Academics / en Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 30 through February 1 /news/suny-morrisville-seeks-participants-global-game-jamr-january-30-through-february-1 <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 30 through February 1</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-01-14T14:50:07-05:00" title="Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - 2:50pm" class="datetime">Wed, 01/14/2026 - 14:50</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Interested in making a game and being part of a global experiment in creativity? Artists, programmers, musicians, storytellers and creative minds are being sought as Ƶ serves again as a host site for Global Game Jam® (GGJ), the world’s largest game jam event, taking place Friday, Jan. 30-Sunday, Feb. 1.</p> <p>During the worldwide event, participants are given a central theme and just 48 hours to create a video or board/card game.</p> <p>During the fast-paced “jam session,” teams of artists, musicians, hobbyists, programmers and gamers are given a chance to brainstorm, innovate, collaborate and develop new ideas for game design.</p> <p>The event begins at Ƶ on Friday, Jan. 30, at 4 p.m. in Charlton Hall, with registration, a videoconference and unveiling of this year’s theme. Final game submissions are due at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, followed by a game creation preview and weekend wrap-up.</p> <p>Registration for the Ƶ site is open for students and non-students over the age of 18 of all skill levels at: <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/GUvumZj5ba">GGJ 2026 REGISTRATION</a></p> <p>Teams, some of which are formed on-site, spend 48 hours brainstorming and designing a new video or board game from scratch without any outside help. All finished GGJ games are archived on a website for everyone to play.</p> <p>Some of the games that participants at the Morrisville site have created include: Traps: The Spanish Adventurer (a journey to prove capability as an adventurer, by collecting all of the gold); Ex-Extinction (Sir Captain Rawrington must save his dinosaur ancestors from the incoming asteroid onslaught); Flight Team Phoenix (pilot a phoenix spaceship and eliminate alien enemies) and Cardiac Canyon (a hiker tumbles down a cliff and must follow his heart to lead him through the dark and back to his camp)</p> <p>For more information about GGJ at Ƶ, contact Adam Saunders at 315.684.6055 or saundear@morrisville.edu.</p> <p>Global Game Jam® history<br>2009 Game Jam — 53 sites, 23 countries, 1,650 participants, 370 games &nbsp;<br>2010 Game Jam — 138 sites, 39 countries, 4,300 participants, 900 games<br>2011 Game Jam — 169 sites, 44 countries, 6,500 participants, 1,500 games<br>2012 Game Jam — 242 sites, 47 countries, 10,684 participants, 2,209 games&nbsp;<br>2013 Game Jam — 319 sites, 63 countries, 16,705 participants, 3,248 games &nbsp;<br>2014 Game Jam — 488 sites, 72 countries, 23,189 participants, 4,292 games&nbsp;<br>2015 Game Jam — 518 sites, 78 countries, 28,000 participants, 5,438 games&nbsp;<br>2016 Game Jam — 632 sites, 93 countries, 36,164 participants, 6,866 games&nbsp;<br>2017 Game Jam — 701 sites, 95 countries, 36,401 participants, 7,263 games<br>2018 Game Jam — 803 sites, 108 countries, 42,800 participants, 8,606 games&nbsp;<br>2019 Game Jam — 860 sites, 113 countries, 47,006 participants, 9,010 games<br>2020 Game Jam — 934 sites, 118 countries, 48,753 participants, 9,601 games<br>2021 Game Jam — 585 sites, 104 countries, 28,825 participants, 6,383 games (held online due to COVID-19 pandemic)<br>2022 Game Jam — 680 sites, 100 countries, 33,000 participants, 5,860 games&nbsp;<br>2023 Game Jam — 800 sites, 108 countries, 40,000 participants, 7,637 games&nbsp;<br>2024 Game Jam — 796 sites, 102 countries, 34,649 jammers, 9,964 games.&nbsp;<br>2025 Game Jam — 805 sites, 98 countries, 35,427 jammers, creating a record 12,100 games.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2026-01-14T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">January 14, 2026</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gallery field--type-image field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Gallery</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/ggj-gallery-04_0.jpg?itok=qfMLqduf" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;A Game Jam participant works on a game&quot;}" role="button" title="A Game Jam participant works on a game" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155806-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-bSN_Yvd3v7w" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;A Game Jam participant works on a game&quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-bSN_Yvd3v7w" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/ggj-gallery-04_0.jpg?h=3ebb19bb&amp;itok=pZKFmZyP" width="303" height="303" alt="A Game Jam participant works on a game" loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">2 p.m. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/general" hreflang="en">General</a></div> </div> </div> Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:50:07 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 155806 at Ƶ awarded Mental Health First Aid Grant to expand student support /news/suny-morrisville-awarded-mental-health-first-aid-grant-expand-student-support <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Ƶ awarded Mental Health First Aid Grant to expand student support</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-01-12T13:05:47-05:00" title="Monday, January 12, 2026 - 1:05pm" class="datetime">Mon, 01/12/2026 - 13:05</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Ƶ has been awarded a SUNY Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Grant, part of an initiative to strengthen mental health awareness, early intervention and crisis response on college campuses.</p> <p>Announced by SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., the program will provide up to $8,000 per campus to support mental health first aid training for faculty, staff and other non-clinical personnel. Ƶ is among 27 campuses statewide selected to receive the grant.</p> <p>“Mental health is health, and our priority at SUNY is to advance every aspect of our students’ growth and to ensure they have the support needed to succeed in their academic, professional, and personal development,” King said. “The grants provided through this innovative program will help ensure more SUNY staff and personnel are trained to recognize and address mental health concerns and to support students in need.”</p> <p>At Ƶ, the funding will support the creation and expansion of campuswide mental health first aid programming. The nationally recognized training teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders, with a focus on early recognition, supportive conversation and connection to professional resources.</p> <p>“Our students’ well-being is fundamental to their overall success,” said Ƶ President David Rogers. “This grant allows us to expand critical training for faculty and staff so they feel confident recognizing when a student may be struggling and can offer timely support with care and compassion.”</p> <p>“We are very thrilled to be recipients of this grant,” said Monica Grau, Ƶ vice president for student affairs &amp; inclusive engagement. “It will provide us the opportunity to train multiple trainers who will then be able to present MHFA sessions to faculty, staff and students as part of broader campaign to grow a stronger and healthier campus community.”</p> <p>For Ƶ, the funding represents another step toward fostering a campus culture where mental health support is visible, accessible and embedded into everyday student life.</p> <p>Unlike traditional clinical training, mental health first aid equips everyday campus personnel, such as faculty, advisors, residence life staff and student service professionals with the tools to act when they notice a student in distress.</p> <p>“Faculty and staff are often the first to notice when a student is struggling, and they deserve practical, evidence-based tools to respond with confidence and care,” said Tramaine El-Amin, vice president of Mental Health First Aid USA, National Council for Mental Wellbeing. “These grants will help campuses like Ƶ expand training so more educators and frontline staff can recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges, start supportive conversations and connect people to appropriate resources.”</p> <p>When fully implemented statewide, the program is expected to train nearly 3,000 SUNY employees annually, significantly expanding the system’s capacity to recognize and respond to students in need.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2026-01-12T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">January 12, 2026</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">1 p.m. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/general" hreflang="en">General</a></div> </div> </div> Mon, 12 Jan 2026 18:05:47 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 155801 at Ƶ offers electric vehicle training /news/suny-morrisville-offers-electric-vehicle-training <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Ƶ offers electric vehicle training</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-01-05T13:35:50-05:00" title="Monday, January 5, 2026 - 1:35pm" class="datetime">Mon, 01/05/2026 - 13:35</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Looking to expand your knowledge of electric vehicles (EV) and get ahead in the growing EV workforce? Ƶ is hosting a one-day, in-person training, Electric Vehicles Part 1: Introduction &amp; Safety workforce program, on Jan. 17, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the college’s Automotive Technology Facility.</p> <p>This hands-on training will utilize two electric vehicles purchased through a Green Workforce Grant, giving participants access to state-of-the-art equipment designed to prepare the next generation of clean-energy professionals.</p> <p>Tuition is $400. Program assistance is available. To register, call 315.684.6390 or email workforce@morrisville.edu.</p> <p>This training is part of SUNY’s broader efforts to build a skilled green workforce and support New York’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan. Through the grant, Ƶ has also installed a charging station inside the Automotive Technology Facility, for instructional use, with additional plans for an outdoor charger for instructional and community use.</p> <p>The non-credit EV training course and future offerings will eventually lead to credit-bearing microcredentials, currently in development through the grant.<br>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2026-01-05T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">January 5, 2026</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gallery field--type-image field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Gallery</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/IMG_3630%201.jpg?itok=UtljpvLI" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;One of Ƶ's electric vehicles &quot;}" role="button" title="One of Ƶ's electric vehicles " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155766-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-K1Rcd8RYf7k" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;One of Ƶ's electric vehicles &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-K1Rcd8RYf7k" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/IMG_3630%201.jpg?h=96a96008&amp;itok=J1HED6nf" width="303" height="303" alt="One of Ƶ's electric vehicles " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/IMG_8673.jpg?itok=hcw96tag" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;An automotive student trains on one of the new electric vehicles&quot;}" role="button" title="An automotive student trains on one of the new electric vehicles" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155766-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-t2-N5b70jNA" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;An automotive student trains on one of the new electric vehicles&quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-t2-N5b70jNA" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/IMG_8673.jpg?h=96a96008&amp;itok=qZzQm4vE" width="303" height="303" alt="An automotive student trains on one of the new electric vehicles" loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">8:30 a.m.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> </div> </div> Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:35:50 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 155766 at Ƶ University Police recognized with statewide honors /news/suny-morrisville-university-police-recognized-statewide-honors <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Ƶ University Police recognized with statewide honors</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-12-08T10:06:19-05:00" title="Monday, December 8, 2025 - 10:06am" class="datetime">Mon, 12/08/2025 - 10:06</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Seven members of the New York State University Police at Ƶ were among those honored with 2025 University Police Awards by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association, recognized for outstanding service, lifesaving efforts and heroism.</p> <p>The 2025 University Police Awards represent the highest recognition given by the SUNY Police Chiefs Association.</p> <p>Lt. Philip Netzband, Officer Ryan Harrington and Officer Nicole Wright received the Professional Service Award, which honors actions that significantly enhance the operations and effectiveness of University Police. &nbsp;</p> <p>Additionally, Chief Paul Field, Lt. Luke Learned, Investigator Caitlin Clark and Officer Tyler Morgan received the Heroism Award for extraordinary courage and lifesaving service.</p> <p>Officers Wright and Morgan are Ƶ alumni.</p> <p>“Ƶ is incredibly proud of our University Police team,” said Ƶ President David Rogers. “Their professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment to protecting our campus and community make a difference every day and exemplify the best of SUNY.”</p> <p>SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. praised award recipients for their commitment to maintaining safe campus environments. “SUNY’s University Police Officers are an integral part of our campus communities,” he said. “Their commitment ensures that our students can pursue their dreams without fear.”</p> <p>The SUNY Board of Trustees and New York State University Police Commissioner Mary Ritayik also commended officers statewide for their professionalism compassion and service to SUNY campuses.<br>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2025-12-08T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">December 8, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gallery field--type-image field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Gallery</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/Lt.%20Learned%2C%20Investigator%20Clark%2C%20Chief%20Field.jpg?itok=gRKI0r--" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Lt. Learned, Investigator Clark, Chief Field&quot;}" role="button" title="Lt. Learned, Investigator Clark, Chief Field" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155731-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-J9qjQvQmJn4" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Lt. Learned, Investigator Clark, Chief Field&quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-J9qjQvQmJn4" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/Lt.%20Learned%2C%20Investigator%20Clark%2C%20Chief%20Field.jpg?h=acd71c0e&amp;itok=WUcA3e71" width="303" height="303" alt="Lt. Learned, Investigator Clark, Chief Field" loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/Officer%20Tyler%20Morgan%20and%20Chief%20Paul%20Field.jpg?itok=nNfs8aF3" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Officer Tyler Morgan and Chief Paul Field&quot;}" role="button" title="Officer Tyler Morgan and Chief Paul Field" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155731-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-KXHrDLMfBZQ" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Officer Tyler Morgan and Chief Paul Field&quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-KXHrDLMfBZQ" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/Officer%20Tyler%20Morgan%20and%20Chief%20Paul%20Field.jpg?h=0279ae05&amp;itok=YkTm35_N" width="303" height="303" alt="Officer Tyler Morgan and Chief Paul Field" loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/Officer%20Wright%2C%20Bruin%20and%20Chief%20Field.jpg?itok=i0Ozwh1-" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Officer Wright, Bruin and Chief Field&quot;}" role="button" title="Officer Wright, Bruin and Chief Field" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155731-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-ofJ8zV2JuDA" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Officer Wright, Bruin and Chief Field&quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-ofJ8zV2JuDA" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/Officer%20Wright%2C%20Bruin%20and%20Chief%20Field.jpg?h=0279ae05&amp;itok=7MmV9jR_" width="303" height="303" alt="Officer Wright, Bruin and Chief Field" loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">8:30 a.m.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/general" hreflang="en">General</a></div> </div> </div> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:06:19 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 155731 at Serving Beyond the Classroom: Ƶ recognizes two students who step up to help their communities /news/serving-beyond-classroom-suny-morrisville-recognizes-two-students-who-step-help-their <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Serving Beyond the Classroom: Ƶ recognizes two students who step up to help their communities </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-12-03T14:40:17-05:00" title="Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - 2:40pm" class="datetime">Wed, 12/03/2025 - 14:40</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-background-banner field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/large_banner_1150_by_390_/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.webp?itok=u6Z5JCHs 1150w, /sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.webp?itok=DQSNuzw3 1920w" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="800"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.webp?itok=8Rnk2bYK 650w, /sites/default/files/styles/large_rectangle_975_by_550_/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.webp?h=b8626526&amp;itok=txqEvybW 825w, /sites/default/files/styles/large_banner_1150_by_390_/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.webp?itok=u6Z5JCHs 1150w" media="all and (min-width: 608px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/webp" sizes="100vw" width="650" height="271"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.webp?h=b8626526&amp;itok=nnx6idre 303w, /sites/default/files/styles/medium_rectangle_570_by_370_sc/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.webp?h=b8626526&amp;itok=tDcruyJF 570w, /sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.webp?itok=8Rnk2bYK 650w" media="(max-width: 607px)" type="image/webp" sizes="100vw" width="303" height="303"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/large_banner_1150_by_390_/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.jpg?itok=u6Z5JCHs 1150w, /sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.jpg?itok=DQSNuzw3 1920w" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="800"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.jpg?itok=8Rnk2bYK 650w, /sites/default/files/styles/large_rectangle_975_by_550_/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.jpg?h=b8626526&amp;itok=txqEvybW 825w, /sites/default/files/styles/large_banner_1150_by_390_/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.jpg?itok=u6Z5JCHs 1150w" media="all and (min-width: 608px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" sizes="100vw" width="650" height="271"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.jpg?h=b8626526&amp;itok=nnx6idre 303w, /sites/default/files/styles/medium_rectangle_570_by_370_sc/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.jpg?h=b8626526&amp;itok=tDcruyJF 570w, /sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.jpg?itok=8Rnk2bYK 650w" media="(max-width: 607px)" type="image/jpeg" sizes="100vw" width="303" height="303"> <img loading="eager" width="1920" height="800" src="/sites/default/files/news/background-banners/Aidan-and-AJ-banner.jpg" alt="Aidan &quot;AJ&quot; Martel and Aidan Drum "> </picture> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>For Ƶ students Aidan “AJ” Martel and Aidan Drum, “free time” looks a lot different than it does for most college students. They never know when an emergency call will send them racing out the door. &nbsp;</p> <p>As active members of the Morrisville Fire Department, Martel and Drum log countless hours responding to medical emergencies, fires, motor-vehicle accidents and community outreach events. Drum also serves as an EMT and is a member of the college’s lacrosse team. Martel volunteers with SEVAC (Smithfield-Eaton Volunteer Ambulance Corps), in addition to his fire service.</p> <p>Their dedication extends beyond the campus. Martel, from Stillwater in Saratoga County, also volunteers with the Arvin Hart Fire Company, while Drum, of Pleasant Valley, serves as a member of the Salt Point Fire Company back home. &nbsp;</p> <p>“If I have free time, that is pretty much what I am doing,” Drum said, describing how volunteering shapes his days.</p> <p>As International Volunteer Day approaches on Dec. 5, Ƶ proudly spotlights the student-volunteers making a difference every day, students like Martel and Drum, whose service honors a long family tradition of answering the call. &nbsp;</p> <p>For both, volunteering is a calling. “It’s all about helping people,” Drum said. “We are there when they need it most, and that is a great feeling.”</p> <p>Martel echoed the sentiment, adding, “The love for it keeps me motivated. Knowing I can make a difference keeps me coming back.” &nbsp;</p> <p>Their commitment to service complements their career goals. Drum, a diesel technology student, hopes to become either a diesel mechanic or a paid firefighter. Martel, an automotive technology — Ford ASSET student, aspires to work as an automotive technician or pursue firefighting professionally.</p> <p>Their dedication carries over into their daily lives. Before many students even start their day, Martel and Drum are already on alert.</p> <p>“You literally go from being in bed to out the door sometimes,” Drum said, referring to his emergency pager and phone app that can call him to action at any hour. &nbsp;</p> <p>Balancing classes with life-saving responsibilities isn’t easy, but they’ve learned to manage both. &nbsp;</p> <p>Their commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.</p> <p>“I have a tremendous respect for local people and students who volunteer to help people in our district,” said Dan Akers, Martel’s professor and fellow SEVAC volunteer. &nbsp;</p> <p>“Someone usually has my pager,” Drum said. “I’ve run out of the middle of practice before to go to a fire.”</p> <p>Despite the challenges, neither hesitates. “When it goes off I am out the door,” Martel said of his pager.</p> <p>SEVAC alone responds to 800-1,000 calls a year, according to Akers. Martel is preparing to take EMT classes and will return from winter break earlier than most students to train. &nbsp;</p> <p>What keeps them going is a question they are asked often. For Martel, the answer is simple. “It’s a part of me, and I can’t get away from it now.”</p> <p>“It is a part of me now,” Drum echoed. “I tried it out and fell in love with it.”</p> <p>Training is a constant part of their commitment. There are Tuesday night drills and ongoing courses that never seem to slow down. “The amount of training you need seems to keep going up,” Drum said — one of several reasons behind the nationwide volunteer shortage. &nbsp;</p> <p>Both recall a recent fire in which they were dispatched at 11 p.m., returned at 7 a.m., took a quick shower and made it to class with no sleep or hesitation. Those moments reflect the dedication they bring to every call and the same determination guiding them through their academic journey.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2025-12-03T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">December 3, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gallery field--type-image field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Gallery</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/Aidan%20and%20AJ.JPG?itok=FvG4RsZg" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Aidan &quot;AJ&quot; Martel and Aidan Drum &quot;}" role="button" title="Aidan &quot;AJ&quot; Martel and Aidan Drum " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155706-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-ZIzvRdV4GaQ" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Aidan &quot;AJ&quot; Martel and Aidan Drum &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-ZIzvRdV4GaQ" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/Aidan%20and%20AJ.JPG?h=ea95bb15&amp;itok=7CUCXcpr" width="303" height="303" alt="Aidan &quot;AJ&quot; Martel and Aidan Drum " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/AJ%20and%20Aidan%20in%20gear%20adjusted.jpg?itok=iXp5uc5y" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;AJ and Aidan in gear &quot;}" role="button" title="AJ and Aidan in gear " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155706-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-guZ68UIuyIc" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;AJ and Aidan in gear &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-guZ68UIuyIc" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/AJ%20and%20Aidan%20in%20gear%20adjusted.jpg?h=ea95bb15&amp;itok=PkgL21Br" width="303" height="303" alt="AJ and Aidan in gear " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/IMG_8306.jpeg?itok=QVbvCSZk" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;AJ and Aidan on field &quot;}" role="button" title="AJ and Aidan on field " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155706-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-yphB-n1RUOU" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;AJ and Aidan on field &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-yphB-n1RUOU" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/IMG_8306.jpeg?h=0279ae05&amp;itok=PTTdOJYb" width="303" height="303" alt="AJ and Aidan on field " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">3 p.m.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/general" hreflang="en">General</a></div> </div> </div> Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:40:17 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 155706 at Ƶ and Morrisville-Eaton Central School District partner to make Thanksgiving brighter for local families /news/suny-morrisville-and-morrisville-eaton-central-school-district-partner-make-thanksgiving <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Ƶ and Morrisville-Eaton Central School District partner to make Thanksgiving brighter for local families</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-11-21T13:35:57-05:00" title="Friday, November 21, 2025 - 1:35pm" class="datetime">Fri, 11/21/2025 - 13:35</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>As Thanksgiving approaches, the spirit of giving is filling the Morrisville community. Ƶ has partnered once again with the Morrisville-Eaton Central School (MECS) District to help ensure that local families in need can enjoy a full holiday meal together.</p> <p>The annual Thanksgiving Basket Drive, started 16 years ago by MECS teacher Meaghan Palmer, continues its mission at a time of increased need. This year brought “more of a need than ever,” reflecting the challenges many households face, including cuts to federal food assistance benefits, said Jennifer Gilbert Jenkins, associate professor of agricultural science at Ƶ and coordinator of the college’s efforts.</p> <p>Gilbert Jenkins joined the effort six years ago when she realized Ƶ had an opportunity to help. “We want the town to know that the Ƶ community cares,” she said. &nbsp;</p> <p>This year’s fundraiser brought in nearly $3,000, the most to date. “I'm so thankful for how generous our community is and for how successful the fundraiser was this year,” Gilbert Jenkins said. &nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks to campus donors and partners at MECS, Ƶ helped provide produce from four farms, along with milk, cheese, eggs and a $65 gift card to Aldi to 20 local families. Some farms even went a step further — one donated produce, while another significantly reduced its prices to support the effort.</p> <p>The generous donations collected this year enabled the campus to expand the reach of this effort, and in addition to what was donated to the families connected to MESC, provide full Thanksgiving dinners for three families in need from the college’s Children’s Center and two families connected to the Norwich campus.&nbsp;<br><br>“Every year we are moved by the generosity of our campus and community,” Gilbert Jenkins said. “This partnership really shows what Thanksgiving is all about — helping one another.” &nbsp;</p> <p>The food drive ensures that families have food for Thanksgiving and additional meals during the school break when support services pause. &nbsp;</p> <p>For Gilbert Jenkins, the effort has become a family tradition. Her husband, Shawn Jenkins, instructional support assistant in the college’s Horticulture Department, and their children, Maya, 14, and Jackson, 11, lend a hand organizing and distributing the donated food. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition to assisting the MECS Thanksgiving food drive, Ƶ continues to address food insecurity on its own campus by holding food and hygiene drives for its students and offering on- and off-campus resources for students experiencing food or housing insecurity.&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2025-11-21T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">November 21, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gallery field--type-image field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Gallery</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/Maya%20and%20Jackson%20.jpg?itok=kDqUZBqL" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Maya and Jackson prepare bags &quot;}" role="button" title="Maya and Jackson prepare bags " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155596-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-exW6mY47550" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Maya and Jackson prepare bags &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-exW6mY47550" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/Maya%20and%20Jackson%20.jpg?h=97c70c69&amp;itok=R_AkPQ9g" width="303" height="303" alt="Maya and Jackson prepare bags " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/Milk%2C%20cheese%20and%20eggs%20.jpg?itok=18y3jHMq" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Milk, cheese and eggs are among the items for families &quot;}" role="button" title="Milk, cheese and eggs are among the items for families " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155596-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-hctuTIw6hdU" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Milk, cheese and eggs are among the items for families &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-hctuTIw6hdU" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/Milk%2C%20cheese%20and%20eggs%20.jpg?h=2d745ee1&amp;itok=T-HWnYG0" width="303" height="303" alt="Milk, cheese and eggs are among the items for families " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/Food%20photo%20_0.jpg?itok=ISyGqUbi" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Piles of food donations &quot;}" role="button" title="Piles of food donations " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155596-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-7E5OIhnTMDk" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Piles of food donations &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-7E5OIhnTMDk" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/Food%20photo%20_0.jpg?h=2739f276&amp;itok=eSXKF7XT" width="303" height="303" alt="Piles of food donations " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">1 p.m. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/general" hreflang="en">General</a></div> </div> </div> Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:35:57 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 155596 at Powering Possibility: Ƶ students design microgrid for local retreat farm /news/powering-possibility-suny-morrisville-students-design-microgrid-local-retreat-farm <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Powering Possibility: Ƶ students design microgrid for local retreat farm </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-10-29T15:01:40-04:00" title="Wednesday, October 29, 2025 - 3:01pm" class="datetime">Wed, 10/29/2025 - 15:01</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>When Taylor Zimmer, trustee of Solitude Farmz in Oxford, New York, wanted to explore new ways to power the property sustainably, he didn’t turn to a consulting firm. He turned to Ƶ students.</p> <p>As part of their Systems Integration capstone course, renewable energy students are working with Zimmer to propose solutions that can actually be implemented on the farm, a 125-acre retreat in the southern Finger Lakes, just outside of Oxford, New York. &nbsp;</p> <p>The class is designing a working microgrid that combines solar photovoltaics with micro-hydro technology to provide more sustainable energy for the property. The project could change how the farm operates and inspire others to follow.</p> <p>“The microgrid project could offset our operating costs for electric power, bringing energy to a remote area in Chenango County as an enhancement to our retreat experience of relaxation, refreshing one’s mind, body and spirit,” Zimmer said. &nbsp;</p> <p>With a focus on sustainability and organic farming practices, Solitude Farmz is a tranquil environment where visitors can connect with nature and experience rural living. In the summer, the retreat also serves as a Monarch butterfly waystation.</p> <p>The property already has 48 ground-mounted solar panels that are reducing its carbon footprint. A stream running through the property offers the potential for micro-hydro power generation. That’s where students come in. They’ll be adding some new solar photovoltaics and new micro-hydro and assessing the potential integration of battery energy storage systems to make the microgrid more resilient and grid-dependent.</p> <p>A microgrid that combines solar photovoltaics with micro-hydro creates a hybrid renewable energy system that enhances reliability and lowers costs by taking advantage of the complementary nature of the two sources. Solar provides power when the sun is shining, while water flow generates continuous energy, often supplemented with battery storage to balance supply and demand. The result is a flexible system that works for both grid-connected and remote applications—exactly the kind of innovation Zimmer hopes to model at Solitude Farmz.</p> <p>“I want to tie the two energy sources in a way that is new and innovative,” Zimmer said. “If other farmers have a stream on their property, I want to show them the potential to offset electric bills.”</p> <p>The capstone class, taught by professors Shamsul Arefeen and Ben Ballard, has students working on different projects with a real client, each semester.</p> <p>Zimmer sees his partnership as a chance to merge his vision for sustainability with the creativity and problem-solving skills of Morrisville students.</p> <p>“I researched environmental sustainability and it led me to Morrisville,” Zimmer said. “The value of this to me is within the experience of engaging forward-thinking minds of the students. Power of possibility meets reality at Solitude Farmz.”</p> <p>Zimmer is actively involved, attending class sessions to discuss the farm’s needs and provide feedback.</p> <p>Students visited the farm to take measurements and are actively participating in design and planning, sharing their unique perspectives and ideas for enhancing the property. The project combines technical expertise, creative problem-solving and real-world collaboration, requiring students to weigh energy demand, resource availability, costs and environmental impact.</p> <p>“It’s exciting to take what we learn and apply it to a project,” said Gordie Means, a renewable energy Bachelor of Technology degree student from Fayetteville. “It takes everything we have learned and bundles it up and really tests our skills.”</p> <p>Ryan Fish, of Lansing, a renewable energy Bachelor of Technology degree student who works on an industrial solar farm, wants to work in large-scale project management for solar.</p> <p>“Everything I have learned is problem-solving,” Fish said, a necessary skill in the field. &nbsp;</p> <p>Students will be working with Zimmer throughout the semester, refining their microgrid designs, presenting practical solutions and gaining experience that prepares them for careers in renewable energy and sustainability.</p> <p>“We try to expose students to real-world experiences and cases in most of our classes,” Arefeen said. “This capstone is the last real experience we give our students before they go out in the job market.”</p> <p>That real-world focus resonates with Zimmer. “Their approach is spot on. All of the ideas are fresh and validate what I am thinking as I learn more about sustainability. Partnering with Ƶ sounds like a win-win to me.” &nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2025-10-29T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">October 29, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gallery field--type-image field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Gallery</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/Taylor%20and%20students%20at%20computer%20.JPG?itok=0sQ3O3Ro" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Taylor Zimmer speaks with Ƶ renewable energy students &quot;}" role="button" title="Taylor Zimmer speaks with Ƶ renewable energy students " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155371-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox--LqF3Pgpb1s" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Taylor Zimmer speaks with Ƶ renewable energy students &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox--LqF3Pgpb1s" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/Taylor%20and%20students%20at%20computer%20.JPG?h=ea95bb15&amp;itok=loxM89oy" width="303" height="303" alt="Taylor Zimmer speaks with Ƶ renewable energy students " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/Taylor%20speaking%20with%20students%20.JPG?itok=MQ0SpYCi" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Ƶ renewable energy students discuss their plans with Taylor Zimmer&quot;}" role="button" title="Ƶ renewable energy students discuss their plans with Taylor Zimmer" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155371-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-4uryu1rfFVM" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Ƶ renewable energy students discuss their plans with Taylor Zimmer&quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-4uryu1rfFVM" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/Taylor%20speaking%20with%20students%20.JPG?h=1a0c5fa7&amp;itok=zYtS5Zor" width="303" height="303" alt="Ƶ renewable energy students discuss their plans with Taylor Zimmer" loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">1 p.m. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/general" hreflang="en">General</a></div> </div> </div> Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:01:40 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 155371 at Hands-on science at Ƶ: Professor brings environmental science to life through field-based learning /news/hands-on-science-suny-morrisville-professor-brings-environmental-science-life-through-field <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Hands-on science at Ƶ: Professor brings environmental science to life through field-based learning </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-10-07T15:24:12-04:00" title="Tuesday, October 7, 2025 - 3:24pm" class="datetime">Tue, 10/07/2025 - 15:24</time> </span> <div class="field field--name-field-background-banner field--type-image field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/large_banner_1150_by_390_/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.webp?itok=Au3wcFJQ 1150w, /sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.webp?itok=7RYYGk3O 1920w" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/webp" sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="599"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.webp?itok=htnu978s 650w, /sites/default/files/styles/large_rectangle_975_by_550_/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.webp?h=a612ed85&amp;itok=p4OOKG7K 825w, /sites/default/files/styles/large_banner_1150_by_390_/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.webp?itok=Au3wcFJQ 1150w" media="all and (min-width: 608px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/webp" sizes="100vw" width="650" height="203"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.webp?h=a612ed85&amp;itok=L0mFsECE 303w, /sites/default/files/styles/medium_rectangle_570_by_370_sc/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.webp?h=a612ed85&amp;itok=FeytuLiF 570w, /sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.webp?itok=htnu978s 650w" media="(max-width: 607px)" type="image/webp" sizes="100vw" width="303" height="303"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/large_banner_1150_by_390_/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.jpg?itok=Au3wcFJQ 1150w, /sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.jpg?itok=7RYYGk3O 1920w" media="all and (min-width: 992px)" type="image/jpeg" sizes="100vw" width="1920" height="599"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.jpg?itok=htnu978s 650w, /sites/default/files/styles/large_rectangle_975_by_550_/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.jpg?h=a612ed85&amp;itok=p4OOKG7K 825w, /sites/default/files/styles/large_banner_1150_by_390_/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.jpg?itok=Au3wcFJQ 1150w" media="all and (min-width: 608px) and (max-width: 991px)" type="image/jpeg" sizes="100vw" width="650" height="203"> <source srcset="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.jpg?h=a612ed85&amp;itok=L0mFsECE 303w, /sites/default/files/styles/medium_rectangle_570_by_370_sc/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.jpg?h=a612ed85&amp;itok=FeytuLiF 570w, /sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.jpg?itok=htnu978s 650w" media="(max-width: 607px)" type="image/jpeg" sizes="100vw" width="303" height="303"> <img loading="eager" width="1920" height="599" src="/sites/default/files/news/background-banners/IMG_3242-cropped-banner.jpg" alt="Riparian project"> </picture> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Muddy boots, waders, gloves and notebooks in hand, students in Ƶ Professor Brendan Kelly’s Riparian &amp; Wetland Ecology &amp; Management lab are taking their lessons out of the classroom and into streams, wetlands and other natural areas to positively impact local ecosystems.</p> <p>Recently, students helped restore a riparian zone along Big Creek with Trout Unlimited, in Waterville, planting saplings and other vegetation to strengthen streambanks and enhance water quality. &nbsp;</p> <p>They also participated in field investigations at a local bog and toured Labrador Hollow, near Tully, where they learned how to design boardwalks that provide recreational access to wetlands for people with mobility impairments while protecting the environment.</p> <p>Next, students will learn how to identify wetland soils in the field by observing colors and textures. They’ll also take part in an annual trip to Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, where they gain hands-on experience in ecosystem management through activities such as mapping water depths, removing invasive species, banding waterfowl, resurfacing trails, planting seedlings, collecting seeds for restoration projects and helping manage water levels.</p> <p>Through projects like these, students deepen their understanding of environmental systems while building practical skills that prepare them for successful careers.</p> <p>For Skylar Brown, who hopes to become a DEC officer, those experiences are providing invaluable real-world training. &nbsp;</p> <p>“Professor Kelly has a vast background and takes us places we wouldn’t think of going,” said Brown, an environmental and natural resources management B.Tech. student from Westmoreland.</p> <p>“We are getting out in the community and actually doing and seeing what is going on in the real-world,” Brown said. “I am getting experiences of different wetland plants, while also making a difference in the environment.”</p> <p>Jason Tedeschi, an environmental and natural resources management B.Tech. student from Syracuse, said classes like Environmental Law are also rounding out his education and preparing for him for a career as a DEC officer.</p> <p>“I have been involved in a lot of cool experiences and I love going out in the field,” Tedeschi said. “Last week, I was handling and measuring Brook Trout at our Aquaculture Center. There is so much hands-on learning.</p> <p>“And is great to know that through our work, I am already making a difference in the environment,” Tedeschi said.</p> <p>For Kelly, field experiences are an essential part of his labs. &nbsp;</p> <p>“In our classes, we get to make a difference on day one while learning,” he said. “Students can apply scientific principles in real-world settings, gain critical skills and see how their work contributes to larger conservation efforts.” &nbsp;</p> <p>Through the collaborative work of Kelly, his students and their many community partners, restoration projects across Central New York have helped renew acres of forest, streambank and other natural areas, supporting wildlife, recreation and sustainable resource use.</p> <p>Kelly is a 1993 graduate of the college’s natural resources conservation program. Prior to returning to teach at Morrisville, he was senior forester with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. &nbsp;</p> <p>He is the recipient of the 2024 Forestry Communications &amp; Education Award, presented by the New York Society of American Foresters, given in recognition of outstanding efforts to promote understanding and appreciation of forest resources, management and stewardship through communications and education. &nbsp;</p> <p><br>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2025-10-07T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">October 7, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gallery field--type-image field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Gallery</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/IMG_9845%20smaller%20and%20cropped.jpg?itok=dhCqGiNl" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Kelly's class &quot;}" role="button" title="Kelly's class " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155151-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-oPrVQcYHl8M" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Kelly's class &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-oPrVQcYHl8M" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/IMG_9845%20smaller%20and%20cropped.jpg?h=682c62db&amp;itok=bNrriHbn" width="303" height="303" alt="Kelly's class " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/IMG_3242%20cropped.jpg?itok=dNbl06Xi" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Riparian project &quot;}" role="button" title="Riparian project " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155151-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-SNK_uZBzzjM" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Riparian project &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-SNK_uZBzzjM" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/IMG_3242%20cropped.jpg?h=04af4826&amp;itok=Ri6Sr42D" width="303" height="303" alt="Riparian project " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/IMG_3239%20smaller%20and%20cropped.jpg?itok=5sv2s-DF" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Students at the riparian project&quot;}" role="button" title="Students at the riparian project" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155151-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-lMJFCm6ka0E" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Students at the riparian project&quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-lMJFCm6ka0E" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/IMG_3239%20smaller%20and%20cropped.jpg?h=974d2b77&amp;itok=nyoQyPqM" width="303" height="303" alt="Students at the riparian project" loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">3 p.m.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/general" hreflang="en">General</a></div> </div> </div> Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:24:12 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 155151 at Student Spotlight: Finding her place in agriculture and on the court: Ƶ senior Adeline Houser /news/student-spotlight-finding-her-place-agriculture-and-on-court-suny-morrisville-senior-adeline <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Student Spotlight: Finding her place in agriculture and on the court: Ƶ senior Adeline Houser </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-10-02T09:35:14-04:00" title="Thursday, October 2, 2025 - 9:35am" class="datetime">Thu, 10/02/2025 - 09:35</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>For Ƶ senior Adeline Houser, agriculture is more than a career path — it’s a way of life.</p> <p>Her passion for the field began on her grandfather’s small dairy farm, where she first learned the value of hard work and the rewards of caring for animals. Those early experiences blossomed through years in 4-H, where she raised and showed chickens and rabbits.</p> <p>That dedication carried her to college. After earning an associate degree from SUNY Cobleskill, Houser, of Camden, transferred to Ƶ to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business development.</p> <p>“I chose Ƶ because of the competitive spirit and close-knit, family-like atmosphere of the volleyball team,” Houser said. “Being an agriculturally focused school also allows me to pursue my passion in agriculture. The agricultural business program has been an incredible experience—I’ve learned so much, especially from Dr. Sheila Marshman. She goes above and beyond to involve students in extracurricular events and industry forums, helping us gain exposure to different areas of the agricultural world.”</p> <p>This semester, Houser is gaining experience as an agricultural business intern in the college’s commercial kitchen. In her role, she helps plan student activities and events, including an October treat-decorating event, while also working to schedule outside clients to use the space.</p> <p>“My experience in the commercial kitchen so far has been challenging yet fun,” Houser said. “I get to use my creative side to plan events and come up with new and innovative ideas for the kitchen space.</p> <p>Outside the classroom, Houser is in her second year on the Morrisville volleyball team. Last season, the Mustangs made it to the SUNYAC semifinals, an accomplishment she counts among her proudest achievements.</p> <p>Her success on and off the court has been recognized. Houser earned a place on both the SUNYAC Commissioner’s Honor Roll (2025) and the Mustang Athletic Director Honor Roll for multiple semesters.</p> <p>“Adeline is everything you hope for in a college student — dedicated, involved, and an inspiration to those around her,” Professor Sheila Marshman said. “She is a true role model, and I feel fortunate to serve as her advisor and professor.”<br>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2025-10-02T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">October 2, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gallery field--type-image field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Gallery</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/DSC07942%20for%20press%20.jpg?itok=aRzBg2qc" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Adeline Houser works in the college's commercial kitchen&quot;}" role="button" title="Adeline Houser works in the college's commercial kitchen" data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-155101-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-x-bd5dxwtVA" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Adeline Houser works in the college's commercial kitchen&quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-x-bd5dxwtVA" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/DSC07942%20for%20press%20.jpg?h=ea95bb15&amp;itok=hf8i4i8F" width="303" height="303" alt="Adeline Houser works in the college's commercial kitchen" loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">9 a.m. </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/general" hreflang="en">General</a></div> </div> </div> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:35:14 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 155101 at Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team places third at All-American Dairy Show /news/suny-morrisvilles-dairy-judging-team-places-third-all-american-dairy-show <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team places third at All-American Dairy Show </span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>valenzfr@morri…</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-09-23T10:23:44-04:00" title="Tuesday, September 23, 2025 - 10:23am" class="datetime">Tue, 09/23/2025 - 10:23</time> </span> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team placed third overall and in reasons at the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.</p> <p>The All-American Dairy Show features nearly 2,000 of the top dairy cattle shown by more than 1,000 of the best exhibitors in the United States and Canada.</p> <p>The team received second place in Brown Swiss. Individuals excelled in the following breeds:<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4th Jersey and 9th overall and in reasons: Megan Klossner, of Turin&nbsp;<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5th Brown Swiss and 6th Guernsey: Kelly Niefergold, of Lawtons<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8th Brown Swiss: Reese DeVito, of Avon<br>•&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13th Guernsey: Elanna Gelser<br>&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-author field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Author</div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/author-profiles/franci-valenzano" hreflang="en">Franci Valenzano</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-date field--type-datetime field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">Published date</div> <div class="field__item"><time datetime="2025-09-22T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">September 22, 2025</time> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-gallery field--type-image field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Gallery</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <a href="/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/news/gallery/DAIRY%20JUDGING%20TEAM%202025.jpg?itok=Qs0KUbG8" aria-label="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Ƶ's Dairy Judging Team &quot;}" role="button" title="Ƶ's Dairy Judging Team " data-colorbox-gallery="gallery-news-154931-ICusX6eYk5c" class="colorbox" aria-controls="colorbox-3INSH4r23mo" data-cbox-img-attrs="{&quot;alt&quot;:&quot;Ƶ's Dairy Judging Team &quot;}"> <img id="colorbox-3INSH4r23mo" src="/sites/default/files/styles/medium_square_303_by_303_sc/public/news/gallery/DAIRY%20JUDGING%20TEAM%202025.jpg?h=96a96008&amp;itok=Q69xcrMB" width="303" height="303" alt="Ƶ's Dairy Judging Team " loading="lazy" class="image-style-medium-square-303-by-303-sc"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-published-time field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">8:30 a.m.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline"> <div class="field__label">News Type</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/academics" hreflang="en">Academics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/business" hreflang="en">Business</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/community" hreflang="en">Community</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news/category/general" hreflang="en">General</a></div> </div> </div> Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:23:44 +0000 valenzfr@morrisville.edu 154931 at