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Apr 02
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NFCI operations employee Dave Slowik collects food for Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc.

NFCI supports neighbors in need

By News Archive

April 2, 2020

Buffalo may be considered the “city of good neighbors,” but Niagara Falls certainly comes together as a community when times are tough.  This community spirit and support has been a hallmark of hope during the global Coronavirus pandemic, and the staff at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) is doing their part to keep positivity flowing.

Amid what has been an uncertain time for all, institutions of higher education are scrambling to reschedule events, retool lesson plans, and develop new ways of creating effective virtual learning environments for students.  Once it became clear students would not return to the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute for in-person instruction in the near future, Dave Slowik, an essential operations employee for NFCI knew something good could come of the situation.  He reached out to his supervisor and suggested all perishable food in the culinary labs could be donated to Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc., an organization that provides Crisis & Community Services, Mental Health Housing Services, Mental Health Recovery Services, and Youth Services to area individuals in need.  In 2019 Community Missions provided 112,562 meals to those in need, a crucial service to the City of Niagara Falls, a municipality with over a quarter of residents in poverty.

After surveying the faculty on what perishable food items were available in the building, Dave Slowik along with other NFCI operations personnel, Dave Huntoon and Derrick Hilson mobilized to collect the food.  Grant Babcock, Director of Operations at Community Missions arrived in a pick-up truck on Friday, March 27  and NFCI employees filled the back with fresh produce, eggs and dairy from the coolers in the building.

This is not the first time the staff and students at NFCI have come together to support the local community.  In the fall, the NFCI Student Club prepared and donated 25 Thanksgiving turkeys to Community Missions, and in January they collected more than 500 personal items to create care packages to homeless individuals served by the organization.  “The ongoing relationship between NFCI and Community Missions is mutually beneficial, with students and staff seeing firsthand how their culinary skills and the donation of time and resources can help others,” says Josh Blumberg, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs at NFCI.  NFCI is a division of SUNY Niagara.  For more information visit nfculinary.org

Media Contact Information

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

Mar 10
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SUNY Niagara student Allura Taylor in a computer lab.

SUNY Niagara offers more online classes than ever

By News Archive

March 10, 2020

SUNY Niagara has a reputation for providing quality education at an affordable price, and now the institution is offering the added benefit of more flexible learning options for students.  Many students today have work and family obligations that preclude them from studying during traditional classroom hours, and SUNY Niagara is expanding its course schedule to accommodate the diverse needs of the student population.

“SUNY Niagara students need more flexibility in order to accommodate their busy schedules.  That’s why our college is offering more online and evening programs than ever before in order to meet their needs and assist in their success,” says Robert McKeown, Vice President of Enrollment Management.  The College recently began offering an Associate Degree in Psychology, with the option to complete the program online.  Additionally, language and math courses are now available online for the summer of 2020, which many students need as core courses in any program of study.  With the easy transfer process to any SUNY institution, SUNY Niagara summer courses are a terrific way for students at other colleges to save money and get a jumpstart on their education.

In the fall of 2020, online classes will be offered in a wider variety of topics, including Human Services, English, Sociology, Art, Criminal Justice, and even courses in the Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts Division.  Dr. Cindy Oberjosh, a professor in the Humanities and Social Sciences Division will be offering online courses in Cultural Diversity in Chemical Dependency Counseling and Research and Synthesis.  “For those with busy schedules or responsibilities that make it difficult to schedule themselves during traditional course hours, online learning offers the same quality instruction towards the same credential as those attending in-person classes on a college campus. We often have students taking courses as refreshers, for personal interest, or as professional development for career advancement. And, we often have students from other campuses in a variety of states enrolled through the SUNY Learning Network. Each semester SUNY Niagara adds new courses to our list of offerings,” says Oberjosh.

Students have access to more than 60 degree and certificate programs at SUNY Niagara, with guaranteed transfer to a SUNY four-year campus with an A.A. or A.S. degree.  To discover more about online learning at SUNY Niagara, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/onlinelearning/

Media Contact Information

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

Mar 09
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Aerial photo of the College

Murabito Sends Message to SUNY Niagara Community on Coronavirus

By News Archive

March 9, 2020

SUNY Niagara President Dr. William J. Murabito has issued a statement to employees and students on the rapidly evolving coronavirus outbreak and how the College was taking proactive measures in dealing with situation. His email letter reads as follows:

Dear SUNY Niagara Community,

Because of the recent outbreak of a novel strain of coronavirus (2019-nCoV), SUNY Niagara is monitoring the situation carefully and is taking proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of all members of the SUNY Niagara family.  As of today, there have been no reports of any members of the campus or local community contracting the coronavirus disease.

            Earlier this week, SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson announced the suspension of study abroad programs in China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea, all of which have been issued a Level 2 or 3 travel notice from the CDC.  Currently, we do not have any SUNY Niagara students participating in any study abroad programs.

SUNY has also canceled campus-sponsored travel outside of the United States to impacted countries for the spring semester.  If you are planning to travel internationally over spring recess, I strongly encourage you to review the latest information on travel advisories at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.  Because the coronavirus situation is rapidly changing and impacting a growing number of countries, please be aware travelers may not be able to easily return to the U.S. and to campus.

            The College has an established Coronavirus/Pandemic Response Planning Ad Hoc Committee that has representation from all areas of the College. The team is in contact with Niagara County health department officials, local emergency response personnel, as well as SUNY.

            For our part, the College has purchased additional disinfectant products to be used on all touch surfaces (e.g., tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures), and custodians have been instructed to focus on these areas while cleaning to help provide a germ free environment.  In addition, new freestanding dispensers of hand sanitizers have been ordered and will be allocated to various locations across campus.

            While there is currently no vaccine to prevent this virus, these simple steps can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Additional information about the virus can be found at https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/

            If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Wellness Center at 716-614-6275

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the guidance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Niagara County Department of Health, and the State University of New York (SUNY). 

            Please know that the health and safety of our campus community remain our highest priority. We will keep you updated on any new developments.

Media Contact Information

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

Mar 06
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Anne Frank

SUNY Niagara presents The Diary of Anne Frank

By News Archive

March 6, 2020

The SUNY Niagara Theatre Arts Department will be performing the play, The Diary of Anne Frank starting Thursday, March 12th at 7:30 p.m.  The play is based on events detailed in a diary kept by Anne Frank while she was in hiding for two years with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.  The performance will take place in the SUNY Niagara Arts & Media Theatre in Sanborn and runs through Sunday, March 15th.

Tickets for the play are $5 for seniors and alumni and $10 for adults.  Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Performing Arts website: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/pa/

Media Contact Information

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

Mar 05
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Niagara Small Business Development Center

Entrepreneur Series at SUNY Niagara SBDC

By News Archive

March 5, 2020

For those looking to enhance their business skills or strengthen an existing business, the Small Business Development Center at SUNY Niagara will be offering an Entrepreneur Series this spring.  The event is presented in collaboration with community partners from the Greater Lockport Development Center, the Niagara County Center for Economic Development, and the Lumber City Development Corporation.

The series kicks off on Wednesday, March 25th, and runs every Wednesday until May 20th from 6-9:00 p.m. in room C-161 on the Sanborn Campus of SUNY Niagara located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road.  The topics covered include: Entrepreneurship, Social Media for Small Business, Budget and Recordkeeping, Marketing for Small Business, Human Resource Management, Understanding your Financial Picture, Business Owner’s Insurance, Taxes and the Small Business, and Leadership: Employee and Self-Motivation.  A certificate is provided upon the completion of all 9 classes.

There is no cost to attend, but individuals must register by calling 716-210-2515 or via email at sbdc@niagaracc.suny.edu. For more information on these workshops and other training offered by the Niagara Small Business Development Center, visit niagarasbdc.org/

Media Contact Information

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

Mar 03
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Aerial photo of the College

High marks for SUNY Niagara’s Radiologic Technology program

By News Archive

March 3, 2020

The Radiologic Technology program at SUNY Niagara has a rigorous curriculum, preparing students for the clinical competence, critical thinking skills, communication skills and professionalism necessary to thrive in the field.  Radiologic Technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients in healthcare facilities and in hospitals.  The program at SUNY Niagara is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and graduates are eligible to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. The ARRT is the world’s largest organization offering credentials in medical imaging, interventional procedures and radiation therapy.

Recently, representatives of the Radiologic Technology program at SUNY Niagara received the results of the national board exam administered by the ARRT, and it was determined that graduates from 2019 achieved a 93% pass rate.  This is higher than the national average of 89% and the best results achieved by SUNY Niagara graduates in years.  In order to work in New York State, graduates must pass the exam to receive a New York State license, and most other states also require ARRT certification and registration in order to obtain employment in the field.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 9% growth rate in this field through 2028, which is faster than average.  Typically entry-level positions in Radiologic Technology require an Associate’s degree, with median pay at $61,240.  For more information on the Radiologic Technology program at SUNY Niagara, visit: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/programs/radt

Feb 28
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Alexander Dispence

SUNY Niagara Alumnus to Compete in WNY’s Taste of Education Iron Chef Champions Competition

By News Archive

February 28, 2020

SUNY Niagara Alumnus Alexander Dispence will compete in this year’s WNY Taste of Education Iron Chef Champions Competition on Tuesday, March 10th at Salvatore’s Italian Gardens. Three previous winners of the Iron Chef Competition will compete to be named the best-of-the-best!

Growing up, Alex said that food has always been a big part of his life. “I loved watching Food Network and especially Iron Chef America,” he said. “It was so amazing to see what everyday food items can be transformed into!” From there, Alex began working in the food industry in 2009. “I knew that this was my passion,” he said, “and that I was willing to work hard to be successful in it.”

In order to achieve his goals, Alex recognized that he needed to receive an education. “I toured SUNY Niagara and NFCI and was so impressed with all that they had to offer their students! I was excited to be a part of it.” Alex graduated from the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute with his degree in Culinary Arts in 2013 and to this day continues to thank his instructors for the impact they had on him. “There were so many instructors from NFCI who became mentors to me that I can’t name them all; I am so thankful for all the positive influence they had on me. While I’m cooking, I think about how I want to make them proud so I try to prepare the best dish possible every time.”

Upon graduation, Alex has worked in some of America’s most prestigious clubs and resorts such as the Greenbrier in White Sulpher Springs, WV as well as The Vintage Club in Indian Wells, CA and Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester. He even worked as a live-in private chef in the Hamptons and Manhattan. Currently, Alex is the Executive Chef at Byrncliff Golf Resort & Banquets. When asked how it feels to have achieved so much success already, Alex continues to stay humble. “I am honored to have been selected to compete in this year’s competition and to make it to this point in my career. It’s important to me that I always keep growing so that I can continue to make my family, friends, peers, and mentors proud of me.”

To watch Alex compete in this year’s competition or for more information on the event, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-education-tickets-91254323137.

Media Contact Information

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

Feb 26
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Niagara Falls Culinary Institute

SUNY Niagara welcomes community leaders to annual event

By News Archive

February 26, 2020

SUNY Niagara will welcome community representatives from business, education, religious groups, non-profit organizations, and legislative leaders to a luncheon at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI) on Thursday, March 12th. This event will feature presentations from various areas of the college, highlighting SUNY and college advocacy initiatives, as well as developments at SUNY Niagara. Updates from Academic Affairs, Workforce Development, the Niagara Small Business Development Center, Grants, and a Strategic Plan overview will be presented by faculty and staff of SUNY Niagara.

In addition to college representatives, attendees will hear from Katie and Nick Graves of Craft Coffee House in Pendleton. The couple, both SUNY Niagara graduates, will share their experience as former students and now community partners. The Leadership Luncheon is the third annual event of this nature, an initiative that started under President William J. Murabito, Ph.D.

Media Contact Information

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

Feb 21
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Actress Josie DiVincenzo

SUNY Niagara accepting entries for 21st annual film festival

By News Archive

February 21, 2020

SUNY Niagara will host its 21st Annual Film and Animation Festival on Saturday, May 9, 2020, in the Arts and Media Theatre on the college’s Sanborn campus.  The event brings together filmmakers and animation artists from Western New York and beyond the region as well.

The highlight of the event is an international film competition in which awards are given to filmmakers in a variety of categories.  A $200 prize is awarded to the best films in the following categories: Drama, Comedy, Animation, Documentary, Music Video, Horror, and Experimental.  Judges for the contest include filmmakers, animators, actors, musicians, and other industry professionals.  Three additional $100 prizes are awarded to local filmmakers in the “Best of 716” category: Best High School Student Film, Best College Student Film and Best of the Festival.

The event is sponsored by SUNY Niagara’s Digital Media Department, Animation Department, Communication Studies Department, along with the Digital Filmmakers Club and the SUNY Niagara’s Office of Student Life.  Admission to the festival is free, with food and refreshments available for purchase at the event.

The SUNY Niagara Film and Animation Festival is made possible by a generous sponsorship from Austin Air Systems of Buffalo.  To submit a film for consideration, visit:  https://filmfreeway.com/SUNY NiagaraFilmFestival.  The deadline for submission is Wednesday, April 1, 2020.  To find additional details on the event, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/ncccfilmfestival/

Media Contact Information

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

Feb 14
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Pharmacy Technician training

Short term training for long term success at SUNY Niagara

By News Archive

February 14, 2020

SUNY Niagara now has additional opportunities for students looking to further their education and start a successful career.  The Gaining Occupational Academic and Leadership Skills (G.O.A.L.S.) Program funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant offers essential hands-on training and practical skills to people between the ages of 18-24 in the following programs: Hospitality, Machine Tool 1, Medical Billing, Pharmacy Technician, and Pre-Apprenticeship.  These training programs are shorter than a typical degree and certificate programs, with classes offered in the evenings.

The WIOA grant provides students the opportunity to receive tuition and textbook assistance, NFTA transportation, academic support, monetary incentives, counseling and career guidance, and guaranteed interviews upon completion of the course.  Additional benefits of the program include networking opportunities, job and college readiness training, credit for prior learning, and state certifications that lead to employment with higher wages and careers in high-demand occupations.

The first cohort of G.O.A.L.S. students currently in the Pharmacy Technician program is learning the skills necessary to become assistants to Pharmacists in a variety of settings including retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, the insurance industry, and the pharmaceutical sales industry.  Students complete 73 hours of instruction that prepare them for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.  The license obtained from this exam is required to work in 24 states and is recognized in all 50 states as the standard for providing higher wages and access to a wider array of careers in those states.

For more information on the G.O.A.L.S. Program at SUNY Niagara, visit niagaracc.suny.edu/wd.  To get details on program eligibility, contact Rhonda Bivins-Talley, WIOA Grant Program Director at 716-614-6284 or via email at rbivins-talley@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