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��Ƶ students receive top award from SUNY

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 07 May 2025 14:52:42 +0000

��Ƶ students receive top award from SUNY valenzfr@morri… Wed, 05/07/2025 - 10:52

��Ƶ graduates Laura Bedell, of New Hartford, and Vidya Jawahir, of Oxford, 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 celebrates students who have successfully integrated academic excellence with leadership, campus involvement, athletics, community service, the arts, or career achievement.

Bedell, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, was a four-year member of the ��Ƶ women’s soccer team and part of the team that won the division championship. She served as team captain during her senior year.

Beyond athletics, Bedell was an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, participating in community-focused events, including leaf cleanups, Fun Fridays with the local elementary school students and annual drives collecting food, clothing and school supplies to benefit the campus and local communities.

She excelled academically, earning Dean’s List and President’s List honors, was named a two-time Scholar-Athlete by the United East Conference and a Scholar-Athlete by the North Atlantic Conference. She was also an honoree to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team for women’s soccer and was inducted into the National Student-Athlete Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma.

Bedell is the daughter of Janice and Robert Bedell, of New Hartford.

Jawahir, a nursing student at the Norwich Campus, is an active member of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), where she has played a pivotal role in mentoring fellow students, leading study groups and advocating for enhancements in the program.

Balancing her responsibilities as an adult learner, mother of two young children and managing a family farm, Jawahir is engaged in campus life, actively participating in CSTEP workshops, alumni events and mentorship panels.

Her involvement has helped elevate the visibility of CSTEP at Morrisville’s Norwich Campus, encouraging more students to take advantage of its valuable resources.

As a member of the Student Nurses Association, she helps coordinate blood drives and other initiatives that reflect her passion for community service and public health.

Her academic achievements include earning consistent recognition on the Dean’s List and President’s List.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

May 7, 2025

Gallery

8:30 a.m.

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Academics

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��Ƶ students at the root of annual spring plant sale, May 8-10, May 15-17

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Tue, 06 May 2025 12:33:01 +0000

��Ƶ students at the root of annual spring plant sale, May 8-10, May 15-17 valenzfr@morri… Tue, 05/06/2025 - 08:33

Each spring, the ��Ƶ greenhouse comes to life, overflowing with vibrant blooms in all shades imaginable.

Students move with purpose — trimming, watering, transplanting and caring for flowers and plants in preparation for the college’s annual spring plant sale, a tradition that has become a favorite for the campus and local community.

This year’s sale will be held at the Spader Horticulture Complex, May 8-9, from noon-5 p.m.; May 10, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; May 15-16, from noon-5 p.m.; and May 17, from 8 a.m.-noon. It is open to the public.

Inside the greenhouse, seed trays nurtured from the beginning of the semester have transformed into flourishing petunias, begonias, sunflowers and more — thanks to the dedication and care of students in the college’s Greenhouse Production class.

At the center of it all is horticultural business management student Gareth March, who wears many hats this semester. As the instructional assistant for the Greenhouse Production class and current greenhouse manager, he’s also spearheading the college’s annual plant sale.

Under his direction, this year’s sale will be bursting with color and variety. Patrons can look forward to nearly 700 hanging baskets, 5,000 four-inch annuals, hundreds of perennials, Boston ferns, tropical plants, house plants, vegetable transplants and more.

“If you would have told me I would be doing this, I wouldn’t believe you,” said March, who lives in Greece, New York. “I was so shy and now I am in front of a class, running it.”

These days, that feels natural for March, as he moves through the greenhouse with quiet confidence, fine-tuning every detail and guiding students with steady focus as the sale approaches.

“His attention to detail, focus, work ethic and passion for the everything he does sets the tone for the class,” said Adam Olinski, assistant professor of horticulture, who leads the Greenhouse Production class. “His passion really stands out. You can see it in the way he cares for plants, in the way he teaches and in how he brings the best out of everyone around him. He’s the kind of student you don’t forget.”

March graduates in May, but his legacy is firmly planted in many ways. For the past few years, he has helped grow flowers and plants and decorate the commencement stage with them.

He traces his love for horticulture back to childhood summers in his grandmother’s garden. He started his own garden at home and continued to dive deeper into the world of horticulture as he got older.

“When it became time to look for college programs, ��Ƶ offered me the perfect balance of a program that encompassed everything I hoped to learn about during my time in college, while also being close enough to home that I could still work and visit my family,” March said.

His long-term plans shifted when he had the opportunity to teach.

“I’m leaving ��Ƶ strongly considering a career in horticultural education now,” March said. “Being able to be the instructional assistant for the Greenhouse Management and Greenhouse Production classes has given me a taste of what it’s like teaching. It has ignited something within me that makes me think that I’m not quite done with the whole ‘teaching’ thing just quite yet.”

His passion hasn’t gone unnoticed. March was selected as a semi-finalist for the American HortScholars program, which recognizes outstanding college students preparing to lead the future of the horticulture industry. He also received a Bartlett Tree Foundation grant.

That recognition reflects the depth of experience he’s gained through the horticulture program at Morrisville, which March said has exposed him to nearly every corner of the industry.

“The horticulture program at Morrisville has allowed me to learn about so many different aspects of the horticulture industry, from greenhouse growing and the production of annual crops, to landscape design and installation, and even the skills you need to start and run your own business.”

He took a variety of electives to broaden his knowledge in fields he was relatively unfamiliar with, such as arboriculture and tropical ecology.

For Natasha Kazarian, a horticulture business management bachelor’s degree student, the opportunity to explore different aspects of the field was transformative. She initially enrolled at ��Ƶ in the cannabis certificate program, but found her passion rooted elsewhere.

“I took a greenhouse management class in the fall and that switched my entire thought process,” Kazarian said. “Now I want to work in a greenhouse.”

Meanwhile, March is continuing to build on his own experiences with an internship this summer as a horticulturist at Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park in Canandaigua. He’ll also continue working at VanPutte Gardens in Greece, where he serves in many roles, including landscape design apprentice and assisting the CEO & landscape finance manager.

“It's going to be a very busy summer for me but I'm looking forward to it immensely,” March said.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

May 6, 2025

Gallery

8:30 a.m.

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��Ƶ welcomes new Dean of the School of Agriculture, Business & Technology

richmolr — Tue, 06 May 2025 17:09:38 +0000

��Ƶ welcomes new Dean of the School of Agriculture, Business & Technology richmolr Tue, 05/06/2025 - 13:09

��Ƶ welcomes Bin Zhu as the next Dean of the School of Agriculture, Business & Technology (ABT), effective July 1, 2025.

“Please join me in extending a warm Mustang welcome to Dr. Zhu as he joins ��Ƶ,” said ��Ƶ Provost Suzan Harkness. “We are excited for the depth of experience, expertise, leadership and scholarship he brings, and look forward to the impactful work he will make in supporting our mission, vision and strategic goals.”

Zhu brings significant experience and innovation as a professor, administrator and collaborative leader, with more than 10 years of higher education and administrative leadership experience and expertise in innovative teaching, the scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL) and interdisciplinary research. His leadership experiences include oversight of departments, faculty supervision, program and curriculum assessment and development, budget oversight, student recruitment and retention initiatives, and fundraising through donor outreach and grant acquisition.

His expertise has been recognized through peer-reviewed publications and numerous awards for innovation in scholarship, teaching and learning. Zhu has extensive publications and research in the areas of environmental challenges such as invasive species and climate change, plant science, heavy metal pollution, the effects of ethylene biosynthesis, and invasive European frogbit in North America among other areas, which have led to 33 publications and 54 grants.

Zhu most recently served at Wagner College as the Division Chair, overseeing three departments and supervising all faculty and reporting staff, leading program and course assessment, curriculum changes, budget management, student recruitment and fundraising. Prior to that, Zhu served at the University of Hartford as the Director of the Environmental Studies Program, and was Interim Chair.

Zhu received his Ph.D. in Biology at Syracuse University, a Master of Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, and both a Master and Bachelor of Science in Ecology from Nanjing University in China. He also completed post-doctoral work at Cornell.

“I’m eager to hit the ground running and to help advance the mission of the college in meaningful ways,” Zhu said. “I can’t wait to get started!”

Author

��Ƶ

Published date

May 2, 2025

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General

Building the future: ��Ƶ students construct small house inside their lab

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:26:30 +0000

Building the future: ��Ƶ students construct small house inside their lab valenzfr@morri… Mon, 04/07/2025 - 11:26

It’s a unique hands-on learning experience. Students in ��Ƶ’s residential construction program are rolling up their sleeves to build a small house right inside their lab.

The ambitious 14-week project is more than just an exercise in construction — it’s a lesson in teamwork, problem-solving and real-world application of classroom concepts.

Building the 15.6-by-40-foot house indoors is the vision of Michael Gridley, associate professor of residential construction.

“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 his Construction Planning & Management lab, which meets for seven hours on Fridays.

This hands-on project has them designing and constructing the structure from the ground up, gaining valuable experience in framing walls, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, siding and insulation.

Students are also learning how to measure and cut materials precisely and about budgeting — key components of the trade.

“This house will be move-in ready when we are done,” Gridley said. It will feature custom-built cabinets, crafted by students in his cabinetry class. The roof will be added later, once the house is moved permanently to a family in Madison.

With a growing emphasis on energy-efficient building practices and sustainable construction, the house incorporates energy-efficient insulation, heating systems and windows and doors.

“Everything has to meet new energy codes,” Gridley noted.

Much of the material for the build was purchased from Curtis Lumber, whose support has made many projects possible, also highlighting the strong industry connections and networking opportunities available to students throughout the program.

For students, the entire project serves as a living classroom.

“I’ve always been a hands-on learner,” said Tilly Couture, a residential construction student from Nova Scotia, Canada, who also came to ��Ƶ to play women’s ice hockey. “What I like most is the hands-on experience and how much one-on-one time you get with a professor. I enjoy that you learn something in a classroom and then the next class you’re able to showcase that through doing an activity.”

This well-rounded approach prepares students for a variety of trades.

“We can basically go into any trade, like masonry and plumbing, because we know how to do a lot of things,” said Bennett Schoonover, a residential construction student from West Winfield, who was introduced to the program during a high school visit.

That versatility, combined with hands-on training, makes graduates highly sought after in the industry.

“In the last few weeks, I have had five contractors looking for students,” Gridley said. “Students graduate with practical experience that gives them a competitive edge in the industry.”

“I think anyone who’s hands-on learning or anyone who would want the one-on-one attention or specific trades learning, I think it is phenomenal here for that,” Couture said.

Students take on real-world projects outside of labs, building decks, remodeling houses and laying brick foundations, too.

“There is nothing more important than on-the-job training,” Couture said.

Later in the semester, students will be building a 28-foot-by-28-foot garage with attic trusses, along with framing a house. They are also already planning to build another small house in the lab next spring.

Gridley’s class draws students from various majors who are eager to expand their skill set or try something new.

For many, like Schoonover, that experience leads directly to employment. Schoonover has already secured a position at Siteworks Inc. in Marcellus. “Everyone I know coming out of this program gets a job.”

It also leads to internship opportunities. This summer, Couture will be interning with DeBlois Renovate and Remodel, in Manlius.

That bridge to industry is strengthened by instructors like Gridley and Shawn Ford, who bring extensive experience to the classroom.

Gridley, a 2004 residential construction graduate, also runs Gridley Construction in Madison, a business he launched shortly after graduating.

“I bring my knowledge back to the class to give them the experience that I have,” he said.

“Professor Gridley has a ton of real-world experience and we are out on actual job sites,” Schoonover said. “Aside from the hands-on experience and learning, we also learn how to work with others.”

Ford, an instructional support assistant in the residential construction and renewable energy programs, plays a key role assisting in Gridley’s labs.

His extensive experience includes working in the fossil fuel industry building power plants and nuclear facilities, as well as running a construction company for 14 years.

A drone instructor for Tompkins-Cortland Community College and the fire inspector for Chenango County, he is expanding his expertise through renewable energy courses at ��Ƶ. In May, he will complete his associate degree in renewable energy technology and transition into the college’s bachelor's degree program.

Residential construction student Steve Copperwheat already has his own business, ACE Construction Endeavors, in Clinton, but is back in the classroom to expand his expertise.

“The degree will give my business more credibility,” Copperwheat said. “And I am learning new stuff, including different ways of doing things.”

“The trades are huge now,” Gridley said. “Building this small house sparks interest in students.”

For community members like Jim Bright, the opportunity is unlike anything else.

“This is so unique,” said Bright, a retired Skaneateles resident, who is taking the course to obtain new skills. “It’s just a wonderful opportunity to build a house, indoors during winter.”

Bright, who worked in administrative roles his entire life, is excited to learn new things at age 66. “I am really enjoying gaining so many useful skills. I am so grateful to be taking this course.”

In addition to construction-related classes, students in ��Ƶ’s residential construction program focus on key business aspects through coursework in business law, accounting, employee supervision, public speaking, estimating and blueprint reading.

Their experiences are paving the way for careers in residential construction, woodworking, building materials sales, insurance claims adjusting and code enforcement, with some even aspiring to start their own businesses.

Complementing their hands-on experience are state-of-the-art facilities, including a 6,000-square-foot residential construction laboratory equipped with framing, plumbing, heating, masonry, and electrification labs. Students also benefit from specialized finish-carpentry spaces and a computer lab featuring AutoCAD software.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

April 7, 2025

Gallery

11 a.m.

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��Ƶ students receive Empire State Service Corps Awards for making a difference in the community

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 14:19:31 +0000

��Ƶ students receive Empire State Service Corps Awards for making a difference in the community valenzfr@morri… Fri, 03/28/2025 - 10:19

Two ��Ƶ students are making a meaningful impact through their dedication to community service.

Michael Roberts, a game programming B.Tech. student from Brooklyn and Harper Callard, an aquaculture and aquatic science associate degree student from New Hartford, were honored with Empire State Service Corps Awards for their significant contributions.

Roberts received the Leadership in Service Award for his commitment as a Morrisville-Eaton Middle-High School K-12 tutor with the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP).

“I wished I would have had this (tutoring) in middle and high school,” Roberts said. “I enjoy being a resource in students’ lives. It’s pretty fulfilling.”

Beyond tutoring, Roberts is actively involved on campus as a resident assistant (RA) and is a former public relations director for the Student Government Organization.

Callard was recognized with the Innovation in Service Award for her on-campus sustainability initiatives, including a campaign to promote reusable water bottles and reduce reliance on single-use plastics. As a member of the college’s Sustainability Council, she collaborated with faculty to introduce new recycling initiatives and advocate for environmentally friendly practices. She is also an RA.

“I have always loved volunteering and helping others, so when I saw the position, I knew I had to apply,” Callard said about applying for the Empire State Service Corps.

Roberts and Callard are part of the inaugural cohort of the Empire State Service Corps, launched by Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2024 to expand service opportunities for students across New York. Nearly 2,000 SUNY students applied, but only 515 selected to participate in the program. Among them were seven ��Ƶ students.

The Empire State Service Corps offers SUNY students paid public service opportunities in areas such as K-12 tutoring, sustainability and mental health support. Participants commit to 300 hours of service throughout the year, gaining valuable hands-on experience while strengthening their communities.

Roberts and Callard’s awards were presented at the Service & Civics Summit in Syracuse, which brought together student corps members from more than 40 SUNY campuses, as well as campus leaders, local officials and state representatives. ��Ƶ President David Rogers also took part in civic engagement breakout sessions, emphasizing the importance of service in higher education.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

March 28, 2025

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10 a.m.

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��Ƶ to host Renewable Energy Spring Institute March 14

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 18:53:13 +0000

��Ƶ to host Renewable Energy Spring Institute March 14 valenzfr@morri… Mon, 03/03/2025 - 13:53

��Ƶ is hosting a Renewable Energy Spring Institute on Friday, March 14, for current high school and BOCES students, educators, guidance counselors and college transfers, to learn more about renewable energy.

The free event, from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at the college’s Agricultural & Clean Energy Technology Center (ACET), features demonstrations in the center’s six state-of-the-art renewable energy labs.

Attendees are welcome to participate in renewable energy demonstrations and view technologies on display, as well as network with industry representatives who will be giving short presentations and sharing their experiences. Among the companies attending are: Cypress Creek Renewables, Avangrid, Brookfield Renewable U.S., GreenSparks Solar, Liberty Renewables, New Leaf Energy and NP Environmental.

Demonstrations will include: wind turbine maintenance and electronics, solar panel installation, tower climbing and rescue, a tour of the Center’s 85 kW solar array featuring bifacial modules in both single-axis tracking and stationary ground mounts, heat pump and geothermal displays, and biofuels production and firing demonstrations.

Specific for teachers and counselors is a one-hour session with renewable energy faculty to explore training opportunities, career paths and discuss ideas to incorporate renewable energy into classes and labs.

The college’s Admissions Department, Science & Technology Entry Program (STEP) and Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) also will be represented.

To register: Renewable Energy Spring Institute; 3/14/2025, or for more information, contact Jeremy Scibetta at scibetj@morrisville.edu or Sam Doubleday at doubles@morrisville.edu.

The Renewable Energy Spring Institute is possible through a grant from the Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI). The college is among eight SUNY institutions to receive a grant, nearly $4 million announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul to prepare students for careers in the growing offshore wind industry.

The college’s $500,000 grant will be utilized for various training opportunities, including K-12 awareness and recruiting and coordinating with workforce development agencies to establish a skilled workforce. College credit-bearing courses are among other opportunities for prospective students, teachers/educators and others looking to explore career options in offshore wind and renewable energy.

��Ƶ’s renewable energy Bachelor of Technology and renewable energy technology Associate in Applied Science programs are already paving the way for students to play a key role in renewable fields and prepare for clean energy jobs of the future.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

March 3, 2025

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2 p.m.

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��Ƶ professor, esteemed by his students for his hands-on teaching approach, receives state forestry award

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:32:51 +0000

��Ƶ professor, esteemed by his students for his hands-on teaching approach, receives state forestry award valenzfr@morri… Wed, 02/26/2025 - 09:32

On any given day, ��Ƶ professor Brendan Kelly and his environmental students can be seen trekking to the college’s forests or in other areas of the community to conduct field work.

Donned in hard hats, sturdy boots and neon attire, they brave most any elements for the hands-on experience his labs are known for. Esteemed by his students for his approach to teaching, his efforts go far beyond the classroom and labs.

It’s among the reasons why Kelly, associate professor of forestry & renewable resources, received the Forestry Communications & Education Award from the New York State Society of American Foresters (NYSAF).

The award recognizes outstanding efforts to promote understanding and appreciation of forest resources, management and stewardship through communications and education.

Nominated by his own students, Kelly, a Rome native and Clinton resident, was presented with the honor during the annual NYSAF awards program and again during an on-campus Conservation Tri-Society (CTS) club meeting, an organization he co-advises.

Humbled and surprised by the award, Kelly, a 1993 graduate of the college’s natural resources conservation program, extended his thanks to students and coworkers, also acknowledging his family.

“I really appreciate being with all of you,” he said as he addressed students and peers during the meeting. “It is a joy to teach.”

“He is an overall great professor who has great knowledge and expertise, which translates to the classroom, so we are able to learn more,” said Dakota Gatton, an environmental & natural resources management bachelor’s degree student from Savona, near Geneva.

Various topics in Kelly’s class, as well as field trips and field work, are playing a vital role in preparing Gatton for a career as a waterfowl technician or to work with wetlands.

“We took a wetlands class with Professor Kelly and actually practiced — went to wetlands to analyze and get on-the-ground experience,” Gatton said.

Similar sentiment was shared by Mason Hollenbeck, an environmental & natural resources management bachelor’s degree student from Boonville. Uncertain of what he wants to do, Kelly has played a mentoring role, guiding him along the way.

“I really like how you take your experience and translate it to a classroom setting,” he said to Kelly.

That expertise is visible in the classroom, where Kelly teaches courses in forestry and riparian ecology and wetland management. He is also involved extensively in the management of the college’s forests and natural resource areas.

Kelly credits his success to his wife and family and an entire campus and coworkers, along with his students, who have taught him valuable lessons along the way.

“They have taught me patience,” he said. “Not all students learn the same. I have learned to adapt and that a hands-on approach really helps them understand the lessons when they apply them in the field.”

Kelly and his students’ work go beyond the ��Ƶ campus.

Last year, CTS club members performed important service activities at Camp Kingsley for the Leatherstocking Council’s scouting programs, evaluating an area for invasive plant removal, refloating a dock that had been pinned by a beaver-felled tree and laying out new trail and conducting trail maintenance.

Kelly has a deep appreciation for and understanding of forest resources, management and stewardship from his extensive experience in the forestry field. Prior to coming to ��Ƶ, he was a Senior Forester with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in Lowville, where he primarily handled regional forest products marketing and utilization concerns in Herkimer, Jefferson. Lewis, Oneida and Saint Lawrence Counties, assisted with the administration of private landholder assistance programs in Jefferson and Lewis Counties and led recreation planning for easements lands in the Tug Hill region.

While a forester with the DEC, Kelly was also occasionally called upon to participate in search and rescue operations, wildfire fighting efforts, wildlife relocations and Chronic Wasting Disease response.

He was a riparian forester and program manager for the former Rome-based New York Rivers United, a nonprofit river conservation organization created to promote an effective river management strategy statewide. Additionally, he worked as a forestry aide/technician and an environmental engineering aide at the former Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome and was the woodlands and natural areas manager at the University of New Hampshire. He also served as the chair of the Iroquois Chapter of the NYSAF executive committee.

His community work includes previously serving on the board of the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust and the board of advisors for the Center for Northern Woodlands Education, publishers of Northern Woodlands magazine. He has served as a member of Lewis County Search and Rescue and was a volunteer fire fighter. He is also an Eagle Scout and volunteer with the Leatherstocking Council of Scouting America, formerly the Boy Scouts of America, headquartered in Utica.

In addition to earning an associate degree from ��Ƶ, Kelly has a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York, College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry (ESF) and a master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire. Kelly holds a Firefighter I – NFPA 1001 Certificate and is a Society of American Foresters - Certified Forester.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

February 26, 2025

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9:30 a.m.

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��Ƶ is among colleges that championed for students with disabilities during Virtual Student Empowerment Day

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:33:43 +0000

��Ƶ is among colleges that championed for students with disabilities during Virtual Student Empowerment Day valenzfr@morri… Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:33

��Ƶ students were among those championing for additional legislative funding and support for students with disabilities enrolled in colleges and universities across New York State during this year’s Student Empowerment Day.

The event, hosted virtually by the New York State Disability Services Council, gathered more than 300 students, advocates and policymakers, including 14 ��Ƶ students and leaders — all highlighting the urgent need for more funding to ensure the fair access and essential support for students with disabilities.

“��Ƶ is at the forefront of the advocacy, demonstrating its dedication to fostering an inclusive academic environment where all students can succeed,” said Leanne Hofstead, assistant director of the college’s Accessibility Services Center (ASC).

“Empowerment Day was an exciting and informational way to draw attention to the need for funding and support for students with disabilities in college,” Hofstead said. “Events like Empowerment Day are important because students should feel celebrated for their differences and unique abilities, regardless of background and disability status.”

“I enjoyed seeing current college students on the Zoom call sharing what their college uses disability funding for,” said Matthew Bellinger, an equine science student from Clifton Park. “It was nice to see that the funding helps real students in so many awesome ways.”

“I liked the small group feel of the event and listening to legislators speak,” said Delia Adams, an applied psychology student, from Homer.

Participating in the event were the following students:
Delia Adams, applied psychology, Homer
Abdullai Bah, accounting, Bronx
Matthew Bellinger, equine science, Clifton Park
Sierra Benson, business administration, Moravia
Ethan Cossette, applied psychology, Oneida
James Hoffman, applied psychology, Ilion
Preston Kese, individual studies, Bronx
Rebecca Kench, exercise science, Henrietta
Mya Luna, business administration, Raleigh, North Carolina
Emileah Morgan, agricultural science – agricultural outreach and education, Cato
Paige Whipple, applied psychology

Also participating and assisting from the ASC were:
Lesley Owens-Pelton, director
Leanne Hofstead, assistant director
Simone Spencer, assistant

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

February 20, 2025

10 a.m.

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Academics

Community

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��Ƶ applauds Governor Hochul for critical support for Student success in 2025 State of the State Agenda

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 18:58:35 +0000

��Ƶ applauds Governor Hochul for critical support for Student success in 2025 State of the State Agenda valenzfr@morri… Tue, 01/21/2025 - 13:58

When sisters Haley and Hannah Gill first arrived on the ��Ƶ campus, they were among many students to join the college’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) programs.

“There were a lot of activities that helped us adjust to college life,” said Hannah, an equine science student in the ACE program. “They keep us on track with our grades and make sure our classes are going well.” Haley, an individual studies student in the ASAP program, agrees.

That support will continue as Gov. Kathy Hochul pledged in her 2025 State of the State agenda to deliver ongoing state funding to sustain and expand the proven ASAP and ACE programs, transformative models that have been widely demonstrated to increase student completion rates and narrow opportunity gaps, including at ��Ƶ.

“I applaud the governor and the state’s continued investment in an expansion of these programs, which are an important opportunity for us to further promote student success,” said ��Ƶ President David Rogers.

“SUNY is committed to success for every student, and ASAP|ACE programs are the nation’s leading, evidence-based model for helping students stay on track to graduation,” SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said in a statement. “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her commitment to ASAP|ACE in the 2025 State of the State agenda and look forward to working with the governor and our champions in the legislature to continue to scale this proven investment in student success.”

ASAP|ACE programs provide wraparound services that help with student academic success, retention and on-time graduation. An array of resources and supports — including academic assistance, personalized advisement, career development activities, and funding to cover textbooks, groceries, transportation and other costs of attendance — help Pell-eligible students overcome barriers that can prevent them from achieving their goals and obtaining a degree

ASAP|ACE expanded to the SUNY system in the spring of 2024 through the SUNY Transformation Fund. As of fall 2024, more than 4,200 students now participate in ASAP|ACE across 25 SUNY campuses, including approximately 200 students of diverse majors and backgrounds at both the Morrisville and Norwich campuses.

Gov. Hochul’s 2025 State of the State agenda will make it possible to sustain ASAP|ACE and expand it statewide to reach 10,000 SUNY students.

Since launching ASAP|ACE on campus, ��Ƶ students have felt immediate tangible benefits, with positive impacts on academic momentum, including higher credit-completion and retention rates and high levels of student engagement.

“ASAP|ACE is a community of support for these students,” said Michael Duignan, director of ��Ƶ ASAP|ACE. “This would have not started if it wasn’t for our governor, SUNY, additional donors and our local and college leadership. However, the program would not be successful without the dedication of campus partners in supporting this program. It is really a community coming together to help students through each facet of their academic journey, while assisting them with a path toward career/personal success.”

“This opportunity to continue ASAP|ACE at the Morrisville campus is an expansion of engaging services and financial supports to help even more students succeed and achieve their dreams,” said ��Ƶ Provost Suzan Harkness. “It is open to students across all majors, two- and four-year programs, so that all can have the opportunity to benefit from the support system they receive from the ASAP|ACE program while earning a degree at ��Ƶ. We are delighted to have the Governor’s support as we prepare the future workforce for New York and beyond.”

“These programs represent SUNY’s unwavering commitment,” said Kayle Light-Curtin, director of the college’s opportunity programs. “When students have the right resources, they can succeed higher than they ever even imagined.

“What makes these programs and our work so powerful is not just that support, it’s the communities that we build,” Light-Curtin added. “Education just isn’t about academics — it’s about creating spaces where students feel valued, supported and empowered to grow into the best versions of themselves.”

Of the 25 campuses statewide that opted in to the SUNY ASAP|ACE program, ��Ƶ is only one of two SUNY schools to have both the ASAP|ACE models in efforts to connect students from every degree to have access to the program.

Across SUNY, ASAP students’ credit completion rates for the spring 2024 semester were 20% higher than similar non-participants, and ACE students saw 9% higher credit completion rates compared to similar non-ACE students. ASAP|ACE-student retention rates from spring to fall 2024 also outpaced those of non-participants.

Having a support system, a mentor, career development, extra money for books and gas to travel home on the weekends — it’s all making a difference for ��Ƶ ASAP|ACE students like Malcom Hernandez, Juliana Kucera, Abigail Gracey and Julian Wilcox, so they can focus more on their academic careers.

Abigail Gracey, a first-year individual studies student from Oneonta, had many reasons for being part of ASAP|ACE. “I heard about all of the benefits and positive aspects, how welcoming everyone was and how the mentors and everyone wants the best for you because college is hard and having a support system is important when you are away from home.”

Julian Wilcox, an information technology student from Sidney, was the first student to join the program. “I didn’t know if college was for me, but I am so glad that I took the plunge.”

ASAP|ACE has supported the nontraditional student the entire way. “There is always a resource, someone to help me with anything I need, whether it is asking for help with financial aid or helping me get on track my first semester,” Wilcox said.

Making a big impact for business administration student Malcolm Hernandez, of the Bronx, is the support network of mentors and a focus on wellness.

“Michael (Duignan) is a great mentor and friend,” Hernandez said. “I always feel welcome in his office and he is really helping me to adjust.”

“It’s a fantastic program financially, personally and academically,” said Juliana Kucera, an auto body technology student from Elma. “For me, the extra money allows me to go home to visit my family every weekend.”

For more information about ��Ƶ’s programs, visit /explore/access-programs/suny-asap-and-ace-programs.

For more information on ASAP and ACE programs statewide, visit www.suny.edu/asap-ace.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

January 21, 2025

Gallery

2 p.m.

News Type

��Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 24-26

valenzfr@morrisville.edu — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:59:17 +0000

��Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 24-26 valenzfr@morri… Wed, 01/15/2025 - 06:59

Interested in making a game and being part of a global experiment in creativity? ��Ƶ is once again serving as a host site for Global Game Jam® (GGJ), the world’s largest game jam event, taking place Friday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 26.

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

Registration for the ��Ƶ site is open for students and non-students over the age of 18 of all skills levels.

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. 24, 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, Jan. 26, followed by a game creation preview and weekend wrap-up.

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, creating a record 9,964 games. This was the first time the event spanned all seven continents.

Author

Franci Valenzano

Published date

January 15, 2025

Gallery

7 a.m.

News Type

General

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������Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 24-26

Global Game Jam® history

��Ƶ students receive top award from SUNY

��Ƶ students at the root of annual spring plant sale, May 8-10, May 15-17

��Ƶ welcomes new Dean of the School of Agriculture, Business & Technology

Building the future: ��Ƶ students construct small house inside their lab

��Ƶ students receive Empire State Service Corps Awards for making a difference in the community

��Ƶ to host Renewable Energy Spring Institute March 14

��Ƶ professor, esteemed by his students for his hands-on teaching approach, receives state forestry award

��Ƶ is among colleges that championed for students with disabilities during Virtual Student Empowerment Day

��Ƶ applauds Governor Hochul for critical support for Student success in 2025 State of the State Agenda

��Ƶ seeks participants for Global Game Jam® January 24-26