Academics

��Ƶ welcomes new and returning students during Welcome Weekend

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:59:40 +0000

��Ƶ welcomes new and returning students during Welcome Weekend valenzfr@morri… Mon, 08/25/2025 - 10:59

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.

Orientation featured insightful sessions, campus activities and social events designed to spark excitement and foster connections.

Members of the college’s athletic teams pitched in with move-in, hauling mini-fridges and guiding carts packed with everything needed for residence hall living.

Beyond the heavy lifting, students also found helping hands and friendly faces ready to guide them in many ways through their first days on campus.

Jacob Works and Abigail Gracey were among a team of Mustang Mentors excitedly awaiting students’ arrival.

“I think it is important to help fellow students adjust to college life and to have a person they can rely on,” said Gracey, a human services major from Oneonta, who is also a mentor in the college’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) program.

“It is important for both returning and new students to have a good experience. I have been both and I take pride in being able to help,” said Works, a journalism student from Syracuse.

The college offers a wide range of dedicated support programs to help new students at all stages of their academic journey, providing tailored academic and personal guidance to ensure success for both new and continuing students.

Support from the college’s Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) has been vital for equine science freshmen Isabella Berrios. “It’s been nice to have a community behind you,” she said of the program. “I tend to be a bit on the quiet side and I like having people to rely on and support me with classes going into something new.”

She brought along four stuffed animals from home to help her settle in, including a blue horse, a reflection of her lifelong love of riding.

“I love the equine program here,” she said. “I have been riding since I was 7 and I’m really passionate about pursuing this career path.”

Meanwhile, Isabelle Baker, from Rochester, was getting to know her roommate Delanie Pritchard, from Rome. Both freshmen are students in the college’s natural resources conservation program. Their families stood side-by-side, helping them through the check-in process and taking in the excitement of move-in day.

To make their space feel a little more like home, Baker brought along several gnomes, small reminders to ease her into residence hall life.

Ready to embrace college life, she shared a message to her fellow Mustang community — “remember, everything adds character.”

While Baker and Pritchard settled into their new space, they were just two of the many faces in this year’s incoming class.

Here is a look at the incoming class by the numbers
•    Total new students: 965
•    States represented: 16
•    Countries represented include: Canada, Portugal, New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, South Korea, Hungary, Vietnam
•    Student-athletes in the class: 205
•    First-generation college students: 526

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

August 25, 2025

Gallery

10 a.m.

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��Ƶ earns national recognition for commitment to first-generation students

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:11:45 +0000

��Ƶ earns national recognition for commitment to first-generation students valenzfr@morri… Wed, 08/13/2025 - 10:11

��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.

The Network offers a three-phase framework designed to help institutions expand holistic support for first-generation students, transforming the student experience, strengthening academic and co-curricular outcomes and creating inclusive campus structures.

“We are pleased to welcome ��Ƶ into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was clear that ��Ƶ is not only committed to supporting first-generation students, but also prepared to invest in long-term, strategic efforts that create environments where these students can truly thrive.”

��Ƶ President David Rogers praised the recognition as a reflection of the college’s culture and commitment.

“Being named to the FirstGen Forward Network affirms what we already know — ��Ƶ is a place where first-generation students are supported, celebrated and empowered to succeed. It strengthens our ability to provide them with the tools, mentorship and opportunities they need to thrive,” Rogers said. “And I should know, as I am a first-generation student myself.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

August 13, 2025

Gallery

10 a.m.

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Interns at ��Ƶ Equine Rehab Center spend summer helping horses recover and return to peak condition

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 17:55:57 +0000

Interns at ��Ƶ Equine Rehab Center spend summer helping horses recover and return to peak condition valenzfr@morri… Wed, 07/30/2025 - 13:55

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.

For equine science bachelor’s degree students Marisa Stetson, Kirsten Parhiala, Ashley Moncalieri and Danielle Crumb, early morning routines at the facility are among the most fulfilling moments of their day. Throughout the summer, all four are gaining experience through internships at the ERC.

“The horses get so excited when we walk in,” said Stetson, who is concentrating in equine rehabilitation & therapy, along with western breaking & training.

The enthusiasm is mutual as students immerse themselves in internships focused on equine care.

The center helps horses from across the region, offering rehabilitation techniques to keep healthy horses conditioned and to help injured equine athletes recover after injury or surgery.

From underwater treadmill sessions and cold saltwater therapy to laser treatments and therapeutic ultrasound, students are putting their classroom knowledge into action in real-world, clinical settings.

“I enjoy learning about the modalities more in-depth and understanding horse behavior,” Moncalieri said of her internship.

The experiences are an important part of the ERC, a facility equipped with tools rarely found at the undergraduate level, including an underwater treadmill, cold saltwater spa, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, vibration plates, solariums and more.

For Stetson, the hands-on experience and facilities were key factors in choosing ��Ƶ.

“I came to ��Ƶ specifically for equine rehab,” said Stetson, who lives in Westmoreland, New Hampshire. “As soon as I toured the facility, I knew this was where I wanted to go.”

Her internship is deepening her understanding of equine rehabilitation and therapy before she heads to North Carolina for her capstone internship at 3H Equine Hospital & Mobile Veterinary Service.

“I decided to do my internship here to learn as much as possible,” she said. Her ultimate goal is to work in an equine rehabilitation clinic.

Crumb shares that same passion for conditioning horses and helping them heal.

“I love the daily hands-on experience and how no two days are the same,” said Crumb, who is concentrating in equine rehabilitation & therapy. “This internship gives me real-world experience with all kinds of horses and I learn something new every day.”

The interns’ dedication is already making a difference as they work one-on-one with a variety of horses.

Jerry, a college-owned western lesson horse, is showing notable progress in an injured tendon, thanks to a range of therapeutic treatments, including cold saltwater spa therapy. He also walks in the underwater treadmill and receives ultrasound therapy three times a week.

“He loves the underwater treadmill,” Stetson said. “He is grumpy at first, but when we put him on the treadmill, he gets super-focused, ears up and is always ready to go.”

Victoria Reichard brought her horse, Vegas, to the center to rehabilitate a torn meniscus and to condition her for a future in pleasure riding.

The best part for Vegas — “it is definitely the attention she gets,” said Reichard, a graduate of the college’s equine science bachelor’s degree program.

The extra care is paying off. “She was quite lame and now she plays outside and is more energetic,” Reichard said.

An instructional support assistant at the college’s ERC and in its breeding program, Reichard values the hands-on learning that defines the program — something today’s interns are experiencing firsthand under the guidance of LeeAnn Chesebro.

Chesebro, of Clinton, serves as an instructional support assistant and barn manager at the ERC, where she works with veterinarians to develop treatment plans.

A 2020 graduate of the college’s equine science program, with a concentration in equine rehabilitation & therapy, Chesebro was inspired to pursue a career in the equine industry by stories of her great-grandfather, who owned and raced horses at Vernon Downs Racetrack.

That passion ultimately brought her back to ��Ƶ to help shape future professionals while continuing her work with horses.

“I was excited to come back,” Chesebro said. “What we do here for horses is such an important part of their lives.”

That sense of purpose is matched by the hands-on experience students gain each day. As horses are brought in and out for care, students are exposed to working with a variety of horses, new challenges and learning opportunities.

Zein, one of Morrisville’s Hunt Seat horses, used the lap pool to strengthen his muscles and get back into shape after being on stall rest due to an injury. The pool is designed to build cardiovascular strength and allow horses the flexibility to use their full range of motion without putting weight on their extremities.

Along with hands-on treatment sessions, interns take on daily responsibilities like maintaining equipment, cleaning stalls and keeping the barn running smoothly.

Every bit of their work comes with meaningful lessons.

“You learn to be patient, too,” said Parhiala, of Canastota, who is concentrating in equine rehabilitation & therapy, as well as breeding management. “Horses can’t speak, so you have to figure out their body language and how to communicate with them in your own way.”

That deep level of understanding is what drives Parhiala’s future goals.

“My dream is to have a rehab facility where I bring in abused horses and rehab all of them,” she said.

For now, she and her fellow interns are living out that dream in small but meaningful ways each day at ��Ƶ’s ERC.

“It’s so rewarding to watch them heal and return to their playful selves,” Crumb said. “I can’t wait to do this for the rest of my life.”

The center has opened its doors, offering the community haul-in days — an opportunity to bring their horses to the ERC for exercise conditioning sessions, Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through mid-fall.

For more information, or to schedule a session, call 315.684.6601 or email equine.rehab@morrisville.edu. The ERC also offers guided tours, by appointment, for groups of all ages.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

July 30, 2025

Gallery

2 p.m.

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See how ��Ƶ is shaping the future of farming during Open Farm Day on July 26

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:14:01 +0000

See how ��Ƶ is shaping the future of farming during Open Farm Day on July 26 valenzfr@morri… Wed, 07/16/2025 - 09:14

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.

��Ƶ will offer tours of its Dairy Complex, located on the west side of Eaton Street, a state-of-the-art free-stall dairy facility which is home to 175 milking cows, an electronically enhanced milking parlor and a student-managed computer system.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how students turn classroom lessons into real-life skills and learn more about how milk is produced on different commercial dairy operations throughout the United States.

Meet faculty and staff, who will share information about the college’s agriculture programs, the impact of the Dairy Complex and how the college is shaping the future of farming.

��Ƶ’s Dairy Complex continues to earn high marks, receiving a 2024 Progressive Genetics Herd Award by Holstein Association USA, Inc., along with high-quality milk awards from Dairy One and DFA (Dairy Farmers of America).

Behind these achievements is a dynamic leaning environment with multiple barns for heifers, calves and livestock that give students invaluable hands-on experience. The college’s 400 acres of cropland provide essential forage to support the herd.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

July 16, 2025

Gallery

8:30 a.m.

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��Ƶ Educational Opportunity Program peer mentors prepare for Summer Academy

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 16:15:10 +0000

��Ƶ Educational Opportunity Program peer mentors prepare for Summer Academy valenzfr@morri… Thu, 07/10/2025 - 12:15

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.

The 15 peer mentors, experienced students who serve as guides, motivators and role models, are engaged in intensive training sessions designed to strengthen collaboration and leadership. Activities include group challenges and scenario-based learning to prepare them for mentoring first-year students.

“This week is all about building a strong foundation for our peer mentors to help new students adjust socially and emotionally to college life,” said Kayle Light-Curtin, executive director of ��Ƶ’s Opportunity and Access Programs.

EOP helps incoming students from historically underserved backgrounds transition successfully into college. This year’s large class, more than 120, is due to increased funding from SUNY System and New York State and is also a testament to ��Ƶ’s commitment to access and student success.

The four-week intensive summer academy, “College Looks Good on You,” runs from July 11 through Aug. 9.

“We want each scholar to see themselves not only as college students but also as capable, confident scholars with the potential to thrive academically, socially and personally,” Light-Curtin said. “Through programming, mentorship and engaging academic experiences, we aim to foster a strong sense of belonging, purpose and academic identity from day one.”

Peer mentors play a vital role in the success of the summer program.

Tamiea Lee is among peer mentors creating a supportive, engaging and empowering environment for the summer scholars.

“The program was so good that I wanted to come back to be a mentor,” said Lee, who participated in the academy last summer.

The EOP program has helped the individual studies student from Brooklyn thrive.

“EOP is a sense of community and provides a sense of belonging,” Lee said. “It helps you with so many things academically and financially and gave me so much confidence.”

That same spirit of support and connection is what motivated Michael Roberts to become an EOP peer mentor for the first time. “This is a pretty great,” he said of the training. “It’s a great idea to integrate the new students.”

The weeklong training builds a foundation of leadership, communication and trust. “We focus a lot on team-building and communicating effectively throughout the training,” Light-Curtin said.

Michael Duignan, director of the college’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program, led several interactive activities designed to strengthen those very skills through teamwork and peer-led activities.

“Think of creative ways to find solutions, to communicate ideas and work as a team,” he advised the peer mentors, who were tasked with multiple exercises that challenged their way of thinking and communicating.

In addition to team-building activities, peer mentors are also participating in mandated training.

“It is a bridge from high school to college, getting them prepared and acclimated to a new environment,” said Ashlee Duncan, an EOP counselor. “It is more than classes. There are elements we help guide and support them with before the fall.”

“For nearly 60 years, EOP has created a path to upward mobility for students and their families — making college a reality to pursue their dream careers,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. in a prepared statement. “This program, made possible thanks to the steadfast commitment of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, supports thousands of SUNY students each year, and empowers them to unleash their full potential.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

July 10, 2025

Gallery

9 a.m.

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��Ƶ’s food forest takes root, project will nourish campus and community

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:24:55 +0000

��Ƶ’s food forest takes root, project will nourish campus and community valenzfr@morri… Wed, 07/02/2025 - 09:24

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.

The idea quickly caught the attention of Elisa Livengood, associate professor of aquaculture & aquatic sciences and environmental & natural resources management, who eagerly joined the effort.

“At ��Ƶ, we try to practice all forms of agriculture,” Livengood said. “We already have aquaponics, an organic farm and traditional farming, but this was the missing piece.”

Signs of progress are everywhere on the one-acre plot. Amid the old apple trees, new life is taking root — clusters of rhubarb, blueberries, raspberries, elderberries, grapes, marigolds, garlic and much more. The space under an old apple tree will eventually thrive with mushrooms.

Everything is being thoughtfully planted — part of a larger plan to create a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem.

“We want to create as much diversity in the space as possible,” Gilbert Jenkins said. “Our goal is to establish a true polyculture, where multiple species coexist and support one another.”

Once fully established, the food forest will become a self-sustaining living laboratory, offering hands-on educational experiences for students, fresh food for the campus and local community and an essential habitat for pollinators and wildlife.

It represents a cornerstone of ��Ƶ’s long-term sustainability goals and is already coming to life as a dynamic classroom where students connect environmental stewardship with community impact.

Among those gaining experience is Jeffrey Monette, a horticulture business management and agricultural science – agronomy student from Oswego. As part of a 15-credit summer internship focused on sustainability initiatives, he’s helping establish the food forest.

Working closely with Gilbert Jenkins, Monette is assisting with planting and developing a GIS map of the food forest to help organize and coordinate future planting efforts.

“This is a powerful learning experience,” Monette said. “I’m learning and understanding the nutrient cycle and how each plant relies on another to benefit over time.”

Future classes will continue to shape the forest’s growth, including arboriculture and natural resources students, who will help prune the trees and plan the layout of the space.

“This project is really uniting all of our programs to work together,” Livengood said.

The food forest also serves as a space for experimentation, where students explore real-world solutions.

“We are doing a lot of experimenting as we go,” Gilbert Jenkins said. “Converting a grass field to a food forest, with an eye toward protecting and maintaining soil health, can be complicated. We are evaluating a variety of methods. It’s a collaborative effort that will continue to involve students from a variety of classes this coming academic year.”

One experiment is layering wool, compost and another layer of wool to suppress grass growth without disturbing the nutrient-rich soil below. Seeds are then planted directly into the compost, where they can take root and thrive.

Bringing the food forest to life is a complex endeavor, which requires time, strategic planning, innovative thinking and a fair share of creative problem-solving.

Steady progress is being made thanks to generous support and contributions from Lasnicki Landscaping & Nursery in Hastings, the college’s Student Government Organization, donors to Morrisville College Foundation and proceeds from trout sales through the aquaculture program.

Additional donations are welcome to help the food forest grow. To support this community-powered initiative, visit https://morrisville.edu/foodforest.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

July 2, 2025

Gallery

8:30 a.m.

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��Ƶ adult learner plants new roots; Returns to college with a purpose and a passion

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 13:03:57 +0000

��Ƶ adult learner plants new roots; Returns to college with a purpose and a passion valenzfr@morri… Tue, 06/17/2025 - 09:03

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.

Monette graduated in May with an associate degree in horticulture and a certificate in specialty crops & cannabis production. Now, he’s pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in horticulture business management and agricultural science with a focus on agronomy.

“I have always been a lifelong learner and fell in love with Morrisville,” he said about his decision to return to college. “I like to play in my imagination a lot and going back to study expands my color palette. I reached a point in my life where I’ve been on auto pilot and am now looking for more.”

That desire for more — more knowledge, more purpose, more connection to the world around him — is exactly what he’s found at ��Ƶ. A full-time job, family and the demands of commuting aren’t slowing him down.

This summer, Monette’s undertaking a 15-credit internship focused on sustainability initiatives, including helping launch the college’s food forest, an innovative, regenerative agricultural project that mimics the structure of a natural forest to create a self-sustaining ecosystem of edible plants. The project will not only benefit the college, but also the community.

Monette is working with Jennifer Gilbert Jenkins, associate professor of agricultural science, on the one-acre plot. For the next two months, Monette will be helping to plant and develop a GIS map of the food forest to help organize and coordinate future planting efforts.

Signs of progress are everywhere on the property that was once an apple orchard. Amid the old trees, new life is taking root — clusters of rhubarb, marigolds, garlic, persimmons and much more. The space under an old apple tree will eventually thrive with mushrooms.

Driven by curiosity, Monette is making the most of his internship, which also includes composting and research into hemp fiber dyeing. His willingness to dive into every opportunity distinguishes him as a student.

“It is amazing how engaged he wants to be,” Gilbert Jenkins said. “As an adult learner, he brings a unique perspective to the classroom, enriching discussions with his life experience and unwavering commitment to sustainability. He has educational maturity and he takes it even further with all of his life experience.”

Halfway through his horticulture degree, Monette decided to add agricultural science to his studies.

“The magic happens in the crossover of the subjects,” he said. “Agriculture isn’t strictly outdoors anymore. There are so many new and exciting disciplines related to agriculture that are in the shades of both worlds,” he said.

With a strong background in facilities management and building science, Monette is eager to channel his expertise into the world of agricultural innovation. He’s already bringing that vision to life at home, where he’s built a personal lab and is conducting hands-on experiments and self-directed research with tissue cultures on succulent and orchid species during his weekends. His wife, Katrina, and daughter Robin, have been enthusiastic supporters of his journey every step of the way.

His passion is evident on campus, too. An active member of the college’s Sustainability Council, he’s contributed to reforestation efforts by planting trees and led an Earth Day initiative to construct owl boxes to support cavity-nesting owl populations.

“What inspires me is self-improvement and helping others,” said Monette, who is also teaching himself several languages, including Chinese. He has online contacts that communicate strictly in their native language and does not want to miss any opportunity to learn or share knowledge.

With no signs of stopping, he’s now setting his sights on graduate school at Cornell University, where he plans to study plant biotechnology through the School of Integrative Plant Science within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

June 17, 2025

Gallery

8:30 a.m.

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Cultivating Success: Horticulture professor is among exemplary educators who receive top nursery and landscape award

salibalr — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Cultivating Success: Horticulture professor is among exemplary educators who receive top nursery and landscape award salibalr Mon, 06/16/2025 - 00:00

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.”

That career milestone has motivated Olinski to dig deeper and work even harder. Now, he’s focused on planting millions of trees in Madison County under another state green initiative. He wants to develop and promote horticulture therapy programs to help military veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He also hopes to create new courses and certifications within ��Ƶ’s School of Agriculture, Business & Technology.

“I’m thrilled to promote this industry,” he said. “The work never stops. We have to keep changing and keep pushing forward. We want kids to get into industries that they haven’t thought of yet.”

Olinski’s journey began in a small family garden in Orange County, near the Catskills.

Author

Aaron Gifford

As a toddler, he was drawn to the soil, helping his grandparent, a Polish/Ukrainian immigrant, cultivate vegetables for the Eastern European cuisine his family enjoyed so much. He learned about the fruits of labor early on. For his Eagle Scout project, he landscaped the town museum.

“That jumpstarted me,” he said.

Olinski balanced his passion for horticulture with soccer and baseball and, after graduating from high school, enrolled at SUNY Delhi, majoring in landscape construction. His fondness for the design side of growing and planting inspired him to further his education at SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in Syracuse, New York, where he completed a master’s degree and studied abroad in Sicily. During his graduate work at ESF, Olinski became interested in teaching.

Olinski worked at a local landscape architecture firm on many building design projects, including the outdoor turf field at Jamesville-Dewitt High School, while gaining experience in academia.

At ��Ƶ, he worked as an instructional support assistant before his current position, where he has helped to grow a horticulture program that now goes beyond instruction on traditional cultivation, including hydroponics, CAD design and certified organic crop farming.

He also built a large greenhouse and played a key role in developing “stackable credentials” (microcredentials) specific to cannabis, specialty crops, pesticide applications and hydroponics that allow students to pinpoint their interests and gain additional experience while pursuing their degree.

He has a special interest in sustainability efforts, noting that before the COVID-19 pandemic, certified organic crops grown on the college’s Four Seasons Farm were provided to campus dining halls. Olinski’s students have been prepping wildflower seeds that will be planted this semester in a meadow near the Spader Horticulture Complex. The changed landscape will require less mowing, lower emissions and foster increased pollination.

I’m thrilled to promote this industry. The work never stops. We have to keep changing and keep pushing forward. We want kids to get into industries that they haven’t thought of yet.

Adam Olinski

Morrisville is eyeing becoming part of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Reforestation Project, which aims to plant 25 million trees across the state by 2033. The school already has access to abundant rural woodlands and the people and programs available to access the developing forest as a learning lab. Olinski and his students have already started prepping the seeds, hopeful for a massive opportunity.

“They want an institution that has the infrastructure in place,” he said. “We would love to be one of their nurseries. We’re in the center of the state, there’s plenty of land, and it serves as a teaching tool with training possibilities.”

Olinski said an academic minor or certification program in horticulture therapy specific to military veterans would also be the first of its kind in New York State. He’s currently developing a draft for that curriculum.

“There’s something about plants that help with PTSD,” he said.

Adding to the program’s strength is a family atmosphere, where Olinski prefers that all students and coworkers refer to him as Adam. Whether the classes are cultivating poinsettia plants, holiday wreaths, hanging baskets or other floral arrangements to beautify campus events or sell to the community to help offset program costs, everyone – teachers and students – gets their hands dirty the same way.

“You have a better built-in working relationship with them,” he said. “There’s something to be said about that personal touch we give.”

Olinski’s enthusiasm and vision have been instrumental in leading the college to its 11th consecutive Tree Campus USA designation, by the Arbor Day Foundation, spiriting students to join in campus tree plantings.

Off campus, Olinski is involved with competitive youth soccer. He led the Syracuse Rush under-18 girl’s travel team to a New York West state championship last year. He’s helped coach ��Ƶ’s teams on a volunteer basis in the past and served as an assistant for the women’s team his wife, Mandy, coaches at SUNY ESF. Their daughter, Norah, was born on New Year’s Day in 2023.

“It’s a lot to juggle – teaching, family and soccer,” said Olinski, who also played baseball at Syracuse University when he was a student at ESF. “But I really enjoy it all. I’m competitive by nature, so sports are a great outlet.”

Olinski and his students have a strong partnership with the Morrisville-Eaton Central School District, where ��Ƶ alumna Rebecca Werbela ’04 heads the middle and high school horticulture program and advises the district’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. His work has included providing guidance, equipment and labor for raised garden beds and wreath-making projects.

“This is one of the many ways we are helping to promote agriculture in our local school and community,” he said of his tireless efforts.

Werbela, who is now in her sixth year of teaching, said approximately 200 to 400 students participate in her classes or FFA each year. One of the high school agriculture courses provides ��Ƶ credits should students want to continue their education at her alma mater.

“Adam has been fabulous,” she said. “If I have a question, he’s always there to answer it right away. My horticulture program wouldn’t be where it is today without Adam and ��Ƶ.”

Published date

June 16, 2025

News Type

Academics

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All roads lead back to Morrisville: Impressive number of automotive alumni return to the classroom to mentor and teach the next generation of students

salibalr — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

All roads lead back to Morrisville: Impressive number of automotive alumni return to the classroom to mentor and teach the next generation of students salibalr Mon, 06/16/2025 - 00:00

Ask any automotive student at ��Ƶ about their most memorable experiences and they’ll likely point to the faculty at the heart of it all.

“Their devotion to seeing us succeed is what I love so much about them,” said Dan Betsinger, an automotive technology - Ford Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) Program student from Cobleskill, New York.

That sentiment runs deep within the Automotive Department, where 12 alumni have come full circle —returning to ��Ƶ to teach and give back to the place that shaped their own careers. They share a common bond: a legacy of excellence built on expert instruction and a profound sense of pride, solidifying the college’s reputation for producing highly skilled graduates ready to take on the industry worldwide.

For these faculty members, the decision to return is fueled by both nostalgia and a deep commitment to mentoring the next wave of automotive professionals.

“The instructors made a lasting impression on me when I was a student,” said Ray Grabowski ’89, now a professor of automotive technology. “They taught trade-specific and life skills that have stayed with me throughout my career.”

After earning his degree in automotive technology, Grabowski built a career focused on technical training and workforce development through apprenticeship programs at a major production corporation. In 2006, he returned to Morrisville to continue that mission — this time as an instructor.

“Coming back to Morrisville allowed me to keep ‘building’ skilled individuals,” he said. “I’m proud to equip students with the expertise they need to thrive in this high-demand and ever-evolving industry.”

The strong presence of alumni among the faculty continues to shape ��Ƶ’s culture, fostering a deep sense of tradition, continuity and living up to the college’s mantra of Mustang Proud.

“Having such a large number of alumni as faculty speaks volumes,” said Nate Miller ’86, an instructional support associate in the automotive technology - Ford ASSET program. “There’s a strong focus on ensuring that students develop the skills needed for career success, allowing us to proudly present them to the industry as ��Ƶ automotive technology graduates.”

Setting these faculty members apart is their unique blend of real-world industry experience and firsthand understanding of the college’s teaching approach from “walking the same halls.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Morrisville Auto Faculty in Action

Matt Polak ’06, ’07, assistant professor of automotive technology, first discovered ��Ƶ’s Automotive Department while playing junior hockey in Midland, Michigan. He enrolled in the automotive program during a highly successful era for its hockey team in the National Junior College Athletic Association, contributing to a couple of the team’s national titles.

“I knew when I was a student that eventually I wanted to go back and teach,” Polak said.

After spending a decade in the industry as a technician, service writer and service manager, he returned to Morrisville to fulfill that dream. His journey reflects a strong tradition within the program — one that resonates with students.

“You have a group of people who learned at Morrisville, went out and applied that knowledge successfully, and built careers from it,” said automotive technology student Liam Kosinski. “Now, they’re using that experience to give us real-life scenarios and examples that help us truly understand the field.”

This cycle of learning, experience and returning to teach is a hallmark of excellence in the Automotive Department.

For Dan Akers ’90, ’13, a second-generation Morrisville student, that excellence is reflected in mentoring and giving back. When the opportunity to return as an instructor arose in 2007, he didn’t need much convincing.

Before joining ��Ƶ, Akers spent 17 years working in dealerships, gaining invaluable industry experience. Now, as the head of the college’s Ford ASSET program, he brings that expertise into the classroom.

“I believe a good automotive educator not only holds the degrees, but also has real shop experience to back up the lessons,” Akers said.

Miller was driven by the hands-on learning approach that has long set ��Ƶ programs apart.

“I came back to Morrisville as an instructor because it gave me a great start in my career,” he said. “I wanted to be part of that ongoing legacy.”

That hands-on approach continues to shape students’ experiences today.

“I love that we have a lab every day in the ASSET program,” Betsinger said. “Because we’re doing hands-on work daily, we don’t forget what we’ve learned.”

“For me, a great thing about the auto programs is how faculty teach,” said Michael Wegener, of Massachusetts, a student in the automotive technology associate degree program. “It’s a very hands-on career and they demonstrate and go in depth. They teach so enthusiastically like they really want to be here.”

This emphasis on practical learning has been key to the automotive program’s growth, with faculty playing a pivotal role in its transformation.

Today, the college offers three associate degrees: automotive technology; automotive technology - Ford ASSET; and auto body technology. Graduates can continue their education through the Bachelor of Technology degree in automotive technology or the Bachelor of Business Administration degree in automotive management.

For many students, their connection to ��Ƶ begins long before they step on campus.

“I was at a BOCES event watching a presentation when a student approached me, repeatedly expressing his gratitude for a visit he had two years earlier as a high school sophomore,” said Alex Graf ’16, ’18, an instructional support associate in auto body technology. “Now he’s a freshman at Morrisville.”

Graf earned his associate degree in auto body technology and a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship & small business management, both from Morrisville, before going on to earn a master’s degree from SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

His diverse background, which includes vintage Volkswagen restoration and early 1900s Cadillac restoration, brings a unique perspective to the classroom.

“Being able to come back and teach what I once learned has been an incredible experience,” Graf said.

That sense of pride and connection to ��Ƶ is something Stephen Mann ’13, ’18 knows well.

“I was walking through on my admissions tour and the Factory Five giveaway car for the Syracuse Nationals was being built,” Mann recalled. “Seeing students work on a project like that, in those great facilities, really sold me on the college.”

Seeing students graduate and build successful careers — knowing we played a role in their development — is incredibly rewarding. I want students to have that same life-changing experience I had.

Dan Akers

Morrisville’s hands-on approach struck a chord with Nathanel Alvarez, an automotive technology - Ford ASSET student from Goshen, New York. Alvarez entered the program with little knowledge of automobiles, but knew that the skills he would gain would ensure he was job-ready.

Thanks to multiple internships, he already has a job lined up and is well on his way to his goal of becoming a master technician. “The job security that comes with this is unmatched,” Alvarez said.

His success is a testament to the college’s strong record of equipping students with skills that consistently secure them positions with employers actively seeking Morrisville-trained professionals.

“Every one I know has walked out of Morrisville with a job,” said Anthony Traspaso, an automotive student from Canastota, New York. “All of the teachers have connections they have already established and that helps us get internships and jobs.”

“Mr. Akers has so much experience under his belt,” Alvarez said. “He treats us like family and has connections to every dealership in New York State to get us internships.”

This kind of mentorship and support is just one example of the strong relationships that faculty build with students, which endure long beyond the classroom.

“If you have any questions, it doesn’t matter when or where, he will always help,” Betsinger said of Akers. “He will always give you a plan to get you through it.”

This dedication to student support is a trademark of faculty who are deeply committed to their students’ success.

“Seeing students graduate and build successful careers — knowing we played a role in their development — is incredibly rewarding,” Akers said. “I want students to have that same life-changing experience I had.”

“I want to be that same positive and professional influence for the next generation of students, just as faculty were for me when I was starting out,” Mann said.

Returning is more than just a homecoming for these alumni — it’s a testament to the program’s lasting impact, a bridge between past and future and a commitment to driving education forward.

“At the end of the day, I teach because I enjoy the enthusiasm from my students and seeing their transformation from their first day on campus until they walk at graduation,” Polak said. “I am honored to now serve and teach at what I believe is the best automotive technology school in the country.”

Below is a list of the automotive alumni who returned to teach:

Dan Akers – associate professor, 1990 A.A.S. automotive technology, 2013 B.Tech. automotive technology
Ray Grabowski – professor, 1989 A.A.S. automotive technology
Alex Graf - instructional support associate, 2016 A.A.S. auto body technology, 2018 B.B.A. entrepreneurship & small business management
Matt Heckerman - associate professor, 1991 A.A.S. automotive technology, 2010 B.Tech. automotive technology
Doug Houck – assistant professor, 2006 A.A.S. automotive technology, 2008 B.Tech. automotive technology
Graham Jones – associate professor, 1993 A.A.S. automotive technology
Loren Maki – associate professor, 2000 A.A.S. automotive technology
Stephen Mann – instructional support associate, 2013 A.A.S. automotive technology, 2016 B.Tech. automotive technology
Nate Miller – instructional support associate, 1986 A.A.S. automotive technology
Matt Polak – assistant professor, 2006 A.A.S. automotive technology, 2007 B.Tech. automotive technology
John Scutt – associate professor, 1990 A.A.S. automotive technology
Robert Wise – instructional support associate, 1987 A.A.S. automotive technology

Published date

June 16, 2025

News Type

��Ƶ celebrates graduates, including its first cohort of Master of Science in food & agribusiness graduates

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 19 May 2025 15:08:48 +0000

��Ƶ celebrates graduates, including its first cohort of Master of Science in food & agribusiness graduates valenzfr@morri… Mon, 05/19/2025 - 11:08

Carrie Wafler’s dreams started small. She loved riding horses, gardening and spending time outdoors. And she had an entrepreneurial spark that set her apart.

When those passions came together at ��Ƶ, something extraordinary blossomed — quite literally.

Today, Wafler owns Barn Blooms Flower Farm, in Wolcott, a thriving floral business that blends artistry, horticulture and agriculture. A proud two-time graduate of ��Ƶ, she now gives back as an adjunct instructor, teaching courses in equine science, agricultural business and horticulture.

On Saturday, she reached another milestone, joining the first class of ��Ƶ’s food & agribusiness (FAB) master’s degree program.

Surrounded by family, many of them ��Ƶ alumni, Wafler celebrated alongside fellow graduates during the college’s 2025 Commencement ceremony, held May 17.

“It fills me with so much excitement to walk across the stage,” Wafler said. “Completing this master’s degree is a win for women in agriculture and women taking leadership roles in the industry.”

Cheering grads on were family, friends and proud faculty and staff. ��Ƶ President David Rogers was joined by school deans and members of the College Council in presiding over the ceremony, which began with the Syracuse Scottish Pipe Band leading graduates into the formal commencement exercises.

The stage was adorned with ferns and flowers grown by students in the college’s horticulture program and artfully arranged by Gareth March, of Greece, New York, a graduate who earned his bachelor’s degree in horticulture business management.

“Wherever your life may take you, ��Ƶ will go with you,” said President Rogers. “Farewell. Do us proud. Be proud to tell the world, by your words and your work, that you are a graduate of ��Ƶ and the State University of New York.”

Among those embodying that pride was Wafler, whose journey at ��Ƶ was shaped by immersive hands-on learning.

While earning her associate degree in equine science and later her bachelor’s degree in agricultural business development, Wafler made the most of every opportunity to learn, from caring for cattle, sheep and rabbits in the livestock barn, to competing with the Western Equestrian team.

After graduation, her passion for agriculture brought her to Wafler Farms, a family-run apple orchard and fruit tree nursery. It was there she met her future husband, Kyle Wafler ’17, and quickly became an integral part of the farm’s growth, helping to expand its human resources operations.

She later launched Barn Blooms, starting with just a small plot of land and a bucket of flowers. Today, the unique business offers floral design, event services, community workshops and a community-supported bouquet subscription service that brings fresh, locally grown flowers to customers each season.

As her business grew, so did her ambition. When ��Ƶ announced its flexible new online FAB program, Wafler jumped at the opportunity.

“I always wanted to get my master’s degree, but I was running a business,” she said.

Along with its flexibility, the large network of connections and meeting people in different parts of the industry have been invaluable parts of the program.

That same sense of connection and opportunity has been a driving force for other graduates like March.

“The hands-on experience I’ve acquired during my time at Morrisville has exposed me to many different aspects of horticulture, including greenhouse management, landscape design and nursery production,” March said. “My education has given me a toolbox of knowledge that I’m going to use during my summer internship, in my current position and in my future career endeavors.”

This summer, March will intern as a horticulturist at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua. He’ll also continue working at VanPutte Gardens in Greece, where he serves in many roles, including landscape design apprentice and assisting the CEO & landscape finance manager.

In his parting words to fellow classmates, graduate Tron Smith, vice president of the Student Government Organization and this year’s student speaker, celebrated the shared journey of the Class of 2025 — a group of individuals from different walks of life who came together to form a tight-knit, supportive community at Morrisville.

He called on graduates to carry that legacy forward. “I leave you with this challenge: be the change you want to see in the world. Make a difference in someone’s life. Build community wherever you go. Congratulations, Class of 2025! The world is waiting for us. Let’s go make our mark.”

Elisa Livengood, the college’s Distinguished Faculty Award recipient, spoke to the strength, determination and potential of graduates, urging them to trust in their skills and to always have hope, even when facing adversity.

“If we keep this messaging of hope, we can make the world better,” said Livengood, associate professor of aquaculture & aquatic science and environmental and natural resources management. “And I know that graduates of Morrisville have this incredible capacity to make the world better together.”

She also reflected on the graduates’ readiness to take on the world beyond college.

“Here at Morrisville, we say ‘you learn by doing.’ And now, you know how to do what you’ve learned,” Livengood said. “You’re ready — not to just get the job, but to build the career, the life and the world you want to live in. So, go forward boldly. Believe in what you’ve learned. Believe in your resilience. And above all — have hope.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

May 19, 2025

Gallery

10 a.m.

News Type

Academics

������Ƶ welcomes new and returning students during Welcome Weekend

������Ƶ earns national recognition for commitment to first-generation students

Interns at ������Ƶ Equine Rehab Center spend summer helping horses recover and return to peak condition

See how ������Ƶ is shaping the future of farming during Open Farm Day on July 26

������Ƶ Educational Opportunity Program peer mentors prepare for Summer Academy

������Ƶ’s food forest takes root, project will nourish campus and community

������Ƶ adult learner plants new roots; Returns to college with a purpose and a passion

Cultivating Success: Horticulture professor is among exemplary educators who receive top nursery and landscape award

All roads lead back to Morrisville: Impressive number of automotive alumni return to the classroom to mentor and teach the next generation of students

������Ƶ celebrates graduates, including its first cohort of Master of Science in food & agribusiness graduates

��Ƶ welcomes new and returning students during Welcome Weekend

��Ƶ earns national recognition for commitment to first-generation students

Interns at ��Ƶ Equine Rehab Center spend summer helping horses recover and return to peak condition

See how ��Ƶ is shaping the future of farming during Open Farm Day on July 26

��Ƶ Educational Opportunity Program peer mentors prepare for Summer Academy

��Ƶ’s food forest takes root, project will nourish campus and community

��Ƶ adult learner plants new roots; Returns to college with a purpose and a passion

��Ƶ celebrates graduates, including its first cohort of Master of Science in food & agribusiness graduates