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SUNY Niagara Chef Presents at National Convention

By News Archive

Niagara Falls, N.Y. – Nathan Koscielski, an assistant professor of hospitality and culinary arts at SUNY Niagara’s Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), presented at the American Culinary Federation (ACF) National Convention in Phoenix last week. Koscielski’s demonstration, “Exploring Cannabis Terpenes for Culinary Use,” discussed how to incorporate cannabis strains into recipes and how different cannabis compounds can match the flavor profile of a dish.

The ACF National Convention brings together culinary professionals from various facets of the industry. It is the largest annual gathering of chefs, students and foodservice professionals in the U.S. Only recognized subject matter experts receive invitations to present at the conference.

“Being invited to speak at the ACF National Convention is truly an honor and a highlight of my career thus far,” said Koscielski. “The culinary cannabis industry has so much potential, and I am excited to share my knowledge with the other great chefs at the convention.”

Koscielski has helped establish SUNY Niagara as a leader in culinary cannabis education. He created SUNY’s first credit-bearing, culinary cannabis-focused college coursework and began teaching the first class he developed, “Culinary Cannabis and Edibles,” in 2021, before New York state legalized the cultivation, sale and use of cannabis.

SUNY Niagara was the site of the inaugural SUNY Cannabis Conference in 2023, bringing in cannabis experts and enthusiasts from across the world. The college hosted the annual event again in January, adding a showcase of culinary cannabis at NFCI that featured the first-ever ACF culinary cannabis competition and a CBD-infused lunch and dinner. Koscielski hosted a cooking demonstration at each conference, crafting CBD-infused Bananas Foster in 2023 and Cherries Jubilee in 2024.

Chef Nathan Koscielski demonstrates his CBD-infused Bananas Foster.

“Chef Nate’s relentless pursuit of culinary cannabis innovation has been a game-changer for NFCI,” said Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs Josh Blumberg. “His unwavering dedication to both his students and his craft exemplifies the transformative power of culinary arts.”

The SUNY Niagara Workforce Development Office offers a variety of horticulture cannabis classes, including culinary cannabis, which are open to the public. For more information, click here.

SUNY Niagara Launches Electronics Technology Program

By News Archive

April 10, 2024

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.

More information on the electronics technology program will be made available at: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/programs

Media Contact Information

Zachary Rohde
Public Relations Assistant
Phone: 716-614-6794
Email: zrohde@niagaracc.suny.edu

Discover your path: College and Career day at Tuscarora nation House

By Nations Connect

July 26, 2023

While out in the community, it is tasked to showcase information on technology programs such as Computer Aided Draft Design(CADD), Welding Technology, Hospitality Management, and Hospitality Operations including to inform on the expanded number of programs at SUNY Niagara.
The first event of many, the Employment and Education Day at the Tuscarora Nation House took place on March 10, 2023. The event hosted many agencies and organizations for local education, training, and employment. This kind of event is one of the best ways for current and prospective students to explore their options and connect with professionals in various fields. There were representatives from the healthcare, finance, and technology fields. Another great thing about this event is the opportunity to meet with college representatives. Whether you are interested in a four-year university, a community college, or a trade school, you will be able to speak with representatives from a variety of institutions. Not sure how you are going to fund your education? There are local and regional funding sources available.

While out in the community, it is tasked to showcase information on technology programs such as Computer Aided Draft Design(CADD), Welding Technology, Hospitality Management, and Hospitality Operations including to inform on the expanded number of programs at SUNY Niagara.
The first event of many, the Employment and Education Day at the Tuscarora Nation House took place on March 10, 2023. The event hosted many agencies and organizations for local education, training, and employment. This kind of event is one of the best ways for current and prospective students to explore their options and connect with professionals in various fields. There were representatives from the healthcare, finance, and technology fields. Another great thing about this event is the opportunity to meet with college representatives. Whether you are interested in a four-year university, a community college, or a trade school, you will be able to speak with representatives from a variety of institutions. Not sure how you are going to fund your education? There are local and regional funding sources available.

Welcome to the Nations connect!

By Nations Connect

July 19, 2023

Cory and Mark represented SUNY Niagara at the 30th Annual Conference NAIEA/NY held at Seneca Niagara Casino, where they provided educational information on Technology and Hospitality courses to educators, community members, and students, also having the chance to network with local county and state education personnel.

Welcome to the Nations Connect blog. Here we are working through the REACH grant. The REACH grant initiative focuses on local communities located West of SUNY Niagara as Tuscarora Nation and Niagara Falls throughout New York State and within the nations.
The efforts began in November of 2022 with Mark Voisinet (REACH Coordinator) and Cory Hewitt (Outreach Coordinator), collaborating with Will Brinson (Multicultural Advisement Coordinator). The SUNY REACH Grant is part of the Lumina Foundation’s Racial Equity for Adult Credentials in Higher Ed (REACH) grant initiative. In partnership with community colleges and community partners, SUNY will seek to increase the attainment of non-degree credentials and associate degrees in community colleges for adults of color, building off our guided pathways work.

 

 

Welcome to the Nations Connect blog. Here we are working through the REACH grant. The REACH grant initiative focuses on local communities located West of SUNY Niagara as Tuscarora Nation and Niagara Falls throughout New York State and within the nations.
The efforts began in November of 2022 with Mark Voisinet (REACH Coordinator) and Cory Hewitt (Outreach Coordinator), collaborating with Will Brinson (Multicultural Advisement Coordinator). The SUNY REACH Grant is part of the Lumina Foundation’s Racial Equity for Adult Credentials in Higher Ed (REACH) grant initiative. In partnership with community colleges and community partners, SUNY will seek to increase the attainment of non-degree credentials and associate degrees in community colleges for adults of color, building off our guided pathways work.

 

 

SUNY Niagara at Night

SUNY Niagara at Night Informational Session May 15

By News Archive

May 9, 2023

SUNY Niagara at Night

Beginning this fall, SUNY Niagara will offer additional programs, courses, and support services during evening hours.

SUNY Niagara will keep the lights on later beginning this fall. To meet the needs of current and prospective students, the college will begin offering 16 degree and certificate programs as well as student support services and dining options throughout the evening. Various programs in education, liberal arts, business, accounting, STEM, and nursing will be included during nighttime hours.

To kick off this new initiative, the college will host a SUNY Niagara at Night Information Session on May 15 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Learning Commons at the Sanborn campus, located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road. Faculty and student support services will be present to chat with individuals who are interested in SUNY Niagara at Night. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit: niagaracc.suny.edu/ncccatnight.

SUNY Niagara will keep the lights on later beginning this fall. To meet the needs of current and prospective students, the college will begin offering 16 degree and certificate programs as well as student support services and dining options throughout the evening. Various programs in education, liberal arts, business, accounting, STEM, and nursing will be included during nighttime hours.

To kick off this new initiative, the college will host a SUNY Niagara at Night Information Session on May 15 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. in the Learning Commons at the Sanborn campus, located at 3111 Saunders Settlement Road. Faculty and student support services will be present to chat with individuals who are interested in SUNY Niagara at Night. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit: niagaracc.suny.edu/ncccatnight.

 

SUNY Niagara at Night

Beginning this fall, SUNY Niagara will offer additional programs, courses, and support services during evening hours.


Media Contact Information

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

SUNY Niagara Announces Fall 2022 Dean’s List

By News Archive

February 17, 2023

A total of 598 students were recently recognized for their outstanding academic achievements for the fall 2022 semester at SUNY Niagara.  Both full-time and part-time students were honored for their scholastic successes by being named to either the Dean’s List or the Part-Time Honors list. In addition, students who earned a GPA of 4.0 were recognized through the President’s List.  This fall, 118 students met the high standard.

To be named to the College’s Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time with 12 or more credit hours and have achieved a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better. To be eligible for the Part-Time Honors list, a student must be enrolled in six to 11 hours of course work and have a semester GPA of 3.5 or better.

Honorees represent many cities across Western New York including: Akron, Alden, Amherst, Appleton, Barker, Buffalo, Burt, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Depew, East Amherst, Eden, Gasport, Grand Island, Hamburg, Kenmore, Lackawanna, Lakeview, Lancaster, Lewiston, Lockport, Lyndonville, Marilla, Medina, Middleport, Newfane, North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, Olean, Orchard Park, Ransomville, Rochester,  Sanborn, Tonawanda, Warsaw, Williamsville, Wilson, and Youngstown. For a complete list of honorees, please visit: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/academic-accolades/.

A total of 598 students were recently recognized for their outstanding academic achievements for the fall 2022 semester at SUNY Niagara.  Both full-time and part-time students were honored for their scholastic successes by being named to either the Dean’s List or the Part-Time Honors list. In addition, students who earned a GPA of 4.0 were recognized through the President’s List.  This fall, 118 students met the high standard.

To be named to the College’s Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled full-time with 12 or more credit hours and have achieved a semester grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or better. To be eligible for the Part-Time Honors list, a student must be enrolled in six to 11 hours of course work and have a semester GPA of 3.5 or better.

Honorees represent many cities across Western New York including: Akron, Alden, Amherst, Appleton, Barker, Buffalo, Burt, Cheektowaga, Clarence, Depew, East Amherst, Eden, Gasport, Grand Island, Hamburg, Kenmore, Lackawanna, Lakeview, Lancaster, Lewiston, Lockport, Lyndonville, Marilla, Medina, Middleport, Newfane, North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, Olean, Orchard Park, Ransomville, Rochester,  Sanborn, Tonawanda, Warsaw, Williamsville, Wilson, and Youngstown. For a complete list of honorees, please visit: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/academic-accolades/.


Media Contact Information

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

SUNY Niagara sign in the winter

Earn 3 Credits in 12 Days at SUNY Niagara Winter Session

By News Archive

January 5, 2023

SUNY Niagara offers a variety of opportunities for students to earn college credits at a reasonable price, and winter session allows students to expedite their educational experience by taking an entire class in less than 2 weeks.  SUNY Niagara’s winter session runs from Tuesday, January 3, 2022 through Saturday, January 14, 2023 allowing students to earn 3 credits in just 12 days.

The major benefit of studying at SUNY Niagara is that classes are more affordable than nearly all other Western New York colleges, and credits can transfer easily to other institutions.  While students do have other options for winter classes, SUNY Niagara has both in-person and online courses offered at one of the lowest tuition rates in the region.

Seats are still available in nearly 30 general education and pre-requisite courses required for meeting program and degree requirements.  During the abbreviated intersession, students can receive credits in classes such as Music Appreciation, Spanish, Introduction to Sociology, Business, and more.

To learn more and to register for Winter Session at SUNY Niagara, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/reg/

SUNY Niagara winter exterior photo


Media Contact Information

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

Gemma Fournier

SUNY Niagara Professor Named President of National Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting Board

By News Archive

November 3, 2022

Gemma Fournier

Gemma Fournier, SUNY Niagara Surgical Technology Coordinator and Professor.

Gemma Fournier, Surgical Technology Program Coordinator and Professor at SUNY Niagara, was recently named the President of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

The NBSTSA is the certifying agency for surgical technologists in the United Stated. This organization is responsible for all decisions regarding certification– from determining eligibility to maintaining, denying, granting and renewing the designation. Ms. Fournier was first appointed to the NBSTSA in 2018.

Beginning her career as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) in 1989 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Ms. Fournier went on to begin her teaching career at SUNY Niagara in 1995. She has been a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) for the past 29 years and is a New York State Registered Nurse and a member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). At the State level, she served on the Association of Surgical Technologists New York Assembly Board (NYAST) as President, Vice-President, Secretary, Director and delegate for 10 years.

Ms. Fournier earned her Associate in Applied Sciences/Surgical Technology degree from SUNY Niagara, Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Niagara University, and her Masters in Nursing from University of Phoenix. In May 2012, she received the Fellows of the Association of Surgical Technologists (FAST) Award, followed by the Association of Surgical Technologists Didactic Educators Award and State of New York (SUNY) Chancellors Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013.

SUNY Niagara’s Surgical Technology program is a two-year program which offers specialized Surgical Technology lectures, well-rounded general education courses, and hands-on experience at clinical sites such as the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Catholic Health System, Kaleida Health System, and ECMC. SUNY Niagara graduates are employed throughout Buffalo/Niagara area hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. The class of 2022 achieved 86% job placement upon completion of SUNY Niagara’s Surgical Technology AAS degree.

Gemma Fournier, Surgical Technology Program Coordinator and Professor at SUNY Niagara, was recently named the President of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

The NBSTSA is the certifying agency for surgical technologists in the United Stated. This organization is responsible for all decisions regarding certification– from determining eligibility to maintaining, denying, granting and renewing the designation. Ms. Fournier was first appointed to the NBSTSA in 2018.

Beginning her career as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) in 1989 at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Ms. Fournier went on to begin her teaching career at SUNY Niagara in 1995. She has been a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) for the past 29 years and is a New York State Registered Nurse and a member of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN). At the State level, she served on the Association of Surgical Technologists New York Assembly Board (NYAST) as President, Vice-President, Secretary, Director and delegate for 10 years.

Ms. Fournier earned her Associate in Applied Sciences/Surgical Technology degree from SUNY Niagara, Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Niagara University, and her Masters in Nursing from University of Phoenix. In May 2012, she received the Fellows of the Association of Surgical Technologists (FAST) Award, followed by the Association of Surgical Technologists Didactic Educators Award and State of New York (SUNY) Chancellors Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013.

SUNY Niagara’s Surgical Technology program is a two-year program which offers specialized Surgical Technology lectures, well-rounded general education courses, and hands-on experience at clinical sites such as the Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Catholic Health System, Kaleida Health System, and ECMC. SUNY Niagara graduates are employed throughout Buffalo/Niagara area hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. The class of 2022 achieved 86% job placement upon completion of SUNY Niagara’s Surgical Technology AAS degree.

 

 

 

Gemma Fournier

Gemma Fournier, SUNY Niagara Surgical Technology Coordinator and Professor.


Media Contact Information

Barbara M. DeSimone
Asst. Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: DeSimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

Amazon to Pay Tuition for its Employees Attending SUNY Niagara

By News Archive

September 12, 2022

Today, SUNY Niagara announced they had been selected as an education partner for Amazon’s Career Choice program, providing Amazon’s hourly employees the ability to pursue certificates and associate degrees in programs of their choosing at SUNY Niagara. The Amazon Career Choice program will provide an annual benefit covering tuition and select fees for all qualifying hourly employees accepted as students at SUNY Niagara.

“This partnership between Amazon and SUNY Niagara helps to remove one of the biggest barriers to continuing education—time and money,” said SUNY Niagara President William J. Murabito. “At SUNY Niagara, students can choose from over 50 high-quality programs and certificates. Our tuition is lower than many other area colleges, and several of our programs hold specialized accreditations. We offer flexible instructional methods to learn when it is convenient for you.”

Amazon’s Career Choice program is an education benefit that empowers employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. The program meets individual learners where they are on their education journey through various education and upskilling opportunities, including full college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency and high school diplomas and GEDs. In the U.S., the company is investing $1.2 billion to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025 to help move them into higher-paying, in-demand jobs.

Amazon’s Career Choice program has a rigorous selection process for third-party partner educators, choosing partners focused on helping employees through their education programs, assisting them with job placements, and offering education that leads to career success.

“We’re looking forward to SUNY Niagara coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Carley Graham Garcia, Amazon’s head of community affairs for Amazon in New York. “We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally created a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education, job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience. More than 80,000 Amazon employees worldwide have already participated in Career Choice, and we’ve seen first-hand how it can transform their lives.”

Senator Robert G. Ortt

“By joining forces with our new Amazon partners, SUNY Niagara will be creating an opportunity for employees to further their educations at a quality higher learning institution while also allowing them to develop new skills for their future careers. This is a great example of how local businesses can help develop and empower their current workforces. It can also serve as a blueprint for future employers to reference when deciding if Niagara County is a location where they wish to establish operations. I applaud all parties involved in this agreement for working together to utilize this program for the benefit of both employers and employees.”

Assemblyman Angelo J. Morinello

“Thank you, Amazon, for your vision to assist your employees in pursuing higher education, SUNY Niagara will be an excellent partner for Amazon’s Career Choice Program.  SUNY Niagara provides many career choices in their programming.  Amazon’s commitment to assist their employees and their host communities is greatly appreciated by all.”

Assemblyman Michael J. Norris

“Career opportunities and advancement is rooted in the fabric of the American dream and economy success. Amazon’s commitment to ensuring that its Career Choice Program is accessible to its employees in partnership with SUNY Niagara in furtherance of this overall goal will no doubt positively impact and enhance its workforce, their families and our Niagara County economy and community. This investment is indeed a key component in ensuring long-term and sustainable careers in our region for generations to come.”

Town of Niagara Supervisor Lee Wallace

“We are grateful for this partnership between Amazon and SUNY Niagara. The opportunities created through the Career Choice program will enable many of our residents to further their education while continuing to work and advance in their career, paving the way for greater economic prosperity in our communities. We appreciate Amazon expanding their commitment within Niagara County.”

For more information on Amazon’s Career Choice, visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/career-choice.

For more information on SUNY Niagara, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/.

SUNY Niagara is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York, the largest public university system in the country. The College provides over 50 certificate and degree programs and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, the State University of New York, and student tuition. 


Media Contact Information

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

SUNY Niagara Named Top Performer for Recruitment of Students Pursuing Non-Traditional Degrees

By News Archive

August 18, 2022

For the first time in its history, SUNY Niagara was recognized as a top 10 performer among nearly 50 higher education institutions across New York State for retention and recruitment of students pursuing non-traditional fields of study.  SUNY Niagara was made aware of this honor by the Nontraditional Employment & Training (NET) Program for its excellence in supporting males pursuing degrees in Nursing and Allied Health programs.  The NET Program works in partnership with the New York State Education Department (NYSED) to promote its mission of ending occupational gender domination, which limits economic growth and development, maintains gender inequality, and curtails workforce opportunities.

SUNY Niagara is proud to support all its students in their academic efforts and will continue to recruit and encourage those who belong to underrepresented populations within their fields.  Brian R. Michel, SUNY Niagara Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, Economic Development, noted that this recognition reflects the successful partnership between SUNY Niagara and collaborative contributions by area industry.  “We would like to commend the hard work and effort put forth by Dr. Diane Pytlik-Flammia, SUNY Niagara Assistant Vice President, her team, and the SUNY Niagara Nursing and Allied Health students in achieving this accolade.”

 

SUNY Niagara is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York, the largest public university system in the country. The College provides more than 50 certificate and degree programs and is funded by the Niagara County Legislature, the State University of New York, and student tuition.


Media Contact Information

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