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May 18
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SBDC logo

NCCC to Offer Free Webinar on Re-opening for Retail and Service Businesses

By News Archive

May 18, 2020

The Niagara County Community College (NCCC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in conjunction with NCCC Workforce Development, will hold a free online training workshop for Western New York businesses to help them prepare for reopening. The SBDC training will focus on retail and service businesses that will be reopening during the New York Phase-in process. Businesses will be responsible for the cleaning and disinfection of their operations as well as providing relevant Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and establishing proper social distancing. The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation is sponsoring this webinar – so there is no cost to participate.

The objective of this course is to provide accurate information relating to COVID-19 and simple steps that businesses can take to avoid spreading the disease within the workplace. This interactive web-based training provides opportunities for attendees to engage in informative Q&A’s.  “This is a great training for businesses who are unsure of the current standards and who want to prepare their plan for reopening their business”, states Lynn Oswald, Director of the NCCC SBDC. The instructor is a safety certified trainer and is up-to-date on regulatory changes issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and New York State.

The webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 27 from 9am -11:30am. The presentation will be repeated later the same day from 1-3:30pm. You must register for the webinar by calling 716-210-2515.

NCCC Workforce Development is hosting a similar training program aimed at helping manufacturers. For a small fee, WNY manufacturers will receive expert instruction on re-opening issues specific to a production facility. Additional training will be announced in the near future for restaurant and hospitality operations.

For more information, please call NCCC SBDC at 716-210-2515 or visit the website: http://www.NiagaraSBDC.org

Media Contact Information

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

May 15
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Healthcare professional wearing surgical mask

NCCC to Offer PPE Training for Manufacturing Industry

By News Archive

May 15, 2020

The Niagara County Community College (NCCC) Workforce Development Department in conjunction with the NCCC Small Business Development Center will offer virtual training classes for businesses throughout Western New York to prepare for reopening. This awareness level training is geared for employees that will be returning to the workplace and may be responsible for the cleaning and disinfection of their workspace. The objective of this course is to raise the awareness of COVID-19 with information and simple steps that employees can take to avoid spreading the disease within the workplace or at home. This interactive web-based training provides many opportunities for students to engage in informative Q&A’s.   “This is a great training for businesses who are unsure of the current standards and who want to be prepared with a plan for how to reopen their business”, according to Karen Kwandrans, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The instructors are all safety-certified trainers and are up-to-date on regulatory changes issued by the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).”

Presentations are industry-specific and the first set of courses will be focused on the manufacturing industry. The online classes for the manufacturing industry will be offered on the following days and times:

May 27th 8-10:30am
May 27th 1-3:30pm
May 28th 8-10:30am
May 28th 1-3:30pm

NCCC Workforce Development is committed to education and the advancement of our local economy. “I think it is important to keep the costs low for our area employers as they begin to reopen, so the cost of training is $40 per person for the two and half-hour class”, said Kwandrans.

Additional training will be announced in other areas including training for the retail industry and the hospitality industry.  For more information, please call NCCC Workforce Development at 716-614-6236 or visit the website www.niagaracc.suny.edu/wd/.

Media Contact Information

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

May 13
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Morning Thunder

NCCC to Launch “Morning Thunder” Podcast

By News Archive
NCCC podcast co-host, Madison Ebsary, shows off her recording studio. Denise Prohaska virtually speaks with a guest on the latest episode of Morning Thunder.

NCCC podcast co-host, Madison Ebsary, shows off her recording studio. Denise Prohaska virtually speaks with a guest on the latest episode of Morning Thunder.

May 13, 2020

With social distancing measures taking place across the globe, Niagara County Community College seeks to safely connect students to faculty members in new ways. Zoom meetings, virtual classes, conference calls, and utilizing social media accounts are the new settings for academic and social encounters, but NCCC’s latest bridge to students comes in the form of a new podcast, “Morning Thunder.”

The founder and co-host of this creative podcast is NCCC Admissions Counselor, Denise Prohaska. Her co-host, Madison Ebsary, Coordinator of the Academic Center for Excellence, also brings a wealth of information and discussion topics to each episode.  In addition, while he may not have a lot to say, Tripp the Thunderwolf, NCCC’s beloved mascot, played an instrumental role in giving the podcast its unique name.

“Morning Thunder,” according to Ebsary, seeks to “Connect with NCCC students and provide a means of communication during this unique time in history.” She adds, “Our primary audience is our current NCCC students, but depending on the episode, we hope that employees, alumni, and the community will enjoy it, as well.”

Prohaska further explains, “This tool will allow us to remain current and in touch with our NCCC community.  We have such an amazing group of people on our staff who have expertise, experience, and knowledge to share.  Plus, with Madison as our interviewer, she brings out the best in our guests and creates a warm, open, inviting podcast. Our audience can listen to this information at any time or in any place.  ‘Morning Thunder’ will surely help all of us stay NCCC Strong.”

The range of topics are diverse and have already included a discussion with campus counselors about mental health practices, tips on prepping for finals with on-site academic coaches, and the impact of grades on students’ transferability and Financial Aid. Future episodes are currently being recorded and will include speaking to Program Coordinator, Aaron Cobaugh, about the Animal Management degree and his thoughts on the Netflix hit, “Tiger King.” Also in the works: a discussion about Workforce Development opportunities with Director Karen Kwandrans.

You can listen to “Morning Thunder” at your convenience by visiting the NCCC website at http://niagaracc.suny.edu/morning-thunder/ or by listening on the podcast platform, Spreaker, at https://www.spreaker.com/show/morning-thunder-nccc-podcast. The college community, especially students, are encouraged to email ace@niagaracc.suny.edu to pitch ideas about topics they’d like to hear.

Media Contact Information

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

May 08
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NCCC student on computer

NCCC’s Workforce Development Program to Offer Google IT Training

By News Archive

May 8, 2020

The Workforce Development Department at Niagara County Community College is training individuals who are looking for new opportunities, especially those who seek to work from home. Registration is currently open for Google’s Information Technology (IT) Support Professional Certificate, developed by Google itself. The program can prepare learners for entry-level jobs in IT settings and graduates of the program could work in a range of environments from small businesses to globalized firms, in-person or remotely. The virtual program kicks off on June 15. Interested parties can enroll now by visiting http://niagaracc.suny.edu/wd/comp-training/.

This non-credit bearing course can be completed in under 12 months and prior Information Technology experience is not required. The program includes five parts which explore troubleshooting, customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, and security. The course utilizes a dynamic mix of video lectures, quizzes, and hands-on labs. Participants who enroll through NCCC’s Workforce Development Office will be led by an instructor instead of a self-taught format which is offered in other regions.

“Because many jobs in IT can be done from home, presently and through the coming months, now is the perfect time to enroll in the Google IT Certificate program at Niagara County Community College. In our current state, the Workforce Development Department is looking to offer new and in-demand training. This particular course will teach people new skills and will help create opportunities for those who need to shift careers, in turn helping to keep our economy moving,” explains Karen Kwandrans, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. Karen adds, “Another exciting component is that the program is eligible for tuition funding through Niagara’s WorkSourceOne.” Without tuition assistance, the Google IT Support Professional Certificate is $1,500.

For more information about the Google IT Support Professional Certificate or other Continuing Professional Education, community classes, personal enrichment activities, and non-degree programs to meet your career goals, call NCCC’s Workforce Development Department at 716-614-6236.

Media Contact Information

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

May 07
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100% All In!

NCCC Athletics Department Kicks Off 100% All In Campaign

By News Archive

May 7, 2020

COVID-19 has been the toughest opponent to date for Niagara County Community College (NCCC) and its award-winning athletic department. The ongoing pandemic has forced NCCC to cancel the 18th annual Roy E. Sommer Memorial Scholarship Golf Scramble, which was scheduled for Monday, June 22 at the Niagara Frontier Country Club.  Although it is anticipated that the golf tournament will resume next summer, the NCCC Athletic Department is asking for your help in funding athletic scholarships for the upcoming academic year.

The 100% All In campaign is an opportunity to help scholarship-level programs continue to bring in student-athletes that the campus, community, and supporters can be proud of and recognize.  Our championship-level men’s and women’s basketball programs have been nationally ranked, regionally recognized and among the best at helping student-athletes move on to four-year schools.

For a donation of $100, you will be mailed a complimentary Thunderwolves polo and you will help fulfill the dreams of future athletes at NCCC.  For more information and to make your donation online, visit the website: http://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/alumni/allin/

Media Contact Information

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

May 01
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Laura Scaletta teaching

New Psychology degree taught by published faculty at NCCC

By News Archive

May 1, 2020

The newest addition to the catalog of programs at Niagara County Community College is a Psychology, Associate in Science degree.  This degree is offered in both a traditional classroom format and online as well. The online courses give students the opportunity to earn their degree with a flexible schedule and learning environment.

The Psychology curriculum has been curated for students who are interested in the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The program was designed by a team of outstanding staff and advisors from the Humanities and Social Sciences department who also teach the Psychology courses. Committed to life-long learning, NCCC’s exemplary Psychology faculty members bring decades of research and field experience to the classroom. Professor of Psychology and Program Coordinator, Laura Scaletta, was recently involved with the production of a new textbook, Psychology in Your Life (Third Edition) by Grison and Gazzaniga, published by W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. She contributed as a principle reviewer for the book and web-based resources.  In addition, Scaletta’s work as a professor at NCCC was featured on the Northeast Psychology Regional document, “Northeast Students Love InQuizitive for Psychology,” a resource that is disseminated to all colleges and universities across the United States.

The Psychology program is currently growing with the expansion of faculty and essential Psychology courses on the horizon. The curriculum currently offers introductory classes in general psychology as well as advanced subjects that investigate abnormal, developmental, social psychology, as well as methods of scientific inquiry. Graduates are prepared to transfer into baccalaureate programs with an aim to become counselors, therapists, psychologists, and researchers.

For more information regarding NCCC’s Psychology program and the College’s 60 other degree and certificate opportunities, please visit http://niagaracc.suny.edu/.

Media Contact Information

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

Apr 29
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Small Business Association (SBA) representatives with SBDC Director Lynn Oswald (center)

Niagara SBDC receives grant as part of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation’s COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund

By News Archive

April 29, 2020

On Monday, April 27, 2020, the Niagara County Community College (NCCC) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) was awarded a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. The grant award total was $36,300.00, part of the Foundation’s COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund. Thanks to this timely funding award, the Niagara SBDC will be able to offer Niagara County businesses emergency relief services. These services include expert consultation on E-Commerce development, free participation in a multiple-part small business crisis management webinar series, and individual advisement on enhanced marketing sales techniques. Through this project, the Niagara SBDC anticipates supporting as many as 120 local small businesses.

The Niagara SBDC remains open remotely through the COVID-19 pandemic, assisting clients over the phone, via email, and in online meetings.  For more information on how the Niagara SBDC can assist you, and to get details on the COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund, call 716-210-2515 or visit http://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/sbdc/

Media Contact Information

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

Apr 29
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Mt. St. Mary’s staff members thank NCCC Class of 2020 and Tops Friendly Markets.

NCCC Class of 2020 “chips” in to sweeten the day of local heroes

By News Archive

April 29, 2020

Students at Niagara County Community College (NCCC) are still adjusting to a new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Virtual learning has replaced in-person instruction and plans for major milestones like commencement are being postponed in order to keep the community safe and healthy.  The typical celebratory feeling surrounding the end of the college semester has a different vibe this year, but NCCC’s Class of 2020 is not letting this pandemic dampen their spirits.  Graduates are finding new ways to come together and share the joy with others through social media posts, virtual concerts, live cooking demonstrations, and most recently by way of a sweet offering to healthcare heroes, volunteers, and first responders in the area.

In an effort coordinated by NCCC’s class of 2020, thousands of custom cookies are being made and packaged through a partnership with Tops Friendly Markets.  The cookies will be distributed to local hospitals, nursing homes, firehouses, EMT services, the Niagara County Health Department, and police stations in Niagara County as a small gesture of gratitude.  Tayllor Clark, Student Senate President and member of NCCC’s Class of 2020 expressed her appreciation for those working to keep the community safe and healthy, “It is important for our students to honor their efforts because, without these individuals, there would be countless more people suffering from this illness. These front line individuals are important to our life in society every day, but even more so today.”

Some of these cookies will be presented to former students and NCCC alumni, bringing the goodwill full circle.  “NCCC has trained many healthcare professionals working in the region to combat COVID-19, including Mount St. Mary’s Hospital and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.  Our graduates are using skills learned through classroom, lab, and clinical experiences to make a difference in our community daily, but the impact of their efforts is especially important now,” says Dr. Diane Pytlik-Flammia, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for Nursing and Allied Health.

NCCC’s contribution of cookies is just one of many efforts to support healthcare workers by colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system.  This movement, #SUNYTOGETHER led by Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson is also raising funds for personal protective equipment and medical research to assist with the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to the encouragement received from SUNY, NCCC is also relying on local leaders for guidance through this pandemic.  “Niagara County has been very supportive in providing leadership during this time.  We are thankful to the Niagara County Health Department for providing assistance in identifying essential workers and the Niagara County Sheriff’s deputies who are going above and beyond the call of duty to distribute cookies as a token of our appreciation,” says NCCC President William J. Murabito.

“I think it is fantastic that the NCCC graduates are making the most of a difficult situation and thinking of the workers on the front line of this pandemic.  As an NCCC alum, I wish them well as they move onto a new stage in their life,” says Acting Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti.

“Tops philosophy is Neighbors Helping Neighbors so we were honored and excited when we learned of the opportunity to partner with NCCC to provide the heroes of our community with a special treat and token of our appreciation for their service,” said Karri Zwirlein, director of the bakery, deli & prepared foods for Tops Friendly Markets.

Over 18,000 cookies will be distributed to these essential employees over the course of the next couple of days.  This extra boost of sugar and positive vibes is one small way to keep energy and spirits up for what may be the long road ahead.

Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston received custom cookies that were donated by NCCC’s Class of 2020 and Tops Friendly Markets
Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston received custom cookies that were donated by NCCC’s Class of 2020 and Tops Friendly Markets
Mt. St. Mary’s staff members thank NCCC Class of 2020 and Tops Friendly Markets.

Media Contact Information

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

Apr 21
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Student Showcase

NCCC Student Showcase is virtually remarkable

By News Archive

April 21, 2020

The Niagara County Community College (NCCC) Student Showcase has become an annual tradition, featuring students working with the help of Faculty mentors to create projects highlighting every division on campus.  In its third year, the Showcase was not able to be held on campus due to COVID-19, but that did not stop organizers from pushing forward in a virtual format.  “Knowing how much time and passion students pour into these projects, it seemed wasteful not to find a way to give the public at least a taste of what the students intended. Once presented with the new format, many students chose to add additional materials to their posters and abstracts so the public would understand the project’s real intention,” says Dr. Matthew Clarcq, Professor and Chairperson of the Student Showcase.

In the past, NCCC employees contributed donations that funded monetary prizes for winners in each category.   With the complexity of trying to assess projects remotely this year, and judges determined that all twenty-four participants deserved an equal cut of the prize money.  This additional income is likely a welcome boost for financially strapped college students, and well-deserved for the extra effort required to complete projects outside of their normal classroom assignments.

One additional prize will be awarded in the “People’s Choice” category, with the winner receiving $250.  The public is invited to view submissions for the Student Showcase and vote on their favorite entry through Friday, May 1, 2020 by visiting: http://niagaracc.suny.edu/showcase/

Media Contact Information

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

Apr 17
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student on computer

NCCC extends remote learning into the summer

By News Archive

April 17, 2020

In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Niagara County Community College (NCCC) will continue to deliver all courses through virtual modes of distance learning for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester and for the first session of summer courses as well.  The first of NCCC’s summer sessions run from May 26-July 7th and the full term summer session runs from May 26th through August 18th with both sessions being online.  The modality of a later 6-week module starting on July 8th is still undecided. The extension of remote instruction will include final exams/evaluations, which will be taken online or through a remote learning method determined by instructors.

This decision to keep students off-campus is in line with what most other colleges are planning in response to future uncertainty caused by COVID-19.  “NCCC’s highest priority is the health and well-being of our community, and we are following guidance from SUNY and our local Health Department officials in all decisions,” says NCCC President William Murabito.  For more information on summer course offerings at NCCC, visit: http://niagaracc.suny.edu/.

Media Contact Information

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