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News Archive

Dolce Valvo Art Center at SUNY Niagara Presents ‘THERE’ Exhibition

By News Archive

Sanborn, N.Y. – SUNY Niagara announces the opening of “THERE,” an exhibition featuring 12 artists who explore landscape as a subject. “THERE” will be on display in the Dolce Valvo Art Center at the college’s campus in Sanborn from Sept. 10 to Oct.10.

The exhibition presents a wide range of landscape paintings, drawings and prints by 11 artists from western New York and one from New York City. Three of the featured artists are alumni of SUNY Niagara. The exhibition consists of 50 works, many of which were created en plein air (outdoors).

“We are extremely proud of our ‘THERE’ exhibition,” said Dolce Valvo Art Center Director James Goodrich. “This exhibition showcases some of our region’s most talented artists and offers a diverse and thought-provoking exploration of nature and its beauty.”

The Dolce Valvo Art Center is in the learning commons at SUNY Niagara, room D101. For more information on the Dolce Valvo Art Center or “THERE,” click here.

NCCC Foundation Announces 2024 Distinguished Alumni Honorees

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Sanborn, NY – The Niagara County Community College (NCCC) Foundation is proud to announce the three recipients of its 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award:

Richard L. Andres, Jr. ‘99.
Michael J. Garner ‘82.
Pamela Walck ‘85.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most esteemed honor that a SUNY Niagara graduate can receive from the NCCC Foundation and Alumni Association. Each year, this award is bestowed to deserving alumni who exemplify educational achievements, career success, community involvement and support for SUNY Niagara. Only 87 graduates have received this award since it was established in 1988.

Andres graduated from SUNY Niagara’s liberal arts and sciences: humanities and social science program in 1999. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in education from Niagara University and a master’s degree in history from Buffalo State University. Andres has held public office for close to 15 years, including serving in the Niagara County Legislature since 2014. He also teaches social studies in the North Tonawanda school district, a position he has held since 2002.

Richard L. Andres, Jr. ’99

Garner graduated from SUNY Niagara’s accounting program in 1982. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Buffalo State University, and his master’s degree in business administration from Empire State University. Garner was appointed New York City’s first citywide chief
business diversity officer by Mayor Eric Adams in 2023. He previously served as chief diversity and inclusion officer with the city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Michael L. Garner ’82

Walck graduated from SUNY Niagara’s liberal arts and sciences program in 1985. She went on to gain two bachelor’s degrees from the University at Buffalo, in business administration and physical therapy. She earned her master’s degree in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2005. She worked as a physical therapist in nursing homes, hospitals and on mission trips to Africa. Walck is the author of “Bridge of Love: 30 True Stories of Faith in Action,” which charted at number one on Amazon’s new release list in five categories.

Pamela Walck ’85

“Richard Andres, Michael Garner and Pamela Walck are tremendous additions to an already outstanding group of distinguished alumni,” said SUNY Niagara Director of Development Julie Berrigan. “We thank them for their contributions to their respective communities and wish them continued success in their careers. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Andres, Garner and Walck will be honored at the NCCC Foundation’s annual scholarship fundraiser, Scholarship Soirée, on Oct. 17, 2024, at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. All proceeds from the event will benefit SUNY Niagara’s student scholarship fund.

To purchase tickets or sponsorship opportunities, click here.


Media Contact Information

Courtney Helinski
Assistant Director, NCCC Foundation
Phone: 716-614-6231
Email: chelinski@niagaracc.suny.edu

SUNY Niagara Professor Recognized by NYS Nursery and Landscape Association

By News Archive

Sanborn, N.Y. – Carolyn Stanko, a professor of horticulture at SUNY Niagara, was named a recipient of the New York State Nursery and Landscape Association’s (NYSNLA) President’s Award. Stanko received her award at the New York State Fair in Syracuse on Aug. 21. 

“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor, both professionally and personally,” said Stanko. “Sharing my passion for horticulture with the next generation of industry leaders has been a privilege. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my students and colleagues.” 

Professor Carolyn Stanko (second from right) is congratulated by NYSNLA Professional Development Committee Co-Chairs.

NYSNLA is a statewide professional trade organization dedicated to advancing New York’s nursery and landscape industry. The President’s Award recognizes educators for their service to NYSNLA, its members and the New York state green industry.  

“It is great to see Carolyn celebrated with such a remarkable honor,” said SUNY Niagara Vice President of Academic Affairs Lydia Ulatowski. “Carolyn’s dedication to her field, students and SUNY Niagara is an incredible asset to the institution.” 

Stanko, a co-coordinator of the horticulture program, has been with the college since 2007. She has connected students to local business members of PLANT WNY (Region 6 of NYSNLA), leading to a near 100% employment rate. PLANT WNY and the PLANT WNY Foundation provide students with access and funding for conferences, field trips, Plantasia, internships, and the opportunity to earn their NYS Certified Nursery and Landscape Professional license. 

For more information about the SUNY Niagara Horticulture degree program, click here. 


Media Contact Information

Zachary Rohde
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-6794
Email: zrohde@niagaracc.suny.edu

 

SUNY Niagara Chef Presents at National Convention

By News Archive

Niagara Falls, N.Y. – Nathan Koscielski, an assistant professor of hospitality and culinary arts at SUNY Niagara’s Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), presented at the American Culinary Federation (ACF) National Convention in Phoenix last week. Koscielski’s demonstration, “Exploring Cannabis Terpenes for Culinary Use,” discussed how to incorporate cannabis strains into recipes and how different cannabis compounds can match the flavor profile of a dish.

The ACF National Convention brings together culinary professionals from various facets of the industry. It is the largest annual gathering of chefs, students and foodservice professionals in the U.S. Only recognized subject matter experts receive invitations to present at the conference.

“Being invited to speak at the ACF National Convention is truly an honor and a highlight of my career thus far,” said Koscielski. “The culinary cannabis industry has so much potential, and I am excited to share my knowledge with the other great chefs at the convention.”

Koscielski has helped establish SUNY Niagara as a leader in culinary cannabis education. He created SUNY’s first credit-bearing, culinary cannabis-focused college coursework and began teaching the first class he developed, “Culinary Cannabis and Edibles,” in 2021, before New York state legalized the cultivation, sale and use of cannabis.

SUNY Niagara was the site of the inaugural SUNY Cannabis Conference in 2023, bringing in cannabis experts and enthusiasts from across the world. The college hosted the annual event again in January, adding a showcase of culinary cannabis at NFCI that featured the first-ever ACF culinary cannabis competition and a CBD-infused lunch and dinner. Koscielski hosted a cooking demonstration at each conference, crafting CBD-infused Bananas Foster in 2023 and Cherries Jubilee in 2024.

Chef Nathan Koscielski demonstrates his CBD-infused Bananas Foster.

“Chef Nate’s relentless pursuit of culinary cannabis innovation has been a game-changer for NFCI,” said Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Josh Blumberg. “His unwavering dedication to both his students and his craft exemplifies the transformative power of culinary arts.”

The SUNY Niagara Workforce Development Office offers a variety of horticulture cannabis classes, including culinary cannabis, which are open to the public. For more information, click here.

$50,000 Grant Will Help SUNY Niagara Enhance Marketing

By News Archive

Sanborn, N.Y. – SUNY Niagara has received $50,000 from Lumina Foundation as the result of a grant program called the “Instagram Challenge.”  The program was competitive, inviting community colleges across the country to submit 90-second Instagram Reels. Lumina judged each Reel based on how well it highlighted what is excellent about the institution. SUNY Niagara is one of seven grant recipients nationwide and the only one from New York state.

SUNY Niagara’s social media team, led by Public Relations Assistants Marlee McCabe and Zach Rohde, aimed to showcase #WhatsExcellent about SUNY Niagara and demonstrate the experiences and opportunities available to students. They created a Reel showcasing the college’s academic excellence, vibrant campus and community engagement.

“The grant funding from Lumina will provide opportunities to grow SUNY Niagara’s reimagined brand through creative and innovative marketing strategies,” said Zach Rohde, public relations assistant at SUNY Niagara. “We look forward to continually amplifying what makes SUNY Niagara such a special part of this community.”

“For the past two years, Lumina has engaged in a national conversation about understanding and strengthening community college brands,” said Mary Laphen Pope, Lumina’s strategy officer for participation. “While discussions often focus on challenges such as enrollment declines, success stories about community colleges and their students are rarely highlighted. We aim to change that.”


About SUNY Niagara

SUNY Niagara is one of 30 community colleges in the SUNY system, the largest public university system in the country. The college provides more than 50 certificate and degree programs to over 3,000 students and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, SUNY and student tuition.

About the Lumina Foundation

The Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. The foundation envisions higher learning that is easy to navigate, addresses racial injustice, and meets the nation’s talent needs through a broad range of credentials. It is working toward a system that prepares people for informed citizenship and success in a global economy.


Media Contact Information

Zachary Rohde
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-6794
Email: zrohde@niagaracc.suny.edu

SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees Elects 2024-2025 Officers

By News Archive

Sanborn, N.Y. – The SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees has elected four of its members to officer positions for 2024-2025. The board approved the slate of officers by unanimous vote at its June meeting. Trustee Katherine Alexander has become chairperson, succeeding Trustee Kevin Clark, who continues to serve as vice chairperson. Trustee Sheila Smith remains the board’s secretary. The board’s new financial secretary is Trustee Gail Tylec.

The board customarily elects officers following the college’s academic year.

“I look forward to working with our new president and leading the board of trustees at such an exciting time in the college’s history,” said Alexander. “With the enrollment growth we’ve seen in this past year, our recent brand launch, and the upcoming opening of the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy facility on campus, SUNY Niagara carries a lot of momentum into my term as chairperson.”

The board’s next meeting, its first with Alexander as chairperson, will take place in August.


Media Contact Information

Zachary Rohde
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-6794
Email: zrohde@niagaracc.suny.edu

SUNY Niagara Keeping Tuition and Fees Flat for 2024-2025

By News Archive

At its May meeting, the SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees unanimously approved a $48 million operating budget proposal for the coming fiscal year. Under the spending plan, tuition would stay at the current cost of $2,568 per semester for New York state residents. The college’s student fee schedule would also remain unchanged.

Board Chairman Kevin Clark said that the trustees all felt strongly about freezing tuition and fees for 2024-2025.

“Access to higher education is critically important, especially at a time when so many students leave college saddled with debt that becomes the focus of their finances,” Clark said. “We want to ensure that SUNY Niagara graduates can enter the workforce or shift careers without that burden. By holding tuition and fees flat for 2024-2025, we are doing right by our students and their families.”

SUNY Niagara President William Murabito said that the budget proposal is the result of attentive management that keeps student success at the forefront.

“Thoughtful planning and strategic spending by the Board and other members of the college’s leadership has positioned the college to make this vote possible, and I am proud that our work will directly benefit students,” Murabito said. “Holding the line on the costs shows that our trustees are as committed to our students as our students are committed to SUNY Niagara.”

SUNY Niagara Assistant Director of Admissions Dr. Nicole Sedor said that the trustees’ action will benefit continuing and first-time students.

“Keeping tuition and fees the same as last year shows our incoming students we are sensitive to the economic pressures they face,” Dr. Sedor said. “As they navigate the financial aid process, many of them for the first time, we want them to know that. While cost isn’t the only consideration in choosing whether to attend college, it’s certainly an important one.”

SUNY Niagara’s fall semester classes will begin Sept. 3. The college’s second summer session will run from July 9 through Aug. 19. Information about enrollment at either is available online at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/admissions/.

SUNY Niagara Offering Free Course to Niagara Falls School District Parents

By News Archive

SUNY Niagara is partnering with the Niagara Falls City School District to offer a free college course to parents whose children are enrolled in the district. The course, English 102: Writing II and Introduction to Literature, reinforces writing skills and introduces students to the study of literature.

Classes will be held on Mondays from July 8 through Aug. 19 at Bloneva Bond Primary School, 2513 Niagara St., Niagara Falls, NY 14303. Free child care will be provided at the school during meeting times, from 12:30-3:45.

“We are proud to partner with the Niagara Falls City School District to provide this resource to our community,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Lydia Ulatowski. “SUNY Niagara’s commitment to education extends beyond our campus and this initiative is a step in strengthening our community educational development.”

For more information or to register please contact William Brinson at wbrinson@niagaracc.suny.edu or 716-614-6258.

SUNY Niagara Surgical Technology Program Earns 100% on National Certification Exam

By News Archive

SUNY Niagara is celebrating a historic achievement for its Surgical Technology program. The graduating class of 2024 marks a first in the program’s history, with all 15 students earning a passing grade on the
National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, giving the cohort a 100% pass rate.

“We are so proud of our 2024 graduates. Graduating as the first cohort to earn a 100% pass rate is a tremendous accomplishment for this outstanding group of students,” said Surgical Technology Program Coordinator Gemma Fournier. “This pass rate is a reflection of the strong growth of the surgical technology program and the dedication to excellence from both our students and faculty.”

Some members of the 2024 Surgical Technology graduating class.

New York State legislation passed in 2014 requires healthcare facilities to employ only individuals who satisfy specific educational requirements and possess the CST credential. The majority of SUNY Niagara graduates are employed within healthcare and ambulatory surgery centers throughout the Buffalo and Niagara area.

SUNY Niagara’s surgical technology program equips students with the knowledge, skills and hands-on training needed to excel as entry-level certified surgical technologists.

“The surgical technology program is a cornerstone of the strong nursing, physical and allied health programs SUNY Niagara offers,” said Vice President of Academic Affairs Lydia Ulatowski. “I extend a hearty congratulations to the class of 2024 and thank our dedicated instructors for their commitment to
excellence.”

SUNY Niagara’s surgical technology program is accepting applications for the fall 2024 semester. For more information on the surgical technology program please visit: www.niagaracc.suny.edu/programs/surt .

SUNY Niagara Announces Winners of Annual Math and Engineering Awards

By News Archive

Sanborn, N.Y. – SUNY Niagara is proud to announce the winners of its annual math and engineering awards, presented at an awards ceremony on campus in May.

This year’s recipients are:

William Shaver of North Tonawanda and Jacob Tipton of Grand Island won the Kenneth “Ben” Raymond Award for Excellence in Mathematics.

Jacob Tipton (Left) and William Shaver (Right) winners of the Kenneth “Ben” Raymond Award.

Justin Smith of Tonawanda won the Chamberlain Engineering Scholarship.

Justin Smith, winner of the Chamberlain Engineering Scholarship.

Benjamin Connolly of Newfane won the John McDonough Engineering Award.

These honors are named after individuals who made substantive contributions to the SUNY Niagara mathematics and engineering programs.

The Kenneth “Ben” Raymond Award for Excellence in Mathematics honors the legacy of Ken Raymond, a founding faculty member and longtime math department chair.

The Chamberlain Engineering scholarship was established in 2017 by one of the Niagara County Community College Foundation’s founding board members, the late David Chamberlain, and his wife Mary.

The John McDonough award is funded by former student John McDonough. John graduated from SUNY Niagara’s engineering studies program and is now the senior product marketing manager for Mickey Thompson, an ultraperformance tire manufacturer in Ohio.

“We are incredibly proud of the students for their hard work and commitment to their programs,” said Sal Sciandra, chair of the college’s Business and STEM division. “Along with recognizing our students’ success,
these awards represent the dedication of our faculty to creating a supportive, challenging and innovative learning environment for our students.”

For more information on the Business and STEM division at SUNY Niagara, please visit: www.niagaracc.suny.edu/bs/