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.