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Mar 23
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Vetereans presenting check toSUNY Niagara

Vietnam Veterans Chapter 268 donate $20,000 to New SUNY Niagara Veterans Memorial Park

By News Archive

March 23, 2022

Vetereans presenting check toSUNY Niagara

(From left to right) SUNY Niagara Trustee Vice Chair Gina A. Virtuoso, SUNY Niagara Veterans Services Coordinator Joseph Potalivo, representatives from the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 268 including Harry Houghtling, Walter Moxham, Robert Hull, Gordie Bellinger, Kathryn Kindle, Robert “Radar” Parker, SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito, and SUNY Niagara Trustee Jerald I. Wolfgang.

Members of the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 268 attended the SUNY Niagara’s (SUNY Niagara) Board of Trustee’s meeting on March 22, 2022.  This chapter, founded in 1985, has donated over $180,000.00 to the Niagara County community – including scholarships to high school graduates to attend college. They support the community while leaving a legacy for their family members and the younger generation of veterans. Their legacy continues as they presented a $20,000 donation to SUNY Niagara President William Murabito and SUNY Niagara Veterans Services Coordinator Joseph Potalivo. This will assist bringing the new SUNY Niagara Veterans Memorial Park to life.

SUNY Niagara’s Veteran’s Park was established in 1976 by Vietnam Veterans who attended SUNY Niagara. The park features a plaque of Niagara County veterans who died in Vietnam.  SUNY Niagara will be relocating and expanding their existing Veterans Memorial Park to honor the Niagara County veteran community. This park will represent those who served in the armed forces and celebrate its’ proud heritage of military service.

Area veterans, their families, and SUNY Niagara alumni/employees are invited to memorialize their service and those of their loved ones (alive or deceased) on the park’s new monument. Veterans’ names and military branch of service will be engraved on the memorial wall and benches for a donation of $150 or more. Veterans will be honored annually during SUNY Niagara’s Veteran’s Day ceremonies.

For more information, to purchase an engraving, or to donate, please visit www.niagaracc.suny.edu/veterans/memorialpark/.   Donations can also be made over the phone at 716-614-5910 or through the mail to: SUNY Niagara Foundation, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132.  For further information, contact SUNY Niagara Veteran Services Coordinator, Joseph Potalivo, at 716-614-6283 or jpotalivo@niagaracc.sun.edu

Members of the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 268 attended the SUNY Niagara’s (SUNY Niagara) Board of Trustee’s meeting on March 22, 2022.  This chapter, founded in 1985, has donated over $180,000.00 to the Niagara County community – including scholarships to high school graduates to attend college. They support the community while leaving a legacy for their family members and the younger generation of veterans. Their legacy continues as they presented a $20,000 donation to SUNY Niagara President William Murabito and SUNY Niagara Veterans Services Coordinator Joseph Potalivo. This will assist bringing the new SUNY Niagara Veterans Memorial Park to life.

SUNY Niagara’s Veteran’s Park was established in 1976 by Vietnam Veterans who attended SUNY Niagara. The park features a plaque of Niagara County veterans who died in Vietnam.  SUNY Niagara will be relocating and expanding their existing Veterans Memorial Park to honor the Niagara County veteran community. This park will represent those who served in the armed forces and celebrate its’ proud heritage of military service.

Area veterans, their families, and SUNY Niagara alumni/employees are invited to memorialize their service and those of their loved ones (alive or deceased) on the park’s new monument. Veterans’ names and military branch of service will be engraved on the memorial wall and benches for a donation of $150 or more. Veterans will be honored annually during SUNY Niagara’s Veteran’s Day ceremonies.

For more information, to purchase an engraving, or to donate, please visit www.niagaracc.suny.edu/veterans/memorialpark/.   Donations can also be made over the phone at 716-614-5910 or through the mail to: SUNY Niagara Foundation, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd., Sanborn, NY 14132.  For further information, contact SUNY Niagara Veteran Services Coordinator, Joseph Potalivo, at 716-614-6283 or jpotalivo@niagaracc.sun.edu

 

 

Vetereans presenting check toSUNY Niagara

SUNY Niagara Trustee Vice Chair Gina A. Virtuoso, SUNY Niagara Veterans Services Coordinator Joseph Potalivo, representatives from the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 268 including Harry Houghtling, Walter Moxham, Robert Hull, Gordie Bellinger, Kathryn Kindle, Robert “Radar” Parker, SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito, and SUNY Niagara Trustee Jerald I. Wolfgang.

Media Contact Information

Barbara DeSimone, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement
3111 Saunders Settlement Rd.
Sanborn, NY 14132
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

Mar 08
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SUNY Niagara student, Sonia Swann, shows off the 2022 Women’s Empowerment Draft poster and the Bloneva Bond jersey.

Niagara Falls City School District and SUNY Niagara Team up to Celebrate Women’s History Month

By News Archive

March 08, 2022

SUNY Niagara student, Sonia Swann, shows off the 2022 Women’s Empowerment Draft poster and the Bloneva Bond jersey.

SUNY Niagara student, Sonia Swann, shows off the 2022 Women’s Empowerment Draft poster and the Bloneva Bond jersey.

Twenty-five New York State colleges are sponsoring 31 primary and secondary schools to create one of the nation’s largest Women’s History Month collaborations. The program, entitled the Women’s Empowerment Draft uses a pro-sports theme to build enthusiasm for historic icons, specifically those with NYS schools named for them. The Women’s Empowerment Draft is a program of Alfred University’s Art Force 5. It was founded in 2020 to celebrate the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment. Each day in March, a different school and partnering college will be challenged to pay tribute to the women they drafted. Dan Napolitano, program director and associate dean at SUNY’s New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University shares, “This program demonstrates the power of collaboration between NYS colleges, K-12 schools, and hopefully professional sports organizations.”

Niagara Street Elementary School will be joining the draft to honor Bloneva Bond, the first Black woman elected to the Niagara Falls School Board and past president of the Niagara Falls Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Niagara Street School is sponsored by SUNY Niagara. Both will pay tribute to Bond on March 29th using the hashtag #WEdraft2022 on their social media pages. In addition, an the Bloneva Bond mosaic will be unveiled at SUNY Niagara’s Dining Commons on March 29th at 4 p.m. To culminate the celebration, as of September 1, 2022, Niagara Street School will be renamed to the Bloneva Bond Primary School.

“School naming is the highest honor the Niagara Falls City School District offers and I’m excited that we have selected such a deserving individual,” said NFCSD Board President Russell Petrozzi. “Bloneva Bond’s legacy is an exceptional example for our students to follow, demonstrating the importance of serving one’s community and supporting the education of our youth.”

The 31 names featured include well-known heroes such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Eleanor Roosevelt and lesser-known trailblazers such as pioneer Lady Deborah Moody, lawyer Jill Chaifetz, and Assemblywoman Cynthia Jenkins. For more information, please visit www.artforce5.com/wedraft.

Twenty-five New York State colleges are sponsoring 31 primary and secondary schools to create one of the nation’s largest Women’s History Month collaborations. The program, entitled the Women’s Empowerment Draft uses a pro-sports theme to build enthusiasm for historic icons, specifically those with NYS schools named for them. The Women’s Empowerment Draft is a program of Alfred University’s Art Force 5. It was founded in 2020 to celebrate the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment. Each day in March, a different school and partnering college will be challenged to pay tribute to the women they drafted. Dan Napolitano, program director and associate dean at SUNY’s New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University shares, “This program demonstrates the power of collaboration between NYS colleges, K-12 schools, and hopefully professional sports organizations.”

Niagara Street Elementary School will be joining the draft to honor Bloneva Bond, the first Black woman elected to the Niagara Falls School Board and past president of the Niagara Falls Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Niagara Street School is sponsored by SUNY Niagara. Both will pay tribute to Bond on March 29th using the hashtag #WEdraft2022 on their social media pages. In addition, an the Bloneva Bond mosaic will be unveiled at SUNY Niagara’s Dining Commons on March 29th at 4 p.m. To culminate the celebration, as of September 1, 2022, Niagara Street School will be renamed to the Bloneva Bond Primary School.

“School naming is the highest honor the Niagara Falls City School District offers and I’m excited that we have selected such a deserving individual,” said NFCSD Board President Russell Petrozzi. “Bloneva Bond’s legacy is an exceptional example for our students to follow, demonstrating the importance of serving one’s community and supporting the education of our youth.”

The 31 names featured include well-known heroes such as Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Eleanor Roosevelt and lesser-known trailblazers such as pioneer Lady Deborah Moody, lawyer Jill Chaifetz, and Assemblywoman Cynthia Jenkins. For more information, please visit www.artforce5.com/wedraft.

 

SUNY Niagara student, Sonia Swann, shows off the 2022 Women’s Empowerment Draft poster and the Bloneva Bond jersey.

SUNY Niagara student, Sonia Swann, shows off the 2022 Women’s Empowerment Draft poster and the Bloneva Bond jersey.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Mar 02
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Film Fest Guests Debbie Rochon, Lynn Lowery, Sam Qualiana

2022 SUNY Niagara Film and Animation Festival Returns to Campus

By News Archive

March 02, 2022

Film Fest Guests Debbie Rochon, Lynn Lowery, Sam Qualiana

2022 SUNY Niagara Film and Animation Festival features industry professionals, including keynote speaker Debbie Rochon, and special guests Lynn Lowry and Lockport native, Sam Qualiana.

SUNY Niagara’s 2022 Film & Animation Festival will take place in-person on  Saturday May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the school’s Sanborn campus, located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road. The festival, which features a number of fun and informative activities, is open to the public and admission is free.

The event brings together filmmakers, animators, actors, and enthusiasts from across Western New York and beyond. Topping the festival is an international film competition, which presents $200 awards for best film in a variety of categories including: Drama, Comedy, Animation, Documentary, Music Video, Horror, and Experimental. More than $1,600 in prizes are handed out, including three special “716” awards that are presented to the best Western New York high school student film, best college student film, and best overall film selected by attendees at the festival.

The SUNY Niagara festival includes continuous screenings of finalists’ films, displays, exhibits, workshops, and more.

This year’s featured keynote speaker is Debbie Rochon, legendary horror movie actor, writer, producer, and director, best known for her intense, off-kilter roles in Tromeo and Juliet, Hellblock 13, and American Nightmare. Rochon also will offer a free workshop at the festival entitled “Horror Acting 101—Don’t Be Scared!” Rochon had her directorial debut with the horror film Model Hunger, which was shot in Buffalo, NY.  She also wrote regular columns for the horror fan magazines Fangoria and Asylum and, recently,  gave critically acclaimed turns in works inspired by classical writers; Tales of Poe (Edgar Allan Poe), Mark of the Beast (Rudyard Kipling) and Colour from the Dark (H.P. Lovecraft).

Special guest at this year’s festival is Lynn Lowry, veteran actress, and producer, best known for her film roles in George A. Romero’s The Crazies and David Cronenberg’s Shivers. Lowry will present screenings of her films Ready for My Close-Up, and Mindflip—The Prequel. Along with Debbie Rochon, Lynn will be available for Q&A, pictures, and autographs.

The SUNY Niagara Film & Animation Festival’s “WNY Filmmaker of the Year” award will be presented this year to director, writer, producer, and actor Sam Qualiana of Lockport, NY. Sam is best known for his films Snow Shark, The Legend of Six Fingers, and Lake Effect. Most recently, Sam served as the unit production manager for the made-for-TV movie Romance on Ice, directed by Fred Olen Ray. Filming for the movie took place in Buffalo and East Aurora.

SUNY Niagara’s 2022 Film & Animation Festival will take place in-person on  Saturday May 7 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the school’s Sanborn campus, located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road. The festival, which features a number of fun and informative activities, is open to the public and admission is free.

The event brings together filmmakers, animators, actors, and enthusiasts from across Western New York and beyond. Topping the festival is an international film competition, which presents $200 awards for best film in a variety of categories including: Drama, Comedy, Animation, Documentary, Music Video, Horror, and Experimental. More than $1,600 in prizes are handed out, including three special “716” awards that are presented to the best Western New York high school student film, best college student film, and best overall film selected by attendees at the festival.

The SUNY Niagara festival includes continuous screenings of finalists’ films, displays, exhibits, workshops, and more.

This year’s featured keynote speaker is Debbie Rochon, legendary horror movie actor, writer, producer, and director, best known for her intense, off-kilter roles in Tromeo and Juliet, Hellblock 13, and American Nightmare. Rochon also will offer a free workshop at the festival entitled “Horror Acting 101—Don’t Be Scared!” Rochon had her directorial debut with the horror film Model Hunger, which was shot in Buffalo, NY.  She also wrote regular columns for the horror fan magazines Fangoria and Asylum and, recently,  gave critically acclaimed turns in works inspired by classical writers; Tales of Poe (Edgar Allan Poe), Mark of the Beast (Rudyard Kipling) and Colour from the Dark (H.P. Lovecraft).

Special guest at this year’s festival is Lynn Lowry, veteran actress, and producer, best known for her film roles in George A. Romero’s The Crazies and David Cronenberg’s Shivers. Lowry will present screenings of her films Ready for My Close-Up, and Mindflip—The Prequel. Along with Debbie Rochon, Lynn will be available for Q&A, pictures, and autographs.

The SUNY Niagara Film & Animation Festival’s “WNY Filmmaker of the Year” award will be presented this year to director, writer, producer, and actor Sam Qualiana of Lockport, NY. Sam is best known for his films Snow Shark, The Legend of Six Fingers, and Lake Effect. Most recently, Sam served as the unit production manager for the made-for-TV movie Romance on Ice, directed by Fred Olen Ray. Filming for the movie took place in Buffalo and East Aurora.

 

Film Fest Guests Debbie Rochon, Lynn Lowery, Sam Qualiana

2022 SUNY Niagara Film and Animation Festival features industry professionals, including keynote speaker Debbie Rochon, and special guests Lynn Lowry and Lockport native, Sam Qualiana.

Media Contact Information

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

Feb 28
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campus aerial photo

SUNY Niagara Updates Campus Mask Mandate

By News Archive

February 28, 2022

Effective Monday, February 28, 2022 SUNY Niagara is removing the mandatory masking requirement on campus for those fully compliant with the vaccine mandate as defined by the Center for Disease Control, New York State, the State University of New York (SUNY) and the Niagara County Department of Health.  While masks will no longer be required, it is encouraged that individuals wear them when in close proximity to others.

Employees and students who are not fully vaccinated due to religious and medical exemptions will be required to continue to wear a mask at all times while on campus per a SUNY policy that was revised on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.  In addition to continued masking for these individuals, SUNY Niagara will require them to continue to participate in weekly Covid pool testing.  Random pool testing will continue each week for fully vaccinated staff and students for enhanced observation and protection of the health of those on campus, and voluntary pool testing is an option for those who wish to test weekly on their own as well.  All costs of pool testing for staff and students is covered in full by SUNY Niagara.

SUNY Niagara worked with SUNY and the Niagara County Department of Health in updating the mask mandate on campus, and is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the campus community.  The administration is confident that recent trends in data, in addition to the guidance and collaboration of other state and local stakeholders, and testing measures in place support the decision to update the mask mandate.

Effective Monday, February 28, 2022 SUNY Niagara is removing the mandatory masking requirement on campus for those fully compliant with the vaccine mandate as defined by the Center for Disease Control, New York State, the State University of New York (SUNY) and the Niagara County Department of Health.  While masks will no longer be required, it is encouraged that individuals wear them when in close proximity to others.

Employees and students who are not fully vaccinated due to religious and medical exemptions will be required to continue to wear a mask at all times while on campus per a SUNY policy that was revised on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.  In addition to continued masking for these individuals, SUNY Niagara will require them to continue to participate in weekly Covid pool testing.  Random pool testing will continue each week for fully vaccinated staff and students for enhanced observation and protection of the health of those on campus, and voluntary pool testing is an option for those who wish to test weekly on their own as well.  All costs of pool testing for staff and students is covered in full by SUNY Niagara.

SUNY Niagara worked with SUNY and the Niagara County Department of Health in updating the mask mandate on campus, and is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the campus community.  The administration is confident that recent trends in data, in addition to the guidance and collaboration of other state and local stakeholders, and testing measures in place support the decision to update the mask mandate.

Media Contact Information

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

Feb 24
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campus aerial photo

SUNY Niagara Announces Fall 2022 Scholarships Available

By News Archive

February 24, 2022

The SUNY Niagara Foundation is offering scholarships for incoming and current students for the fall 2022 semester.

The Distinguished Student Scholarship (DSS) awards are the most prestigious scholarships given to high school seniors in Niagara County. The DSS award is two years of tuition-free education at SUNY Niagara for students who exemplify superior academics, community service, a commitment to Niagara County, and plan to remain in the county upon graduation. Applications are due Friday, March 25, 2022.

Additional general scholarships are available for part-and full-time students who are incoming or currently enrolled in classes. Funds for these scholarships are donations from local businesses, individuals, foundations, memorial gifts, bequests and revenue from the annual Scholarship Gala. During the 2020-2021 academic year, the SUNY Niagara Foundation awarded over $200,000 to more than 200 students. Applications for general scholarships are due April 1, 2022.

To apply for SUNY Niagara scholarships visit the scholarship webpage and apply online at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships . For more information, call the SUNY Niagara Foundation/Scholarship Office at 716-614-5910.

Media Contact Information

Barbara DeSimone, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement
3111 Saunders Settlement Rd.
Sanborn, NY 14132
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

The SUNY Niagara Foundation is offering scholarships for incoming and current students for the fall 2022 semester.

The Distinguished Student Scholarship (DSS) awards are the most prestigious scholarships given to high school seniors in Niagara County. The DSS award is two years of tuition-free education at SUNY Niagara for students who exemplify superior academics, community service, a commitment to Niagara County, and plan to remain in the county upon graduation. Applications are due Friday, March 25, 2022.

Additional general scholarships are available for part-and full-time students who are incoming or currently enrolled in classes. Funds for these scholarships are donations from local businesses, individuals, foundations, memorial gifts, bequests and revenue from the annual Scholarship Gala. During the 2020-2021 academic year, the SUNY Niagara Foundation awarded over $200,000 to more than 200 students. Applications for general scholarships are due April 1, 2022.

To apply for SUNY Niagara scholarships visit the scholarship webpage and apply online at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships . For more information, call the SUNY Niagara Foundation/Scholarship Office at 716-614-5910.

Feb 23
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SUNY Niagara Receives Grant to Digitize Niagara Gazette

By News Archive

February 23, 2022

SUNY Niagara Library receives grant to digitize microfilm of the Niagara Gazette from 1963-1977

SUNY Niagara Library receives grant to digitize microfilm of the Niagara Gazette from 1963-1977

In January of 2022, the Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC) received word that the 2021-2022 Access and Innovation funding was received.  Part of the funding approved an $8,832 grant to the SUNY Niagara library, which will allow for the digitization of the Niagara Gazette from 1963-1977.  According to SUNY Niagara librarian Jean Linn, “the Niagara Gazette is a treasure trove of local history.  This project will make a lot of historical content freely available to anyone with an internet connection.”

Jean indicated that microfilm was sent this week to start the process and will be digitized within the next few months.  The expectation is that the online archives will be accessible by late summer.  Once the project is complete, people can access the digitized files through New York State Historic Newspapers via https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/.  This resource makes historic newspapers freely available for all New York counties.  The Niagara Falls Public Library has been digitizing an earlier run of the Niagara Gazette, beginning in 1854.  When both projects are complete, readers will have access to over a century of historic Niagara County content at their fingertips.

In January of 2022, the Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC) received word that the 2021-2022 Access and Innovation funding was received.  Part of the funding approved an $8,832 grant to the SUNY Niagara library, which will allow for the digitization of the Niagara Gazette from 1963-1977.  According to SUNY Niagara librarian Jean Linn, “the Niagara Gazette is a treasure trove of local history.  This project will make a lot of historical content freely available to anyone with an internet connection.”

Jean indicated that microfilm was sent this week to start the process and will be digitized within the next few months.  The expectation is that the online archives will be accessible by late summer.  Once the project is complete, people can access the digitized files through New York State Historic Newspapers via https://nyshistoricnewspapers.org/.  This resource makes historic newspapers freely available for all New York counties.  The Niagara Falls Public Library has been digitizing an earlier run of the Niagara Gazette, beginning in 1854.  When both projects are complete, readers will have access to over a century of historic Niagara County content at their fingertips.

 

Boxes of Microfil of the Niagara Gazette

SUNY Niagara Library receives grant to digitize microfilm of the Niagara Gazette from 1963-1977

Media Contact Information

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

Feb 18
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SUNY Niagara Workforce Trains National Guard Members to be EMTs

By News Archive

February 18, 2022

Pictured are the student graduates from the 107th New York Air National Guard and associated leadership, representatives from the NYS Department of Health, course instructors and members of SUNY Niagara administration.

Pictured are the student graduates from the 107th New York Air National Guard and associated leadership, representatives from the NYS Department of Health, course instructors and members of SUNY Niagara administration.

The New York State Bureau of Emergency Medical Services requested that SUNY Niagara Workforce Development conduct a pilot educational program to help train part of the 500-600 new Emergency Medical Technician in New York State in order to help relieve the current burden on Health Care Facilities across the state. An ambitious goal was met in conducting 15-20 courses throughout the state which were taught in an academy style class completed in a 30-day time period. Half of the classes were to be open to all New Yorkers who qualify, with the second half offered to train National Guard members.

In responding to this need, SUNY Niagara collaborated with the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base to train National Guard members on site. The class began on January 19, 2022, and finished on February 17, 2022. The class graduated 24 students who successfully completed the course and passed the NYS practical skills exam. The class consisted of 160 classroom hours, along with 10 patient scenarios.  Members of the class will now be deployed across the state in providing relief personnel support to areas with the greatest need.

To learn more about Workforce Development classes at SUNY Niagara, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/wd/

The New York State Bureau of Emergency Medical Services requested that SUNY Niagara Workforce Development conduct a pilot educational program to help train part of the 500-600 new Emergency Medical Technician in New York State in order to help relieve the current burden on Health Care Facilities across the state. An ambitious goal was met in conducting 15-20 courses throughout the state which were taught in an academy style class completed in a 30-day time period. Half of the classes were to be open to all New Yorkers who qualify, with the second half offered to train National Guard members.

In responding to this need, SUNY Niagara collaborated with the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Base to train National Guard members on site. The class began on January 19, 2022, and finished on February 17, 2022. The class graduated 24 students who successfully completed the course and passed the NYS practical skills exam. The class consisted of 160 classroom hours, along with 10 patient scenarios.  Members of the class will now be deployed across the state in providing relief personnel support to areas with the greatest need.

To learn more about Workforce Development classes at SUNY Niagara, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/wd/

 

Graduates from the 107th New York Air National Guard and associated leadership

Pictured are the student graduates from the 107th New York Air National Guard and associated leadership, representatives from the NYS Department of Health, course instructors and members of SUNY Niagara administration.

Media Contact Information

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

Feb 17
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Chancellors Awards Donna Simiele and Cheri Yager

Simiele and Yager Receive SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

By News Archive

February 16, 2022

Donna Simiele and Cheri Yager with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

Donna Simiele and Cheri Yager with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

A virtual recognition ceremony was held to honor faculty and staff at SUNY Niagara on Thursday, February 3.  During the event, a special acknowledgment featured the recipients of the 2020-2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence.  These annual awards are honors conferred to acknowledge and provide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence within the State University of New York (SUNY) system.  Donna Simiele was recognized for Excellence in Classified Service and Cheri Yager was recognized for Excellence in Professional Service.

Donna Simiele has been an employee of SUNY Niagara since 1986, working in various roles to support SUNY Niagara, its faculty and students.  She has been an invaluable team member in online learning, serving as the campus leader in training faculty to meet the accessibility requirements for delivery of online content.  She participates in numerous SUNY groups and training to keep up on her own professional development and stays abreast of the technology, compliance requirements, and best practices in the advancement of online education.

Donna has always provided quality training and support to faculty, but when COVID-19 struck and the College needed to go fully remote, she kicked into crisis mode, and worked tirelessly days, nights, and even on weekends to support faculty in moving to this new instructional medium.  Her department of Online Learning supported 140 section of Online and Blended Courses, and this past fall supported 82% of all course’s offerings in the online, hybrid, and blended modes. “As if she did not already show her commitment to SUNY Niagara through all her previous years, this year she was one of the most dedicated and flexible employees I’ve ever worked with,” says Donna’s supervisor, Lisa Dubuc.

Through Donna’s excellent customer service skills, she has built an excellent rapport with faculty, staff, and students.  She is a true professional committed to the SUNY Niagara community, and proved herself to be deserving of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

Cheri Yager has dedicated her life to nursing for over 40 years, and has supported SUNY Niagara since 1992.  As the Wellness Center nurse, Cheri has contact with students, faculty, staff, administrators, children in the child development center, and visitors. The Wellness Center and her role there have evolved over the years to better serve the needs of the community and now includes counseling services.

In the spring of 2020, Cheri took a lead role in ensuring safety on campus amidst the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.  She has afforded her expertise and research into the COVID transmission, representation on the SUNY Niagara Reopening committee, and development of procedures and protocols specific to COVID.  She supplied her personal cell phone and access for consult when other campus departments were closed for any person who had questions pertaining to accessing campus when we had COVID screening protocols in place. She even used her personal vehicle and credit card to help secure PPE for the college.

Cheri was instrumental in getting NARCAN® and AED units on campus as standards of care have necessitated this transition. She put together emergency NARCAN® boxes for the campus and student housing to allow SUNY Niagara to be the first college in the area to have such a resource.  Additionally, Cheri contributes in the Nursing Curriculum Advisory Board at SUNY Niagara. Cheri’s dedication to the health and safety of the SUNY Niagara community is evident and she truly embodies the standards of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

A virtual recognition ceremony was held to honor faculty and staff at SUNY Niagara on Thursday, February 3.  During the event, a special acknowledgment featured the recipients of the 2020-2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence.  These annual awards are honors conferred to acknowledge and provide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and to encourage the ongoing pursuit of excellence within the State University of New York (SUNY) system.  Donna Simiele was recognized for Excellence in Classified Service and Cheri Yager was recognized for Excellence in Professional Service.

Donna Simiele has been an employee of SUNY Niagara since 1986, working in various roles to support SUNY Niagara, its faculty and students.  She has been an invaluable team member in online learning, serving as the campus leader in training faculty to meet the accessibility requirements for delivery of online content.  She participates in numerous SUNY groups and training to keep up on her own professional development and stays abreast of the technology, compliance requirements, and best practices in the advancement of online education.

Donna has always provided quality training and support to faculty, but when COVID-19 struck and the College needed to go fully remote, she kicked into crisis mode, and worked tirelessly days, nights, and even on weekends to support faculty in moving to this new instructional medium.  Her department of Online Learning supported 140 section of Online and Blended Courses, and this past fall supported 82% of all course’s offerings in the online, hybrid, and blended modes. “As if she did not already show her commitment to SUNY Niagara through all her previous years, this year she was one of the most dedicated and flexible employees I’ve ever worked with,” says Donna’s supervisor, Lisa Dubuc.

Through Donna’s excellent customer service skills, she has built an excellent rapport with faculty, staff, and students.  She is a true professional committed to the SUNY Niagara community, and proved herself to be deserving of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

Cheri Yager has dedicated her life to nursing for over 40 years, and has supported SUNY Niagara since 1992.  As the Wellness Center nurse, Cheri has contact with students, faculty, staff, administrators, children in the child development center, and visitors. The Wellness Center and her role there have evolved over the years to better serve the needs of the community and now includes counseling services.

In the spring of 2020, Cheri took a lead role in ensuring safety on campus amidst the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.  She has afforded her expertise and research into the COVID transmission, representation on the SUNY Niagara Reopening committee, and development of procedures and protocols specific to COVID.  She supplied her personal cell phone and access for consult when other campus departments were closed for any person who had questions pertaining to accessing campus when we had COVID screening protocols in place. She even used her personal vehicle and credit card to help secure PPE for the college.

Cheri was instrumental in getting NARCAN® and AED units on campus as standards of care have necessitated this transition. She put together emergency NARCAN® boxes for the campus and student housing to allow SUNY Niagara to be the first college in the area to have such a resource.  Additionally, Cheri contributes in the Nursing Curriculum Advisory Board at SUNY Niagara. Cheri’s dedication to the health and safety of the SUNY Niagara community is evident and she truly embodies the standards of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

 

Chancellors Awards Donna Simiele and Cheri Yager

Donna Simiele and Cheri Yager with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards

Media Contact Information

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

Jan 24
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Dr. Carol Jamieson Award Recipients

SUNY Niagara Faculty Members Presented Prestigious Award

By News Archive

January 24, 2022

Carol Jamieson Award 2022

Ms. Carolyn Stanko and Dr. Matthew Clarcq, recipients of the Dr. Carol Jamieson Award at SUNY Niagara.

Faculty members Dr. Matthew Clarcq and Ms. Carolyn Stanko recently accepted the Dr. Carol Jamieson Award at SUNY Niagara. This honor recognizes faculty members who exemplify the traits of the late Dr. Jamieson, who was best described as “A veteran academician with in-depth historical perspective and acute foresight, a can-do attitude, ever-present resilience, and willingness to serve as a mentor to many.”

Dr. Matthew Clarcq has been a faculty member since 2004. He is a Professor who teaches History, coordinates the Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities and Social Science program, and serves as the Vice President of the SUNY Niagara Faculty Senate. Dr. Clarcq received the State University Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in 2011-12. His teaching inspires students in and out of the classroom. He cultivates many opportunities for students to shine, including the development of the annual Student Showcase. For many years, he led the Instructional Resource Committee (IRC) awarding grants, supporting robust lessons, projects, and research, directly benefiting the student experience. He has been featured as the keynote for many series across campus and created the faculty lecture series, “Building a Bridge to the Liberal Arts.”

Ms. Carolyn Stanko, the coordinator for the Horticulture program and co-coordinator of the biology program, has been with the College since 2007. Known for her hospitable, communicative, and quality relationships with adjunct faculty members, Carolyn was also recognized for her forward-thinking towards cannabis education. She created a new curriculum before its legalization in New York State and had an action plan ready when the plant was written into legislation. She is in constant contact with leaders in the local horticulture community, connecting students to internships and learning the latest and greatest lessons in the field to teach her classes. Ms. Stanko has increased enrollment within the Horticulture program despite the nationwide trend of dwindling college applications. Students within this program gain classroom as well as hands-on experience in the campus’ greenhouse, design arrangements for the College’s annual gala, and participate in the annual WNY Plantasia Garden and Landscape Show.

Dr. William Murabito, President of SUNY Niagara describes the two recipients as “A joy to work with” and that “They add quality and professionalism to our staff.”

Faculty members Dr. Matthew Clarcq and Ms. Carolyn Stanko recently accepted the Dr. Carol Jamieson Award at SUNY Niagara. This honor recognizes faculty members who exemplify the traits of the late Dr. Jamieson, who was best described as “A veteran academician with in-depth historical perspective and acute foresight, a can-do attitude, ever-present resilience, and willingness to serve as a mentor to many.”

Dr. Matthew Clarcq has been a faculty member since 2004. He is a Professor who teaches History, coordinates the Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities and Social Science program, and serves as the Vice President of the SUNY Niagara Faculty Senate. Dr. Clarcq received the State University Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in 2011-12. His teaching inspires students in and out of the classroom. He cultivates many opportunities for students to shine, including the development of the annual Student Showcase. For many years, he led the Instructional Resource Committee (IRC) awarding grants, supporting robust lessons, projects, and research, directly benefiting the student experience. He has been featured as the keynote for many series across campus and created the faculty lecture series, “Building a Bridge to the Liberal Arts.”

Ms. Carolyn Stanko, the coordinator for the Horticulture program and co-coordinator of the biology program, has been with the College since 2007. Known for her hospitable, communicative, and quality relationships with adjunct faculty members, Carolyn was also recognized for her forward-thinking towards cannabis education. She created a new curriculum before its legalization in New York State and had an action plan ready when the plant was written into legislation. She is in constant contact with leaders in the local horticulture community, connecting students to internships and learning the latest and greatest lessons in the field to teach her classes. Ms. Stanko has increased enrollment within the Horticulture program despite the nationwide trend of dwindling college applications. Students within this program gain classroom as well as hands-on experience in the campus’ greenhouse, design arrangements for the College’s annual gala, and participate in the annual WNY Plantasia Garden and Landscape Show.

Dr. William Murabito, President of SUNY Niagara describes the two recipients as “A joy to work with” and that “They add quality and professionalism to our staff.”

Carol Jamieson Award 2022

Ms. Carolyn Stanko and Dr. Matthew Clarcq, recipients of the Dr. Carol Jamieson Award at SUNY Niagara.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Jan 12
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president's wager

SUNY Niagara President Challenges Massasoit Community College President to Friendly Wager for Buffalo Bills Playoff Game

By News Archive

January 12, 2022

Virtual meeting between SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito and Massasoit Community College President Ray DiPasquale to discuss wager for the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots playoff game.

Virtual meeting between SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito and Massasoit Community College President Ray DiPasquale to discuss wager for the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots playoff game.

Via a Zoom meeting on Wednesday morning, SUNY Niagara President, William J. Murabito challenged Massasoit Community College President, Ray DiPasquale to a friendly wager on the outcome of the playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots this Saturday, January 15.  Massasoit Community College is located deep in New England Patriots’ territory in Brockton, Massachusetts.  President DiPasquale logged into the virtual meeting wearing a Patriots hat with a custom background featuring the Patriots Super Bowl banners.  Not one to be outdone, President Murabito confidently sported a Buffalo Bills hat in support of the hometown team and made a wager of chocolate orange sponge candy handcrafted by students at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, a division of SUNY Niagara.

This Western New York specialty will be sent to Massasoit in the event the Bills lose on Saturday, though President Murabito taunted, “I don’t expect a need to send those to you.”  Amused by the comment, President DiPasquale gestured to the Patriots background behind him saying, “See those championship banners?”  Noting the confidence he had in the rookie quarterback of the Patriots, he offered gourmet chocolates created by students in the Massasoit culinary program as his part of the wager in the case a New England Patriots defeat on Saturday night.  Certain of a Buffalo Bills victory, President Murabito announced, “We are looking forward to those chocolates!”

One thing both presidents agreed upon is that it would be a great game between the two rival teams.  While the weather forecast is expected to be incredibly cold in Buffalo for the game, the sweet wager between the two colleges is just an example of the warmth of the fans behind each team.

Media Contact Information

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