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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

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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

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1 p.m.

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Powering Possibility: ��Ƶ students design microgrid for local retreat farm

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 19:01:40 +0000

Powering Possibility: ��Ƶ students design microgrid for local retreat farm valenzfr@morri… Wed, 10/29/2025 - 15:01

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.”

The capstone class, taught by professors Shamsul Arefeen and Ben Ballard, has students working on different projects with a real client, each semester.

Zimmer sees his partnership as a chance to merge his vision for sustainability with the creativity and problem-solving skills of Morrisville students.

“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.”

Zimmer is actively involved, attending class sessions to discuss the farm’s needs and provide feedback.

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.

“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.”

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.

“Everything I have learned is problem-solving,” Fish said, a necessary skill in the field.

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.

“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.”

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.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

October 29, 2025

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1 p.m.

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Hands-on science at ��Ƶ: Professor brings environmental science to life through field-based learning

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:24:12 +0000

Hands-on science at ��Ƶ: Professor brings environmental science to life through field-based learning valenzfr@morri… Tue, 10/07/2025 - 15:24

Muddy boots, waders, gloves and notebooks in hand, students in ��Ƶ Professor Brendan Kelly’s Riparian & Wetland Ecology & Management lab are taking their lessons out of the classroom and into streams, wetlands and other natural areas to positively impact local ecosystems.

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.

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.

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.

Through projects like these, students deepen their understanding of environmental systems while building practical skills that prepare them for successful careers.

For Skylar Brown, who hopes to become a DEC officer, those experiences are providing invaluable real-world training.

“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.

“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.”

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.

“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.

“And is great to know that through our work, I am already making a difference in the environment,” Tedeschi said.

For Kelly, field experiences are an essential part of his labs.

“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.”

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.

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.

He is the recipient of the 2024 Forestry Communications & 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.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

October 7, 2025

Gallery

3 p.m.

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Student Spotlight: Finding her place in agriculture and on the court: ��Ƶ senior Adeline Houser

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:35:14 +0000

Student Spotlight: Finding her place in agriculture and on the court: ��Ƶ senior Adeline Houser valenzfr@morri… Thu, 10/02/2025 - 09:35

For ��Ƶ senior Adeline Houser, agriculture is more than a career path — it’s a way of life.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

“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.

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.

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.

“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.”

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

October 2, 2025

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9 a.m.

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��Ƶ celebrates another successful Autumn Review Sale

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:32:11 +0000

��Ƶ celebrates another successful Autumn Review Sale valenzfr@morri… Tue, 09/23/2025 - 11:32

The ��Ƶ 42nd Fall Autumn Review Sale was one for the record books, showcasing the dedication of students, alumni and faulty who led to its success.

“Our students worked tirelessly all year to assemble an outstanding lineup of animals and embryos,” said Corey Hayes, associate professor. “On behalf of my colleagues, I can say we could not be more proud of their efforts and achievements.”

Sale Highlights:
•    Top Seller: Lot 54, Ayrshire Winter Calf – sold for $6,800
•    Sale Average (Live Lots): $3,292
•    Sale Average (Embryo Lots): $1,910
•    Average per Embryo Sold: $403
•    Combined Sale Average (Live Animals & Embryos): $3,138

Full sale results can be found here: https://cowbuyer.com/servlet/Search.do?auctionId=1619

This year’s sale also featured a truly unique offering: an alumnus consigned a lot that allowed the winning bidder to select 10 young milk cows from a group of 15.

“That was Lot H in our sale, and it sold for $4,000 per animal — an incredible $40,000 in total,” Hayes said. “What a generous and memorable contribution from a proud former alumnus.”

In addition to the cattle sale, attendees enjoyed a silent auction with cow-themed items, feed, gift baskets, gift cards and more, as well as concessions.

Organized by the ��Ƶ Dairy Club, faculty and students in dairy and animal production classes, proceeds benefit dairy club trips, the dairy judging team, academic programs and student activities and events.

Assisting as sale chairs were students Shyanne Ackerman, Reese DeVito, Matthew Haier, Megan Klossner and Kelly Niefergold.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

September 23, 2025

Gallery

10 a.m.

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��Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team places third at All-American Dairy Show

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:23:44 +0000

��Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team places third at All-American Dairy Show valenzfr@morri… Tue, 09/23/2025 - 10:23

��Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team placed third overall and in reasons at the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

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.

The team received second place in Brown Swiss. Individuals excelled in the following breeds:
•    4th Jersey and 9th overall and in reasons: Megan Klossner, of Turin
•    5th Brown Swiss and 6th Guernsey: Kelly Niefergold, of Lawtons
•    8th Brown Swiss: Reese DeVito, of Avon
•    13th Guernsey: Elanna Gelser

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

September 22, 2025

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8:30 a.m.

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��Ƶ’s ASAP|ACE programs expand to transform student success

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:21:50 +0000

��Ƶ’s ASAP|ACE programs expand to transform student success valenzfr@morri… Wed, 09/17/2025 - 09:21

After serving 10 years in the Marine Corps, veteran Vincent Dahr set out on a new mission: building a career in information technology and cybersecurity. Transitioning from military to college wasn’t easy, but Dahr wanted to pursue a path that combined discipline, problem-solving and protecting others in a new way.

That’s when he connected with ��Ƶ’s Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) program, part of the college’s broader ASAP|ACE initiative designed to increase student success and close opportunity gaps.

“When I first signed up for the ACE program, I was freshly out of the military and had no idea how civilian life — let alone college life — worked,” said Dahr, a second-year student studying information technology with a concentration in network & systems administration and a minor in cybersecurity.

“What I got from ACE was exactly what I needed — a mentor and someone to guide me along this new chapter of my life,” the Munnsville resident added.

Now, with a decade of service behind him and a new career ahead, he credits ACE with helping bridge the gap between his past experiences and future goals. “Getting into the realms of cybersecurity is my current career goal, and I’d eventually also like to help other veterans with transitioning into the civilian world,” he said.

The expansion of ��Ƶ’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) programs was recently highlighted during a campus celebration attended by students, faculty, staff and campus leaders.

In the 2025-26 State Budget, Gov. Hochul and state leaders allocated $12 million for SUNY to expand this initiative, which will help ��Ƶ to support more students as they pursue a degree to help them unleash their full potential. The significant investment by Gov. Hochul and state leaders will help grow ASAP|ACE enrollment statewide to an anticipated 7,000 students this year, on track to enrolling 10,000 students for Fall 2026.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and our expansion of the proven ASAP and ACE programs across our system ensures our students are on track to complete their degree on time and pursue their aspirations. I applaud Governor Hochul and state leaders for their continued support of SUNY, and I thank the ��Ƶ administration, faculty, and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success.”

��Ƶ is one of few SUNY schools to offer both models, making the programs accessible to students across all degree programs.

During the celebration, ��Ƶ President David Rogers emphasized the importance of support for students navigating college life: “We care deeply about our students who come here. ASAP and ACE are all about having people ready to answer questions and to be in your court. That kind of support is critical.”

That commitment is carried out through a dedicated team. “We build a community of support here,” said Michael Duignan, director of ��Ƶ ASAP|ACE. “It really is a community coming together to help students financially, academically and then also giving them a path toward career success.”

“At the heart of SUNY’s mission is a deep commitment to student success,” said Casey O’Brien, associate vice chancellor for student success and transformational initiatives at SUNY, who joined the celebration. “Programs like ASAP|ACE embody that mission in very real and tangible ways.”

O’Brien noted that this semester, 360 students are enrolled, making Morrisville among the largest from across the state.

Building on that success, Kayle Light-Curtin, executive director of ��Ƶ’s Opportunity and Access Programs, highlighted the team’s efforts in expanding support.

“The hard work and dedication of our opportunity programs team have been instrumental in increasing the number of students we serve — and, more importantly, in changing the trajectory of their lives,” she said.

During the celebration, SUNY leadership and New York State legislators were also recognized, including Assemblyman Joe Angelino, of the 121st District, who took part in the event.

“��Ƶ couldn’t do this on its own,” Rogers said, thanking SUNY, Gov. Kathy Hochul and local legislators.

“I truly believe that our opportunity and support programs are the heartbeat of ��Ƶ and we are incredibly thankful for the expansion and continued support from the SUNY system and New York State in prioritizing programs like ASAP and ACE,” Light-Curtin said. “Their expansion has allowed us to reach even more students, ensuring they have the guidance, resources and caring professionals they need to succeed.”

Students from diverse majors and backgrounds, at the Morrisville and Norwich campuses, benefit from ASAP|ACE through resources such as funding for textbooks, groceries, transportation, academic assistance, personalized advisement and career development activities.

Among them is Irma Chamorro, an individual studies student, from Harlem, in the ASAP program.

“I struggled a lot, but ASAP was there to help me. I will get my associate degree in the spring,” she said to applause from the audience.

For Dahr, who served as a field artillery operations chief, the program has provided guidance in navigating academic life, balancing family responsibilities and preparing him for a career he’s passionate about.

“ACE absolutely aligns with both my academic and career goals,” Dahr said. “This program helps me stay on the right track academically and shows me how to plan ahead and build habits that will last beyond college.”

The expansion of ASAP|ACE across SUNY, launched in Spring 2024, is supported by the Transformation Fund, championed by Gov. Hochul and supplemented by private grants. The initiative has been widely recognized for increasing student completion rates and narrowing opportunity gaps across the state.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

September 17, 2025

Gallery

8:30 a.m.

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��Ƶ’s 42nd Autumn Review Sale is September 20

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:16:25 +0000

��Ƶ’s 42nd Autumn Review Sale is September 20 valenzfr@morri… Mon, 09/15/2025 - 15:16

��Ƶ’s annual Autumn Review Sale is Saturday, Sept. 20.

The sale starts at 11 a.m. at the Groves Barn, 5300 Hart Road in Morrisville, near the Arnold R. Fisher Dairy Complex off of Eaton Street.

The sale features 56 live lots of show-age heifers and milking cows. The sale will also have embryo and semen lots. View the sale catalog and bid at Cow Buyer. The sale is managed through Hosking Sales. Information is also available at https://www.facebook.com/MSCAutumnReview/.

The event also features a silent auction, which includes cow-themed items, feed, gift baskets, gift cards and more, as well as concession stand.

Run by the ��Ƶ Dairy Club, faculty and students in dairy and animal production classes, proceeds from the sale support dairy club trips, the dairy judging team, academic programs and various activities and events.

Assisting as sale chairs are students Shyanne Ackerman, Reese DeVito, Matthew Haier, Megan Klossner and Kelly Niefergold.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

September 15, 2025

Gallery

8:30 a.m.

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From classroom to show ring: ��Ƶ students shine at New York State Fair

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 13:23:07 +0000

From classroom to show ring: ��Ƶ students shine at New York State Fair valenzfr@morri… Fri, 09/05/2025 - 09:23

��Ƶ showcased its Mustang pride once again at this year’s New York State Fair.

From exhibits to the show ring, students gained real-world experience, including three who spent part of their time in the sheep barn, where hands-on lessons extended far beyond the classroom.

Reanna Quail, an agricultural business student from Richford, stood with a pocket full of ribbons and a sheep named Dolly at her side. Quail, who has shown everything from goats to turkeys, was eager to expand her skills by including sheep.

“Showmanship is based on how we fit our animals best for the show ring,” she explained while giving Dolly a trim before leading her out to compete. “Dolly is pretty well-tempered and sets up really well, she said of the Dorset sheep owned by ��Ƶ Professor Corey Hayes.

For her classmate Brenna Hathway, it was a first. Hathway had never shown sheep before stepping into the fair barn.

“I’m trying something and going out of my comfort zone,” said the agricultural science student from Penn Yan. For her, the experience was about personal growth.

Julianna Tomcho majors in agricultural business. She usually shows cows from her family’s Cedar Knob farms outside of Morrisville, but decided to try something new. “This is my third time even touching a sheep,” she said. She hopes the experience will help her as she pursues her dream of becoming an agricultural teacher.

For students like Tomcho, Quail and Hathway, the fair offered more than just hands-on practice. It was an opportunity to test skills, explore new territory and prepare for careers they are building in agriculture.

Students gained hands-on experience in a variety of areas at the fair. Dairy students worked under the guidance of Dairy Judging Team coach Jessica Kennedy ’16, helping with 4H judging.

The college’s impressive Belgian Hitch also wowed fairgoers in several competitions at the Toyota Coliseum.

��Ƶ’s presence was felt throughout the fair from the horticulture building to other locations, where faculty and staff engaged visitors, answering questions and highlighting the unique, hands-on learning opportunities.

A highlight in the horticulture building was a large, vibrant landscape display created by alumni who run Lasnicki Landscaping & Nursery of Hastings. The exhibit showcased their expertise through a colorful mix of flowers that drew plenty of attention.

Additionally, ��Ƶ students assisted in the calf birthing barn, gaining valuable practical experience.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

September 4, 2025

Gallery

10 a.m.

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General

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

Powering Possibility: ������Ƶ students design microgrid for local retreat farm

Hands-on science at ������Ƶ: Professor brings environmental science to life through field-based learning

Student Spotlight: Finding her place in agriculture and on the court: ������Ƶ senior Adeline Houser

������Ƶ celebrates another successful Autumn Review Sale

������Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team places third at All-American Dairy Show

������Ƶ’s ASAP|ACE programs expand to transform student success

������Ƶ’s 42nd Autumn Review Sale is September 20

From classroom to show ring: ������Ƶ students shine at New York State Fair

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

Powering Possibility: ��Ƶ students design microgrid for local retreat farm

Hands-on science at ��Ƶ: Professor brings environmental science to life through field-based learning

Student Spotlight: Finding her place in agriculture and on the court: ��Ƶ senior Adeline Houser

��Ƶ celebrates another successful Autumn Review Sale

��Ƶ’s Dairy Judging team places third at All-American Dairy Show

��Ƶ’s ASAP|ACE programs expand to transform student success

��Ƶ’s 42nd Autumn Review Sale is September 20

From classroom to show ring: ��Ƶ students shine at New York State Fair