Alumni

On to the world stage! ��Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team sets sights on Scotland after standout season

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:39:55 +0000

On to the world stage! ��Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team sets sights on Scotland after standout season valenzfr@morri… Fri, 04/17/2026 - 08:39

Before they even stepped into the national spotlight, ��Ƶ’s Dairy Judging Team had already set an ambitious goal: make it to Scotland to compete at one of the world’s premier agricultural shows.

Following a standout season competing against the best collegiate teams in the country, their goal is now firmly in sight.
The team has earned an invitation to compete internationally at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland in June 2026. The milestone reflects months of preparation, national success and the continued strength of ��Ƶ’s dairy program.

During the trip, they’ll join top youth and collegiate dairy judging teams from around the world and tour working dairy farms and livestock operations as part of the broader educational experience, gaining insight beyond the competition.

Led by coach Jessica Kennedy, a 2016 ��Ƶ dairy graduate who competed on the college’s dairy judging team as a student, the group built its momentum during the fall semester. They competed at three of the most prestigious dairy judging events in the country: the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin; and the North American International Livestock Exhibition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky. At the World Dairy Expo, the team earned a third-place team finish, along with multiple individual honors, which earned them the invitation to Scotland.

That early success helped solidify their international ambitions.

“When we placed at our first show, we said, ‘let’s just go all of the way,’” the team shared.

As the team prepares for their trip, fundraising efforts are underway to help offset travel, lodging and competition costs. Donations can be made at: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/DJ26.

For team members, the achievement represents more than ribbons and rankings. It’s the culmination of months of travel, intensive hands-on training — evaluating cattle, defending decisions and sharpening skills that translate directly to careers in the dairy industry.

“It got us out of our comfort zone,” said team member Reese DeVito, as the experience pushed students to think critically, communicate clearly and make confident decisions in high-pressure competition environments.

Elanna Gelser was encouraged to join the team by her sister, a dairy program alumna, and hasn’t looked back.

“What you get out of this experience is more than you ever thought going into it,” she said.

Team chemistry has played a key role in their success. Living together in the same residence hall and working closely throughout the season, the group developed routines to stay focused before competitions, from listening to music to a simple signal: “ears up” sign with two fingers, their go-to phrase to get energized and competition-ready.

Kennedy said the invitation reflects the team’s experience and talent, also noting their commitment to growth throughout the season while competing against some of the top collegiate programs in the country.

“They are the leaders of the Annual Cattle Sale and Dairy Club and work so well together,” Kennedy said. “They all have leadership skills and the drive to succeed.”

For team member Megan Klossner, the international trip offers a chance to expand her perspective.

“Being able to see other lifestyles in the industry and how they run their farms — they also judge differently,” she said. “It’s exciting to learn new things and to even have this opportunity is amazing.”

None of the team members have traveled out of the country before, adding another layer of excitement to the experience.

The hands-on education at ��Ƶ has helped pave the way for dairy students. From time spent in the barns to real-world decision-making, students said the experience sets them apart.

“I like being known by my name, the small class sizes and the experiences Kelly Niefergold, said. “We’re out in the barn making decisions about future projects and making real-life decisions.”

That applied learning is shaping their futures. Klossner plans to return to her family farm and focus on genetics, while DeVito is interested in dairy nutrition, and artificial insemination and breeding work.

Gelser plans to become a herd manager on a large dairy farm, and Niefergold is interested in becoming a herd or calf manager on a dairy farm.
For all, choosing ��Ƶ was an easy decision.

“It was more hands-on and has a highly regarded reputation in the industry, Niefergold said. ““I always had my heart set on Morrisville. It was Morrisville or nothing.”

Kennedy sees the team’s success as part of a larger impact.

“This team has really helped elevate ��Ƶ’s reputation in the industry,” she said, noting her long-standing connection to the college. “I always felt I would come back here.”

That passion carries over to her students.

“She brings energy and knowledge,” Gelser said about their coach.

“She is the type of person who will push you harder because she knows what you are worth,” Niefergold said. “She made dairy judging fun and I am glad I got to be a part of the team.”

Team members are:
Jessica Kennedy, coach, of Tully
Kelly Niefergold, of Lawtons
Reese DeVito, of Avon
Megan Klossner, of Turin
Elanna Gelser, of Dalton

Niefergold and Gelser are graduating this year with an associate degree in animal science – dairy and plan to continue in the college’s agribusiness management bachelor’s degree program.

Klossner and DeVito are enrolled in the agricultural science bachelor’s degree program, specializing in dairy management.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

April 17, 2026

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��Ƶ to celebrate Earth Day April 22 with acts of kindness that tie into sustainability

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:25:02 +0000

��Ƶ to celebrate Earth Day April 22 with acts of kindness that tie into sustainability valenzfr@morri… Mon, 04/13/2026 - 10:25

��Ƶ will celebrate Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, with a day of community service projects and activities that combine creativity and environmental awareness.

The annual tradition offers students, faculty and staff an opportunity to give back through sustainability-focused acts of kindness while reinforcing the importance of protecting the environment.

The celebration, which is open to the public, includes keynote speaker Bill Kaufman, at 11 a.m. in the STUAC Theater. Kaufman, a Central New York natural beekeeper and founder of It’s All Better Honey Bee Rescue, specializes in live honey bee removal and relocation.

From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., the Applied Learning Student Showcase will highlight student projects and experiences in service learning, civic engagement, undergraduate research, internships, practicums and clinical work, all connected to sustainability and community impact.

Additional events include an undergraduate research conference, from 1-3 p.m. in Crawford Hall, along with hands-on activities that include a tree planting, building bat houses, making paper bracelets and a clothing swap.

The day concludes with a three-on-three basketball tournament, hosted by Horsing Around Podcast, from 6-9:30 p.m. in STUAC.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

April 13, 2026

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Building a future of her own: ��Ƶ student finds her place in residential construction

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:58:23 +0000

Building a future of her own: ��Ƶ student finds her place in residential construction valenzfr@morri… Fri, 03/27/2026 - 09:58

Ella Congdon steps back, surveying the wall she and her classmates have just framed — one section of a house they’re building indoors.

It’s one part of a larger, fully immersive experience that places the ��Ƶ residential construction student in every stage of the build, from framing to plumbing, insulation and electrical, as the structure takes shape in the lab.

Congdon sees the work as more than just building walls. Her experience reflects a broader shift in the industry, where more women are entering and excelling in skilled trades. During Women in the Trades Month, stories like hers highlight that growing presence and the impact it’s making.

For Congdon, residential construction is all about bringing a project to life.

“I love to watch a project start small and come together,” she said. “What I really like about this program is that you’re not just sitting in a classroom. We learn something and get to apply it.”

Congdon chose the residential construction program at ��Ƶ for its emphasis on practical experience. Students gain exposure to a wide range of skills while working on real projects.

“Professor Gridley takes us on actual job sites where we are learning the trade in the field,” Congdon said. “I have worked on slabs for a garage and a porch, taken down a chimney and learned about plumbing and electrical.”

Experiential learning has been one of the most rewarding parts of the program. This semester, Congdon and her classmates are focused on a 15.6-by-44-foot house they’re been building in their lab — a project designed by Michael Gridley, associate professor of residential construction. When it is complete, the structure will be transported to a family in Madison.

The ambitious project goes beyond construction practice. It is a lesson in teamwork, problem-solving and applying classroom concepts to real-world situations.

“I wanted a project that would give them a different experience,” Gridley said of the small house, which does not fall under the category of a tiny house.

Students typically work off-site on community renovation projects in Gridley’s Construction Planning & Management lab, which meets for seven hours on Fridays. In addition to gaining experience in framing, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, siding and insulation, they are also learning how to measure and cut materials precisely and work within budgets. That versatility, paired with real-world experience, makes graduates highly sought after in the industry.

Congdon arrived at ��Ƶ with a bit of a head start, having grown up helping her father in his construction business. While many children were playing with toy houses, she was learning to use real tools, laying the foundation for a future in construction.

Reflecting on those early lessons, she said, “My dad used to say if you want it done, do it. I always like to be moving, and in this field, we are always doing something different.”

That hands-on, can-do attitude has stayed with her, and though the field has historically been male-dominated, Congdon said her journey has been one of support and encouragement.

“Our professor treats us all the same,” she said. “We are one big family and team. It is like going to work at an actual job.”

In that environment, Congdon has found support and confidence. Her advice for other women considering a similar path is simple: “Be confident and don’t ever get discouraged.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

March 27, 2026

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��Ƶ students recognized for leadership in sustainability

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:18:36 +0000

��Ƶ students recognized for leadership in sustainability valenzfr@morri… Fri, 02/06/2026 - 13:18

Two ��Ƶ students have been honored with prestigious SUNY Student Sustainability Awards for their efforts to advance sustainability on campus.

Chancellor John B King Jr. recognized students from across the SUNY system for projects that address climate and sustainability through areas such as research, innovation, environmental justice and campus engagement. The awards provide students with funds to expand their initiatives and engage peers in sustainability efforts.

Harper Callard, an aquaculture & aquatic science associate degree student from New Hartford, was named a SUNY Climate Sustainability Champion, receiving $1,000 for her work promoting sustainable practices.

Beau Bidwell, a horticulture business management bachelor's degree student from Russell, was recognized as a SUNY Climate Sustainability Leader, receiving $500 for his contributions to environmental projects on campus.

“I applaud the dedicated SUNY students who are eager to participate and learn about climate and sustainability actions and initiatives,” said Chancellor King in a prepared statement. “Our exceptional students are leading the way and I am proud to celebrate them for the work they have done to advance the understanding of climate and sustainability on their campuses through the Student Sustainability Awards.”

Callard’s initiatives include encouraging reusable water bottles, reducing single-use plastics, purchasing and distributing menstrual products to campus community members and creating a sustainability tour highlighting features such as solar panels, greenhouses, the food forest and refillable water stations.

She also helps organize Earth Day and other awareness events, maintains a campus swap table to encourage reuse and supports Morrisville’s sustainability ambassador and volunteer programs.

A member of the Sustainability Council and a resident assistant, Callard was part of the inaugural Empire State Service Corps cohort in 2024, earning an Innovation Service Award for her initiatives.

“I began this program wanting to make Morrisville more sustainable through compost and infrastructure, and quickly realized that we needed education first,” Callard said. “Through this, I found a passion for teaching people about what recycling and sustainability are. It’s become more than I ever imagined through community and outreach.”

Callard hopes to become a marine biologist focusing on coral research and environmental education, building on her campus experience to make a broader impact.

Bidwell promotes sustainable living as a resident assistant and as an Elite Leader, supporting environmentally focused programming and participating in tree planting initiatives that enhance campus biodiversity and reduce carbon impact.

Bidwell has worked at the college’s Horticulture Department for two years, supporting daily operations and sustainability initiatives and hosts Botanical Chronicles, a podcast promoting plant conservation and sustainable practices.

Bidwell’s future plans include owning and operating a sustainable brewery that incorporates native plants into craft brews.

“By combining horticulture, business management and environmental stewardship, I aim to create a brewery that highlights local ecosystems, supports native plant conservation and promotes sustainable agricultural practices,” he said.

The SUNY Student Sustainability Awards are part of ongoing efforts to highlight applied learning projects and strengthen SUNY’s leadership in climate initiatives. Students from across the system submit proposals in categories including arts and communication, environmental footprint, research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and environmental justice.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

February 6, 2026

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Lithia Motors, Inc. donates $50,000 to support ��Ƶ’s automotive programs

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:07:54 +0000

Lithia Motors, Inc. donates $50,000 to support ��Ƶ’s automotive programs valenzfr@morri… Mon, 02/02/2026 - 10:07

��Ƶ’s Automotive Technology Program has received a $50,000 donation from Lithia Motors, Inc., further strengthening the college’s ability to prepare the next generation of vehicle technicians through modern equipment, advanced technology and hands-on learning experiences.

Funds from the donation will support the Automotive Technology Program’s continued investment in the latest tools, equipment and modern industry practices.

“This generous support from Lithia Motors will allow us to continue investing in the latest technology and equipment, ensuring our students enter the industry prepared for today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape,” said Dan Akers, a ��Ƶ auto alumnus and director of the college’s Ford ASSET program.

Gifts such as this keep ��Ƶ students on the leading edge of the industry. Through extensive hands-on lab experiences, collaborations with BOCES and other technical education partners, instruction from skilled faculty and access to advanced automotive facilities, students gain the practical skills and real-world that experience needed to succeed.

In addition, partnerships with corporate and industry leaders expand internship and employment opportunities for ��Ƶ students as they transition from classroom into the workforce.

With demand for skilled technicians continuing to grow, ��Ƶ is focused on ensuring students graduate career-ready. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 67,000 job openings for automotive technicians are projected annually nationwide between 2022 and 2032.

Internships and other experiential learning opportunities play a key role in that preparation, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, build professional networks and gain valuable industry experience before graduation.

That hands-on experience is further enhanced through the college’s advanced facilities. All of ��Ƶ’s automotive programs provide hands-on learning in some of the most technically advanced facilities in the industry, where students are taught by faculty who are experts in their field and Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified in their respective teaching areas — ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet industry demands.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

February 2, 2026

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��Ƶ appoints Jason Zbock as provost

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:15:20 +0000

��Ƶ appoints Jason Zbock as provost valenzfr@morri… Fri, 01/30/2026 - 11:15

��Ƶ has appointed Jason Zbock, of Hamilton, as provost. Zbock has served as interim provost since October 2025, advancing key institutional priorities during a period of transition.

“Jason has demonstrated exceptional leadership, deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to our students and faculty,” said David Rogers, president of ��Ƶ. “His work as interim provost has positioned the college well for the future and I am confident he will continue to advance academic excellence in this permanent role.”

Throughout his tenure at ��Ƶ, Zbock has held several leadership positions, including executive director of the Norwich Campus, dean of the School of Liberal Arts, Sciences & Society, and associate provost of program development, assessment and educational development. He previously served as an assistant professor of mathematics for more than a decade, as well as an adjunct professor.

Zbock has also been actively involved on the ��Ƶ campus, holding various roles in college governance. His work includes championing innovative academic programming, supporting faculty development and advancing initiatives that align with the college’s mission.

His extensive career in higher education also includes serving as dean of institutional effectiveness and enrollment planning at SUNY Broome Community College, where he served as a lead facilitator in the college’s strategic planning process.

“I am honored to be appointed provost and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving ��Ƶ,” Zbock said. “This institution has a strong mission and a dedicated campus community, and I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students to build on our momentum and support student success.”

As provost, Zbock will be responsible for the oversight and administration of all academic planning and support programs, as well as addressing opportunities that support the college’s mission to cultivate a community of hands-on learners in experiential education, while supporting the continued growth and evolution of ��Ƶ’s academic portfolio.

Zbock earned a doctorate in education in educational leadership from the University of Phoenix, a master’s degree in mathematics teacher education and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, both from the University at Buffalo.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

January 30, 2026

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��Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 30 through February 1

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 19:50:07 +0000

��Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 30 through February 1 valenzfr@morri… Wed, 01/14/2026 - 14:50

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.

During the worldwide event, participants are given a central theme and just 48 hours to create a video or board/card game.

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.

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.

Registration for the ��Ƶ site is open for students and non-students over the age of 18 of all skill levels at: GGJ 2026 REGISTRATION

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.

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)

For more information about GGJ at ��Ƶ, contact Adam Saunders at 315.684.6055 or saundear@morrisville.edu.

Global Game Jam® history
2009 Game Jam — 53 sites, 23 countries, 1,650 participants, 370 games
2010 Game Jam — 138 sites, 39 countries, 4,300 participants, 900 games
2011 Game Jam — 169 sites, 44 countries, 6,500 participants, 1,500 games
2012 Game Jam — 242 sites, 47 countries, 10,684 participants, 2,209 games
2013 Game Jam — 319 sites, 63 countries, 16,705 participants, 3,248 games
2014 Game Jam — 488 sites, 72 countries, 23,189 participants, 4,292 games
2015 Game Jam — 518 sites, 78 countries, 28,000 participants, 5,438 games
2016 Game Jam — 632 sites, 93 countries, 36,164 participants, 6,866 games
2017 Game Jam — 701 sites, 95 countries, 36,401 participants, 7,263 games
2018 Game Jam — 803 sites, 108 countries, 42,800 participants, 8,606 games
2019 Game Jam — 860 sites, 113 countries, 47,006 participants, 9,010 games
2020 Game Jam — 934 sites, 118 countries, 48,753 participants, 9,601 games
2021 Game Jam — 585 sites, 104 countries, 28,825 participants, 6,383 games (held online due to COVID-19 pandemic)
2022 Game Jam — 680 sites, 100 countries, 33,000 participants, 5,860 games
2023 Game Jam — 800 sites, 108 countries, 40,000 participants, 7,637 games
2024 Game Jam — 796 sites, 102 countries, 34,649 jammers, 9,964 games.
2025 Game Jam — 805 sites, 98 countries, 35,427 jammers, creating a record 12,100 games.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

January 14, 2026

Gallery

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��Ƶ offers electric vehicle training

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:35:50 +0000

��Ƶ offers electric vehicle training valenzfr@morri… Mon, 01/05/2026 - 13:35

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 & Safety workforce program, on Jan. 17, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the college’s Automotive Technology Facility.

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.

Tuition is $400. Program assistance is available. To register, call 315.684.6390 or email workforce@morrisville.edu.

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.

The non-credit EV training course and future offerings will eventually lead to credit-bearing microcredentials, currently in development through the grant.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

January 5, 2026

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Serving Beyond the Classroom: ��Ƶ recognizes two students who step up to help their communities

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:40:17 +0000

Serving Beyond the Classroom: ��Ƶ recognizes two students who step up to help their communities valenzfr@morri… Wed, 12/03/2025 - 14:40

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.

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.

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.

“If I have free time, that is pretty much what I am doing,” Drum said, describing how volunteering shapes his days.

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.

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.”

Martel echoed the sentiment, adding, “The love for it keeps me motivated. Knowing I can make a difference keeps me coming back.”

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.

Their dedication carries over into their daily lives. Before many students even start their day, Martel and Drum are already on alert.

“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.

Balancing classes with life-saving responsibilities isn’t easy, but they’ve learned to manage both.

Their commitment doesn’t go unnoticed.

“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.

“Someone usually has my pager,” Drum said. “I’ve run out of the middle of practice before to go to a fire.”

Despite the challenges, neither hesitates. “When it goes off I am out the door,” Martel said of his pager.

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.

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.”

“It is a part of me now,” Drum echoed. “I tried it out and fell in love with it.”

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.

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.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

December 3, 2025

Gallery

3 p.m.

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��Ƶ and Morrisville-Eaton Central School District partner to make Thanksgiving brighter for local families

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:35:57 +0000

��Ƶ and Morrisville-Eaton Central School District partner to make Thanksgiving brighter for local families valenzfr@morri… Fri, 11/21/2025 - 13:35

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

The food drive ensures that families have food for Thanksgiving and additional meals during the school break when support services pause.

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.

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.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

November 21, 2025

Gallery

1 p.m.

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Alumni

On to the world stage! ������Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team sets sights on Scotland after standout season

������Ƶ to celebrate Earth Day April 22 with acts of kindness that tie into sustainability

Building a future of her own: ������Ƶ student finds her place in residential construction

������Ƶ students recognized for leadership in sustainability

Lithia Motors, Inc. donates $50,000 to support ������Ƶ’s automotive programs

������Ƶ appoints Jason Zbock as provost

������Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 30 through February 1

������Ƶ offers electric vehicle training

Serving Beyond the Classroom: ������Ƶ recognizes two students who step up to help their communities

������Ƶ and Morrisville-Eaton Central School District partner to make Thanksgiving brighter for local families

On to the world stage! ��Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team sets sights on Scotland after standout season

��Ƶ to celebrate Earth Day April 22 with acts of kindness that tie into sustainability

Building a future of her own: ��Ƶ student finds her place in residential construction

��Ƶ students recognized for leadership in sustainability

Lithia Motors, Inc. donates $50,000 to support ��Ƶ’s automotive programs

��Ƶ appoints Jason Zbock as provost

��Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 30 through February 1

��Ƶ offers electric vehicle training

Serving Beyond the Classroom: ��Ƶ recognizes two students who step up to help their communities

��Ƶ and Morrisville-Eaton Central School District partner to make Thanksgiving brighter for local families