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Jun 02
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Campus aerial photo

President Murabito Sends Statement to SUNY Niagara Community On Death of George Floyd

By News Archive

June 2, 2020

SUNY Niagara President Dr. William J. Murabito has issued a statement to employees and students about the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and protests across the nation. His email letter reads as follows:

“Dear SUNY Niagara Community,

This past week, we witnessed another appalling act of violence against a person of color in the police officer’s involvement in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Our hearts go out to Mr. Floyd’s family and to the many others whose lives he touched. This incident has raised profound and troubling questions about violence and social inequity in our society — issues that are critical for us to explore, teach about, research, study, and find a way to comprehend in our individual lives.   Although this senseless act was committed halfway across the country it seems to have affected everyone, including our campus community.  It is a reminder to us all that these unfortunate events can happen in any city and community.  

While we all are experiencing pain, anger and frustration over this terrible incident, we must remember the importance of keeping protests peaceful so that we can communicate our thoughts effectively and gain awareness.  Destructive action only serves to detract from the issues at hand.  In the SUNY Niagara mission statement, one of our institutional learning outcomes is that “SUNY Niagara graduates should demonstrate global awareness, civic engagement, appreciation of differences and diversity, civility, ethics, and aesthetics.”  I am confident during these dark days, we will show our commitment to this core value, and support healing, meaningful action, and working together for a better tomorrow.”

Media Contact Information

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

Jun 01
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SBDC logo

SUNY Niagara to Offer Free Webinar on Training for Re-opening Restaurants

By News Archive

June 1, 2020

The SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in conjunction with Workforce Development, will hold training for Western New York restaurants to help them prepare for reopening. The SBDC training will focus on restaurant 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 is 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 SUNY Niagara 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, June 3, 2020 from 9am -11:30am. The presentation will be repeated live later the same day from 1-3:30pm.  To register for the webinar and for more information, please call SUNY Niagara SBDC at 716-210-2515 or visit the website: http://www.niagarasbdc.org click on the “Training” tab for more details.

Media Contact Information

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

Jun 01
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Spring 2020 Dean's List

SUNY Niagara Announces Spring Dean’s List

By News Archive

June 1, 2020

A total of 819 students were recently recognized for their outstanding academic achievements for the spring 2020 semester at SUNY Niagara.  Both full- and part-time students were honored for their scholastic successes by being named to the Dean’s List or the Part-Time Honors list.

To be named to the College’s Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time with 12 or more credit hours and have achieved a semester grade point average of 3.5 or better. Students are ineligible if they have incomplete course work, a grade of S, U, W, or a grade below C.

To be eligible for the Part-Time Honors list, a student must be enrolled in six to 11 hours of course work and have a semester GPA of 3.5 or better. Students are ineligible if they have incomplete course work, a grade of S, U, W, or a grade below C.

Media Contact Information

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

May 26
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Tayllor Clark, SUNY Niagara Student Senate President

SUNY Niagara hosts virtual commencement celebration for grads

By News Archive

May 26, 2020

On Saturday, May 23, 2020, SUNY Niagara hosted a virtual commencement celebration for the Class of 2020, recognizing over 900 graduates.  The pre-recorded video allowed graduates to submit a photo of themselves, future plans, and messages of appreciation to friends and family.  Additionally, the video included remarks from SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson, and SUNY Niagara President William Murabito.  “You have already made history by being the first class at SUNY Niagara to ever have a virtual commencement ceremony.  Now you can start the next part of your life knowing you are flexible, you can overcome challenges and you can thrive in the face of adversity,” said President Murabito.

As Student Senate President and recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, and the 2020 President’s Medallion honoree for involvement at SUNY Niagara, Tayllor Clark congratulated her peers noting she had made lifelong friends at SUNY Niagara and her studies at the College were just the beginning of her journey to a lifelong career.  While students were not physically able to be together to celebrate their accomplishments, a virtual watch party was held via Facebook so graduates, their friends, and family could view the ceremony simultaneously and make comments in real-time.

The administration at SUNY Niagara is still hopeful that graduates will be able to celebrate in-person at a later date when social distancing and health restrictions are anticipated to loosen, but it was agreed that marking the end of the semester and all of the notable accomplishments of the Class of 2020 should be done virtually before students move on to four-year institutions or careers in their field.  For anyone who missed the watch party, the video can be accessed online at http://niagaracc.suny.edu/commencement/.

Media Contact Information

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

May 20
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Jerry Truesdell

SUNY Niagara Math Professor Publishes Virus-Related Textbook

By News Archive

May 20, 2020

SUNY Niagara Mathematics Professor Jerry Truesdell has published a new textbook entitled, “The Mathematics of Virus Spread for Beginners.”  This 12-chapter, the 100-page book uses pre-calculus fundamentals to illustrate models for virus spread, including the Susceptible, Infected, and Recovered (SIR) model. When classes at SUNY Niagara went virtual during the spring 2020 semester, the book was created to cover the last five units in his pre-calculus course. Truesdell shares, “We do a section on modeling with exponential functions, so I developed this as a substitute during the pandemic.”

In addition to the book being used in Truesdell’s classes, it is also being taught in an SUNY Niagara College Acceleration Program (CAP) course by Brother Joseph Wilkowski, Ph.D., at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute.  CAP is a cooperative agreement of the State University of New York (SUNY) colleges and high schools. The program allows high school students to take college courses for both high school and college credit. Truesdell made copies of his book available for free for participating CAP partnerships. Wilkowski describes the book as, “A well-designed study of how an epidemiological model is created. Starting with the simple exponential model, the book progresses through more complicated, yet realistic ones and eventually develops a model that is surprisingly accurate. It is an excellent application of pre-calculus to the real world.”

With the hope that students will learn more than pre-calculus theorems from his book, Truesdell also wants to inspire real-life application. He explains, “Students rarely get to do modeling with any degree of sophistication right out of high school.” Within the book, Truesdell breaks down advanced mathematical language and pairs his simplified version with the most culturally relevant topic of 2020: the pandemic. In addition to teaching his students the formulas needed to read and create these virus-related models and graphs, students are simultaneously learning scientific and epidemiological terms.

Along with other published and award-winning instructors, Truesdell is part of the faculty body bringing excellence in education to students at SUNY Niagara. Truesdell’s textbook, “The Mathematics of Virus Spread for Beginners” is expected to be available for purchase by early June through Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Events Coordinator
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

May 18
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SBDC logo

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

By News Archive

May 18, 2020

The SUNY Niagara Small Business Development Center (SBDC), in conjunction with SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara 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.

SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara 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

SUNY Niagara to Offer PPE Training for Manufacturing Industry

By News Archive

May 15, 2020

The SUNY Niagara Workforce Development Department in conjunction with the SUNY Niagara 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

SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara 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

SUNY Niagara to Launch “Morning Thunder” Podcast

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

SUNY Niagara 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, SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara’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 SUNY Niagara 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, SUNY Niagara’s beloved mascot, played an instrumental role in giving the podcast its unique name.

“Morning Thunder,” according to Ebsary, seeks to “Connect with SUNY Niagara students and provide a means of communication during this unique time in history.” She adds, “Our primary audience is our current SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara 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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SUNY Niagara student on computer

SUNY Niagara’s Workforce Development Program to Offer Google IT Training

By News Archive

May 8, 2020

The Workforce Development Department at SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara’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 SUNY Niagara. 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 SUNY Niagara’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!

SUNY Niagara Athletics Department Kicks Off 100% All In Campaign

By News Archive

May 7, 2020

COVID-19 has been the toughest opponent to date for SUNY Niagara and its award-winning athletic department. The ongoing pandemic has forced SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara.  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