September 25, 2025 – Stone Ridge, NY – Ulster Community College Foundation will host its annual fundraising event on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Diamond Mills Resort & Spa in Saugerties at 5:30 p.m. This event is open to the public with tickets available at www.sunyulster.edu/soiree.
The fundraiser and recognition event honors individuals, organizations, and businesses in support of student success. Bringing together community leaders, alumni, donors, and friends of SUNY Ulster, this event is a celebration of the power of higher education as it raises funds for student scholarships and programs.
This year’s soiree will feature an awards presentation honoring those whose contributions embody SUNY Ulster’s spirit of community and service and include:
- Your Promise – Their Future Award: Eli Basch, Esq. & Susan Raymond Basch ‘74 (posthumously) — recognizing donors whose substantial gifts are transformative.
- #BeLikeAnita Award: Bill Calderara — recognizing community members who lead by example and dedicate personal time to bettering others.
- Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.): Alejandro Duran-Sanchez ‘19 — honoring a recent graduate who has distinguished themselves through volunteerism, professional growth, and philanthropic values.
- Caring for the Community Award: Tony Marmo — for exceptional dedication to the well-being of the community.
- Anne R. Donovan Award for Faculty & Staff: Dr. Mark Stewart, PhD — for members of the campus community who go above and beyond in their service to SUNY Ulster’s mission.
“Our Soirée is more than a fundraising event — it’s a celebration of the people whose vision, generosity, and commitment make SUNY Ulster what it is,” said John DeGasperis, Esq. ‘02 Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. Board Chair. “We’re thrilled to honor this year’s remarkable individuals, and to continue supporting our students through their generosity.”
SUNY Ulster president, Alison Buckley, ED.D. shared, “The Soiree is a meaningful evening that shines a light on the incredible generosity of our community, the commitment of our honorees, and, most importantly, the life-changing opportunities that our Foundation provides for our students. Together, we are investing in futures, building pathways to success, and strengthening the Hudson Valley through education.”
The evening will include a cocktail reception, fine dining, live music, auctions, and presentations from individuals whose lives have been shaped by SUNY Ulster and the Ulster Community College Foundation. Early reservations are encouraged as seating is limited.
For more information, please contact the Foundation office at foundation@sunyulster.edu or 845-687-5283.
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