Start Here

SUNY Ulster to Celebrate 62nd Commencement on May 16

by
2026 Graduates

87% of SUNY Ulster’s Class of 2026 Graduates Debt Free

May 14, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – As SUNY Ulster prepares to celebrate its 62nd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 16, preliminary data shows that 87% of the college’s Class of 2026 completed their education debt free, a powerful reflection of SUNY Ulster’s commitment to affordability, access, and student success.

The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in the Senate Gymnasium on the Stone Ridge campus, where President Alison Buckley, Ed.D., will confer degrees and certificates upon 124 graduates participating in the event.

The Class of 2026 includes 326 graduates overall, with 270 students earning associate degrees and 60 receiving certificates. The graduating class spans generations, ranging in age from 16 to 72.

Among this year’s graduates:

  • 72 students earned Highest Honors
  • 69 students earned Honors
  • 9 students will receive the President’s Medal of Highest Honor for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA
  • 49 graduates are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for community colleges
  • 16 students will receive the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Medallion of Excellence as recipients of the President’s Challenge Scholarship
  • 6 students are recognized as College Scholars

In addition, 23 nursing students will participate in the annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony, and 18 Veterinary Technology students will take part in SUNY Ulster’s inaugural Vet Tech Pinning Ceremony on Friday, May 15.

“Our graduates have inspired us through their hard work, perseverance, and passion for learning,” said SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. “What makes this class especially remarkable is that 87% of our graduates completed their education debt free, demonstrating that a high-quality college education can remain affordable, accessible, and transformational for students and families across our region.”

“As both a SUNY Ulster alumnus and Chair of the Board of Trustees, I am especially proud to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026,” said Robert R. Jacobsen, Esq. “Our graduates represent the strength and promise of this institution, and I look forward to the many ways they will contribute to our communities and beyond.”

The commencement keynote address will be delivered by Rodney Shealey, Advisor with HarbourView Equity and former Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings. Throughout his career, Shealey has worked with internationally recognized artists including Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Lopez. A strong advocate for higher education and economic mobility, he has spoken at Columbia University, New York University, and Syracuse University.

The alumni address will be delivered by Marcia Zwilling, entrepreneur, songwriter, and Managing Director of the Diane Warren Foundation. Zwilling is the founder of EquestrianSingles.com, a nationally recognized platform featured on Today, CNBC, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

Representing the graduating class, student speaker Natalia Seager will address attendees. Seager is graduating with High Honors in Liberal Arts: Math and Science and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She serves as a math and psychology tutor at SUNY Ulster, volunteers with the Ulster County SPCA and the American Red Cross and founded the college’s Criminal Justice Club.

“Being part of the SUNY Ulster community has shown me how transformative an accessible and supportive education can be,” said Seager. “I’m honored to represent my classmates as we celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together.”

Student Trustee Gunnar Bednarz, graduating with High Honors in Environmental Studies, will serve as a student marshal. Bednarz will continue his studies at Binghamton University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree focused on botany and marine science.

Guests attending commencement should note that large bags and backpacks are prohibited. Large purses and diaper bags will be subject to inspection, and strollers must be left in designated areas.

Each participating graduate will receive six guest tickets. Doors to the Senate Gymnasium will open at 9 a.m. Family and friends unable to attend may watch the ceremony live at SUNYUlster.edu/graduation and on the SUNY Ulster YouTube channel.

SUNY Ulster looks forward to celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026 alongside family, friends, and the community.

# # #

SUNY Ulster Celebrates 2026 GED Graduates

by
GED students with diplomas

May 4, 2026 – Kingston, NY  – Fifteen students successfully earned their General Educational Development (GED) certificates in a ceremony at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster on April 24, marking a significant academic achievement and opening new doors for their futures. Twelve of these graduates took part in a ceremony honoring their dedication, perseverance, and hard work.

Of the fifteen students, four graduates completed their GED requirements as early as January and have already transitioned to SUNY Ulster, where they are currently enrolled and finishing six spring semester classes.

In addition, seven graduates are actively moving forward in the application process to attend SUNY Ulster in the Fall 2026 semester. Another four graduates are in the process of evaluating their next steps, considering both educational and career opportunities.

“This group of graduates has demonstrated remarkable determination and resilience,” said Curtis Turner, GED Coordinator at SUNY Ulster. “We are proud to see so many continuing their education and taking meaningful steps toward their future goals.”

The Spring 2026 GED cohort represents a diverse group of learners united by a shared commitment to personal growth and achievement. Their success highlights the importance of accessible educational pathways and the transformative impact of adult education programs.

For more information on SUNY Ulster’s GED program and to see when the next session starts, visit SUNY Ulster’s website or contact the Continuing Education Office at cereg@sunyulster.edu.

#   #   #

Photo:

Back Row (left to right) Isaiah Cintron, Sophia Van Curen, Daniel Tobey, Amilian Dorsainville, Daneisha Robinson, Robert Sauers, Lilli Sanchez
Front Row (left to right) Scarlett Zubee, Jasmin Hernandez, Ileana Montalvo, Aaliyah Johnson, Paola Lopez
Not pictured: Kacie Boynes, Yeindhi Macias, Ansis Gengo Mergins

Call for Artists: Altered Landscapes

by
Gloomy image of a wooded area

Altered Landscapes: At Risk – Forest, Field, Seed, and Stream
 Artist-in-Residence Series Show

Curatorial Statement

Altered Landscapes: At Risk- Forest, Field, Seed and Stream brings together artists whose work responds to the fragile and rapidly changing ecologies of our time.  Native trees, meadow plants, seed systems and the rivers and streams that sustain them are increasingly threatened by climate change, invasive species, and human-driven disruption. These changes are not abstract: they are visible now in our forests, our fields, our local watersheds and the changing rhythms of seasonal life.  

Through painting, sculpture, photography, prints, three dimensional, and video- based work, the artists in this exhibition bear witness to landscapes in transition. Some works mourn what is being lost; others explore resilience, adaptation, and the quiet persistence of living systems. Together they invite viewers to slow down, look closely, and reconsider their relationship to the natural world—not as something separate, but as a fragile web in which we are deeply entangled.

Call for Entry:

SUNY Ulster Community College Department of Fine and Visual Art and the Muroff-Kotler Gallery invites all Mid Hudson Valley Artists to submit work to be included in Altered Landscapes: At Risk- Forest, Field, Seed and Stream Fall 2026 Exhibition.  Each artist is requested to submit an Artist statement responding to the Curatorial Statement (not to exceed 300 words).  All artwork must be entirely original, authentic and created by a human artist. 

Artists working in all media are encouraged to apply, including painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, three-dimensional and video -based work. Submissions may address themes of environmental change, loss, resilience, and the rapidly changing landscape that we are witnessing. Through diverse artistic perspectives Altered Landscapes seeks to create dialogue between artists, students, and the wider community about the urgent and evolving conditions of the Hudson Valley’s shared ecosystems.

Eligibility:

Open to all Mid Hudson Valley Artists. Works must be completed within the last three years. Artwork may be 2-dimensional, 3-dimensional, video-based, or installation/site-specific.

Calendar:

Exhibition Dates – Thursday, September 24 – Friday, November 20, 2026
Submission Deadline – Friday, June 12, midnight
Notice of Accepted Artwork – Tuesday, June 30
Opening Reception – Thursday, September 24 from 4 – 6 p.m.

Media/Specifications:

All work accepted for the show must be ready to hang, be self-supporting on a pedestal or the floor, be prepared for viewing on a monitor, or be ready for display in another specified manner. 

Each artist may submit up to 5 works for consideration. Three-dimensional or installation work may include up to 2 additional detail images. Artists submitting video artwork must submit a 5 minute clip of the video for review. Potential final acceptance of video work will be determined after viewing the full video. 

Each artist is requested to submit an Artist statement responding to the Curatorial Statement (not to exceed 300 words)

Submission Format:

  • Submissions will be accepted online only; any submitted work that differs from the digital entry guidelines below may be disqualified.
  • All works must be submitted in .jpg format. 
  • All image files must be named exactly as follows: Lastname_Firstname_Titleofwork_Dimensions.jpg
  • IMPORTANT: The names of your image files must not contain spaces or special characters ( –  /  .  # etc). Underscores  _  and “ are fine.
  • Files must be 72 dpi and no more than 600 pixels on its largest side 
  • Artist Statement

Email files to: gallery@sunyulster.edu please include “Altered Landscapes ” in your subject line.

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 presentation ready.

Framed artwork must be wired with the necessary hanging device attached. 

Unframed works should include the appropriate hanging equipment and installation instructions. 

The Curator or Program Coordinator may withhold works that are misrepresented by digital submission or that are not adequately prepared for display.

Contact Information: 

Gallery@sunyulster.edu Please include “Altered States” in your subject line.

SUNY Ulster Announces Summer Youth Art Studios Led by Faculty Artists 

by
""

 April 29, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is excited to announce its lineup of Summer Youth Art Studios, offering hands-on creative experiences for young artists in a professional studio environment. These engaging programs invite students to explore new artistic techniques, develop skills, and bring their ideas to life under the guidance of experienced artists and instructors.

Each week-long session provides immersive, studio-based learning designed to inspire creativity and confidence across a variety of artistic disciplines. All classes are held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the Stone Ridge Campus.

Program Offerings:

Fashion Program Summer Studio with Angela Kunz

Students will explore fashion design, drawing, and sewing while creating their own wearable pieces.
Ages 8–15 | NCC 2204 | Monday–Friday | July 6–10

Printmaking Workshop with Joan Ffolliott

Participants will learn foundational printmaking techniques such as linocut, collagraph, and monotype to create original prints.
Ages 11–15 | NCC 1104 | Monday–Friday | July 13–17

Stop Motion Animation with Cassiopeia Ottulich

Students will bring stories to life by creating their own stop-motion animations using hands-on techniques and imaginative storytelling.
Ages 11–15 | NCC 2207 | Monday–Friday | July 20–24

Color & Line: A Drawing and Painting Workshop with MariaElena Feerer

This course focuses on developing drawing and painting skills while exploring color, composition, and creative expression.
Ages 11–15 | NCC 2206 | Monday–Friday | July 20–24

Sculpture Workshop with Sam Goldberg

Participants will design and construct unique three-dimensional artworks while learning the fundamentals of sculpture and form.
Ages 11–15 | NCC 2191 | Monday–Friday | July 27–31

Film Without a Darkroom with Bryce Cassamento

This innovative photography workshop introduces alternative methods, including developing film with coffee and creating prints using sunlight-based techniques.
Ages 11–15 | NCC 2205 | Monday–Friday | July 27–31

Animation Workshop with Cassiopeia Ottulich

Students will learn core animation principles and create their own projects using both traditional and digital techniques.
Ages 11–15 | NCC 2194 | Monday–Friday | August 3–7

These summer studios provide a unique opportunity for young creatives to work in real art studios, experiment with new media, and gain confidence in their artistic abilities.

For more information or to register, visit SUNY Ulster’s website or contact the Continuing Education Office at cereg@sunyulster.edu.

The Filmmaking Club at SUNY Ulster Debuts Uncanny Ulster Film Premiere on Friday, May 1

by
""

April 28, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s newest club – The Filmmaking Club – will debut the Uncanny Ulster Film Premiere on Friday, May 1 at 5 p.m. in Quimby Theater on the Stone Ridge campus. The event is free and open to the public.

 This event will feature a selection of original short films created entirely by club members and represents a significant milestone for the student organization.  Officially recognized by Student Government on January 30, 2026, the Filmmaking Club has quickly established itself as a dynamic and creative force on campus.

Led by president Sebastian Alarcon and advised by Stephen Balantzian, Associate Professor, Communication & Theatre and Coordinator of the Media & Performing Arts Associate degree program, the club has built an impressive roster of student filmmakers, all united by a shared commitment to storytelling.  The club has also fostered meaningful connections within the local film industry, welcoming guest speakers such as representatives from HUDSY and sound engineer, Carl Welden, offering students a firsthand look into the professional world of filmmaking.

The Filmmaking Club and SUNY Ulster invite the community to attend the premiere and support this upcoming generation of filmmakers as they bring their stories to the big screen. For more information, please contact StudentLife@sunyulster.edu.

#   #   #

SUNY Ulster to Hold Mandatory Police Academy Info Session on Saturday, May 2

by
Police cadets

April 23, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster has scheduled an information session for those interested in attending its Police Academy on Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This information session is mandatory for anyone registering for the Police Academy. The information session will be held at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster at 94 Mary’s Ave. in Kingston.

The Police Basic Training program will hold its Physical Agility Test on Tuesday, May 19 at 9:45 at Dietz Stadium in Kingston for the next Police Academy session which begins on Monday, August 3, 2026.

 During the info session, participants will learn about academic requirements, physical fitness, regulations, and more. Full program information including costs, financial aid, and application steps can be found on the SUNY Ulster website.

Acceptance into the Police Basic Training program is competitive based on performance on the physical agility test. 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. In addition to preparing recruits for future employment in law enforcement, SUNY Ulster’s Police Basic Training Certificate Program satisfies 30 college credits of Criminal Justice coursework towards SUNY Ulster’s A.A.S. in Criminal Justice.

Registration for the info session is required. Please email policeacademy@sunyulster.edu to register or get more information. For additional information or questions contact the Criminal Justice and Human Services Department at truittj@sunyulster.edu or 845-688-1983.

#   #   #

SUNY Ulster Launches Media & Performing Arts A.A.S. Program to Meet Hudson Valley Creative Boom

by
four students in a broadcast room with pro audio gear

April 16, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – To meet a soaring demand for versatile digital storytellers in the Hudson Valley, SUNY Ulster is launching a new Media & Performing Arts Associate in Applied Science degree. The interdisciplinary program is designed to move students directly into the local workforce or prepare them for transfer to four-year institutions.

The new program blends content creation, media production, storytelling and performance into a single interdisciplinary curriculum that takes place in the classroom and in SUNY Ulster’s state-of-the-art media lab.

“Today’s communications industry demands versatile creators who can tell compelling stories across formats,” says Stephen Balantzian, the program’s coordinator. “This degree gives students real-world experience and the tools needed to succeed in this fast-evolving field.”

The Hudson Valley has experienced significant growth in the film, media, and communications industries, with expanding production facilities, soundstages, and post-production companies creating demand for skilled professionals.  New York State Department of Labor data shows an expanding demand for qualified digital creators as the shift from traditional to digital media continues to grow.

 With flexible learning options, small class sizes, access to experienced faculty, and exceptional student support, SUNY Ulster continues its mission to provide accessible, career-focused education that meets the region’s workforce needs.

Prospective students can learn more about the Media & Performing Arts A.A.S. program by visiting the Media & Performing Arts Program Page and registering for SUNY Ulster’s registering for SUNY Ulster’sOpen House on Saturday, April 25.

About SUNY Ulster

Located in Stone Ridge and Kingston, New York, SUNY Ulster is a comprehensive community college within the State University of New York system, offering more than 60 degree and certificate programs designed for transfer and career success.

 #  #  #

SUNY Ulster Hosts “Teaching Diversity in an Adverse Time” with Albert Cook

by
Albert Cook portrait

April 10, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will present Teaching Diversity in an Adverse Time, a special lecture and discussion featuring noted educator and historian Albert Cook, on Wednesday, April 22 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the College Lounge on the Stone Ridge campus.

This event will offer a pedagogical presentation and open discussion focused on the challenges and importance of teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion in today’s evolving social climate. Participants will gain insight into effective approaches for engaging students in meaningful conversations about race, history, and identity.

Albert Cook is a noted lecturer on the history of African cultures and the development of race and racism in North America. He is also the co-author of Bearing Witness: Exploring the Legacy of Enslavement in Ulster County (2024), a work that examines the region’s historical connections to enslavement and its lasting impact on the community.

“Our mission is to educate individuals and elevate the community,” said Dr. Hans Vought, Professor of History and Chair of the Social Sciences, History and Education Dept. “This event combines academic inquiry with current events, creating a forum for thoughtful discussion.”

Developed in coordination with SUNY Ulster’s Social Science, History, & Education department in partnership with the College’s Chief Diversity Officer, the presentation is open to students, faculty, staff, and the public.

For more information, please email Nichola Harris, Ph.D., Professor of European History & Coordinator of History and Political Science at harrisn@sunyulster.edu.

#  #  #

SUNY Ulster Holds Spring Open House and Accepted Students Day 2026 on Saturday, April 25

by
Students around a Phi Tehta Kappa tabe

April 9, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will host its 2026 Spring Open House and Accepted Students Day on the Stone Ridge campus on Saturday, April 25. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by a Welcome Address at 9 a.m. Scheduled sessions and tours will begin promptly at 9:30 a.m. and run through 2 p.m.

Attendees will learn about SUNY Ulster’s academic programs, student services, campus life, athletics, and more. They’ll also have the chance to attend a College Services Fair, an Academic Program Showcase presented by faculty, and a campus tour led by Student Admissions Ambassadors.

Demos and hands-on experiences will also be featured, including art portfolio reviews, a podcast studio tour and digital storytelling, an advanced manufacturing lab demo, a veterinary triage simulation, and more.

 Prospective students will also receive guidance from our Enrollment & Success Center Team and other Student Services professionals through the Admissions process, an overview of SUNY Ulster scholarships, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and other important foundational resources to ensure student success.

 In addition to the above activities, accepted students beginning their studies in the Fall 2026 semester will also attend special sessions designed to help students prepare and transition to college. They will also have the opportunity to schedule appointments with an advisor for a later date.

Student Government President and Phi Theta Kappa member, Aiden Banbury ‘26, will be speaking at Open House and says, “I applied to several four-year schools, but when the numbers came back, reality hit—college is expensive, and pretending it isn’t doesn’t help. I originally planned to transfer after one year, but within my first two months, that plan changed. SUNY Ulster quickly showed me it wasn’t just an affordable option—it was a place where I could grow, get involved, and make the most of my experience.”

Reservations for Open House are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome for this event. Those who reserve their spot in advance will receive an individualized schedule for the day’s planned activities tailored to their interests and educational goals. A brunch buffet will be available at our college services fair and all guests will receive a discount on SUNY Ulster Spirit Wear in the campus bookstore.

Reserve Your Spot. For more information, please contact SUNY Ulster’s Enrollment & Success Center at admissions@sunyulster.edu or (845) 687-5022.

 #   #    #

SUNY Ulster Hosts John Burroughs Natural Science Lecture: “Look Underfoot – An Introduction to the Geology of Ulster County”

by
portrait of Steve Schimmerich

April 7, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster invites the community to explore the ancient story beneath their feet at the John Burroughs Natural Science Lecture: “Look Underfoot – An Introduction to the Geology of Ulster County,” presented by Steven Schimmrich. It will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in BUR-120, the Captain Jack Rose Memorial Lecture Hall on the Stone Ridge Campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Inspired by the words of famed naturalist John Burroughs— “Look underfoot…”—this engaging lecture will reveal the remarkable geological history of Ulster County, a story that spans more than a billion years.

Attendees will learn how the region was once shaped by towering Himalayan-scale mountains, chains of erupting volcanic islands, shallow subtropical seas, and vast glacial ice sheets. The presentation will also highlight how geology has influenced human history in the region, including industries such as bluestone quarrying, natural cement production, and brick-making—key drivers of past economic development in Ulster County.

Professor Schimmrich has taught geology and Earth sciences at SUNY Ulster for more than 25 years. He is the author of Geology of the Hudson Valley: A Billion Years of History (2020) and is widely recognized for his research on the region’s geology and its connection to historical development.

For more information, please email schimmrichs@sunyulster.edu.

#  #  #