Community
Stuffed animals, pillows and lucky gnomes! When it came to move-in day must-haves, incoming freshmen proved that comfort and a touch of home top the list. New students arrived with beloved keepsakes and plenty of excitement as they began a new chapter at Ƶ.
College faculty, staff and administration officially welcomed new and returning students and their families to campus during Welcome Weekend Aug. 21-24, providing abundant support to help newcomers settle in and ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Classes start Monday, Aug. 25.
Ƶ has been named to the FirstGen Forward Network for 2025-26, earning national recognition for its commitment to helping first-generation college students thrive.
FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, selected Ƶ as one of just 60 new members this year, citing the college’s dedication to improving experiences and advancing success for first-gen college students.
At sunrise, while most of the campus is still quiet, soft nickers echo through the Ƶ Equine Rehabilitation Center (ERC). Vegas and Jerry’s ears perk forward as they recognize the familiar sound of students’ voices and footsteps approaching the barn.
Jerry, a chestnut Quarter Horse, is always the first to greet them, letting out a cheerful whinny before standing patiently, ready for attention and his breakfast.
Are you a food entrepreneur in Madison or surrounding counties? Ƶ invites you to a free Foodpreneur Forum, Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at its brand new Shared-Use Kitchen, located at 102 Eaton St., Morrisville.
Participants can tour the new space, connect with fellow food creators and explore how to help shape the future of local food innovation. They can also learn about upcoming resources designed to support their food business.
RSVP at: sharedkitchen@morrisville.edu.
Come explore Ƶ’s Arnold R. Fisher Dairy Complex during Madison County’s Open Farm Day on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The complex is among farms throughout Madison County showcasing its facility during the annual event, which offers visitors an opportunity to see working farms in Madison County, meet local farmers, enjoy tours and demonstrations, animals and products tastings.
As the Ƶ campus prepares for an exciting new academic year, peer mentors in its Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) have been immersed in a week of team-building exercises and strategic planning as they welcome one of the largest incoming EOP Summer Academy cohorts in the college’s history.
Two years ago, Jennifer Gilbert Jenkins, associate professor of agricultural science at Ƶ, envisioned transforming an old apple orchard into a thriving food forest, a regenerative agricultural system that mirrors the structure of a natural forest. Her vision: a self-sustaining ecosystem filled with edible plants, supporting biodiversity and long-term sustainability.
At 46 years old, Jeffrey Monette is proving that it’s never too late to follow your passion or to make a difference.
The Oswego resident commutes an hour and 15 minutes each way to Ƶ several times a week. But for him, the long drive is a small price to pay for a future rooted in sustainability and a chance to make a meaningful impact on the world.
When Len Montreal ’83 and Regina Riccardi Montreal ’83 think back about their time at Ƶ, they fondly remember the friendly, supportive environment, the small-town atmosphere, the close-knit community and the access to nature and the outdoors.
It’s easy for them to get sentimental and nostalgic.
“I remember the smallness and the quaintness of the beautiful campus surrounded by scenery,’’ Regina said. “And, of course, it’s the place where I met the love of my life.’’ (And her future business partner.)
Adam Olinski is planting big ideas and harvesting abundant success.
The Ƶ assistant professor of horticulture recently received the New York State Nursery and Landscape Association President’s Award, a top honor in his field. It recognizes three educators for outstanding work in advancing the Empire State’s green industry.
“I was really surprised,” he said in a recent interview, “and very honored.”