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SUNY Ulster Announces Preview Day for Prospective Students and Families on Saturday, December 6

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Press Release

November 18, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will host Preview Day, an admissions event designed to give prospective students and their families an inside look at the student experience. This event is taking place on Saturday, December 6 from 9 a.m. to noon on the Stone Ridge Campus. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. for check-in in the College Lounge in Vanderlyn Hall.

Participants will begin with a Welcome message during the general information session. Included in the day’s activities is an overview of the admissions process, a campus life showcase featuring student opportunities, resources, support clubs, organizations, athletics, and more.

To help students explore potential academic interests, attendees will choose one of four Academic Pathways Sessions that introduce the following programs, career opportunities, and the hands-on learning experiences available at SUNY Ulster:

 Campus Tours are available, led by Enrollment & Success Counselors. All participants will receive complimentary tickets to SUNY Ulster’s Annual Tuba Christmas which takes place on campus right after the event at 12:30 in Quimby Theater. Tuba Christmas is a SUNY Ulster tradition where musicians of all ages bring their tuba or baritone, don festive attire, decorate their instruments, and join in on holiday music-making.

Registration for Preview Day is required and can be found For more information,email admissions@sunyulster.edu.

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Police Basic Training Program at SUNY Ulster Celebrates a New Class 94% of Graduate Secure Employment

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August 8, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster proudly announces the graduation of its latest class from the Police Basic Training program. In a ceremony held on July 24, 17 cadets were officially recognized for completing the rigorous program that prepares them for careers in law enforcement.

This year’s class achieved a 94% employment rate, with 16 of the 17 graduates hired by area police departments, including the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Town of Ulster Police, Town of New Paltz Police, Town of Goshen Police, Town of Woodstock Police, and the Village of Ellenville Police. The remaining student is expected to be employed before the end of this year.

Several students were recognized for their academic achievements, including Natalie Welsh of the Town of Goshen Police Department who was presented with the Top Cop Award and the Top Physical Fitness Award for having the highest overall average for academics as well as physical fitness. Dominick Almeida received the Top Academic Award and the Krupica Scholarship Award. This award was created by George Krupica, a proud SUNY Ulster alumnus and retired law enforcement professional, to support students pursuing careers in criminal justice and law enforcement.

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.

SUNY Ulster President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D. stated, “SUNY Ulster is dedicated to helping students succeed—preparing them to launch meaningful careers and earn family-sustaining wages. Our Police Academy graduates are entering the local workforce with a strong commitment to serve and protect, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. We are proud of all they have accomplished in the Academy and look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make in the years ahead.”

SUNY Ulster’s Police Basic Training program, which celebrated its 20th year in 2024 has a long track record of excellence in preparing students for a rewarding career in law enforcement. And, a new class of 28 students recently started the program on August 4th.

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police academy graduation

SUNY Ulster Open House on August 14 at the Kingston Center Short Term Credentials that can be Obtained in Less than a Year

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press release KCSU

July 31, 2024 – Kingston, NY – SUNY Ulster is holding an Open House on Thursday, August 14 at the Kingston Center, 94 Mary’s Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will highlight many of the career programs and courses offered this fall that are in high demand in the Hudson Valley region. Tuition for many of these programs are covered by scholarships and grants.

Learn more about specific programs at information sessions held throughout the day such as:

  • Advanced Manufacturing: 11 am – 6 pm
  • Building Science Principles: 11 am – 6 pm
  • CASAC, Credentialed Alcoholism & Substance Abuse:  5 – 7 pm
  • CCMA, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant:  5 – 7 pm
  • E-CMT Career Workshop with Lunch: 9 am – 1 pm
  • EKG:  5 – 7 pm
  • Phlebotomy:  5 – 7 pm

Registration for these individual information sessions is required and participants can come at any time during the session. Visit sunyulster.edu/workforceinfosessions to sign up for one or all of the info sessions.

Admissions counselors will be available to answer questions and help those who want to apply and register.

For questions or to learn more, call the Continuing & Professional Education office at (845) 339-2025 or email cereg@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Holds ‘One Day, One Stop’ Enrollment Events for July and August

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Press Release with students

Apply, Accepted and Registered All in One Day

July 1, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s Enrollment & Success Center is gearing up for One Day, One Stop Days for July and August to ensure that all who want to start classes this fall can finalize the admissions process with the guidance of experienced staff. The events will be held at both the Stone Ridge Campus and the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster. Classes begin Monday, August 25.

Prospective students can choose from the following dates and locations:

  • Wednesday, July 9, KCSU, Kingston Center, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 16, Stone Ridge Campus, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, July 30, Stone Ridge Campus, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 13, Stone Ridge Campus, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 14, KCSU, Kingston Center, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday, August 15, KCSU, Kingston Center, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Monday, August 18, Stone Ridge Campus, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 21, Stone Ridge Campus, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Friday, August 22, Stone Ridge Campus, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

No matter where people are in the admissions process, SUNY Ulster staff is mobilizing to help you fill out admissions and FAFSA applications, take the entering assessment exam, and register for classes. For those planning to attend, if you have not submitted your official documents, please bring:

  • Official high school transcript in its original sealed envelope, original GED certificate or original IHIP Letter of Substantial Equivalency
  • Any official college transcripts in its original sealed envelope

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Walk-ins are welcome!

 SUNY Ulster remains one of the smartest ways to gain a college degree, certificate, or microcredential. For those concerned about affordability, our Foundation awards $1 million in scholarships annually and many career certifications are grant-funded, covering all or most of the cost of attendance.

For more information, contact the Enrollment & Success Center at esc@sunyulster.edu
or 845-687-5022.

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SUNY Ulster Announces President’s and Dean’s Lists for Spring 2025

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June 25, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster releases its President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester. Of the 316 full-time and part-time students who made the President’s and Dean’s lists, 65 are Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. scholarship recipients.

Full-Time President’s List

 A total of 108 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Spring 2025 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 and higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Spring 2025 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Rebecca Gamar, Hunter Ridgely.
  • Bearsville:  Navah McElroy.
  • Big Indian:  Kylie Apolito.
  • Boiceville:  Deli Smith.
  • Chester:  Melanie Rolon.
  • Clinton Corners:  Ally Gullo.
  • Cottekill:  Gunnar Bednarz, Lily Bednarz.
  • Ellenville: David Castro, Denilson Morales, Ashley Nunuvero, Michelle Wang, Karla Zhuno.
  • Gardiner:  David Velasquez Sierra.
  • Goshen:  Natalie Welsh.
  • High Falls:  Chloe Goodin.
  • Highland:  Giovanni Arpino, Liam Held, Anthony Silverio, Ariana Terrell, Jack Vett, Melissa Williams.
  • Hopewell Junction:  Amanda Scirbona.
  • Hurley:  Aidan Banbury, Troy Hajba, Apollo Liewa, Austin Uhl.
  • Kerhonkson: Keitha Brown, Jennifer Drouin, Emily Lawlor, Paige Lawlor, Isabella Shaw, Aurora Tisman.
  • Kingston:  Jhadai Ajiataz, Addison Bryant, Lindzy Carlson, Cristian Chun Coy, Benjamin Cunningham, Henry Davies, Lauren DuBord, Jacob Franklin, Helaisha Hernandez Vega, Anne Larsen, Rui Li, Catherine Maisonet, Daniil Malinoski, Adriana Marano, Kubra Ozyildirim, Alannah Rolph, Jair Rosas Chavez, Gianna Vianello.
  • Lake Katrine:  Brianna Constable, Jenna Smith.
  • Malden-On-Hudson:  Emma Maxwell.
  • Middletown:  Dominick Almeida.
  • Millerton:  Fig Sielaff.
  • Milton:  Candace Kharbedia, Sofia Leon Escobar, Timothy Liu.
  • Monroe:  Holly Berra, Jordan Fusco, Maeve McGinn.
  • Napanoch:  Tyler Beadle, Daniel Farfan.
  • New Paltz:  Ivy Arnade, Kristie Benel, Declan Chase-Salerno, Braxton Lehman, Jonah McDuffie, Natalia Seager, Gabriella Walsh, Max Zurlini.
  • New York:  Erkut Toygan
  • Olivebridge:  Adelaide Braunstein, Xiaohui Wen.
  • Pine Bush:  Jesse Morse.
  • Pleasant Valley:  Katherine Keeney.
  • Port Ewen:  Sarah Hewitt, Kyla Kelley.
  • Red Hook:  Lillian Carey.
  • Rhinebeck:  Alexis Howard.
  • Saugerties:  Raya Ackert, Spencer Benzenhoefer, Jack Bucci, Gil Hartrum, Joe Maloney, Alfredo Martinez, Riley Naccarato, Caelin Piper, Noah White.
  • Shokan:  Dylan Edelstein, Alivia Zahorsky.
  • Tillson:  Chris Cook.
  • Ulster Park: Nicholas Coutant, Olivia Sachse.
  • Walden:  Nathan Hall.
  • Wallkill:  Chase Godwin, Justin Sprankle.
  • Warwick:  Alexandria Garnot.
  • Wawarsing:  Gina Garofolo-Goodman.
  • West Hurley:  Tristan Nielsen.
  • West Kill:  Zora Gookin.
  • Woodstock:  Sable Bielawa, Alex Bonilla, Angus Maxwell.
  • Wurtsboro:  Hailey Murphy, Kimberly Sullivan.

Part-Time President’s List

A total of 25 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the President’s List for the Spring 2025 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.75 or higher, plus other requirements.

The part-time Spring 2025 President’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Albany:  Trisha Churchill.
  • Cottekill:  Melissa Frumenti.
  • High Falls: Theodore Gresler, Violet Sinatra.
  • Highland:  Samantha Durand.
  • Kerhonkson:  Ella Drouin, Yana Pylypiv.
  • Kingston:  Macey Hahne, Nadya Pallak, Derek Snyder, Shamira Young.
  • Lake Hill:  Sean Delbridge.
  • New Paltz:  Julia Breaux, Bryce Casamento, Austin Moore, Marisa Morreale.
  • New Windsor:  Savannah Ordonez.
  • Port Ewen:  Matthew Wright.
  • Rosendale:  Freja Ermer.
  • Saugerties:  Debbie Auer, Denis Cooke, Terri McAleer, Graciela Reyes-Bondar, Jacob Spitzberg.
  • Woodstock:  Maria Mazariego-Moran.

Full-Time Dean’s List

A total of 142 students who attended classes on a full-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The full-time Spring 2025 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Accord:  Olivia Olechowski, Jacob Stange, Terrence Stange.
  • Bloomington: Thomas Van Tassell.
  • Boiceville:  Hudson Anderson, Arely Tapia.
  • Chester:  Dwayne Clarke.
  • Clintondale:  Lucia DeAngelo.
  • Ellenville:  Payton Exner, Sara Gonzalez, Jeremy Lopez, Heather Ramos, Gabriella Sorbara, Dina Stewart, Meghan Stone-Wardnyski.
  • Glasco:  Noah Travis.
  • Goshen:  Samantha Brown.
  • Grahamsville:  Jesper Whitted.
  • Haverstraw:  Cristofer Moscozo.
  • High Falls:  Kanoekapuaokawa Mann, Jasmine Maschotta-Edwards, Meribelle Stringham.
  • Highland:  Gabriella Acosta, Emma Fritche, Maddyson Jones, Rachel Robinson, Katie Schaeffer.
  • Hurley:  Austin Bonse, Sean Cornelison, Johnathan Helsley, Bryan Monz.
  • Hyde Park:  Joshua Mittermaier.
  • Kerhonkson:  David Santillo.
  • Kingston:  Aina Anjum, Jayden Berard, Mariah Bravo, Kailee Cammarata, Makayla Chapman, Benjamin Davis, Aiden Day, Infiniti Dueno, Sahja Ector, Alexi Fallon, Yadira Gonzalez Hernandez, Daeanna Green, Austin Grosin, Kyle Guido, Imari Harris, Madison Hunlock, Cloe Jones, Elasha Jones, Jennifer Lopez-Garcia, Shantol Martin, India Martinson, Daniel Moeykens, Charlie Molyneaux, Madelyn Nelson, Kimberly Olson, David Osterhoudt, Kadijha Peterson, Ashley Rios-Palma, Giovanni Rosas Chavez, Benjamin Rounds, Jamie Seward, Ayla Sickler, Demario Smith, Lilith Soechting, Marina Souza, Jasmine Tiano, Sean White, Tyliisa Williams, Conrad Witte.
  • Lake Katrine:  Sharon Gomez-Reyes.
  • Marlboro:  Jillian Rosenberg.
  • Maybrook:  Gia Pfleger.
  • Middletown:  Shemar McDonald, Tori Meurer.
  • Modena:  Marie DeStefano, James Poirier.
  • Montgomery:  Abigayle Wilson.
  • Mt. Marion:  Mason Beck.
  • New Paltz:  Samrina Amjad, Nina Brady, Julia Brooker, Joshua Finch, Braden Hulbert, Daniel Morreale, Melissa Nieves, Zorian Shepko-Hamilton, Matthew Tanner.
  • Newburgh:  Ennis Cruz, Melazia Jackson, Irving Mejia, Yaseen Saleh.
  • Port Ewen:  Jasmine Daley, Jason Deising, Rayan Khan.
  • Port Jervis:  Jake Harford, Bronson Krupunich.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Autumn Beeman, Abby Jones, Majalon Teye, Samantha Vumbico.
  • Red Hook:  Joe Alveira, Connor Gibson, Gabriela Gomez-Mendoza, Colin MacDonald.
  • Rifton:  Riley Chambers.
  • Saugerties:  Kierstin Benson, Sophia Buono, Christina Cox, Alivia Dyke, Kasandra Frye, Kerrie Hockx, Hunter Nelson, Frankie Nuzzi, Mya Pineiro, Caden Powers, Ava Zagoreos.
  • Shokan:  Shea Delisio, Tessa Delisio.
  • Spring Valley:  Jonathan Barajas.
  • Stone Ridge:  Faith Avello, Danielle Driekonski, Aaron LeBlanc, Matthew Locke, Caroline Stafford.
  • Tillson:  Brian Ferry.
  • Ulster Park:  Salvador Acosta, Rebecca Daley.
  • Walden:  Hunter Norman.
  • Wallkill:  Alana Boutureira, Stormy Dyckman, Shannon Lovitt, Kaley Slader, Laila Stoner, Laura Thorenz.
  • Wappingers Falls:  Amanda Matuskovic.
  • West Shokan:  Skylar Naughton.
  • Westtown:  Luke McKeon.
  • Woodstock:  Kylie Osterhoudt.
  • Yonkers:  Lourdes Suarez.

Part-Time Dean’s List

A total of 41 students who attended classes on a part-time basis at SUNY Ulster have been named to the Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester, reported Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

The list, compiled each semester, is comprised of students whose final average for the period of all courses taken is at least 3.30 or higher, plus other requirements.

The part-time Spring 2025 Dean’s List, by area, is as follows:

  • Albany:  Amber Streett.
  • Ellenville:  Lily Horvath, Marcus Lewis-Rivera, Jessica Santos, Jonathan Torres, Alvaro Urquia.
  • Gardiner:  Oswaldo Rosa.
  • Highland:  Tyler Benitez, Rose Toder.
  • Kerhonkson:  Courtney Hill.
  • Kingston:  Nadia Formisano, Emma Ivy, Sabrina Tarantino.
  • Lagrangeville:  Maria Dube.
  • Lake Katrine:  Loris Pemberton.
  • Marlboro:  Giovanni Felicello.
  • Napanoch:  Benjamin Gazsi, Angelina Lopez, Emily Raiban, Bethany Rodriguez.
  • New Paltz:  Margaret English, Isabella Finch, Jonah Grossman, Luke Murphy, Alyson Murray.
  • Olivebridge:  Ava Fox, Jessica Johnson.
  • Pine Bush:  Christine DeGroodt, Alida Goldsmith.
  • Poughkeepsie:  Ashley Dajer, Abby Marino.
  • Red Hook:  Prestell Pinckney.
  • Rhinebeck:  Margaret Gutmann.
  • Saugerties:  Anya Meneses, Ruth Zaccardo.
  • Shady:  Rio Frisina.
  • Sparrow Bush:  Madelyne Somma.
  • Stone Ridge:  Tess Pitcock.
  • Ulster Park:  Hannah Schaber.
  • Wallkill:  Mica Rickman.
  • Wappingers Falls:  Janiece Cirilo.

SUNY Ulster Holds Free Financial Aid Workshops to Help Facilitate Applying For College Grants

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Press Re;ease

June 24, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is holding free financial aid workshops on Tuesday, July 1st and Tuesday, August 5th from 2-3:30 pm in Hasbrouck Hall, Room 219 on the Stone Ridge campus to assist students and families with the college financial aid process.

The workshop will cover topics such as exploring available financial aid options, understanding different types of aid, and one-on-one help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To complete your FAFSA with a financial aid specialist, please bring the following:

  • Federal Student Aid ID and Passwords for parent and student. Register for an FSA ID at studentaid.gov.
  • 2023 Tax documents including your federal and state tax returns, W-2 statements, and other income statements
  • 2023 untaxed income information, such as child support paid or received
  • Asset information
  • Driver’s licenses for student and parents
  •  Social security numbers for student and parents

Registration for this workshop is required. Please go to sunyulster.edu/visit to sign up. For questions, contact SUNY Ulster’s Financial Aid Office at financialaid@sunyulster.edu or (845) 687-5058.

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SUNY Ulster Holds Alumni Art Exhibition June 26 – July 24

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Alumni art

June 18, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is pleased to present a celebration of work by our valued alumni at the Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery from June 26 through July 24. The opening reception will take place on June 26 from 4-6 p.m. This exhibit is made possible by the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.

The opening reception will take place on June 26 from 4-6 p.m. This exhibit is made possible by the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.

Open to all alumni, the show is curated by John DeGasperis, Esq. a founding partner at New York Injury Law, LLP, Chair of the Ulster Community College Foundation Board of Directors, and SUNY Ulster alumnus, ‘02.

The exhibit features work in a variety of media by over 20 alumni. The artists included in this exhibit graduated from SUNY Ulster from 1971 through 2021 and represents those who were art students as well as those who were in other programs. The artists include:

    • Ronald Augustine
    • Gülnar Babayeva
    • Savannah Baker
    • Luke Benicase
    • Catherine Christiana
    • Allison Constant
    • Kat Farrell
    • Marielena Ferrer
    • Patti Gibbons
    • Sam Goldberg
    • Paul Harden
    • Bob Johnson
    • Dave Kahen
    • Hunter Larson
    • Michelle Moore
    • Christopher Nostrand
    • Cassiopeia Ottulich
    • Keldon Polacco
    • Chelsea Stingel
    • Dianne Valdivia
    • Kerri Vitek
    • Calico Withall

The Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery at SUNY Ulster serves as a center for creative activity at the College and within the community. It also functions as an environment for teaching, performing, and exhibiting.

The gallery and exhibition are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Chris Seubert at seubertc@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Holds Instant Admissions Week June 16, 17, 18, & 20 and  One Day – One Stop June 25

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Press Release

A Quick and Easy Way to Go From Application to Accepted & Enrolled on the Spot

June 2, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster’s Instant Admissions Week is scheduled from June 16 through June 20 from 10 am to 4 pm. Campus will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. The event will be held in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge Campus. For anyone interested in attending SUNY Ulster in Fall 2025, this is a quick and easy way to complete the admissions process in one day.

On Wednesday, June 25 from 10 am to 4 pm, the Enrollment & Success Center will hold a One Day-One Stop event at the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster on Mary’s Avenue in Kingston. Arrive, apply, get accepted and registered all in one day. You’ll also have the opportunity to take SUNY Ulster’s Entering Student Assessment if applicable, and Financial Aid Representatives will be able to assist you and your family with questions about the financial aid process.

Those interested in attending should bring their official, sealed high school transcript, original GED certificate, or original IHIP Letter of Substantial Equivalency, and any official college transcript (if applicable). Participants will be guided through the entire process by admissions counselors. Financial aid reps will also be on hand to answer questions and assist with the financial aid process. You’ll also have the opportunity to take SUNY Ulster’s Entering Student Assessment on campus (if applicable).

SUNY Ulster offers students over 60 academic programs that lead to either transfer to a four-year college or entry into the job market. To best help students afford college, the Ulster

Community College Foundation awards $1 million in scholarships each year to entering, continuing, and transferring students.

Reservations for an Instant Admissions appointment are required. REGISTER NOW!

For more information, contact the Enrollment & Success Center at esc@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5022.

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Four Students Recognized by SUNY, Phi Theta Kappa, & EOP for Academic Achievements

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Phi Theta Kapa

 May 27, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster celebrates its students recognized for their academic achievements. Each of these individuals are pursuing careers in different fields and are on a successful path toward realizing their collegiate and personal goals.

The SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence recognizes students for outstanding academic achievements, leadership, campus involvement, community service, and the arts. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the State University of New York. The 2025 Chancellor’s Awards go to Gia Pfleger and Deli Smith.

Gia Pfleger graduated with an Associate in Arts degree in Adolescence Education 7-12 with a concentration in social studies. Committed to academic excellence, Gia has been on the President’s List for multiple semesters and is graduating with a 3.8 GPA. Gia plans to pursue a double major in Education and Political Science when she transfers to SUNY New Paltz. Her hope is to use her degrees by mentoring students and making a difference in society through teaching.

Deli Smith graduated with an Associate in Science in Individual Studies. Taking pride in their academic portfolio, has maintained a 4.0 GPA. Deli will be attending SUNY Oneonta in the fall to major in Media Studies with the plan of obtaining a Master’s degree in Communication and work in the music industry. Deli is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, has maintained a place on the President’s List, and has contributed as a Student Trustee for the 2024-2025 academic year. Deli also is a member of SUNY Ulster’s Student Government Organization and Student Engagement Board where they work with fellow students on club activities and special events.

The Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.  Gabriella Acosta is the 2025 Recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa – All New York Academic Team.

Gabriella Acosta of Highland, NY, started her journey at SUNY Ulster as a L.A. Humanities and Social Sciences major who graduated this semester. She aspires to transfer to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees with a career goal of becoming a school psychologist.  A member of Phi Theta Kappa, Gabriella is committed to academic excellence and leadership in her community, as a passionate advocate for her town and its residents.

SUNY’s Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Excellence is awarded to Princess Giselle Burden-Green. Now celebrating its sixth class of honorees, the award recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance.

Princess Giselle Burden-Green’s goal is to become a therapist, social worker, and business owner. Over the course of her time at SUNY Ulster Princess has been a dedicated, responsible EOP student proactively improving her academic standing. She has been accepted to SUNY New Paltz where she will attend in the fall and major in psychology. Princess volunteered to speak to EOP students about her college experience and convey tips for new EOP students during our pre-college summer program this year. Princess works for a youth organization focused on developing leadership skills for underserved youth. She holds the position of Girls Lead Counselor.

SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D. said, “I am proud of our students’ individual and collective commitment to academics, service, and excellence as they reach their educational goals by starting here at SUNY Ulster and Going Far!”

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SUNY Ulster’s 61st Commencement on Saturday, May 24, 2025

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2025 Commencement

May 20, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster will proudly celebrate its 61st Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Senate Gymnasium on the Stone Ridge campus. Presiding over the event will be President Alison Buckley, Ed.D., who will confer degrees and certificates upon 143 graduates during the ceremony.

The Class of 2025 comprises 340 students in total. Of those, 288 will receive associate degrees, and 81 will be awarded certificates. The graduating class spans generations—its youngest members are three 17-year-olds, and its oldest is 65.

Of the class, 51 students will graduate with highest honors, and 112 with honors, 8 students will receive the President’s Medal of Highest Honor for maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA, 52 graduates are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society, 15 students are recipients of the President’s Challenge Scholarship, who will receive the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Medallion of Excellence, and 6 are recognized as College Scholars.  14 nursing students will receive their pins as part of the ceremony.

Each participating graduate will receive six guest tickets, and the Senate Gymnasium will open for seating at 9:00 a.m. For friends and family unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed and available on the college’s website  and on the SUNY Ulster YouTube channelr.

The keynote address will be delivered by Elliott Auerbach, former New York State Deputy Comptroller and current Director of the Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. A dedicated steward of education and opportunity, Mr. Auerbach has devoted nearly five years to advancing the Foundation’s mission, championing scholarship initiatives that have profoundly enriched the lives and futures of our students.

Representing the student body, Deli Smith, this year’s Student Trustee, will serve as the student speaker. Smith is graduating with an Associate Degree with High Honors, is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and was recently honored with the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. They plan to continue their education at SUNY Oneonta.

Introductions will be made by Jenn Zell, Chief of Staff & Secretary to the Board and Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President. Other participants include Grand Marshal James Hobbs, Professor of Psychology; Faculty Marshal Candice Van Dyke, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of Faculty; Deborah Briggs, Board of Trustees Chair; The Honorable Peter Oberacker, NYS Senator; The Honorable Peter Criswell, Ulster County Legislative Chair; Dr. Mark Stewart, Assistant Professor of Engineering & Academic Senate Chair, Rebecca Mercado, ESC Counselor & Staff Assembly Co-Chair, and John DeGasperis, Esq., Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Chair.

The invocation and benediction will be offered by The Rev. Gregory Simpson, Ph.D., SUNY Ulster Trustee and Pastor of Nauraushaun Presbyterian Church.

Musical performances will feature the College Chorus, under the direction of Janet Gehres, and the Old Capital Brass, directed by Victor Izzo, Jr.

Security Notice: Guests are advised that large bags and backpacks are not permitted. Large purses and diaper bags will be subject to inspection, and strollers must be left in designated areas.

SUNY Ulster looks forward to honoring the achievements of its graduates with family, friends, and the community in attendance.

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