’s Degree in Japanese literature. Hahn has published ten poetry books including Foreign Bodies, Brain Fever, and Toxic Flora. In addition, she previously served as President of the Board of Governors, Poetry Society of America from 2016 to 2019.

To date Hahn has won the PEN/Voelcker Award for Poetry, the American Book Award, and the Shelley Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of America. She has also been awarded fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts, Guggenheim Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

 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 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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SUNY Ulster Police Academy Information Session Scheduled for April 29 

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Police Academy 2022v Graduates posing for photo

Next Police Academy Begins July 2023

April 14, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s Criminal Justice Department welcomes prospective students to attend a Police Academy information session on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This information session is mandatory for anyone interested in the upcoming academy class running from July 2023 to December 2023. The information session will be held at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster. The information session will also have a Zoom option. During the information session attendees will meet the academy staff, learn about physical fitness, understand academic requirements, and review academy rules and regulations.

At the completion of the Police Basic Training Certificate program, a student will be able to demonstrate working knowledge of New York State law including; penal law, family and juvenile law, mental hygiene law, vehicle and traffic law, and criminal procedure law. Students will also be able to demonstrate knowledge, actions and procedures required of police officers such as applying various laws to established police procedure and public safety response techniques.

The 30-credit hour certificate program is achieved through collaboration between SUNY Ulster and the Ulster County Law Enforcement Training Group (UCLETG) and incorporates all of the NYS approved pre-employment curriculum and objectives. Although the program does not guarantee admission into a police department, all requirements of a full-time basic police academy apply to this program, including physical fitness, para-military organizational development, attendance, and academics.

According to Jim Truitt, Professor and Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice & Human Services, “between 80-85% of our PBT program graduates consistently go on to be successfully employed in the policing field upon program completion. Most of the graduates find employment locally, but our students generally come from five to six surrounding counties.”

Registration is required:   For more information, contact Mike Polcari at polcarim@sunyulster.edu or 845-688-1590.

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SUNY Ulster’s Spring Open House Returns to Campus May 6

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Save the Date, Open House Satursday May 6 9am-12, Stone Ridge Campus

April 10, 2023 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will hold its Spring Open House on the Stone Ridge campus on Saturday, May 6 beginning at 9 a.m. Prospective and accepted students and their families are invited to attend this informative and fun event.

Attendees will be able to learn more about SUNY Ulster’s programs, athletics, student support services, campus life, and more. Visit our College Services Fair, take a campus tour, attend an academic program showcase presented by SUNY Ulster faculty in their academic departments, and learn everything you need to know about our college admissions and registration process.

Prospective students will be able to get help applying to SUNY Ulster, filling out their financial aid applications, and are encouraged to schedule a future one-on-one session with an Enrollment & Success Counselor for guidance through the entire admissions process.

Accepted students will be able to schedule an advisement and registration appointment to complete their fall schedule.

All open house guests will receive a discount on all SUNY Ulster Spirit Wear in the Senators Store, and there will be local Food Trucks on site with refreshments for purchase.

Registration is required for this event. For more information, please contact SUNY Ulster Admissions, Enrollment & Success Center at admissionsevents@sunyulster.edu or (845) 687-5022.

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