Alumni Archives - SUNY Ulster News Blog

SUNY Ulster Alumna Carly Serro-Masula, RN, BSN

January 22, 2025 by Deborah Kaufman

Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is proud to highlight the exceptional contributions of Carly Serro-Masula, a dedicated registered nurse who exemplifies the core values of compassion and professionalism in nursing. Specializing in pre-surgical testing, med-surgical nursing, telemetry, and working in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Carly plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and recovery of her patients.

“What I love most about being a nurse is being directly involved in care that makes a difference in a patient’s overall well-being,” Carly states. “I love that feeling of knowing I helped a patient with their recovery. The initial moments of waking up from surgery can be frightening for a patient, and knowing I helped ease their pain and/or anxiety is what I love most about being a nurse!” Her heartfelt dedication to her patients is evident in her daily interactions, where she strives to create a comforting and reassuring environment for those in her care.

Carly’s journey in nursing began with a strong educational foundation. She graduated from Saugerties Senior High School in 2015 and pursued her Associate of Science in Registered Nursing at SUNY Ulster, which she completed in 2019. Her academic excellence continued as she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from SUNY Empire State University in 2021, graduating Summa Cum Laude. During her time in school, Carly actively engaged with her peers as a member of the Student Nurses Association and served as the Treasurer of the SUNY Ulster Nursing Club, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to the nursing profession. She then continued to showcase these leadership skills by becoming the Student Ambassador for the Nursing and Allied Health Program at SUNY Empire. Committing to this role virtually during the COVID-19 Pandemic only highlights how much she goes above and beyond as a nurse.

Carly’s achievements and success in nursing are driven by her profound passion for helping others, her unwavering commitment to patient care and safety, and her pursuit of continuous education. She embraces challenges as opportunities for growth, consistently seeking to enhance the quality of care provided to her community. Her expertise and compassionate approach make her a valuable asset in the healthcare field, where she works tirelessly to ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care.

As HSS continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in patient care, nurses like Carly Serro-Masula are at the forefront, making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families every day.

Over 50 Years of Nursing at SUNY Ulster

February 12, 2020February 5, 2020 by SUNYUlster

Group photo of nursing students on Campus

Nursing Awards Announcement:

In the Spring of 2018, the SUNY Ulster Nursing Department became the recipients of the PNA Honorary Recognition Award. This award recognizes an agency which has rendered distinguished services or valuable contributions to the nursing profession. This award came as the nursing program celebrated its 50th anniversary of service to the Ulster County community.

Celebrating 50 Years of Service:

Since its inception in 1968, the SUNY Ulster Nursing Program has proven itself time and time again as a leader in the healthcare industry of the Hudson Valley. The SUNY Ulster Nursing Program has had over 1,900 graduates- many of these graduates have gone on to win awards and be nationally recognized. Jess Robie Class of 2016 won the Future Nurse Leader Award 2017, Dana Wright class of 2015 represented the WMC/Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley on the Today Show in May 2018, and Donna Becker class of 2014 received the Registered Nurse of the Year Award at Golden Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in May 2018.

Our History:

The prestigious 50 year history of the SUNY Ulster Nursing Program is one that is filled with the highest standards of academia, ethical standards, and professionalism. The commitment to student success in the Nursing Program began in 1968 under Head Professor Mrs. Florence Irwin (pictured below) and her original staff made up of Miss. Elizabeth Dunn and Miss Joan Cassavant.

From the get-go, the Nursing Program has boasted itself as innovative and forward- thinking in its approaches to the healthcare field. In its earliest pubic recruitment efforts, the program made it known it was “-open to Men or Women, Married or Single, with High School or GED Degrees.” By the Fall of 1968, SUNY Ulster proudly announced in a newspaper headline that “50 Students Enrolled in the UCCC Nursing Program.” This first class was made up of 48 women and 2 men; 24 of those students were the first class to graduate from the program in 1971.

The photo below is of the 2019 graduating class, which was made up of 34 students and had a pass rate of 97.05% for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination), which means 33 of the 34 students passed on their first try!

From the start, students in the SUNY Ulster Nursing Program have been exposed to and taught about all the different elements that go into making a healthcare facility reach its appropriate standards. Below is a photograph of students from the 1970’s practicing skills such as bed making and other “practical chores”.

Students since 1968 have been gaining experience during clinical settings. Here, a nursing student is exposed to patients of all different ages: infants, children, adults, and the elderly.

SUNY Ulster nurses have always been given the opportunity to practice the skills that make them exceptional: working hands-on with medical equipment, working one-on-one with patients, and working collaboratively at the nursing station.

The SUNY Ulster Nursing Program continues to prepare its students for the workplace, by instilling in them the skills needed to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to those in the Hudson Valley community.

The opportunities continue to grow for our nursing students!

During the 2019 Spring semester, there was a collaborative project with the Nursing program of Durban University of Technology of South Africa. It was an opportunity for our nursing students (present and alumni) to travel to South Africa to meet with their collaborating partners and observe their teammates in clinical settings.

SUNY Ulsters graduates that decide to continue with their education can now look to our recently forged partnership with Empire State College. This partnership is making it easier for Registered Nurses (R.N.) to secure their Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in the Hudson Valley. It is designed to support students during their transition from an associate’s degree or diploma to a baccalaureate degree, in both an online and on-site format.

Ready, Set, Fashion! Calista’s Journey to Entrepreneurship

June 28, 2019 by Roycroft Michaela

A green sewing machine works on a blue cloth with a spool of red thread sitting next to a pair of scissors

Coauthored by Calista E.

Calista Allen, SUNY Ulster Class of 2018

Another person has started here, to go far in the community with her newly learned skills. Calista chose SUNY Ulster over a well-known private college and says it was “it was one of the best decisions I have ever made” as she knew she wanted to be an involved part of a small business and remain local.

Calista has been designing and sewing for about ten years now. She credits her grandmother for teaching her garment creation basics before her time in college. Saying that her grandmother has been one of her biggest supporters and inspirations.

Most recently, she has turned her long time love of sewing and designing into a blossoming career. Thanks to the real world experience gained from her time in the fashion design program.

SUNY Ulster, Here to Help.

The fashion curriculum at SUNY Ulster has provided continuous opportunities that have shaped Calista’s life, livelihood, and career. The professors on campus encouraged and emboldened Calista to explore her talents and perfect her skills. She enhanced her design methods, portfolio building and interview skills to graduate at her highest potential as a result. Along with the well planned curriculum, the program offered Calista many internship opportunities that were vital to learn the industry first hand. Therefore she interned with brands you might know like: the Robert Tonner Doll Company, Eleven Six Knitwear, and Karina Dresses.

A sewing mannequin stands with a tape measure wrapped around it's top

Calista was proud to say that this school guided and molded her into a networking queen! To clarify she recalls one of the most impactful parts of her educational journey; that SUNY Ulster “provided endless opportunities to meet new people and interact with other local businesses and entrepreneurs in the fashion industry.”

A woman stands in a white dress with leather sleeve and belt accents — The Robin Dress ( made of chiffon with leather details).

After completing her internship with Karina Dresses, the company offered her a full time position. They realized the vigor and passion she had started to hone in on and wanted her skills to stay at their business. Calista has been working there for almost three years as the Social Media Manager and Junior Design Assistant for the brand located in Uptown Kingston. She continues gaining skill and experience while starting ventures of her own in the world of fashion.

Her design aesthetic is athletically inclined clothing with an elegant flair; a mix of sporty and sophistication. In her own words “I enjoy playing with style lines and geometric shapes to create a unique style.” She has used that as a base for a children’s clothing line, entirely of her own making, coming soon.

What’s Next for Calista?

Blue/White Gingham Dress
Cali Bee Kids Spring Line

Calista was happy to express how grateful she is for the fashion program at SUNY Ulster. The way it offered various tools and resources to kickstart her passion, and build strong relationships that continue to support and guide her future to this day. In addition, this driven young entrepreneur has started her own Spring kid’s clothing line. It’s called Cali Bee Kids and is set to launch this August! To check it out for yourself click here: http://bit.ly/CaliBeeKids

When asked what her best memory of her experience here was, she responded: “I don’t have a specific favorite part of earning my degree at SUNY Ulster, because I loved everything!”

The SUNY Ulster Community Remembers Dino Rende

December 5, 2017 by SUNYUlster

On November 13, 2017, ’16 Ulster graduate and current student Demetrio “Dino” Rende passed away. As an art major almost finished with his second degree, the loss of the 63-year-old Marlboro resident was particularly felt among members of the art department, but students and faculty throughout the Ulster community knew and cared for him. Since his passing, many faculty members, staff, and students have shared their stories and remembered the various ways he impacted their lives. Here are just a handful.

From Professor Iain Machell, Fine Art Program Coordinator: “The semester the Fine Art majors took a bus trip to the Met, everyone was free to roam the museum with assignments and recommendations. I asked Dino where he was interested in going and he said, ‘I just wanna hang with the Professor.’ So he and I toured the galleries, ending up in the European galleries (interrupted only by a burger at a vintage soda fountain on Lexington Ave.) and discussed the technical skills of the sculpture, the importance of the human figure throughout history, and the primacy of drawing. All the while Dino was like that famous little kid looking in the candy store window, amazed by everything and energized at the human creative spirit and the need to express ourselves. I could not have had a better museum companion.”

From a student: “He was headstrong and stubborn, but that was only part of his charm, and it will be sorely missed. Dino had a way of brightening up my day when I needed it most, and would endlessly compliment and encourage me in my own work. If I was feeling down on my art, he would lift my spirits back up. May Dino rest in peace, and I hope now more than ever that the space whale murals remain a part of Ulster for many years to come.”

From a student: “He’s part of the reason I applied to SAIC, and I’ll never forget how he boasted about me and my work to that School of Visual Arts portfolio reviewer; that was incredible. He watched our graduation in the spring, too, specifically to cheer for us when we walked. He was more supportive than most of my family and friends.”

From Professor Dolores Quiles: “I always enjoyed his Italian flirtations. We were two of the many college community who played a role in Spoon River Anthology. He was always positive and silly. I will miss his energy.”

From Jane Kithcart, Director of Academic Support Services/Learning Center: “Dino will truly be missed in the Learning Center, but he will be with us forever because he created a work of art that we have on display. Rest in peace my friend.”

Please share your own Dino stories in the comments below as we celebrate the life of this amazing student!

Katherine Dubosh, Double Graduate

October 3, 2016 by SUNYUlster

Katherine Dubosh standing on Campus in graduation cap

For 2016 graduate Katherine Dubosh, a college degree came before a high school diploma! That’s because she graduated from Rondout Valley High School with honors in June, over a month after turning her high honors tassel at SUNY Ulster.

Katherine decided to attend Ulster in the 10^th grade. Lucia Pecore, SUNY Ulster Assistant Director of Admissions, remembers being skeptical about Katherine’s application two years ago, but she quickly realized that this ambitious student was determined to get her Associate’s degree when she graduated from high school. Katherine has not regretted her decision. She says, “Attending SUNY Ulster is one of the best decisions I made for myself in high school.”

“Being in high school and college was definitely a challenge. I think the biggest challenge was time management, especially during my junior year. I stayed in high school until 2:20 and then took night and online classes during my free time.” Katherine told us. Despite the difficulties she experienced while maintaining her busy schedule, Katherine says she was elated to cross the commencement stage on May 18^th, adding, “I felt like my hard work had finally paid off.”

Katherine is attending SUNY New Paltz for their pre-med program, which involves a 7 year BS/DO degree. We wish this motivated alumna all the best for her future at New Paltz and beyond!

Lucia Pecore: Helping Students Start Here at SUNY Ulster

June 8, 2016June 8, 2016 by SUNYUlster

Lucia Pecore

Assistant Director of Admissions

Communication and Media Studies ’94

Why did you choose to start out at SUNY Ulster?

I initially had my eyes on a four-year private out-of-state university for theater, but my mother had suggested that I begin my education locally. This was not the answer I wanted to hear at all, but I quickly realized how great SUNY Ulster and the Theater Department was here. While I enjoyed the classes and experiences from the stage, after some time in the program I realized that I was not going to be a leading lady, at best comic relief. So I redirected my creative energies into another area and was able to graduate with everything I needed to move on to transfer smoothly as junior to SUNY New Paltz. In the end, SUNY Ulster was the best decision my mother ever made for me. I really grew both academically and emotionally. I was able to discover my passion and direction, without paying a hefty tuition.

What called you back to SUNY Ulster?

I’d been working in Higher Education in development and alumni affairs in offices that employed a number of student aides. These students seemed to naturally connect with me asking for advice and guidance on their next steps after graduation. I found that I really enjoyed mentoring these students. It just happened that SUNY Ulster had an opening in Admissions, It seemed like it would be a natural fit for me, so I applied and the rest is history.

What do you enjoy about meeting incoming students at High School college fairs and Open Houses?

The high school students I meet with are at a pivotal point in their lives and it’s a lot of responsibility to take on. I have the opportunity to help them bridge the gap between high school and college, and I help them formulate informed decisions about choosing the college that is right for them. As an Alumna, it feels great to help students in the way that I was helped when I was planning to attend SUNY Ulster.

What are your tips for incoming students?

Early Bird Gets the Worm: The earlier you make the connections, the more prepared you will be before you start your studies.

Take the Time to Visit Us… And Visit Us Again: We live in an area rich with college and universities. At the end of the day, you need to visit all of the colleges you’re considering, because you have to find that right fit for you.

Once you’re a Students here—Don’t Just Go to Class, Get Involved: Take advantage of all the community activities at SUNY Ulster. Learning doesn’t just involve the classroom; it’s also about the experiences you will have and the connections you make for your future.

What are some of your favorite things about SUNY Ulster?

The fact that so many of my colleagues are SUNY Ulster Alumni themselves! The number of Alumni that have come back to work here really shows just how much we all believe in this institution. As Alumni, this is our opportunity to pay it forward—and because of this the support and sense of community here really makes us stand out among our community college peers.

Contact Lucia Pecore by email at PecoreL@sunyulster.edu or by phone at 845-687-5000.