News

SUNY Ulster Faculty and Staff Receive 2020 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

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Chancellor's Award Medal

SUNY Ulster Faculty and Staff Receive 2020 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

May 27, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is proud to announce that the following faculty and staff members have been awarded the 2020 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.

They are: Dr. Hans Vought, Professor of History, Social Sciences, History & Education Department – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; Janet Gehres, Adjunct Faculty, Music, Art, Design, Fashion, Theatre and Communication – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching; Sheryl “Sherry” Chisamore, Director of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, Academic Affairs – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service; and Elizabeth “Betty” Zeeb, Photocopy Attendant, Central Services – Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

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, librarians, and professional staff across its campuses.

For more information, contact Deborah Kaufman at kaufmand@sunyulster.edu or by phone at (845) 687-5261.

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Safe Surprise Diplomas

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

SUNY Ulster President, Dr. Alan P. Roberts Delivers Safe Surprise Diplomas During Virtual Commencement

May 18, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – Although the SUNY Ulster campus and Ulster County community were not able to gather in-person on the Stone Ridge campus to celebrate and honor 2020 graduates, Dr. Alan P. Roberts has traveled over 460 miles throughout the region, hand-delivering diplomas to many of the over 120 graduates who RSVP’d to participate in SUNY Ulster’s 2020 virtual ceremony.

Observing all appropriate social distancing precautions and wearing a facemask, Dr. Al (as he is familiarly called) began his diploma deliveries at 8 a.m. Saturday morning and his deliveries spanned over the last several days. He announced his intention to hand deliver diplomas in his commencement welcome message during Saturday’s virtual ceremony, saying he was making good on a promise he made during orientation.

Images of Dr. Al delivering diplomas to this year’s graduates can be found on SUNY Ulster’s social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To date, the Facebook post alone has reached over 27,235 people and received over 11,535 engagements and 203 shares.

The graduating class consisted of 284 students. Of this group, 267 received associate degrees and 36 received certificates. The youngest graduate is 14, and the oldest is 59. Of the class, 33 graduated with highest honors, 80 graduated with honors, 6 students graduated with the Honors Studies program distinction, 7 students were recognized for earning a 4.0 GPA while at SUNY Ulster, the President’s Medal of Highest Honor, and 38 are members of the national honors society Phi Theta Kappa. There were also 5 students graduating as College Scholars. The first group of New Start for Women students graduated with their certificates.

After Pomp & Circumstance played by SUNY Ulster’s brass quintet from the College’s 2017 Commencement and welcome message, video and audio messages continued 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, Jennifer Metzger; Assembly member, 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. Kristina Johnson; Chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., John Markes; Actress, Melissa Fumero of NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Tay Fisher, Kingston High School alumnus (Class of 2004), Siena College graduate (Class of 2008 and 2018) and ten-year member of the Harlem Globetrotters and Actor & Radio Legend, Bruce Morrow “Cousin Brucie” of Sirius XM’s 60’s on 6.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Kevin Stoner spoke on the Academic Achievements of the class of 2020 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. Interim V.P. of Enrollment Management, Matt Green recognized SUNY Ulster’s faculty and staff named as 2020 State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recipients.

This year, a combined Invocation/Benediction message was given from Rev. Allison Moore, PhD. from St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in New Paltz, NY.

SUNY Ulster’s 56 th Commencement was pre-recorded and streamed for graduating students and guests on Saturday, May 16 at 10 a.m. from the College’s YouTube Channel, Facebook page, and Website, where it can still be viewed.

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SUNY Ulster Holds 56th Commencement Virtually on May 16

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SUNY Ulster Holds 56th Commencement Virtually on May 16

 

May 13, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s sixth President, Dr. Alan P. Roberts, will virtually preside over the College’s 56th Commencement on Saturday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. President Roberts will present 116 students a degree or certificate via the Commencement ceremony.

Virtual Commencement will be prerecorded and streamed for graduating students and guests. It can be viewed from any remote location at 10 a.m. from SUNY Ulster’s YouTube Channel and through a Facebook  Watch Party where students and other viewers are invited to post congratulatory comments and send emojis. After Commencement, the video will be available for viewing on our Commencement web page and on SUNY Ulster’s YouTube Channel.

Graduating students and those who wish to celebrate the graduating students are also  invited to place one of three Facebook frames on their profile picture by choosing to edit their profile picture and searching for SUNY Ulster in the frames section that appears.

The graduating class consists of 284 students. Of this group, 267 will receive associate degrees and 36 will receive certificates. The youngest graduate is 14, and the oldest is 59. Of the class, 33 are graduating with highest honors, 80 are graduating with honors, 6 students are graduating with the Honors Studies program distinction, 7 students are being recognized for earning a 4.0 GPA while at SUNY Ulster, the President’s Medal of Highest Honor, and 38 are members of the national honors society Phi Theta Kappa. There are also 5 students graduating as College Scholars. The first group of New Start for Women students are graduating with their certificates.

Pomp & Circumstance played by SUNY Ulster’s brass quintet from the College’s 2017 Commencement will open the Ceremony, followed by 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, Jennifer Metzger; 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. Kristina Johnson; Chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., John Markes; Actress, Melissa Fumero of NBC’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine; Tay Fisher, Kingston High School alumnus (Class of 2004), Siena College graduate (Class of 2008 and 2018) and ten-year member of the Harlem Globetrotters and Actor & Radio Legend, Bruce Morrow “Cousin Brucie” of Sirius XM’s 60’s on 6.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, Kevin Stoner will speak on Academic Achievements of the class of 2020  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.  Interim V.P. of Enrollment Management, Matt Green will recognize SUNY Ulster’s faculty and staff named as 2020 State University of New York Chancellor’s Award for Excellence recipients.

This year, 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 2020 graduates.

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SBDC OFFERS BUSINESSES COUNSELING AND SUPPORT

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SUNY Ulster Press Release

SUNY Ulster’s Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Offers Businesses Counseling and Support in Applying for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans

March 23, 2020 —Stone Ridge, NY— SUNY Ulster’s Mid-Hudon Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster is offering counseling and support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 virus that are interested in applying for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

Because New York State has been designated a disaster zone for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations may be eligible for up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Loan amounts are based on actual economic injury and company financial needs. Businesses that believe they might qualify can apply online.

Arnaldo Sehwerert, regional director of the Mid Hudson SBDC affirms, “This is not the first time our region has had to deal with disaster and SUNY Ulster’s Small Business Development Center is putting in place all the experience and expertise gathered after 9/11, Super storm Sandy, and the downturn of 2008. This time around, we are called to face up to a challenge that affects all types of business, at all levels, including our own personal lives. We will be doing our best to bring sensible realistic answers to our clients’ problems by working as a team with the College, the Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange Chambers and the County Executive offices of Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange.”

SBDC has a long standing track record for providing Ulster, Sullivan, Orange, Greene, Delaware, Schoharie, and Dutchess counties with award-winning one-to-one counseling, training, and research services to assist with small business start-ups, expansions, or turnarounds. Since its inception in 1985, the advisors of the Mid-Hudson SBDC have worked directly with over 20,000 businesses, helping them to invest nearly $690 million in the area’s economy, and create or save over 19,000 jobs.

To request SBDC services, interested parties should make a request for an online appointment with one of our counselors at http://www.nyssbdc.or/appointment.html

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SUNY Ulster Marks 10 Years As Top Military-Friendly Institution

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SUNY Ulster Marks 10 Years As Top Military-Friendly Institution

March 11, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster has been named a Top 10 Military Friendly® School for 2020-2021 in the community college category, marking ten consecutive years earning this distinction.

According to VIQTORY, the sponsoring organization, Top 10 schools are the guidon bearers for military/veteran programs and initiatives, setting the standard for other designations with programs that improve every year.

Military Friendly® is the designation that measures a school’s commitment to veteran and veteran dependent recruitment, retention, and advancement. These are assessed through an analysis of graduation/career outcomes, academic policies, admissions/orientation, culture/commitment, financial aid, and military student support.

SUNY Ulster’s veteran and veteran family member student population has been growing, particularly in dependents and vocational rehab veteran students. These veteran students benefit from a broad array of College-wide support services as well as a number of support services specific to veterans as they work toward their degree:

  • An accredited part-time Veterans Service Coordinator on campus who provides help navigating the application process for benefits earned through service
  • A Battle Buddy Center located on campus which offers a quiet place for student veterans and veteran family students to connect and work on projects
  • The Veterans Club

Ulster is an approved educational institution under the Veteran’s Educational Assistance Act (GI Bill) and the Dependent’s Act. SUNY Ulster also cofounded the Veterans Consortium of the Hudson Valley for Higher Education, which is a culmination of 14 colleges working together  on best practices for veteran students. This past June 2019 SUNY Ulster was also awarded a Top Military Spouse Friendly designation.

Manuel Torres, SUNY Ulster’s Veterans Service Coordinator, says, “We work one on one with veterans to maximize the use of benefits to ensure they are able to reach their desired goal. We also work with outside agencies to address any problem our veterans may encounter, from homelessness to mental health issues.  By providing the necessary resources we maximize veterans’ chances for success.”

Interested veterans and their families can learn more about SUNY Ulster’s military veteran opportunities by contacting Manny Torres at (845) 688-6003 or torresm@sunyulster.edu.

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR SUNY ULSTER YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS

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Registration Now Open for SUNY Ulster Youth Summer Camps

March 9, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – The Office of Continuing & Professional Education announces the return of Camp Ulster this summer. Camp Ulster offers day camps at SUNY Ulster’s Stone Ridge and Kingston Campuses. The camps are for participants between the ages of 7 and 16. Camp Ulster offers a wide variety of topics in both half and full day sessions. SUNY Ulster faculty and alumni generally lead these sessions with additional support provided by SUNY Ulster students.

This year’s offerings include returning favorites, Figure Drawing and Painting, Make Your Own Fabric, Fashion Design Camp, Non-Toxic Printmaking, Senators Soccer, Tay Fisher’s Basketball, Summer Jazz Institute. A couple of new camps have been added this year. Chess Wizards Camp caters to all levels of chess ability. Each child is challenged by fun games and lessons from real Wizard teachers. Also, Recycle Arts & Mixed Media Camp where kids explore innovative ways to create up cycled art, creatively recycling, recreating, and reusing items of all kinds from old, new to natural elements.

Camps fill up very quickly. For camp descriptions, additional camps or clinics, updates, instructor bios, and health forms visit www.sunyulster.edu/campulster, or email campulster@sunyulster.edu or call (845) 339-2025.

 

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2020 Own It! Welcomes Carly-Ann Fergus, Fashion Innovation Ecosystem Builder as Keynote Speaker

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2020 Own It! Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference at SUNY Ulster Welcomes Carly-Ann Fergus, Fashion Innovation Ecosystem Builder as Keynote Speaker

Early Bird Registration Open for Sixth Annual Own It! Scheduled for June 4, 2020

March 4, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – Own It! Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference at SUNY Ulster announces its keynote speaker for the all day conference on June 4th, 2020 as Carly-Ann Fergus. The conference runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the Stone Ridge campus of SUNY Ulster. Early Bird registration at $48 is now open and includes workshops, continental breakfast, lunch, and networking.

Ms. Fergus is an innovation ecosystem builder who served as the Director of XRC Labs, a retail fashion accelerator launched in partnership with Parsons School of Design at The New School. The companies she helped select within the accelerator assist traditional retail and fashion companies rethink the way they manufacture, distribute, and sell products to consumers. In her multifaceted career in the fashion industry she has worked with established companies such as Tommy Hilfiger to startup brands such as Nahm.

Her keynote talk, ‘The Transformative Power of Innovation and Entrepreneurship’ will highlight her career journey in fashion and how she found her purpose in the industry. Sitting at the intersection of fashion, technology, and retail, Ms. Fergus will offer attendees tips based on lessons learned about entrepreneurship from her experience running the startup accelerator program.

The Theme for this year’s Own It! Entrepreneurial Conference is 2020 Foresight. The conference runs two tracks of workshops: one for small business owners ready to grow their enterprises and one for those in the startup stage. The day is packed with 15 workshops, as well as a conversation with Darlene L. Pfeiffer, first female KFC franchise owner in the U.S., moderated by Lauree Ostrofsky from Hudson Valley Women in Business.  Workshops include topics such as Pathway to Entrepreneurship, Marketing to Diverse Populations, Cold Calling for the Terrified, Building Your Support Network, and Selling on Amazon.

The complete conference schedule and a link to register can be found at www.sunyulster.edu/ownit. Last year, just under 200 women business owners attended with more expected this year.

The sixth annual Own It! Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference is presented by the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at SUNY Ulster, the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc., and the NYS Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center.

For more information about Own It! Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference, contact Mindy Kole, Director of the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at SUNY Ulster at 845-688-6041 or kolem@SUNYUlster.edu.

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Sharing My Stones: One Mother’s Journey of Overcoming Grief after the Loss of Her Son

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SUNY Ulster Presents Sharing My Stones: One Mother’s Journey of
Overcoming Grief after the Loss of Her Son Presentation and Book Signing, March 17

March 2, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in conjunction with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and SUNY Ulster will be sponsoring a presentation by Marianne Angelillo, national speaker and author on Tuesday, March 17, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. in the College Lounge in Vanderlyn Hall, Room 203, on the Stone Ridge campus.

Ms. Angelillo gives a compelling presentation about her journey to overcome the grief of losing her 17-year-old son in a crash involving underage drinking. With courage and strength, she recounts her family’s journey and ultimately shows the transforming powers of grief, love, and faith.

Marianne will be available to sign her book, Sharing My Stones, which can be purchased on the day of the event.

This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Please contact Linda Farina MPS, CASAC-G at 845-687-5192 to register.

 

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Careers in Your Community Series: Health & Human Services Panel on Monday, March 9, 2020

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SUNY Ulster Presents Careers in Your Community Series: Health & Human Services Panel on Monday, March 9, 2020

February 27, 2020 – Kingston, NY – SUNY Ulster will be holding the first in a series of panel discussions to highlight growth fields where jobs are available in Ulster County. The Health & Human Services Career Panel will take place on Monday, March 9, 2020 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster, Room 101. Light refreshments will be served at 5:30, with the panel beginning at 6, followed by a discussion about SUNY Ulster financial aid, scholarships, and tuition payment options.

The panelists for this event include:

Vicky Burgh-Harris, Coordinator of the Human Services program at SUNY Ulster, who will share information about the two-semester Direct Support Practice Certificate program to Associate degree for transfer or career. She will also present a Human Services new concentration in Chemical Dependency Counseling and discuss how to become part of the first student cohort in Fall 2020.

Terrence Conklin, SUNY Ulster alumnus, class of 2019 will share his academic and professional journey. Terrence returned to college after a 14-year hiatus, transferred upon his graduation from SUNY Ulster to SUNY Empire for his Bachelor’s degree where he is studying psychology and earning a 3.75 GPA. He also has years of experience working in the human services field, working with individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), at Devereux, and at his current position at The Institute of Family Health.

Marie Kropp, Assistant Director of Workforce Development & Career Services at SUNY Ulster will share tips on how to search for healthcare careers. A licensed social worker, Marie will talk about her own career path as well.

Lisa Moruzzi, SUNY Ulster Nursing Chair and a SUNY Ulster alumna herself, will discuss her own academic and professional journey along with the requirements for entry into the Nursing program.

Ethan Burwell graduated from SUNY Ulster in 2013 with an Associate degree in Liberal Arts: Math & Science and in 2014 with his Nursing Degree. A registered nurse with Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley in Kingston, Ethan too will share his experiences as a local health professional.

Registration is open now for the March 9, 2020 session and those interested in attending can register at https://conta.cc/2HWHDID.

 

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BestColleges.com Ranks SUNY Ulster #1 Best Community College in New York State

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BestColleges.com Ranks SUNY Ulster #1 Best Community College in New York State

February 20, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – Best Colleges has ranked SUNY Ulster as #1 in their annual ranking of Top Ten Best Community Colleges in New York State for 2020, recognizing the College in several important categories:

  • High quality academics
  • Affordability
  • Diverse opportunities for involvement that includes clubs, athletics, and cultural events
  • Balance of transferable and career-ready associate degrees

Best Colleges noted the wide variety of fields and disciplines SUNY Ulster offers including arts, education, human services, nursing, public safety, and STEM, and also mentioned our selection of online courses.

Criteria for ranking New York State’s community colleges is based on academic quality, affordability, and online competency using the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics.

Best Colleges mission is to help prospective students find the school that best meets their needs through proprietary research, user-friendly guides, and independent college rankings. According to their website, their intent is to inform people toward institutions that “provide a quality education and a meaningful learning experience at an affordable cost.”

SUNY Ulster has recently acquired two other rankings: Computer Science Zone ranks SUNY Ulster # 3 nationally for our Online Associate Degree in computer science and Intelligent.com ranks SUNY Ulster as having one of the best Online Associate Degrees in the nation in Business Administration.

Dr. Alan P. Roberts, President of SUNY Ulster asserts, “We have an incredible community of students, faculty, staff, Trustees, Foundation Board of Directors, County and State partners who all contribute to serving the SUNY Ulster community in many ways.  I am honored to be part of SUNY Ulster.”

For more information about SUNY Ulster, visit the website at http://www.sunyulster.edu.

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