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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Nursing Program Vital Signs are Healthy with 100% NCLEX Pass Rate

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Press Release with image of nursing student with patient reinaction

SUNY Ulster Nursing Program Vital Signs are Healthy with 100% NCLEX Pass Rate for Second Year in a Row

February 27, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster proudly announces that its most recent cohort of nursing students achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for the second year in a row. This achievement underscores SUNY Ulster’s success in preparing its students for this difficult test as well as for the demanding career of being a nurse.

For over 60 years, SUNY Ulster has kept up the highest caliber of teaching in the constantly evolving healthcare industry. From exceptional faculty and innovative curriculum to state-of-the-art equipment and hands-on learning students graduate into the workforce to provide critical care and support to community members. Students also receive on-site experience through our local hospitals.

“We are incredibly proud of our nursing graduates for their outstanding performance throughout their educational journey,” says Maria McCabe, department chair.  “Our commitment to training nurses who are not only clinically skilled but also have the ability to rise to whatever challenges may face them throughout their career is unwavering.”

In addition to the 100% NCLEX pass rate, the employment rate upon graduation has held steady at 100% for 2023 through 2025. Historically, the nursing pass rate was 95% in 2023 with 100% employment and 92.59% in 2022 with a 93% employment rate. SUNY Ulster also has a track record for surpassing the State and National pass rates which have ranged from 82 – 88% for New York State and 87% to 91% Nationally.

 “I applaud the unwavering dedication of our Nursing faculty in championing student success, as demonstrated by our students’ 100% NCLEX pass rate for the second consecutive year.  Our Nursing faculty’s tireless commitment to academic excellence and clinical preparation ensures that our graduates enter the workforce fully prepared to serve residents across Ulster County and beyond. Through their mentorship, expertise, and steadfast support, our faculty are shaping compassionate, highly skilled nurses who will touch countless lives and strengthen the health of our communities for years to come,” Alison Buckley, Ed.D., President, SUNY Ulster.

SUNY Ulster’s Nursing program is part of the SUNY Reconnect program where adults aged 25 to 55 with no prior degree can earn this nursing degree for free. SUNY Reconnect pays for tuition, books, fees, and supplies.

Learn more about SUNY Ulster’s nursing program.

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SUNY Ulster Invites Prospective Students to March Info Sessions

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Text banner: join us for an Info sesion

February 25, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY– SUNY Ulster is inviting prospective students and parents to attend its March Information Sessions, designed to help individuals explore academic programs, student support, campus life, and the many opportunities available at the college.

General Admissions Info Sessions include:

Wednesday, March 11
Stone Ridge Campus, VAN 114
4-5 pm

Thursday, March 12
Kingston Center of SUNY Ulster
4-5 pm

These Info Sessions are open to high school students, adult learners, and anyone interested in learning more about SUNY Ulster’s welcoming campus community and student-centered learning environment. Adult students aged 25 to 55 with no prior degree can discover how they can earn a degree for free with SUNY Reconnect.

These sessions offer an inside look at SUNY Ulster, including details on degree and certificate programs, admissions requirements, financial aid, and student support services. Attendees will have the chance to meet knowledgeable staff, ask questions, and learn how SUNY Ulster provides an affordable, high-quality education with pathways to transfer or enter the workforce.

Registration is required.  Register Now. For more information, email admissions.

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Herrington Showcase Concert this March at SUNY Ulster Honors Memory of Former SUNY Ulster Bandleader, Lee Herrington

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Students performing in Concert

February 18, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – On Wednesday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. the music ensembles of SUNY Ulster will perform a concert to honor the memory of Lee Herrington. Herrington was a dedicated musician and mentor, the former band director at SUNY Ulster, a longtime Rondout Valley music teacher, and the former director of the Kingston local American Federation of Musicians Concert Band. The event will be held in the Quimby Theater, Vanderlyn Hall on the Stone Ridge campus. A snow date is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2026.

This annual memorial concert will have multiple performances with various combinations of groups that include SUNY Ulster college students, faculty, and staff members, SUNY Ulster Collegian students from Ulster County high schools, Ulster County community members, advanced high school and middle school students from Ulster County, and music educators from Ulster, Orange, and Dutchess counties.

Musical groups include the College Chorus, directed by Janet Gehres with accompanist Edward Leavitt; the College/Community Band, directed by Carla Newsome; the Percussion and African Music Ensembles, directed by Paul Chambers; and the String Ensemble, directed by Anastasia Solberg.

The College Chorus will perform music from the Renaissance, The Patriotic Hymn “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”, and a wonderful arrangement of the well-known spiritual, “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel”.  The College/Community Band will be performing Kaleidoscopic Dances by Joshua Trentatdue, Selections from The Greatest Showman as arranged by Paul Murtha, and Havana Nights by Randall Standridge. The Percussion Ensemble will perform a variety of contemporary works alongside traditional percussion music from Mexico and Uganda. Traditional drumming rhythms and songs from Guinea and Nigeria will be performed by the African Music Ensemble and after a several year hiatus, we happily welcome the String Ensemble back to SUNY Ulster.

This event is free and open to the public, donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, contact Janet Gehres at gehresj@sunyulster.edu.

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SUNY Ulster Athletics Names Bob Tempestilli as New Head Softball Coach

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women playing softball

February 13, 2026 – Stone Ridge, NY – SUNY Ulster is pleased to announce the hiring of Bob Tempestilli as the College’s new Head Softball Coach.

Tempestilli brings eight years of experience as a travel softball head coach, where he developed a reputation for strong organizational leadership and the ability to make decisive choices in high-pressure environments. His experience guiding competitive teams and building cohesive programs positions him well to lead SUNY Ulster’s softball program into its next chapter.

Throughout his coaching career, Tempestilli has focused on developing programs that promote both the safety and growth of student-athletes. He is known for fostering a supportive, team-oriented environment where athletes can thrive on and off the field. His coaching philosophy emphasizes collaboration, discipline, and athlete development, while balancing performance goals with long-term growth.

Tempestilli’s systematic and highly organized approach to coaching enables him to effectively manage team dynamics and ensure that players are aligned, informed, and prepared. His leadership style reflects a deep commitment to team-building and creating a positive culture centered on accountability and excellence.

“I am eager to bring my passion for coaching to SUNY Ulster and contribute positively to the development of young athletes,” Tempestilli said. “I look forward to building a competitive and supportive environment for our student-athletes.”

SUNY Ulster Athletics is confident that Tempestilli’s experience, leadership, and commitment to student-athlete success will strengthen the softball program and continue to build pride within the College community.

For more information about SUNY Ulster Athletics,  visit the Athletics website. 

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Bob Tempestilli portrait