SUNY Ulster Holds 57th Commencement on May 15 

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

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

Virtual Multicultural Series 15th Annual Spring Cultural Diversity Day

inclusive, multicultural drawing of people

April 7, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster holds its 15th Annual Spring Diversity Day on Wednesday April 21 from 1-2 p.m. Ableism & The Importance of Inclusion in Careers is open to the public and will be presented via Zoom.

The program will be comprised of a conversation about the importance of inclusion and career opportunities for individuals who have disabilities. Participants include representatives from inclusively.com, Tracy Coddington from The Arc Mid-Hudson, and David Doyle from Blackboard Bistro. A Q&A period will follow.

Inclusively is a disability-driven employment platform transforming the way candidates with disabilities and employers connect. It allows users to connect to jobs that are not only a match in experience and skills, but a match in workplace accommodations as well.

SUNY Ulster has partnered with inclusively to provide an effective search process for students with disabilities and neurodivergence to find optimal jobs for their unique characteristics, skills, and experience at companies that value authentic inclusion.

Arc Mid-Hudson is a regional not-for-profit agency offering programs that foster independence, productivity, and participation in community life. Their mission is to empower people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities to achieve and experience the highest quality of life.

Blackboard Bistro is a popular Rosendale-based breakfast and lunch spot and caterer staffed primarily with people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. At Blackboard Bistro, employees gain valuable food service skills in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Advance registration is required for this event. Zoom information will be emailed once the registration form has been submitted as well as a pre-event survey to submit and access to the inclusively/SUNY Ulster co-branded partnership web page where students and alumni with disabilities can create a profile to connect them with employers.

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Virtual Open House Takes Place May 1 via Zoom

VIrtual Open House person with laptop

April 6, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster holds its Virtual Open House via Zoom on Saturday, May 1, 2021 beginning at 9 a.m. After a short presentation and introduction to the college from campus leaders the program will change emphasis to one-on-one connections with the college representatives that best suit prospective student needs.

Prospective students and their families will register for a one-hour Zoom with a breakout session to hear from members of our faculty showcasing academic programs. Also offered during registration is the opportunity to schedule one-on-one virtual appointments immediately following the zoom with an array of College departments to learn more and have your questions answered. Departments available for one-on-one meetings include:

  • Admissions
  • Athletics, Campus Life, Clubs & Student Leadership
  • Career Counselor
  • EOP: Educational Opportunity Program Counselor
  • Financial Aid Specialist
  • Internship Coordinator
  • Scholarship Officer
  • Transfer Advisor (Where to Next After SUNY Ulster)
  • TRIO Advisor
  • Tutoring & Academic Support Staff

All registered participants will receive a SUNY Ulster swag bag in the mail.

SUNY Ulster will be returning to campus for fall 2021 with over 40% of classes taking place face-to-face. The remainder of classes will be held online or remotely.

Register for Spring 2021 Virtual Open House and one-on-one appointments at sunyulster.edu/openhouse.  Questions can be directed to (845) 687-5022 or esc@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Presents a Virtual Event With Author, Gabriel Bump

Portrait photograph of Gabriel Bump

Registration is now open for the Herbert H. & Sonia P. Reuner Library Writers Series event with author Gabriel Bump via Zoom on Tuesday, April 6 at 1:15 p.m.

The event, moderated by Goretti Benca, Professor of English at SUNY Ulster, will include a reading, interview, and question and answer period. Copies of Bump’s book will be available for purchase online at the SUNY Ulster bookstore.

Gabriel Bump is the author of Everywhere You Don’t Belong (Workman, 2020), a New York Times Book Review Notable Book of 2020 and an Electric Lit Favorite Novel of 2020. The novel follows protagonist Claude, a young Black man born on the South Side of Chicago and raised by his civil rights–era grandmother, who tries to shape him into a principled actor for change; yet when riots consume his neighborhood, he hesitates to take sides, unwilling to let race define his life. He escapes Chicago to go to college, to find a new identity, and to leave the pressure cooker of his hometown behind. But as he discovers, there is no safe haven for a young Black man in this time and place called America.

Bump’s nonfiction and fiction have appeared in Slam magazine, the Huffington Post, Springhouse Journal, and other publications. He was awarded the 2016 Deborah Slosberg Memorial Award for Fiction. He received his MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He grew up in South Shore, Chicago and now lives in Buffalo, New York.

The SUNY Ulster Herbert H. & Sofia P. Reuner Library Writers Series is a special program that began in 1998 to bring renowned writers to campus every fall. It provides a unique opportunity for SUNY Ulster students and community members to hear award-winning authors read from their work. The series is co-sponsored by the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. and the Macdonald DeWitt Library.

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

SUNY Ulster’s Virtual Career Connection: Human Services

SUNY Ulster Press Release

March 24, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – Registration is now open to join SUNY Ulster’s human services department, AdultEDge counselor, current students, and alumni on Wednesday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to discover how a human services education can help those interested in advancing or beginning a career.

This Zoom event is organized as a casual conversation about SUNY Ulster’s new Chemical Dependency Counseling Concentration and Direct Care Practice Certificate.  Participants will learn about degree types and flexible scheduling options for those who need to balance the demands of a busy life, as well as financial aid and application steps.

According to the Bureau of labor Statistics, employment in this field is projected to grow 25 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Most chemical dependency and direct care counselors serve in outpatient care centers, individual and family service agencies, residential treatment centers, and in private practices.

To register, visit calendly.com/sunyulster/hs. Upon registration, you will be provided with a Zoom link. For questions, contact Celeste Emmons, Enrollment & Success Counselor at adultedge@sunyulster.edu.

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Healthcare Training Information Sessions

SUNY Ulster Press Release

Healthcare Training Information Sessions at SUNY Ulster Details Programs in One of the Fastest Growing Fields in the U.S.

March 15, 2021 – Kingston, NY – Registration is open for one of three upcoming information sessions about SUNY Ulster’s Healthcare Training programs.

For those interested in a career in healthcare, these virtual information sessions provide an opportunity to learn more about becoming a phlebotomy technician, EKG technician*,  clinical medical assistant, and patient care technician.

Join SUNY Ulster via Zoom on one of these three Healthcare Training Info Sessions. The Zoom link will be provided upon registration. There is no cost for attending these information sessions.

  • Monday, March 22 at 3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 25 at 10 a.m.
  • Thursday, April 8 at 5:30 p.m.

*If interested in becoming an EKG technician, please attend one of the two March information sessions.

The healthcare industry represents a growth area for those looking for a career with excellent job prospects in the region. According to a 2019 report on significant industries in the Hudson Valley written by the Bureau of Labor Market Information, an aging population has helped fuel a demand for health care specialists. Employment in ambulatory health care services, up 5,500 between 2013 and 2018, accounted for more than half of the new jobs in health care over the period. Job growth in the hospitals industry was up 4,800 over the same period.

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SUNY Ulster Presents Sharing My Stones Virtual Event

Sharing My Stones author holding her book

March 9, 2020 – Stone Ridge, NY – On Tuesday, March 23, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., SUNY Ulster in conjunction with The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) is sponsoring a virtual presentation via Zoom by Marianne Angelillo, a national speaker and author of the book, Sharing My Stones. Ms. Angelillo gives a compelling presentation about her journey to overcome the grief of losing her 17-year-old son in an underage drinking crash. Her hope is to prevent other families from experiencing the same pain of losing a loved one.

Registration is required, and a Zoom link will be sent to you. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Linda Farina MPS, CASAC-G at farinal@sunyulster.edu or (845) 687-5192.

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Claudette Colvin: The First Cry For Justice!

Claudette Colvin with text overlay saying: "This is my constitutional right."

She cried for justice long before others.

As A Child…

Claudette Colvin was born on September 5, 1939, to parents that knew they could not financially care for her. She was given in adoption to the Great Aunt and Uncle of her biological mother. Claudette was raised in a very poor black community in Montgomery, Alabama.

As A Teenager…

segregated public bus 1955In 1955 Claudette Colvin was just 15 years old. She had to take the public bus to and from school each day. At this time in our nation’s scandalous history, there were many rules that Black Americans had to abide by. One such rule was that if all of the “white” seats were filled on the segregated busses, then Black passengers had to forfeit their seats and stand at the back of the bus to accommodate the White passengers.

The First Cries Of Injustice…

On March 2, 1955, Claudette was returning home from school. She was sitting in the “colored” seats as per the law. When the bus got too crowded the bus driver demanded that four “colored” seats be vacated to provide seating for the White passenger that was left standing. Claudette, who was pregnant, refused to get up. She had paid her fare, why should she have to? The bus driver got the police and Colvin was forcibly removed from the bus and arrested.

Disappointing Silence…

Oddly, the events of March 2, 1955, took place nine months BEFORE Rosa Parks was arrested for the same offense. Colvin’s mother told her to keep quiet about the injustice because “white people aren’t going to bother Rosa, they like her.”

Claudette Colvin 1955Colvin recalled from the day of her arrest that, “History kept me stuck to my seat. I felt the hand of Harriet Tubman pushing down on one shoulder and Sojourner Truth pushing down on the other.”

When Colvin was handcuffed, arrested, and forcibly removed from that bus she continued to shout out that her constitutional rights were being violated. She said, of that day, “But I made a personal statement too, one that she [Parks] didn’t make and probably couldn’t have made. Mine was the first cry for justice, and a loud one!”

Colvin was charged in juvenile court with disturbing the peace, violating segregation laws, and assault and battery of a police officer. Claudette was found guilty of all three charges. After an appeal, the charges of disturbing the peace and violating segregation laws were dropped. Sadly, the charge of assaulting a police officer was upheld.

Making Changes…

Colvin went on to be a plaintiff in the famous Bowder v. Gayle court case. After a run through the court system, the United States District Court for Middle District Atlanta declared that the State of Alabama and Montgomery’s laws mandating segregation on a public bus was unconstitutional. The State of Alabama tried to appeal the ruling but to no avail. On December 20, 1956, the court ordered Montgomery and the State of Alabama to end bus segregation permanently.

Claudette ColvinIn later years Colvin was recognized for her actions and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement but, for her, it was almost too little, too late. She has always maintained that she isn’t angry that she didn’t get more recognition at the time, only disappointed.

“I feel very proud of what I did, I do feel like what I did was a spark, and it caught on!”
-Claudette Colvin

To read more about other consequential Black people of history, visit SUNY Ulster’s Diversity page.

 

SUNY Ulster Opens Registration for Summer Session Courses

Student sitting cross legged with laptop on lap. Text overlay saying: Summer Session 2021

February 9, 2021 – Stone Ridge, NY – Registration has begun at SUNY Ulster for Summer Session 2021. There are three summer sessions from which to choose with online, remote, and on-campus classes.

Summer Session Dates:

  • May 24 – July 5, 2021
  • May 24 – August 2, 2021
  • July 12 – August 19, 2021

The over 70 courses offered range from art, business, math, and the sciences to criminal justice, history, social sciences, languages, and more. Included are many of the general education courses needed by all SUNY students to complete their associate and bachelor degrees. Perennial favorites include Geology of the National ParksScience Fiction Masterpieces, and Conversational Spanish.

Tuition for Summer Session is $190 per credit for in-state residents, one of the lowest tuition rates in New York State. Payment plans are available and students may be eligible for financial aid.

SUNY Ulster welcomes visiting students who may transfer credits back to their institution.

View course offerings and register early as classes fill up quickly.

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