Academics

��Ƶ students receive Farm Credit East Scholarships

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:36:16 +0000

��Ƶ students receive Farm Credit East Scholarships valenzfr@morri… Wed, 06/17/2026 - 14:36

Two ��Ƶ students are among this year’s recipients of Farm Credit East Scholarships, recognizing students pursuing careers in agriculture.

��Ƶ recipients are Megan Klossner, of Turin, an agricultural science bachelor’s degree student specializing in dairy management and Hailey Lincoln Williamson, of Chase Mills, who is majoring in agricultural science and agricultural business.

Farm Credit East’s scholarship program supports students with diverse career aspirations in agriculture and is one of the Northeast’s largest agricultural lenders.

“This year’s scholarship recipients aspire to make a difference in their communities and are well on their way to becoming future industry leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Farm Credit East CEO Mike Reynolds.

Klossner also received a Farm Credit East “Futures” Scholarship, awarded to students planning careers in production agriculture. Klossner intends to return to her family’s dairy farm, where she plans to focus on genetics.

At ��Ƶ, Klossner is a member of the Dairy Judging Team, which earned an invitation to compete internationally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland this year. She also served as one of the student leaders for the college’s Annual Cattle Sale.

Williamson is a member of the ��Ƶ softball team.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

June 17, 2026

2 p.m.

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Academics

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General

��Ƶ Expands Opportunities for Adult Learners Through SUNY Reconnect

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:07:23 +0000

��Ƶ Expands Opportunities for Adult Learners Through SUNY Reconnect valenzfr@morri… Wed, 06/17/2026 - 15:07

��Ƶ has been added as a participating school in SUNY’s Reconnect initiative, which offers eligible adults a tuition-free pathway to associate degrees in high- demand fields.

As part of the 2026-27 Enacted New York State Budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul expanded SUNY Reconnect to include eligible associate degree programs at ��Ƶ and seven other SUNY campuses. The initiative provides free tuition, fees, books and supplies for eligible New Yorkers ages 25-55 who pursue associate degrees in fields aligned with workforce needs.

“The cost of a college degree should never be a barrier for New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the expansion of SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect, education will be made affordable and accessible for more of our adult learners. Everyone should have a chance to achieve their personal and professional dreams. Now, students — no matter their age — can do just that and lend us a helping hand in high-demand industries, which will help power New York State’s economy.”

“��Ƶ has long been committed to providing accessible, career-focused education that meets the needs of students and employers,” said ��Ƶ President David Rogers. “The expansion of SUNY Reconnect will help more adult learners access the hands-on education and workforce preparation that have long defined the Morrisville experience. We are proud to offer pathways that help students build new skills, advance professionally and contribute to the growth and success of their community.”

Reconnect includes the following fields of study: advanced manufacturing, air traffic control and aviation management, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, emergency management, supply chain/logistics, nursing and allied health fields, green and renewable energy, and pathways to teaching in shortage areas.

��Ƶ will offer the following programs in Reconnect: automotive technology, data processing: computer information systems, diesel equipment technology, diesel technology, environmental conservation science, natural resources conservation, nursing, renewable energy technology and residential construction.

For adult learners balancing careers, families and other responsibilities, SUNY Reconnect offers a pathway to earn a college credential while preparing for careers in industries experiencing significant workforce demand. The program is designed to help New Yorkers return to college, complete a degree and enter high-demand careers that strengthen both local communities and the state’s economy.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. praised the program’s continued growth.

“Governor Hochul’s SUNY Reconnect initiative has made it possible for adult learners throughout the state to embark on a path to upward mobility and pursue the careers of their dreams,” King said. “We are grateful for her continued investment in affordable public higher education.”

To learn more about SUNY Reconnect and eligible programs at ��Ƶ, visit /reconnect For more information, contact Admissions at admissions@morrisville.edu or call 315-684-6046.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

June 16, 2026

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2 p.m.

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��Ƶ alumnus helps build the future of spaceflight at SpaceX

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:21:41 +0000

��Ƶ alumnus helps build the future of spaceflight at SpaceX valenzfr@morri… Wed, 06/03/2026 - 09:21

��Ƶ graduate Thomas Knapp is helping build the technology behind one of the world’s most innovative aerospace companies.

As a manufacturing engineer and tool-and-die machinist at SpaceX in Bastrop, Texas, Knapp produces precision components used in rockets, spacecraft and the company’s Starlink satellite network. While much of his work is confidential, Knapp is proud to contribute to innovations in space exploration and global connectivity.

SpaceX is a leading aerospace company known for its reusable rockets and spacecraft, including Dragon, which delivers cargo and supplies to the International Space Station for NASA.

The journey to SpaceX began at ��Ƶ, where Knapp earned a degree in mechanical engineering technology in 2019. There, he developed a strong foundation in machining and applied engineering principles that would prepare him for a career in high-precision industries.

Knapp’s interest in engineering and manufacturing started long before college. Raised in Walworth, New York, a rural community outside Rochester, he grew up on a hay farm and spent time around his father’s welding and fabrication business.

When it came time to choose a college, ��Ƶ stood out for several reasons.

“Morrisville a great choice for me because they had a great mechanical engineering technology program, a good lacrosse team, and the location was perfect — close to home and family,” Knapp said.

Those experiences provided the foundation for the career he has built since graduation.

“��Ƶ was great for my early development because it rolled out a solid foundation and fundamentals of engineering and machining,” Knapp said.

Beyond the classroom, Knapp was a midfielder on the ��Ƶ men’s lacrosse team, where he developed leadership, discipline and teamwork skills that continue to influence his professional career.

“It’s been an incredible career working my way up to this,” Knapp said.

After graduating, he built a strong foundation in the manufacturing industry. One of his first major accomplishments was earning his Journeyman Toolmaker papers in New York after completing an apprenticeship. He went on to work for Harbec Inc., and Syntec Optics, gaining experience in advanced manufacturing and precision machining. Along the way, he became proficient in five-axis CNC machining, CAD/CAM software including Mastercam, SolidWorks and Siemens NX, as well as Mitsubishi wire EDM and surface grinding.

Knapp believes the manufacturing and machining industries offer major opportunities for the next generation.

“There are huge opportunities available in my career path,” he said. “A lot of that comes from the lack of younger people entering technical and blue-collar careers. The age gap is significant in this field, making it critical that we train the next generation to carry on these skills.”

It also means many companies are actively looking for young talent and investing in career development, he noted.

Among Knapp’s fondest memories from ��Ƶ is receiving his first tabletop Kennedy machinist toolbox and metrology equipment from his professor, John Giess. He still uses the tools today.

As he looks to the future, Knapp is excited about the continued advancement of aerospace technology and the role he plays in helping make that happen.

“I’m excited to see the rocket technology keep developing and find out where we’re capable of going,” he said. “We have some super exciting stuff coming down the pipeline.

It’s rewarding to see Starlink continue expanding worldwide and improving connectivity for people who previously didn’t have access to reliable service.”

The excitement fuels his career.

“I always imagined I’d do great things and I am still excited to show up to work every day and help advance technology,” he said. “I’m amazed every day that I have the opportunity to work here while continuing to develop my skills and advance my career.”

The opportunity came through years of hard work.

“I got recruited by SpaceX by building connections demonstrating my abilities in the right environments,” Knapp said. “The interview process was very rigorous and extensive, lasting more than two months. It included multiple Zoom interviews and trips to the Bastrop, Texas facility for panel and one-on-one interviews.

“I remember being extremely excited, and a little nervous, when I read through my offer letter.”

Knapp takes pride in seeing the results of his team’s efforts.

“It’s amazing to see myself and everyone on this team put in tons of effort every day,” he said. “The best part is watching it pay off when a new rocket launches successfully or a new version of Starlink is deployed and brings service to places that previously didn’t have access.”

He is quick to credit the support system that helped him reach his goals.

“I want to give a shoutout to my parents and the rest of my family for being supportive for everything I do in life, including my career,” Knapp said, naming his mother, Pam Knapp; his father, Mark Knapp; his sister, Samantha Walsh; and his brother-in-law, JJ Walsh. “Without them I wouldn’t be half as far in life.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

June 3, 2026

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8 a.m.

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��Ƶ to host automotive training fair

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:16:33 +0000

��Ƶ to host automotive training fair valenzfr@morri… Wed, 05/20/2026 - 13:16

From AI-powered repair documentation to EV safety training and classic cars, this year’s Automotive Training Fair at ��Ƶ is geared toward the future of the industry.

The 36th annual Automotive Training Fair returns to ��Ƶ June 15–18, bringing four days of hands-on learning, emerging technology and industry updates for automotive educators and students.

Open to area instructors and students, the event allows educators to complete required NATEF-accredited industry update training while connecting with industry professionals and exploring the latest automotive advancements. Registration begins daily at 8 a.m. in the Automotive Technology Building and costs $90 per day. Overnight accommodations are available for an additional fee.

This year’s sessions focus on the latest tools, technology and teaching strategies shaping the automotive field, including:
• Artificial Intelligence: Learn how Ford uses AI for repair order documentation
• Hands-on Diagnostics: Participate in a lab scope jamboree and receive tech updates from BMW, Snap-On and Chrysler/Stellantis
• EV Safety: Take part in an optional eight-hour course on high-voltage electric vehicle systems and safety
• Classroom Strategy: ��Ƶ new teaching techniques to improve student accountability in the lab
• Bonus Experiences: Attend a 3D printing workshop and tour the Norwich Classic Car Museum

For more information, email Angela Schwebe at schwebar@morrisville.edu.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

May 20, 2026

10 a.m.

News Type

Side by side to the finish: Friendship defines commencement journey for two ��Ƶ graduates

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 18 May 2026 13:56:37 +0000

Side by side to the finish: Friendship defines commencement journey for two ��Ƶ graduates valenzfr@morri… Mon, 05/18/2026 - 09:56

When Jordan Scantlebury and Kedrin Connor crossed the commencement stage at ��Ƶ, it was one more milestone reached the same way they had reached so many others — together.

Best friends since middle school, the two have navigated college side by side as classmates, roommates, workout partners and aspiring nurses, building a friendship that has become central to their journey.

Surrounded by family and friends, Scantlebury and Connor celebrated alongside fellow graduates during the college’s 2026 Commencement ceremony, held Saturday, May 16. They both earned associate degrees in nursing, with plans to continue together in ��Ƶ’s bachelor’s degree nursing program.

Cheering graduates 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, with the stage adorned with ferns and flowers grown by students in the college’s horticulture program.

“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 were Scantlebury and Connor.
For the Brooklyn natives, friendship has been more than companionship — it has been a source of motivation.

Whether preparing for demanding nursing coursework, heading to the fitness center or navigating campus life, the two have built a routine rooted in accountability and support. Both previously earned associate degrees in computer information technology before enrolling in the nursing program.

Their partnership has extended beyond the classroom. Scantlebury recently won the Cotton Business competition, with Connor by his side — another example of the teamwork that has defined their college experience. That kind of support, they say, has become second nature.

Their story echoed one of the themes woven throughout the day — that success is often strengthened by support.

Student speaker Shani Hedge, who graduated with a degree in agricultural business, shared a similar message in remarks to classmates.

“One thing Morrisville taught me is that not everything is in our control. But what is in our control is how we show up for each other,” she said. “And if there’s one thing I hope people remember about me, it’s this: no matter how busy I was, I always tried to say, “I got you. Because none of us got here alone.

“So, to the Class of 2026: don’t let the fear of making a decision stop you from making one at all. We didn’t have perfect paths. We had real ones, messy ones, growing ones. But we kept showing up anyway. And look at us now. We made it.”

Commencement speaker Adam Saunders, associate librarian, online learning and instruction librarian and recipient of the ��Ƶ Distinguished Librarian Award, encouraged students to be “uniquely human” in a world increasingly shaped by AI. “Congratulations, Class of 2026 — go out there and show the world what it means to be uniquely human.”

For Scantlebury and Connor, commencement marked not only the completion of one chapter, but the continuation of a path they plan to pursue together in the college’s online bachelor’s degree nursing program. Both aspire to be nurse practitioners and hope to one day work side by side.

They were high-achieving students, both named to the Dean’s List multiple semesters. Their shared faith also connected them; they held a Bible study group in the library and both participate in Brothers and Sisters in Christ and CSTEP.

“There is no other person I could have done this with,” Scantlebury said of Connor. “We both have the same outlook on life — to do our best and leave this world with no regrets.”

“This is another stepping stone to add to our journey,” Connor said. “It shows how far hard work can get you.”

That spirit of perseverance and achievement was also reflected in several awards presented to faculty, staff and students during the ceremony:
•    SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence
o    Harper Callard, ’26 aquaculture & aquatic science
o    Ethan Unthank, ’26 automotive technology
•    SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service: Rebecca Hargrave, associate professor of environmental sciences
•    SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching: Justin Mikuszewski, complex manager, Morrisville Auxiliary Corporation
•    SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service: Julie Wright, Administrative Assistant 1
•    ��Ƶ Distinguished Librarian Award: Adam Saunders, associate librarian; online learning and instruction librarian

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

May 18, 2026

Gallery

8 a.m.

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��Ƶ automotive students revamp iconic drag car

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 11 May 2026 14:08:48 +0000

��Ƶ automotive students revamp iconic drag car valenzfr@morri… Mon, 05/11/2026 - 10:08

Students in ��Ƶ’s auto body technology program unveiled the revamp of the college’s iconic Mustang drag car, bringing new life to a longtime symbol of the automotive program’s hands-on learning tradition.

The project was completed by students in Refinishing & Structure Management and Auto Body Structural Repair, under the guidance of Matt Polak, assistant professor of automotive technology. The restoration and refinishing effort included extensive body preparation, cosmetic upgrades and a fresh new paint job.

“This was a tremendous and much-needed effort to bring the automotive program’s mascot up-to-date,” Polak said. “I am proud of the students’ effort, working through challenges to see their image come to fruition. Projects like this give students real-world experience while allowing them to leave their mark on a vehicle that has become part of the program’s history.”

Originally built by ��Ƶ automotive students years ago, the Mustang has long served as a showcase vehicle for the college’s automotive programs at events, parades, exhibitions and community outreach opportunities. Students transformed the 1988 Mustang into a 550-horsepower dragster capable of covering a ¼ mile in 10 seconds.

��Ƶ’s automotive programs are known for immersive, hands-on instruction that gives students opportunities to work on real vehicles using industry-standard equipment and techniques, giving them experience that prepares them for careers throughout the automotive industry.

The following students were involved in the project:

Juliana Kucera, of Elma
Simarah Samson Davall, of Augusta
Noah Heath, of Liverpool
Aiden Davies, of Dolgeville
Baw Hser, of Utica
Manuel Melendez,of Brooklyn

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

May 11, 2026

Gallery

10 a.m.

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��Ƶ President David Rogers to retire

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 04 May 2026 15:14:40 +0000

��Ƶ President David Rogers to retire valenzfr@morri… Mon, 05/04/2026 - 11:14

��Ƶ President David Rogers will retire at the end of the academic year, concluding more than a decade of leadership marked by academic growth, expanded programs and campus transformation.

Rogers, who became the college’s eighth president in 2015, oversaw the expansion of academic offerings, including new bachelor’s degrees and the college’s first master’s degree programs in food & agribusiness, and project management.

His tenure also included significant investments in campus facilities, including a $12.9 million grant he helped secure to build the Agricultural & Clean Energy Technology (ACET) Center, alongside the development of new programs to meet evolving industry demand.

His presidency was further defined by strengthened partnerships with industry and regional organizations, aligning academic programs with workforce needs across Central New York. He served on regional boards, including the Madison County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), the Central New York Regional Economic Development Council (REDC), Cornell Cooperative Extension and Community Memorial Hospital, strengthening connections between the college and the broader community.

Additionally, he currently serves on the Health WorkForce New York (HWNY) and Partners for Campus-Community Engagement (PCCE).

The college also made key infrastructure improvements during his tenure, creating a more sustainable campus through modernized underground systems designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Rogers brought years of higher education experience to Morrisville when he arrived in 1999. He joined his wife, Jan, already part of the college community and now a retired faculty member, and together, they became deeply rooted in campus life.

Through the years, he served in a variety of leadership roles, including provost; chief operating officer; vice president for academic affairs; chief information officer; dean of the college’s School of Business; and interim dean of the Norwich Campus and the School of Agriculture & Natural Resources.

Reflecting on his time at the college, Rogers said leaving will not be easy.

“What I’ll miss most is the daily life on this campus, seeing students learn, grow and challenge themselves, walking the quads and cheering at games,” Rogers said. “Being part of students’ growth and seeing them step into the world has been the most rewarding part of my time here.”

A national search is underway to identify the college’s next president.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

May 6, 2026

Gallery

10 a.m.

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��Ƶ students receive top award from SUNY

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 04 May 2026 14:07:35 +0000

��Ƶ students receive top award from SUNY valenzfr@morri… Mon, 05/04/2026 - 10:07

��Ƶ graduates Harper Callard, of New Hartford, and Ethan Unthank, of Manhattan, have been recognized with the prestigious Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence (CASE), the highest honor bestowed by the State University of New York (SUNY).

The award honors students who demonstrate a strong combination of academic excellence integrated with leadership, campus involvement, athletics, community service, the arts, or career achievement.

Callard, an aquaculture & aquatic science student, has distinguished herself through extensive campus leadership and sustainability work. She serves as a resident assistant and secretary of the Tri-Conservation Society, where she helps organize Earth Day and other awareness events. She also maintains a campus swap table to promote reuse and supports Morrisville’s sustainability ambassador and volunteer programs.

Additionally, she is a member of the Sustainability Council and was selected for the inaugural Empire State Service Corps cohort in 2024, where she earned an Innovation Service Award for her initiatives. Her commitment to sustainability has also been recognized with a SUNY Sustainability Award.

Callard excelled academically, earning Dean’s List honors across multiple semesters.

Looking ahead, Callard hopes to become a marine biologist specializing in coral research and environmental education, building on her campus experience to create a broader environmental impact.

Unthank, an automotive technology B.Tech. student, established the Welding Club at ��Ƶ and served as its president. Under his leadership, the club won several Student Government Organization awards, including Most Programming Award, Community Service Award and Most Impactful Club.

A member of the Automotive Club and Brothers and Sisters in Christ and a campus tutor, he excelled academically, earning Dean’s List honors across multiple semesters.

He also earned an associate degree in automotive technology: Ford ASSET program from ��Ƶ.

Unthank plans to pursue a career in the automotive industry.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

May 6, 2026

Gallery

8:30 a.m.

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From field to future ��Ƶ environmental science student heads to prestigious graduate program

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 01 May 2026 13:16:31 +0000

From field to future ��Ƶ environmental science student heads to prestigious graduate program valenzfr@morri… Fri, 05/01/2026 - 09:16

Ben Scholl keeps a bag in his car packed with three different types of boots, extra sweatshirts and rain gear.

At any moment, the ��Ƶ environmental student might find himself in a canoe, trekking through wetlands or digging into the soil to better understand the world beneath his feet. His gear stays close at hand for a reason: in environmental science, learning extends beyond the classroom.

That hands-on approach is already shaping his future in environmental science.

Scholl will graduate on Saturday, May 16 with a Bachelor of Technology degree in environmental and natural resources management (ENRM), joining classmates at ��Ƶ’s 1 p.m. ceremony in the Recreation Center, before beginning his next academic adventure. He has been accepted into the highly competitive Master of Science program at James Madison University.

Through the program, he will earn two master’s degrees: one in integrated science and technology and the another in environmental management and sustainability through the University at Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea. The accelerated program includes six months studying in Virginia and six months abroad at the University of Malta.

For Scholl, graduation is not an ending. It’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his academic journey.

“I am very excited about this next step,” he said. “I’ll get to see how different animals, plants and people interact and how those environments are managed in other areas.” He is especially looking forward to the international component, where studying in Malta will offer a new perspective on environmental conservation and ecosystem management.

“This experience will broaden my understanding of environmental issues and introduce me to new approaches for addressing them.”

Scholl didn’t plan a future in environmental science. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, he wanted to pursue a career in video gaming or computers.

“Being on the computer for hours and hours triggered something,” he said. “I remembered how much I loved being in the environment.”

Growing up, Scholl fell in love with hiking and exploring nature with family.

That interest deepened during his senior year in the BOCES New Visions program, where an internship with the Great Swamp Conservancy gave him a hands-on experience in environmental education leading hikes, raising pheasants and maintaining the property.

At ��Ƶ, his passion turned into purpose.

Through a combination of coursework and applied learning, he explored a wide range of environmental topics before discovering a particular interest in invasive species.

“One of the things I love about the program is the variety of classes,” he said. “Taking Invasive Species Management, I found an interest I never thought I had.”

Faculty have played a key role in his growth.

“Professors had a profound impact on me,” Scholl said. “Professor Snyder got me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to try new things.”

Those experiences extended well beyond the campus. Scholl contributed to many research projects, including working with Snyder on monitoring Canada Geese populations at Rogers Environmental Education Center and working with him and the Town of Cazenovia and the Cazenovia Lake Association to monitor and remove an invasive frogbit species.

He also completed a six-month internship at Rogers Environmental Education Center where he contributed to research focused on invasive species, experiences that reinforced his interest in environmental management and prepared him for graduate study.

“Morrisville has given me the confidence in myself that I need to be able to complete work efficiently and effectively in a graduate-level setting,” Scholl said. “Being able to work hands-on in various New York ecosystems allows me to know that I will be able to work and understand working in the different locations of my master's degree.”

“I am very excited for Ben to pursue a master’s program and cultivate his passion for the environment,” said Rebecca Hargrave, associate professor of environmental sciences and arboriculture. “Over the last four years, he has continually demonstrated his understanding of the natural world through his coursework and projects. And, he has developed a strong ability to educate others on the environment.”

That passion for environmental education, Scholl said, took root through the immersive, hands-on learning he found at ��Ƶ.

“Morrisville paved my way 100 percent,” Scholl said of his academic journey. The college’s small class sizes were a factor in his decision to attend. “They told me my professors would know me and I would know my classmates,” he said. “I wanted a hands-on experience that builds the community and it was close to home.”

If I had just been learning in the classroom and not out in the field, I wouldn’t have known what I wanted to do,” Scholl said. “All of the hands-on learning helped show me what I like to do and how I want to shape my path.”

Outside of academics, Scholl was actively involved on campus. He served as vice president of the Conservation Tri-Society and participated in campus Earth Day and Arbor Day celebrations. He also presented research projects at the college’s annual Applied Learning Conference.

Scholl has clear goals for the future: to become a wetland scientist focused on wetland restoration and to eventually become a professor specializing in wetlands, waterfowl and aquatic ecology.

That aspiration is rooted in the example set by his own professors and the support he has received along the way.

“My parents have been a huge inspiration,” said Scholl, the son of Greg and Elizabeth Scholl of Sylvan Beach. “They’ve always encouraged me to go for my dreams, experience life and never give up.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

May 1, 2026

Gallery

8:30 a.m.

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��Ƶ celebrates Earth Day

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:41:44 +0000

��Ƶ celebrates Earth Day valenzfr@morri… Wed, 04/22/2026 - 14:41

On one side of campus, students planted. On the other, they presented research, prototypes and ideas that could shape the future of the planet.

Same day. Same mission. Two distinct ways of making an impact.

Throughout the day, ��Ƶ’s Earth Day celebration brought those experience together, offering opportunities for the campus community to take part.

Kicking off the event was a presentation by Bill Kaufman, a Central New York natural beekeeper and founder of It’s All Better Honey Bee Rescue, who specializes in live honey bee removal and relocation.

In the Academic Quad, participants and spectators gathered for the annual tree planting, where a Bur Oak, from Aspinall’s nursery, a family of alumni, was planted.

Inside, the Applied Learning Showcase demonstrated how sustainability takes shape through student-driven projects, from agricultural innovation to environmental research and technology. Posters, demonstrations and presentations gave visitors a closer look at how classroom learning translates into real-world applications.

Among them, horticulture student Beck Helmcamp explored the use of Cannabis sativa (hemp) as a potential wood substitute for small-scale wood working projects, even showcasing a table made from the material.

Shani Hedge and Lucy Dixon presented research examining how different fertilizer inputs affect cannabis plant development, with a focus on seed yield and quality, while Beau Bidwell featured a dynamic, live hydroponics display, highlighting soil-free growing methods using nutrient-rich water.

Activities extended across campus as students, clubs, faculty, staff and community members took part in numerous efforts throughout the day, including a campus cleanup, flower planting, paper-bracelet making and an undergraduate research conference.

Together, the day’s community service projects, hands-on activities and research combined creativity and environmental awareness, offering students, faculty and staff an opportunity to give back through sustainability-focused efforts while reinforcing the importance of protecting the environment.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

April 22, 2026

Gallery

2 p.m.

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Academics

������Ƶ students receive Farm Credit East Scholarships

������Ƶ Expands Opportunities for Adult Learners Through SUNY Reconnect

������Ƶ alumnus helps build the future of spaceflight at SpaceX

������Ƶ to host automotive training fair

Side by side to the finish: Friendship defines commencement journey for two ������Ƶ graduates

������Ƶ automotive students revamp iconic drag car

������Ƶ President David Rogers to retire

������Ƶ students receive top award from SUNY

From field to future ������Ƶ environmental science student heads to prestigious graduate program

������Ƶ celebrates Earth Day

��Ƶ students receive Farm Credit East Scholarships

��Ƶ Expands Opportunities for Adult Learners Through SUNY Reconnect

��Ƶ alumnus helps build the future of spaceflight at SpaceX

��Ƶ to host automotive training fair

Side by side to the finish: Friendship defines commencement journey for two ��Ƶ graduates

��Ƶ automotive students revamp iconic drag car

��Ƶ President David Rogers to retire

��Ƶ students receive top award from SUNY

From field to future ��Ƶ environmental science student heads to prestigious graduate program

��Ƶ celebrates Earth Day