Sanborn, N.Y. – SUNY Niagara celebrates two outstanding students, Kaitlyn Goss and Brooke Wells, named recipients of the 2024 Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence (CASE). Goss and Wells were honored at an awards ceremony in Albany on April 11 hosted by SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr.
The CASE is SUNY’s highest honor for academic excellence and leadership. It recognizes students for outstanding achievements throughout their SUNY experience in areas including academics, leadership, campus involvement,
community service and the arts. Goss enrolled at SUNY Niagara in the fall of 2021 and will graduate this May with
an associate degree in radiologic technology. She currently holds a 3.68 GPA and identifies as a woman over 30 returning to school to make a difference in the lives of others.
Wells will graduate from SUNY Niagara this May with an associate degree in nursing. Upon graduation, she will be employed at Rochester General Hospital in the nurse residency program for emergency nursing. She has plans to further her education by enrolling in a SUNY bachelor’s degree program in the next year. Obtaining a degree is a major accomplishment as she will become the first member of her family to do so.
“I am absolutely thrilled to congratulate Kaitlyn and Brooke on receiving this prestigious award. They represent the best of SUNY Niagara through their dedication to academic, personal and professional growth,” said SUNY Niagara
President Dr. William J. Murabito.
Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara sits at number 10 in Nursingprocess.org’s ranking of New York’s best associate degrees in nursing. Nursingprocess.org is an online resource helping students navigate nursing education and career pathways.
Nursingprocess.org considers factors such as the program’s academic quality, National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) pass rate and affordability to create their rankings. They specifically cited SUNY Niagara’s NCLEX-RN pass rate, graduation rate and the availability of local clinical experience as reasons for their top-10 ranking.
“This ranking is a testament to our phenomenal faculty who are passionate about nursing and delivering the best possible education to our students,” said SUNY Niagara Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Pytlik-Flammia. “The SUNY Niagara nursing program ensures our students enter the dynamic field of healthcare with the tools needed to succeed from day one.”
SUNY Niagara’s nursing program boasted a 94.94 percent NCLEX-RN pass rate for 2023. The program’s 2023 National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) pass rate was 87.50 percent. For more information on the nursing, physical and allied health division at SUNY Niagara, please visit: https://niagaracc.suny.edu/nh/
Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara student Kaytelynn Alsup has been selected as a recipient of the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Excellence. Alsup will be recognized at the fifth annual recognition ceremony on April 18 in Troy, New York.
The Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award is the highest SUNY honor for EOP students. The award recognizes EOP students who have shown positive academic trajectories despite challenges faced during their academic careers.
The SUNY EOP provides access, academic support and financial aid to students who are historically underserved or underrepresented. SUNY Niagara currently has 37 students enrolled in EOP.
“The EOP at SUNY Niagara is dedicated to helping students in the face of challenges to achieve academic excellence,” said SUNY Niagara EOP Director Angela Jackson. “Kaytelynn exemplifies the spirit of the EOP program. This award is a testament to her dedication to her own academic prowess and commitment to SUNY Niagara.”
Alsup will be honored alongside 52 other EOP students at the awards ceremony on April 18. For more information on the EOP at SUNY Niagara please visit: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/eop/
Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara is pleased to announce the promotion of 10 faculty members:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Bridget Beilein, assistant to associate professor
• Joseph Schmidt, associate to professor
Business and STEM
• Melissa Moore, instructor to assistant professor
• Demetrius Sarigiannis, assistant to associate professor
Hospitality, Baking and Culinary Arts
• Daniel DiPirro, instructor to assistant professor
• Nate Koscielski, assistant to associate professor
• Benjamin Loomis, instructor to assistant professor
• John Pope, instructor to assistant professor
• Seana Sullivan, instructor to assistant professor
Nursing, Physical and Allied Health
• Kareen Klettke, assistant to associate professor
In addition to being promoted, Sarigiannias, DiPirro, Loomis and Pope have all been granted tenure.
“SUNY Niagara has a tremendous faculty group working to enrich the lives of our students, day in and day out,” said SUNY Niagara President Dr. William J. Murabito. “Receiving these honors will affirm their dedication to providing the best education possible for our students.”
Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara is pleased to announce the launch of its new electronics technology program for the fall 2024 semester. This program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in the field of electronics with courses curated to target skill sets used by modern electrical technicians.
“SUNY Niagara prides itself in providing education within growing fields of study,” said SUNY Niagara Vice President of Academic Affairs Lydia Ulatowski. “By adding electronics technology to our already strong program offerings, we are making a commitment to evolving with the ever-changing needs of our students.”
The curriculum of the electronics technology program will cover a broad range of topics, such as:
analyzing electrical circuit diagrams and systems.
constructing electrical circuits from schematic diagrams.
analyzing, testing and diagnosing faults using the appropriate measurement techniques and adjust the equipment.
designing electrical circuits and systems from given data and specifications.
understanding an applied knowledge of electrical theory and electronic components including programmable devices to perform equipment installation, test, and evaluation.
Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara has announced the launch of a national search for its eighth president, who will succeed Dr. William Murabito upon his retirement on June 30, 2024. The college’s board of trustees has appointed Kevin Clark, chair of the SUNY Niagara board of trustees, to lead the search. Rounding out the search committee are:
Kaelyn Ashton-Wells, SUNY Niagara student
Lindsey Bax, faculty member
Josh Blumberg, assistant vice president of academic affairs
Michael Capizzi, community member
William Ching’anda, SUNY Niagara College Association board member
Matthew Clarcq, faculty member
Louis Fontana, student housing board member
Michael Freedman, community member
Gregory Hood, community member
Veda Jauch, SUNY Niagara student
Stephen Kydd, technical support personnel association representative
Jean Linn, library director
Elizabeth Sachs, SUNY Niagara Faculty Senate president
Laura Scarpelli, faculty member
Sheila Smith, SUNY Niagara trustee
Shawn Thompson, alumnus
James Turner, SUNY Niagara Foundation board president
Gail Tylec, SUNY Niagara trustee
Kelly Walck, educational support personnel association representative
Rebecca Wydysh, Niagara County Legislature chair
The committee will work in conjunction with search firm RH Perry & Associates and will adhere to the SUNY presidential search policy guidelines. The search committee represents the diversity found in the SUNY Niagara community.
The college expects to complete its presidential search in April 2024. Dr. Murabito will be available to facilitate the transition, introduce the new president to the campus and support the new leader through their first months in office.
Dr. Murabito became the institution’s seventh president in 2019 after having served in an interim role for two years. Under his leadership, SUNY Niagara has seen substantial upgrades to campus facilities. He directed completion of the $25 million Learning Commons, which is a focal point of academic and social activity, in 2018. Recently the college broke ground on an $8.3 million building to house the Niagara County Law Enforcement Agency’s programs.
Information and timeline information regarding the search will be periodically updated at niagaracc.suny.edu.
Sanborn, NY – SUNY Niagara has announced the launch of a national search for its eighth president, who will succeed Dr. William Murabito upon his retirement on June 30, 2024. The college’s board of trustees has appointed Kevin Clark, chair of the SUNY Niagara board of trustees, to lead the search. Rounding out the search committee are:
Kaelyn Ashton-Wells, SUNY Niagara student
Lindsey Bax, faculty member
Josh Blumberg, assistant vice president of academic affairs
Michael Capizzi, community member
William Ching’anda, SUNY Niagara College Association board member
Matthew Clarcq, faculty member
Louis Fontana, student housing board member
Michael Freedman, community member
Gregory Hood, community member
Veda Jauch, SUNY Niagara student
Stephen Kydd, technical support personnel association representative
Jean Linn, library director
Elizabeth Sachs, SUNY Niagara Faculty Senate president
Laura Scarpelli, faculty member
Sheila Smith, SUNY Niagara trustee
Shawn Thompson, alumnus
James Turner, SUNY Niagara Foundation board president
Gail Tylec, SUNY Niagara trustee
Kelly Walck, educational support personnel association representative
Rebecca Wydysh, Niagara County Legislature chair
The committee will work in conjunction with search firm RH Perry & Associates and will adhere to the SUNY presidential search policy guidelines. The search committee represents the diversity found in the SUNY Niagara community.
The college expects to complete its presidential search in April 2024. Dr. Murabito will be available to facilitate the transition, introduce the new president to the campus and support the new leader through their first months in office.
Dr. Murabito became the institution’s seventh president in 2019 after having served in an interim role for two years. Under his leadership, SUNY Niagara has seen substantial upgrades to campus facilities. He directed completion of the $25 million Learning Commons, which is a focal point of academic and social activity, in 2018. Recently the college broke ground on an $8.3 million building to house the Niagara County Law Enforcement Agency’s programs.
Information and timeline information regarding the search will be periodically updated at niagaracc.suny.edu.
Gingerbread Wonderland will return to the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) from November 25 through December 17. Events will run Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. The public is welcome to check out the colorful, giant gingerbread masterpiece, constructed by the talented students and chefs of the Baking and Pastry Arts program.
Gingerbread Wonderland also offers a variety of holiday themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can experience live music, face painting, cookie decorating, crafts, children’s story times, and even visits with Santa Claus himself! Admission is free and festive activity sets are available to purchase for $10. Each set includes two delicious cookies with supplies to decorate them, two crafts, two coloring sheets with crayons, and two letters to Santa.
The annual gingerbread competition will also return to this year’s schedule of events. All are welcome to enter as we offer professional, amateur, high school, college, and children’s categories. Entry forms are due by November 27 and all physical entries must be brought to NFCI, located at 28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, on Thursday, November 30 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
In addition to the holiday fun inside NFCI, Jingle Falls USA will also provide activities on Old Falls Street outside of the building on November 24 through November 26. Gingerbread Wonderland and Jingle Falls events are free and open to the public. For more information about the Gingerbread Wonderland or to sign up for the gingerbread competition, please visit our website at: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nfci/gingerbread/.
Gingerbread Wonderland will return to the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) from November 25 through December 17. Events will run Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. The public is welcome to check out the colorful, giant gingerbread masterpiece, constructed by the talented students and chefs of the Baking and Pastry Arts program.
Gingerbread Wonderland also offers a variety of holiday themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can experience live music, face painting, cookie decorating, crafts, children’s story times, and even visits with Santa Claus himself! Admission is free and festive activity sets are available to purchase for $10. Each set includes two delicious cookies with supplies to decorate them, two crafts, two coloring sheets with crayons, and two letters to Santa.
The annual gingerbread competition will also return to this year’s schedule of events. All are welcome to enter as we offer professional, amateur, high school, college, and children’s categories. Entry forms are due by November 27 and all physical entries must be brought to NFCI, located at 28 Old Falls Street, Niagara Falls, on Thursday, November 30 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
In addition to the holiday fun inside NFCI, Jingle Falls USA will also provide activities on Old Falls Street outside of the building on November 24 through November 26. Gingerbread Wonderland and Jingle Falls events are free and open to the public. For more information about the Gingerbread Wonderland or to sign up for the gingerbread competition, please visit our website at: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nfci/gingerbread/.
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh, Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti and SUNY Niagara President William Murabito will host a ceremonial groundbreaking on July 25 for the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy training facility. The event will take place on SUNY Niagara’s Sanborn campus at 1 p.m.
“The Niagara County Legislature recognizes that we are very fortunate to have such a tremendous Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Filicetti, keeping our communities safe and we want to do all we can to support them,” said Wydysh. “When the Sheriff and SUNY Niagara leaders approached us about providing funding for a state-of-the-art law enforcement academy that would provide the best training available for those entering our local law enforcement agencies, the Legislature was quick to jump on board. We appreciate those who choose to pursue a career in law enforcement and this academy is an investment in them.”
Filicetti emphasized the importance of comprehensive preparation for all who enter law enforcement. “The expectations on the women and men in law enforcement have never been higher and the way we meet and exceed those expectations is through our training,” he said. “So, for recruits who attend the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy, we are putting together a facility that will have cutting-edge training, will provide simulations of real-world situations and will ultimately prepare them for a very challenging but rewarding career.
The sheriff also acknowledged the collaboration that moved the project forward. “I cannot say enough about the tremendous partnership between Niagara County Legislature, SUNY Niagara and the Sheriff’s Office,” said Filicetti. “When we relocated the NCLEA a few years ago, we did so with a vision to create a modern, dynamic academy to train our future law enforcement personnel, and today’s groundbreaking is the first step in that direction.”
“This new space will ensure that law enforcement education here in Niagara County is unparalleled within our region for years to come. Cadets who come here will receive training that incorporates the latest in technology and practice,” said Murabito. “The academy will create some fantastic opportunities for SUNY Niagara students pursuing degrees in criminal justice.”
Construction of the 15,000 square-foot building began this past spring. The building, located on the north side of the college’s campus, will feature classrooms with movable walls, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a reality-based training room and a use of force simulator. College officials anticipate that it will open in 2024.
The architect is LaBella Associates D.P.C, and the general contractor is Picone Construction. Other contractors involved with the project include D. V. Brown & Associates, Mollenberg-Betz Inc., and Frey Electric.
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh, Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti and SUNY Niagara President William Murabito will host a ceremonial groundbreaking on July 25 for the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy training facility. The event will take place on SUNY Niagara’s Sanborn campus at 1 p.m.
“The Niagara County Legislature recognizes that we are very fortunate to have such a tremendous Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Filicetti, keeping our communities safe and we want to do all we can to support them,” said Wydysh. “When the Sheriff and SUNY Niagara leaders approached us about providing funding for a state-of-the-art law enforcement academy that would provide the best training available for those entering our local law enforcement agencies, the Legislature was quick to jump on board. We appreciate those who choose to pursue a career in law enforcement and this academy is an investment in them.”
Filicetti emphasized the importance of comprehensive preparation for all who enter law enforcement. “The expectations on the women and men in law enforcement have never been higher and the way we meet and exceed those expectations is through our training,” he said. “So, for recruits who attend the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy, we are putting together a facility that will have cutting-edge training, will provide simulations of real-world situations and will ultimately prepare them for a very challenging but rewarding career.
The sheriff also acknowledged the collaboration that moved the project forward. “I cannot say enough about the tremendous partnership between Niagara County Legislature, SUNY Niagara and the Sheriff’s Office,” said Filicetti. “When we relocated the NCLEA a few years ago, we did so with a vision to create a modern, dynamic academy to train our future law enforcement personnel, and today’s groundbreaking is the first step in that direction.”
“This new space will ensure that law enforcement education here in Niagara County is unparalleled within our region for years to come. Cadets who come here will receive training that incorporates the latest in technology and practice,” said Murabito. “The academy will create some fantastic opportunities for SUNY Niagara students pursuing degrees in criminal justice.”
Construction of the 15,000 square-foot building began this past spring. The building, located on the north side of the college’s campus, will feature classrooms with movable walls, men’s and women’s locker rooms, a reality-based training room and a use of force simulator. College officials anticipate that it will open in 2024.
The architect is LaBella Associates D.P.C, and the general contractor is Picone Construction. Other contractors involved with the project include D. V. Brown & Associates, Mollenberg-Betz Inc., and Frey Electric.
Media Contact Information
Hal Legg Director of Public Relations and Event Management Phone: 716-614-2880 | 716-431-3973 Email: hlegg@niagaracc.suny.edu
SUNY Niagara will close out a yearlong celebration of the 60th anniversary of its founding by hosting a free concert featuring Nerds Gone Wild on Aug. 11. College officials have billed the event “Niagara County’s Biggest Birthday Party” as a nod to the region’s continuous support of the college since its founding in 1962.
“This concert is a way for us to say thanks to the communities that have grown and sustained SUNY Niagara,” said Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement Barbara DeSimone. “So many people across Niagara County and beyond have contributed to our success since the college’s humble beginning in the former Nabisco Shredded Wheat plant in Niagara Falls to its transition to the site our campus has occupied since 1973, and from the five programs we offered in 1962 to the more than 60 in place now.”
SUNY Niagara’s commemoration of its 60th anniversary began in October of last year. The college has woven its theme, “Honoring the Past and Reimagining the Future,” into activities ranging from its Diamond Scholarship Gala and Veterans Day program to the holiday Gingerbread Wonderland installation at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and commencement this past May.
Niagara County’s Biggest Birthday Party will take place outdoors on SUNY Niagara’s campus at 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd. in Sanborn. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The Yachtfathers will start the show at 6:30 p.m. and Nerds Gone Wild will take the stage at 8 p.m. featuring SUNY Niagara alum, Ed Tabone,’86. There will be ample parking in the college’s lots, food trucks, and beverages available for purchase. While the event is free to attend, there are sponsorships available that provide preferred parking and access to a hospitality tent. Proceeds will benefit the new Veterans Memorial Park opening on the SUNY Niagara campus this November. More information can be found by visiting https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nerds-gone-wild/
SUNY Niagara will close out a yearlong celebration of the 60th anniversary of its founding by hosting a free concert featuring Nerds Gone Wild on Aug. 11. College officials have billed the event “Niagara County’s Biggest Birthday Party” as a nod to the region’s continuous support of the college since its founding in 1962.
“This concert is a way for us to say thanks to the communities that have grown and sustained SUNY Niagara,” said Assistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement Barbara DeSimone. “So many people across Niagara County and beyond have contributed to our success since the college’s humble beginning in the former Nabisco Shredded Wheat plant in Niagara Falls to its transition to the site our campus has occupied since 1973, and from the five programs we offered in 1962 to the more than 60 in place now.”
SUNY Niagara’s commemoration of its 60th anniversary began in October of last year. The college has woven its theme, “Honoring the Past and Reimagining the Future,” into activities ranging from its Diamond Scholarship Gala and Veterans Day program to the holiday Gingerbread Wonderland installation at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and commencement this past May.
Niagara County’s Biggest Birthday Party will take place outdoors on SUNY Niagara’s campus at 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd. in Sanborn. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. The Yachtfathers will start the show at 6:30 p.m. and Nerds Gone Wild will take the stage at 8 p.m. featuring SUNY Niagara alum, Ed Wyner,’86. There will be ample parking in the college’s lots, food trucks, and beverages available for purchase. While the event is free to attend, there are sponsorships available that provide preferred parking and access to a hospitality tent. Proceeds will benefit the new Veterans Memorial Park opening on the SUNY Niagara campus this November. More information can be found by visiting https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nerds-gone-wild/
Media Contact Information
Hal Legg Director of Public Relations and Event Management Phone: 716-614-2880 | 716-431-3973 Email: hlegg@niagaracc.suny.edu
SUNY Niagara President William Murabito announced his intent to retire next year at the college’s board of trustees meeting today. Dr. Murabito, who became the institution’s seventh president in 2019 after having served in an interim role for two years, will retire on June 30, 2024.
“I have appreciated the great privilege of working in such a welcoming community,” said Murabito. “Our board of trustees, the Niagara County Legislature, the state officials who represent our region in Albany and, of course, the campus community—everyone around this institution—has made it the educational, economic and cultural centerpiece that it is today. Contributing to what always has been and always will be a collective effort is a highlight of my professional life.”
A longtime leader within SUNY, Murabito’s previous positions include interim president at SUNY Cobleskill, Sullivan County Community College and SUNY Morrisville. He also has held the position of chief executive officer at Rockland Community College. Between 1983 and 2002, Murabito worked within SUNY system administration in Albany in roles including associate vice chancellor of academic affairs, executive director for university technology colleges and as associate and assistant vice chancellor for university life. Murabito is particularly proud of his vice-presidential role in helping to establish SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Marcy/Utica, NY.
“When I exit SUNY Niagara next year, I will have worked at various SUNY settings for 58 years,” said Murabito. “SUNY remains a champion of providing opportunities for millions of students who have received a first-class education from the visionary leadership within SUNY and state and local government. I benefitted from a SUNY education and hopefully I have been able to pay it forward through my service. Now, I look forward to my final year as I transition to the next exciting journey of life.”
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh said that she has enjoyed working with Murabito.
“Since day one, President Murabito’s calm, steady leadership has made him an excellent partner,” said Wydysh. “He will be missed, but his legacy, an unwavering advocacy for students’ success, will surely remain.”
SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees Chair Jason Cafarella, who accepted Murabito’s letter of intent to retire, said that the president’s impact is evident in the college’s graduation rate and its graduates’ earnings.
“For SUNY Niagara to have both the best graduation rate among community colleges in SUNY and the highest median earning among graduates of two-year schools in the region is remarkable,” said Cafarella. “No college reaches this point without a vision for excellence and the knowledge and skill to make that vision a reality.”
Among Murabito’s key accomplishments at SUNY Niagara is the update of the campus facilities. In 2018, he directed completion of the $25 million Learning Commons, which is a focal point of academic and social activity. Recently the college finalized plans to build an $8.3 million building to house the Niagara County Law Enforcement Agency’s programs. Ground breaking for that project is expected this summer. Murabito’s vison for the campus has been to create a center for education for the Niagara community, a campus that is welcoming to all citizens and equipped to present education that is second to none in preparing students for jobs or transfer.
Expanding access to education has been another priority for Murabito. During his tenure, SUNY Niagara has become a regional leader in course flexibility, dedicating resources to online and multi-modal learning. In May of this year, the college launched a pilot program teaching general education courses to inmates at the Niagara County jail this summer. Recently the college began recruiting adult learners to SUNY Niagara at Night, a program that, beginning this fall, will offer 16 degree and certificate programs and student support services and dining options during evening hours.
Outside of higher education, Murabito has been active in many organizations at the regional and state levels. He is a member of the New York State Commission on National and Community Services, serving as its chairman from 1994-2007. He also served on the New York Special Olympics Board of Directors from 1984-2004, chairing that organization from 1991-1997. Murabito is an active member of the Niagara USA Chamber. He is especially pleased with the relationship SUNY Niagara developed with Niagara University.
Murabito received Volunteer of the Year for the City of Albany for his work as chair of Albany’s Promise. He was a Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award in 1998 from the State University College at Buffalo.
Murabito holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in student personnel and guidance from SUNY Albany and a bachelor’s degree from the State University College at Buffalo.
SUNY Niagara President William Murabito announced his intent to retire next year at the college’s board of trustees meeting today. Dr. Murabito, who became the institution’s seventh president in 2019 after having served in an interim role for two years, will retire on June 30, 2024.
“I have appreciated the great privilege of working in such a welcoming community,” said Murabito. “Our board of trustees, the Niagara County Legislature, the state officials who represent our region in Albany and, of course, the campus community—everyone around this institution—has made it the educational, economic and cultural centerpiece that it is today. Contributing to what always has been and always will be a collective effort is a highlight of my professional life.”
A longtime leader within SUNY, Murabito’s previous positions include interim president at SUNY Cobleskill, Sullivan County Community College and SUNY Morrisville. He also has held the position of chief executive officer at Rockland Community College. Between 1983 and 2002, Murabito worked within SUNY system administration in Albany in roles including associate vice chancellor of academic affairs, executive director for university technology colleges and as associate and assistant vice chancellor for university life. Murabito is particularly proud of his vice-presidential role in helping to establish SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Marcy/Utica, NY.
“When I exit SUNY Niagara next year, I will have worked at various SUNY settings for 58 years,” said Murabito. “SUNY remains a champion of providing opportunities for millions of students who have received a first-class education from the visionary leadership within SUNY and state and local government. I benefitted from a SUNY education and hopefully I have been able to pay it forward through my service. Now, I look forward to my final year as I transition to the next exciting journey of life.”
Niagara County Legislature Chairman Becky Wydysh said that she has enjoyed working with Murabito.
“Since day one, President Murabito’s calm, steady leadership has made him an excellent partner,” said Wydysh. “He will be missed, but his legacy, an unwavering advocacy for students’ success, will surely remain.”
SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees Chair Jason Cafarella, who accepted Murabito’s letter of intent to retire, said that the president’s impact is evident in the college’s graduation rate and its graduates’ earnings.
“For SUNY Niagara to have both the best graduation rate among community colleges in SUNY and the highest median earning among graduates of two-year schools in the region is remarkable,” said Cafarella. “No college reaches this point without a vision for excellence and the knowledge and skill to make that vision a reality.”
Among Murabito’s key accomplishments at SUNY Niagara is the update of the campus facilities. In 2018, he directed completion of the $25 million Learning Commons, which is a focal point of academic and social activity. Recently the college finalized plans to build an $8.3 million building to house the Niagara County Law Enforcement Agency’s programs. Ground breaking for that project is expected this summer. Murabito’s vison for the campus has been to create a center for education for the Niagara community, a campus that is welcoming to all citizens and equipped to present education that is second to none in preparing students for jobs or transfer.
Expanding access to education has been another priority for Murabito. During his tenure, SUNY Niagara has become a regional leader in course flexibility, dedicating resources to online and multi-modal learning. In May of this year, the college launched a pilot program teaching general education courses to inmates at the Niagara County jail this summer. Recently the college began recruiting adult learners to SUNY Niagara at Night, a program that, beginning this fall, will offer 16 degree and certificate programs and student support services and dining options during evening hours.
Outside of higher education, Murabito has been active in many organizations at the regional and state levels. He is a member of the New York State Commission on National and Community Services, serving as its chairman from 1994-2007. He also served on the New York Special Olympics Board of Directors from 1984-2004, chairing that organization from 1991-1997. Murabito is an active member of the Niagara USA Chamber. He is especially pleased with the relationship SUNY Niagara developed with Niagara University.
Murabito received Volunteer of the Year for the City of Albany for his work as chair of Albany’s Promise. He was a Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award in 1998 from the State University College at Buffalo.
Murabito holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in student personnel and guidance from SUNY Albany and a bachelor’s degree from the State University College at Buffalo.
SUNY Niagara President William Murabito
Media Contact Information
Hal Legg Director of Public Relations and Event Management Phone: 716-614-2880 | 716-431-3973 Email: hlegg@niagaracc.suny.edu
