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virtual scholarship gala

SUNY Niagara Announces Foundation Scholarship Virtual Celebration

By News Archive

September 22, 2021 

COVID-19 has once again impacted in-person events. Unfortunately, the 2021 SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala has been cancelled. Instead, guests are invited to join virtually throughout the entire month of October to celebrate and invest in SUNY Niagara’s student scholarships and success!

Since 1987, the SUNY Niagara Foundation Office has been committed to assisting their students. Despite the uncertain times due to COVID-19, the Foundation’s support has continued to stand strong thanks to the generosity of their donors. This year alone, the Foundation has awarded almost $200,000 in scholarships, $33,000 in COVID Student Emergency Relief funding, and $345,000 to renovate classrooms and update technology. Donor contributions are crucial to making an impact and the annual Scholarship Gala is the primary fundraiser supporting student scholarships.

For a donation of $125 or more, guests will be entered into a weekly drawing during the October virtual celebration. They will have the opportunity to win two tickets to Hamilton: An American Musical, four tickets to the 2022 SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Diamond Gala, dinner and drinks at Savor Restaurant’s chef table for eight, $200 in lottery tickets, four bottles of fine wines, and so much more! Donations can be made by contacting the SUNY Niagara Foundation Office at 716-614-5910 or online at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala/.

Make sure to save the date for SUNY Niagara’s 60th Anniversary which will be kicked off with the Foundation Scholarship Diamond Gala on Saturday, October 22, 2022!

virtual scholarship gala

Media Contact Information

Allison Korta
Assistant Director, Foundation
Phone: 716-614-5910
Email: akorta@niagaracc.suny.edu

Maureen Henderson

Henderson Named Director of Niagara SBDC

By News Archive

September 21, 2021 

Maureen Henderson

Maureen Henderson, Director of the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center

Maureen Henderson has been named as the new Director of the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She replaces previous director, Lynn Oswald who retired on September 1 after 12 years in the role.

Maureen has served the Niagara SBDC for more than 14 years as a business advisor. Prior to this position, she was employed in the banking and financial industry and was a successful business owner. Maureen holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. Bonaventure University. A life-long learner, she earned her Advanced Certification as a business advisor with the New York Small Business Development Center in 2019. Maureen enjoys all aspects of helping clients with their businesses, and her specialty lays in procurement, including government contracting and women, minority, and veteran certifications.

Maureen is an engaged community leader and enjoys being active within Niagara County. She has served as Treasurer of the Board for Lockport Main Street, Inc. since 2016. In addition, she previously served as both President and Vice President of the Newfane Business Association, Chairperson of the Newfane Town Celebration, and led the town’s Beautification Grant Committee.

She has been presented with several awards from various organizations, including: Buffalo Region SBA’s Women in Business Champion award, Newfane Business Association’s Business Person of the Year award, and Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 award. Maureen resides in Olcott, NY with her husband, Charlie; son, Sam; and daughter Isabelle.

For more information on the Niagara SBDC, visit niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc/ or call 716-210-2515.

September 21, 2021 

Maureen Henderson has been named as the new Director of the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC). She replaces previous director, Lynn Oswald who retired on September 1 after 12 years in the role.

Maureen has served the Niagara SBDC for more than 14 years as a business advisor. Prior to this position, she was employed in the banking and financial industry and was a successful business owner. Maureen holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. Bonaventure University. A life-long learner, she earned her Advanced Certification as a business advisor with the New York Small Business Development Center in 2019. Maureen enjoys all aspects of helping clients with their businesses, and her specialty lays in procurement, including government contracting and women, minority, and veteran certifications.

Maureen is an engaged community leader and enjoys being active within Niagara County. She has served as Treasurer of the Board for Lockport Main Street, Inc. since 2016. In addition, she previously served as both President and Vice President of the Newfane Business Association, Chairperson of the Newfane Town Celebration, and led the town’s Beautification Grant Committee.

She has been presented with several awards from various organizations, including: Buffalo Region SBA’s Women in Business Champion award, Newfane Business Association’s Business Person of the Year award, and Buffalo Business First’s 40 Under 40 award. Maureen resides in Olcott, NY with her husband, Charlie; son, Sam; and daughter Isabelle.

For more information on the Niagara SBDC, visit niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc/ or call 716-210-2515.

Maureen Henderson

Maureen Henderson, Director of the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

SUNY Niagara to Partner with Keuka College

By News Archive

September 20, 2021 

SUNY Niagara is pleased to announce an upcoming partnership with Keuka College.  SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito, Ph.D. and Keuka College President Amy Storey will sign articulation agreements on Friday, September 24th that will facilitate seamless transfer pathways for students enrolled in the Human Services A.A. program at SUNY Niagara to a Social Work B.S. program at Keuka College, as well as the SUNY Niagara Health Studies A.S. Program to a Community Health and Wellness B.S. program at Keuka College.  These agreements are mutually beneficial arrangements that allow SUNY Niagara students to explore clearly defined pathways outlining how courses within a 2-year program at SUNY Niagara will meet requirements that lead to a 4-year degree at Keuka College.

A representative from Keuka College began recruiting for this program starting on Monday, September 13th, and they plan to offer the B.S. in Social Work program on SUNY Niagara’s campus beginning in the fall of 2022, pending approval from New York State.  Keuka College is the largest producer of Bachelor of Social Work degrees in New York State, and a continued relationship between SUNY Niagara and Keuka College could lead to other articulation agreements between the two institutions that ultimately benefit SUNY Niagara students.  Discussions are already in the works about the possibility of linking SUNY Niagara’s Health Studies Program to Keuka’s Community Health and Wellness program.

“SUNY Niagara has hundreds of established transfer pathways for students seeking admission to 4-year institutions after they complete their degree program requirements here,” states Alissa Shugats-Cummings, Assistant Vice President of Student Services.  “This additional articulation agreement is one more way SUNY Niagara is helping to set its students up for success after the completion of their degree.”    Whether students complete a few semesters at SUNY Niagara, or complete an entire degree or certificate, the Career and Transitional Services Department helps students navigate the transfer process.  For more information on academic programs at SUNY Niagara, visit niagaracc.suny.edu


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: sharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Niagara SBDC offers free workshops this fall

By News Archive

August 31, 2021 

The Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will present free entrepreneurial workshops this fall with the goal of enhancing business skills, as well as strengthening new or existing businesses.  Information provided in the sessions is geared towards assisting with starting, operating, or enhancing a small business, with a focus on job creation and retention in the local economy. The following sessions will be offered:

Entrepreneurship on Thursday, September 23 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Business Plans & Business Model Canvas on Thursday, September 30 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Budget and Recordkeeping on Thursday, October 7 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Social Media for Small Business on Thursday, October 14 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Marketing for Small Business on Thursday, October 21 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Understanding Your Financial Picture on Thursday, October 28 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Business Owner’s Insurance on Thursday, November 4 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Taxes and The Small Business on Thursday, November 11 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Leadership: Employee & Self-Motivation on Thursday, November 18 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Legal Help for Your Business on Thursday, December 2 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

All of the workshops will be held at SUNY Niagara, Room E-142, Sanborn, NY 14132.  A webinar option is available.  To register or to get additional details, call 716-210-2515 or email sbdc@niagaracc.suny.edu.  Visit the SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center website at www.niagarasbdc.org for more information.

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC


Media Contact Information

Barbara DeSimone
Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

SUNY Niagara Kicks Off Inaugural ESports Season with Launch Party

By News Archive

August 23, 2021 

The ESports industry is expected to pass the $1 billion mark by early 2022. SUNY Niagara will meet demand within the industry both on the creative side and on a competitive level for students. A newly renovated portion of SUNY Niagara’s cafeteria has been reconstructed and redesigned as the new Advanced Computing Lab, which will host computer programming courses as well as serve as a home base for SUNY Niagara’s ESports teams.

To celebrate, SUNY Niagara will host the official launch party on Wednesday, August 25 from 5-7PM at the Sanborn Campus in Room G-121C. Students, employees, alumni, and the public are welcome to attend and check out the new space. Guests can witness the ribbon cutting ceremony, watch and play live demonstrations of PC, console, and board games, and enjoy a complimentary hors d’oeuvres buffet.

SUNY Niagara’s Athletics and Student Life are actively recruiting registered students to join new ESports teams. Competitive games such as Fortnite, APEX Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Valorant, Counter Strike: Global Offensive, Rocket League, and Hearthstone. However, any game that a student has interest in will be considered when forming teams. The college is already nationally ranked and recognized by the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) for traditional athletics and will soon be adding ESports to their Division III competitions.

The new Advanced Computing Lab is equipped with more than 20 dual monitor stations, state-of-the-art gaming equipment including user-friendly keyboards, mice, lighting, and headphones. There are three 80-inch television monitors for console gaming as well as a gaming room atmosphere with climate control, room darkening capabilities, and Thunderwolves EGaming branded décor. The room will be staffed with an employee to aid students in the lab whether they are playing games or creating them. The lab will be home to SUNY Niagara’s ESports Teams as well as the Gaming and Anime Club outside of regularly scheduled classes.

For more information regarding the August 25 launch party or ESports, please contact Denyel Beiter at 716-614-5974 or dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

ESports lab

SUNY Niagara’s new Advanced Computing Lab is located in G121C on the Sanborn Campus. The lab will host advanced programming and computer courses, SUNY Niagara Athletics ESports teams, and the Gaming and Anime Club.

ESports lab


Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Distinguished Student Scholars

SUNY Niagara Foundation Announces Five Distinguished Student Scholars

By News Archive

August 20, 2021 

Five Niagara County high school students have been selected to receive the SUNY Niagara Foundation’s Distinguished Student Scholarship. This award is the most prestigious scholarship offered by the SUNY Niagara Foundation to incoming freshmen. It provides two years of tuition-free education to deserving students. The individuals were selected based on their academic excellence, service to the community, and loyalty to Niagara County.

Students were selected from Royalton-Hartland High School, Mercy Walker (Nursing) and Mackenzie White (Horticulture); North Tonawanda High School, Gina Krolewski (Fine Arts); Starpoint High School, Bridget Hersee (Criminal Justice); and Lewiston-Porter High School, Jillian Donovan (Accounting). “It is with great honor and happiness that I accept this award,” says Bridget. “I truly appreciate your generosity and am looking forward to starting at SUNY Niagara in the Fall!”

During the 2020-2021 academic year, over $175,000 was awarded to nearly 200 deserving students. Please visit the SUNY Niagara website at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships for a full listing of available scholarships. The deadline to apply for Spring 2022 is Friday, October 15, 2021.

The Distinguished Student Scholarship recipients are typically honored during the SUNY Niagara Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Gala. However, due to COVID-19, this year’s recipients will be honored at next year’s Foundation Scholarship Diamond Gala on Saturday, October 22, 2022, which kicks off SUNY Niagara’s 60th Anniversary! Instead, for this year only, guests are invited to join virtually throughout October to celebrate and invest in SUNY Niagara’s student scholarships and success! For more information, please contact the SUNY Niagara Foundation Office at 716-614-5910 or online at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala/.

From left to right: Jillian Donovan, Mercy Walker, Gina Krolewski, Mackenzie White, and Bridget Hersee.


Media Contact Information

Allison Korta
Assistant Director, Foundation
Phone: 716-614-5910
Email: akorta@niagaracc.suny.edu

John D Strong, Chief Diversity and Equity Officer

John D Strong Accepted in Lumen Circles Fellowship Program

By News Archive

August 16, 2021 

In an effort to connect with other faculty members and share best practices in teaching and supporting students, John D Strong will participate in the Lumen Circles Fellowship Program this fall.  The nine-week program is sponsored by the State University of New York (SUNY) Open Educational Resources (OER) in conjunction with the SUNY Center for Professional Development.

Strong, an Assistant Professor in Health and Physical Education and Personal Trainer Certificate Coordinator was appointed as Chief Diversity and Equity Officer in the fall of 2020.  In the Lumen Program, Strong will be focusing on the theme, Belonging & Inclusive Teaching Fundamentals.  This is one of six cohort groups participants in the program can select.  This focused theme will allow him to develop as a teacher by exploring evidence-based practices that support a diverse group of students, building on the strengths of each individual.  This experience will help him to develop his ability to engage students and help them to feel seen, respected, and included as capable partners in the learning process.  When asked what he’s hoping to learn from the Lumen Program, Strong states, “Ultimately, I’m looking to be the best teacher I can be, and offer the greatest access to information possible to as broad a student population as possible.”

Instructors at SUNY Niagara routinely take part in professional development opportunities both on campus and through SUNY.  “I appreciate the opportunity to grow as a professional and enhance the SUNY Niagara academic community.”  As both an Assistant Professor and the Chief Diversity and Equity Officer, Strong will be able to share his experience with others at SUNY Niagara, creating a more inclusive and effective learning environment for students of all backgrounds.

John D Strong, Chief Diversity and Equity Officer

John D Strong, Chief Diversity and Equity Officer


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

campus pantry

SUNY Niagara Announces New Student Campus Pantry Campaign

By News Archive

August 12, 2021 

SUNY Niagara will be relocating and expanding their existing Student Campus Pantry to accommodate new cold storage units. This upgraded area will make it possible to store more food and protein while combating food insecurity on campus.

Originally developed in Fall 2016, the SUNY Niagara Student Campus Pantry offers quality and nutritious emergency food to all SUNY Niagara students. It also works to raise awareness surrounding hunger issues and food insecurity, especially experienced by low-income college students. In addition, it encourages student engagement to foster a sense of community and service to peers on campus.

SUNY Niagara Student Life, in conjunction with the SUNY Niagara Foundation Office, is asking you to please donate to the Student Campus Pantry. Your donation will be utilized to purchase fresh foods such as; meat, dairy, vegetables, and fruit – along with providing the tools necessary to run a pantry with cold storage units. The funds will also offer additional benefits to students such as dietary accommodations, increased inventory, a safe space for Food Support Networks, and more.

Your donation of only $50 will feed an SUNY Niagara student 3 full meals per day for an entire week. You can also donate to feed a student for a month, a semester, or even a year! For more information or to donate, please visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/studentlife/campus-pantry-fundraising/. Donations can also be made over the phone at 716-614-6255 or through the mail to: College Association of SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132.

In addition to monetary donations, the SUNY Niagara Student Campus Pantry can also accept non-perishable food items. The students would greatly appreciate any of the following: breakfast items such as pancake mix, granola bars, and cereal, gluten-free or vegan items, pasta and pasta sauce, and quick meals such as mac n’ cheese, canned soup, and ramen.

If you have any questions, please contact SUNY Niagara Student Life Technical Assistant, Molly Cole, at 716-614-6263 or mcole@niagaracc.suny.edu.

campus pantry

Media Contact Information

Allison Korta
Foundation Assistant Director
Phone: 716-614-5910
Email: akorta@niagaracc.suny.edu

syringe

SUNY Niagara to Offer Free COVID Vaccine Clinic

By News Archive

August 11, 2021 

SUNY Niagara is pleased to partner with the Niagara County Department of Health to offer two COVID vaccine clinics that will be open to the public.  All eligible individuals 18 years and older may register for a timeslot either Wednesday, August 25 or Monday, August 30 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.  The clinic will be held in the SUNY Niagara Learning Commons, with parking available in the visitor lot directly in front of the building.  In addition to making an appointment in advance, those who attend must wear a mask while on campus and bring photo identification with them. 

SUNY Niagara is located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road in Sanborn, NY.  The following vaccines and appointment slots are available:

Wednesday, August 25, 2021
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Johnson and Johnson Single Dose: https://on.ny.gov/2VqI5ZJ
Pfizer: https://on.ny.gov/3A9IYEW

Monday, August 30, 2021
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Johnson and Johnson Single Dose: https://on.ny.gov/3A9HLgS
Pfizer: https://on.ny.gov/2Vtjm74

syringe

Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Niagara SBDC to Offer Free Webinar on Financial Basics

By News Archive

July 20, 2021 

The Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a free webinar, “Financial Basics for Small Businesses” on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event will cover a variety of topics, including recording keeping basics, financial statements, inventory basics, and more.  A question and answer session will be included as well to assist participants in enhancing and understanding the financial picture of their business.

To register for this webinar, or to find out more about other services offered by the SBDC, visit www.niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc or call 716-210-2515.  Advisors from the Niagara SBDC are available to assist clients over the phone, via email, and in online meetings.

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC

Individual participates in free webinar offered by the Niagara SBDC


Media Contact Information

Sara Harvey
Assistant Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-6220
Email: saharvey@niagaracc.suny.edu