SUNY Ulster Celebrates Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees

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group portrait of Alumni Hall of Fame receipients

April 17, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster honored distinguished alumni from the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2023 during a special Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony held April 1. The event included an unveiling in the Clinton Hall lobby followed by a reception at Kelder House.

The ceremony recognized alumni whose professional achievements and community contributions reflect the college’s mission and values.

“Celebrating the unveiling of the Alumni Hall of Fame plaques honoring the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2023, as part of Community College Month, was an evening filled with pride and purpose. Time and again, I hear stories from our alumni across the community of perseverance, achievement, and how their experiences at SUNY Ulster transformed not only their own lives, but the lives of their families,” said Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

2020 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • Dr. Lynn May Brown (1973–1975), Liberal Arts: Math and Science, senior regulatory affairs executive
  • Scott Davis, P.E. (1988–1991), Engineering Science, professional engineer and business leader
  • John A. DeGasperis, Esq. (2000–2002), Individual Studies, attorney and business leader
  • Robert R. Jacobsen, Esq. (1996–1998), Business Administration, attorney and business leader
  • The Honorable Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr. (2003–2006), Humanities & Social Sciences, government and civic leader
  • Ambassador Beatrice Wilkinson Welters (1970–1972), Humanities & Social Sciences, government and civic leader

“As former Chair of the Ulster County Legislature, I share immense pride in supporting SUNY Ulster’s core mission of providing higher education and making it accessible for all residents in Ulster County, and as an alumnus and an Alumni Hall of Fame inductee, I proudly reflect on my time at SUNY Ulster and how it shaped my professional trajectory. I commend, and am grateful for, the support and the work faculty and staff do each and every day to deliver the public good of education while changing lives. SUNY Ulster stands for accessibility, opportunity and promise, not only for individuals but our community as well, and will continue to do so well into the future,” said The Honorable Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr.

2021 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • Dr. Lawrence Barrett (1982–1984), Communications & Media Arts, college president and civic leader
  • Cheryl D. Bowers (1983–1987), Business, bank executive and civic leader
  • The Honorable Manna Jo Greene (1973–1976), Nursing, nurse, government and civic leader
  • Lisa I. Pacht (1994–1998), Liberal Arts, school administrator
  • Dan Reinhard (1970–1972), Humanities & Social Science, sports broadcaster and global procurement manager

2023 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductees:

  • The Honorable Kevin R. Bryant (1989–1991), Business/Individual Studies, government and civic leader
  • Victor Cueva, Esq. (2007–2010), Humanities & Social Science, attorney and immigration advocate
  • Brian Turner (1997–1999), Criminal Justice, law enforcement professional
  • Candice Van Dyke (2003–2005), Humanities & Social Science, professor and chief diversity officer

“To be inducted into the SUNY Ulster Alumni Hall of Fame is both humbling and deeply personal. Returning as a Professor of English and serving as Chief Diversity Officer, I am reminded daily of the transformative power of this institution and the responsibility we share to build a more equitable and inclusive future,” said Candice Van Dyke, Professor of English & Chief Diversity Officer.

The Clinton Hall lobby unveiling highlights the honorees’ accomplishments and serves as a permanent tribute to their legacy within the SUNY Ulster community.

“SUNY Ulster contributes $96 million annually to the local economy, and the impact of our alumni is deeply woven into the strength and vitality of our region. Their success, leadership, and continued contributions keep the College relevant, vibrant, and firmly rooted in the hearts and minds of our community,” added Buckley.

Photo Caption:
From left: SUNY Ulster President Alison Buckley, Ed.D.; Dr. Lynn May Brown ’75; Candice Van Dyke ’05; Brian Turner ’99; Scott Davis ’91; The Honorable Manna Jo Greene ’76; and The Honorable Kenneth J. Ronk, Jr. ’06.

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

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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.

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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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