SUNY Ulster Presents Annual Spring Concert Series

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band musicians with conductor

April 16, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – The SUNY Ulster Music Department will present its second and third concerts of the spring semester on Wednesday, April 29, and Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. The performances will be held in the Quimby Theater in Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus. These concerts are free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.

The music ensembles are comprised of SUNY Ulster students, faculty and staff, community members, collegian students, area music educators, and SUNY Ulster alumni guests.

The April 29 concert will feature the College Chorus, directed by Janet Gehres and accompanied by Edward Leavitt. They will be presenting music from the Renaissance, a Gaelic Folk Song, a Spiritual, music from an Operetta, and other music filled with hope and inspiration. The concert will feature collaborative instrumentalists on violin, oboe, and hand drum.

Also, on April 29, the String Ensemble, directed by Anastasia Solberg will perform music by Arcangelo Corelli, Bela Bartok, and Shin-Itchiro Yamamoto. Paul Chambers will be directing the African Music Ensemble with a selection of traditional drum rhythms from Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, and Ghana. The April 29 concert will also feature the Best Performances from the Spring 2026 “Wednesdays@1:30” LIVE Music Series voted by the Music Faculty.

The third and final concert will be held on May 6, with Victor Izzo directing the Tuba Quartet. The Percussion Ensemble, directed by Paul Chambers will perform music ranging from Traditional Mexican marimba band arrangements to contemporary compositions for mallet keyboards, drum, and everything in between.

The evening will conclude with the College/Community Band, directed by Carla Newsome. They will perform a variety of pieces including Molly on the Shore by Percy Grainger, Our Cast Always by Julie Grioux, Give Us This Day by David Maslanka, and KWYJIBO by David Maslanka. Guest conductors, Samuel Newsome and Jaelyn Twitchell, will be presenting two additional works as well.

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

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music concerts

Acclaimed Poet Sarah Kay Inspired a Standing Room Only Audience at SUNY Ulster 

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April 10, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – Sarah Kay, known for her powerful, fun, and honest performances delivered a series of poems interwoven with personal anecdotes at SUNY Ulster to a packed audience of SUNY Ulster students, high school students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Her poems explored themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth that garnered laughter, reflection, and extended applause throughout the event. Her reading was followed by a thoughtful series of moderator and audience questions that offered insight into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of storytelling as a way to understand oneself, others, and the world around us.

When asked about her inspiration, Sarah explained, “The act of reaching for poetry is something I’ve done my whole life. I turn to it when there’s something I’m trying to figure out and I’m having a hard time figuring it out. It might be an interpersonal relationship, people, memories, or something in the news. I say, okay, I might have to poem my way through this.”

Kay’s visit was part of SUNY Ulster’s ongoing commitment to bringing arts and cultural programming to campus to enrich students and the community.

About SUNY Ulster

SUNY Ulster provides Ulster County residents and the surrounding population with an exceptional and affordable education in a student-focused environment. The College offers over 60 academic programs – associate degrees, certificates, and credentials – at its Stone Ridge Campus and the Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster where students are prepared to either enter the workforce or transfer to four-year colleges to complete their bachelor degrees. 

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Sarah Kay gesturing
Acclaimed poet Sarah Kay performs for a packed audience at SUNY Ulster on April 9, 2026

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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SUNY Ulster Welcomes Acclaimed Poet Sarah Kay as 2026 Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum and the Herbert H. & Sofia P. Reuner Library Writers Series Event

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Sarah Kay speaking

March 25, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster welcomes internationally recognized poet, performer, and educator, Sarah Kay for a special reading and conversation on Thursday, April 9 at 10:15 a.m. in the College Lounge, Vanderlyn Hall on the SUNY Ulster campus.

The event will be moderated by Samantha Dunn, Assistant Professor of English, and will offer students and community members an opportunity to hear Kay’s work and learn about the role poetry can play in education.

 Sarah Kay is best known for her spoken word poetry and has performed at the UN, Lincoln Center and the Tribeca Film Festival, among other venues. She is the founder of Project Voice, an organization that uses spoken word poetry to entertain, educate, and inspire audiences through performances and workshops at hundreds of schools, from kindergarten through the university level.

The author of five poetry collections: B, No Matter the Wreckage, The Type, All Our Wild Wonder, and A Little Daylight Left, she has built a global following through her powerful stage presence. In addition, Kay has delivered a widely viewed TED Talk, and was the first featured speaker in PBS NewsHour’s “Brief But Spectacular” series.

The Ellen Robbins Poetry Forum and the Herbert H. & Sofia P. Reuner Library Writers Series are special programs sponsored by The Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. that brings renowned writers and poets to campus each year.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information email mackk@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Holds FAFSA & TAP Completion Day April 7

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fafsa-zoom composition

March 24, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is holding a FAFSA & TAP Completion Day on Tuesday, April 7 from 2-3:30 p.m. in Hasbrouck Hall, Room 207 on the Stone Ridge campus. For both current and prospective students, the event is designed to assist students and families with the college financial aid process.

The workshop will provide one-on-one help filling out the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and New York State Tuition Assistance Program application (TAP). To complete your financial aid applications with a financial aid specialist, both students and parents should have their 2024 Federal and New York State tax returns, their New York State ID/Driver License, and social security numbers.

Federal and state grants can significantly lower the cost of college and they do not need to be repaid. In 2025, 84% of SUNY Ulster students graduated debt-free. Filing the FAFSA is also required for scholarship eligibility.

Save your spot by registering today. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5058.

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SUNY Ulster Holds Instant Admissions Week March 30 – April 2

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instant admissions week at SUNY Ulster

A Quick and Easy Way to Fast Track Your Fall 2026 Enrollment

March 17, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is holding an Instant Admissions Week from March 30 through April 2 from 10 am to 4 pm to provide the community with a convenient way to complete all the admissions steps needed for enrollment. For anyone interested in attending SUNY Ulster in Fall 2026, this is a good opportunity to benefit from the hands-on experience of admissions representatives and others who can answer questions and help you through the entire process.

Attendees 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 assist with the financial aid process.

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 budgets $1 million in scholarships annually to entering, continuing, and transferring students.

Reservations for an Instant Admissions appointment are preferred but not required.  Register Now

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

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SUNY Ulster Hosts Annual “Future Voices” Art Exhibit Showcasing Local High School Talent

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photograph by Camille McMillan titled 'Shoreline'

March 12, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – Ulster County high school students will be showcased in an exhibit of their artwork with “Future Voices 2026: High School Art from Ulster County,” opening March 26 and running through April 16 at the Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery on the Stone Ridge campus. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, March 26, from 4 – 6 p.m.

This annual exhibition features artwork from high school students throughout Ulster County. Participating schools include Saugerties, Onteora, Rondout Valley, Kingston, Ulster BOCES, New Paltz, Ellenville, Marlboro, Highland, and Wallkill. The show will include a wide variety of media including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, digital media, and more.

 The exhibition is being curated by Allison Constant, owner and founder of Art Bar in Kingston. Ms. Constant is a SUNY Ulster fine art program alumna. In addition to her work at Art Bar, she has curated exhibits for the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum and Woodstock Jewish Congregation. She has also exhibited her own work at The Farber Center in New York City, Samuel Dorsky Museum at SUNY New Paltz, and The Shirt Factory in Kingston, among others.

The Muroff Kotler Visual Arts Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday 12:30 – 3 p.m. It is closed on college holidays, weekends, and spring break, March 16 – 20. The show and opening reception are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Gallery@sunyulster.edu or call 845-687-5113.

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Photo Credit: Camille McMillan ‘Shoreline’ Silver Gel Print, Rondout Valley

SUNY Ulster Celebrates Women’s History Month

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portrait of Sojourner Truth

Sojourner Truth: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures, March 9-13 at the Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery

March 5, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY– SUNY Ulster is proud to present Sojourner Truth: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures, an exhibit and panel outlining Sojourner Truth’s powerful role in advancing justice as we reflect on Women’s History. The exhibition will be on view March 9 through March 13 at the Muroff-Kotler Visual Arts Gallery on the Stone Ridge campus.

An opening reception will take place on Monday, March 9, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., and is free and open to the public.  Welcoming remarks will be shared by SUNY Ulster President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D., Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of English Candice Van Dyke, with a keynote address from Esi Lewis, Esq., Executive Director of the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center for History and Culture in New Paltz.  A panel will follow featuring full-time faculty, Dr. Hans Vought, Professor of History and Chair of the Social Sciences, Education and History Department, and Dr. Nichola Harris, Professor of European History.

Made possible by the Unified Court System, the Sojourner Truth historical banners on display are on loan from Sojourner Truth: A New Yorkers Path from Slavery to Freedom.

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

For more information, email vandykec@sunyulster.edu.

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