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Apr 16
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Arianna Morales, Allyson Knuutila-Clark, and Miranda Fiore, 2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Award Winners.

NCCC Students Receive SUNY Chancellor’s Award

By News Archive

April 16, 2021

Three sophomores at Niagara County Community College have received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Miranda Fiore, Allyson (Ally) Knuutila-Clark, and Arianna (Ari) Morales have been recognized for their outstanding achievements in academics, campus involvement, and community service.

The trio of strong women share many attributes.  All three are Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Science majors and they are active members in numerous clubs, including NCCC’s Student Government Association (SGA). Miranda is the student event coordinator, Allyson is vice president, and Arianna is president of the SGA. In addition to planning and attending student events, they have played a vital role in representing NCCC’s student body to faculty, staff, and the SUNY system.

Miranda also serves as a student ambassador, an orientation leader, and has attended NCCC’s alternative spring break twice. This journey is for students who want to give back on their spring break, often times traveling hundreds of miles to complete community service projects. Miranda shares, “NCCC was the smart place to start for me because I met so many amazing people who wanted to help and support me and my journey. I also switched my major a few times and it led me to find what I wanted to do in a cost-effective, caring, and growing environment.”

Ally holds multiple leadership roles at NCCC. She is a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, co-founder and co-president of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), is involved with the Campus Activity Board, and is the manager for the NCCC wrestling team. Ally is an exemplary student, earning top grades in her courses. She states, “My proudest accomplishment as an NCCC student was obtaining a 3.58 GPA the semester we were sent home because of the pandemic.”

Ari is a first-generation college student who credits her NCCC family, specifically, the Office of Student Life, for encouraging her to follow her dreams. Arianna is co-founder and co-president of the NSLS and she is the SUNY Student Assembly Community College Caucus chairwoman. Arianna is passionate about mental health awareness and equity in our education system.

Julia Pitman, Vice President of Student Services shared, “Ally, Ari, and Miranda are strong campus leaders here at NCCC. They are extremely invested in our campus community and represent the students well both locally and with the SUNY Student Association. I’m very proud that the three were chosen by SUNY to be honored as Students of Excellence. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a student within the SUNY system and all three are very deserving.”

Miranda, Allyson, and Arianna were recognized for their award on April 14 during a virtual SUNY ceremony. Their next big accomplishments will include successfully completing their final exams and earning their degrees this May.

Arianna Morales, Allyson Knuutila-Clark, and Miranda Fiore, 2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Award Winners.

(L to R) Arianna Morales, Allyson Knuutila-Clark, and Miranda Fiore, 2021 SUNY Chancellor’s Award Winners.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Jan 25
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NCCC Nursing Student

NCCC Nursing Students Excel in Licensing Exams

By News Archive

NCCC Nursing Students Excel
in Licensing Exams

January 25, 2021 

To become licensed as a Registered Nurse or Practical Nurse, students who graduate from a state-approved registered nursing (RN) or practical nursing (PN) program must pass the National Council License Examination (NCLEX).  Both of the Niagara County Community College (NCCC) RN and PN programs have routinely received rates above the state and national averages for success in passing these exams.  In 2020, NCCC nursing grads achieved a 94.05% pass rate for the NCLEX-RN and a 100% pass rate was achieved for the NCLEX-PN.  These exams are given via a computer and include various types of questions to test the knowledge of a graduate nurse to perform in the clinical setting caring for patients. A student becomes licensed as an RN or PN by passing this exam after graduation.

When asked about the success of NCCC nursing graduates, Diane Pytlik-Flammia, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs for Nursing and Allied Health said, “The organization of our curriculum, dedication to student success, and preparation through our faculty teaching is what has provided this foundation for students to be successful on these licensure exams.” She also noted the 100% employment rates for graduates of NCCC’s nursing program.  “Many employers in the area reach out to us on a weekly basis wanting to recruit our students. We have a very good reputation in the area for producing well-prepared nurses.”

For more information on the NCCC nursing program, please visit:  https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/nah/

NCCC nursing student

NCCC nursing students receive clinical experience to prepare them for a career after graduation.

Media Contact Information

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

Jan 13
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Campus aerial photo

NCCC Begins Spring Semester on January 19

By News Archive

January 13, 2021

Niagara County Community College will begin the spring 2021 semester on January 19 at both the Sanborn campus and Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. Most classes will operate virtually through February 1 and a limited number of SUNY approved high-contact labs will take place in-person throughout the semester. As the pandemic continues, NCCC has elected to proceed with reduced in-person capacities in order to maintain a safe learning and working environment. The College will continue to follow all federal, state, SUNY, and local guidelines. Several measures will be in place for the spring semester in order to reduce density on campus and curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Classes:
Students can expect many of their courses to pivot to a flexible learning option. There are several types of instructional modalities and they include: online, hybrid, blended, and face-to-face courses. The online courses are 100% virtual and flexible. Students can conveniently learn on their own schedule while also having access to their instructors and college resources. Hybrid courses combine online learning and in-person instruction. On-campus instruction or activity may be required for some of these courses. Blended courses are 100% online and require some or all of the online instruction to occur in real-time as scheduled. Every in-person meeting will guarantee classroom sizes which can facilitate physical distancing. Masks will be required for all who enter the campus.

Before teaching in an online or hybrid modality, faculty are trained and provided with abundant opportunities for professional growth in teaching in distance learning formats through NCCC’s departments of Online Learning and the Faculty Resource Center for Academic Excellence.

Returning to Campus:
Returning residents of NCCC’s Student Housing Village will be required to bring a hard copy of their negative COVID-19 test results taken within 72 hours of moving into the dorms. New residents will be required to bring a hard copy of their negative COVID-19 results taken within five days of moving into the dorms. All students, whether commuting or residing on campus, should refer to the Guidelines for Students on NCCC’s COVID-19 webpage for a full list of instructions prior to returning to campus.

Screening Procedures:
The College will continue the COVID-19 screening process for all who enter the premises. Individuals will be required to enter through the Learning Commons, have their temperature checked, and submit a health questionnaire upon arrival. Masks are required upon entering.

Student Services and Activities:
Faculty, staff, and student-centered departments will remain open and available from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. through 4 p.m. Students are welcome to make appointments or visit various departments including Admissions, Career and Transitional Services, Cashier’s Office, Financial Aid, Henrietta G. Lewis Library, Records and Registration, Student Success Center, Testing Center, and the Wellness Center to fulfill any need they may have as it pertains to their experience at NCCC.

The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) will continue high-quality, professional tutoring services in both virtual and in-person sessions. Regardless of remote or on-campus learning, every NCCC student is welcome to utilize in-person ACE services. During the spring semester, ACE will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to tutoring services, students can utilize printers, computers, and web cameras for their online coursework. ACE’s online tutoring will begin on January 25 from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and will run from Monday through Friday. STAR-NY tutoring, also available through ACE will begin on February 3 from 7 p.m. through midnight, operating Sunday through Thursday evenings.

Student activities will resume for the semester, though many will take place online. A limited number of in-person events for students will include cultural celebrations and awareness events, Wolf Pack Wake Up events, “Service with a Slice” community outreach, Taco Tuesdays, and Supermarket Sweep games.

NCCC plans to resume intercollegiate athletic competition in February 2021, beginning with its indoor sports of men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and wrestling. Spring sports, including baseball, golf, and softball, along with the traditional fall sports of men’s and women’s soccer, are on track to begin competition in March.

Academic Calendar Changes
NCCC has eliminated their traditional Spring Break recess. The semester will operate steadily through May 2021, ending one week earlier than originally planned. This will mitigate the risk of travel and exposure to the COVID-19 virus and will also move Commencement to May 8, 2021.

NCCC will implement Commencement plans in accordance with New York State, SUNY, and Niagara County Health Department guidance. The College will adjust the method of the celebration based upon the conditions at that time.

The faculty and staff of Niagara County Community College are looking forward to working with returning students and are excited to welcome the newest cohort of freshman, transfer, non-matriculated, and international students. The College will continue to communicate COVID-19 related news in a timely, transparent, and understandable manner. NCCC’s Campus Safety Monitor and Vice President of Administration, Wayne Lynch, states “We are committed to exceeding safety standards just as we are committed to educational excellence.”

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Jan 12
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EOP Student

NCCC student honored with statewide award

By News Archive
Elaine Champagne-Lewis

NCCC Student Elaine Champagne-Lewis, recipient of the 2020 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for EOP Student Excellence

January 12, 2021

On December 14, 2020, State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor Dr. Jim Malatras hosted a virtual Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Honors Awards Ceremony recognizing the achievements of 45 students from 49 SUNY campuses statewide. Elaine Champagne-Lewis of Niagara County Community College (NCCC) was chosen to receive the 2020 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for EOP Student Excellence, which celebrates EOP students who have overcome significant obstacles in life to achieve their educational and personal goals.  The award is named after the late Norman McConney, one of the architects of the statewide EOP program and a champion of youth empowerment.  The EOP program provides academic support services, counseling, advisement and financial assistance to historically under-served students from low-income families in New York.

A mother of two, Elaine is a non-traditional student who was motivated to pursue a degree in human services after working several minimum wage jobs while trying to support her family.  “I struggled so much to get by, and I want to set an example for my kids,” says Elaine.  A friend encouraged her to look into studying at NCCC and Elaine worked with an advisor who helped her through the process of enrolling.  Once on campus, she saw that she met the qualifications for the EOP program and was accepted.  “The EOP workshops helped me to learn balance and self-care, to ask questions when I don’t understand things and connected me to appropriate resources when I needed help.”

Since enrolling at NCCC, Elaine has excelled.  “Elaine has consistently demonstrated the utmost commitment, perseverance, and resiliency in pursuing her academic goals. She has maintained a perfect GPA throughout two semesters of the pandemic while also working as a single mother to not only provide for her children, but help assist in their education as well. Her strength and dedication is an inspiration to me as her advisor and I believe her example can be an inspiration to others,” states Ted Mallwitz, the EOP Academic Support Specialist who nominated Elaine for the EOP Award for Student Excellence.

When asked if she had any advice for other non-traditional students in a similar circumstance, Elaine offered the following: “Ask questions and put in the effort, because it will pay off.  There are so many people ready and willing to help you if you just ask.  Going back to school feels like something you can’t do, but just put one foot in front of the other to make changes in your life.”  Elaine expects to finish her degree at NCCC in the fall of 2021 and plans to continue her education at Buffalo State College studying social work. She currently participates in an internship with a local substance abuse and mental health organization where she hopes to gain full-time employment after graduation.

Media Contact Information

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

Jan 12
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genealogical photos

NCCC to Offer Course Examining Genealogical History

By News Archive

January 12, 2021

Niagara County Community College is offering a topical course entitled, “United States History Since 1865,” during the spring 2021 semester. The class is rich in genealogical research and will connect historic benchmarks of our nation to the way our ancestors and communities were locally affected.

genealogical photos

NCCC students enrolled in the “United States History Since 1865” course will link their genealogical research to historical context.

Professor Don Fisher, who holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts degree from SUNY at Buffalo, will lead the class through an in-depth look at the political, social, and economic history of the US from the end of the Civil War to the present. Students will be given free access to Ancestry.com and a plethora of other references to navigate their specific family history spanning many decades. Students will learn how to uncover information through interviews, photographs, newspapers, and other historic documents and then apply their research to a written account about the way their family’s story was shaped by America’s past. Discussions will be centered on topics regarding immigration, social mobility, military service, and education amongst other subjects. In addition to the extraordinary research resources and paper, students can also expect to participate in the course through traditional exams and lectures. Dr. Fisher states, “Scholarly history isn’t just for scholars. Everyone today has the tools at their fingertips to understand their genealogy against the backdrop of broader historical patterns and issues. Anyone who completes the course and paper would not merely have a family tree, but a meaningful contextualized history of their family.”

This class is open to current students and to the public. Those who are interested in taking the class but not currently enrolled in a degree or certificate program are welcome to apply to Niagara County Community College as a non-matriculated student. Seats are still available during three different times:  9:30 – 10:45a.m.; 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., and 12:30 – 1:45 p.m., all on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning January 19 and concluding on May 6, 2021. Classes will meet virtually via Zoom in order to maintain safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/spring/ for more information.

Media Contact Information

Denyel Beiter
Event Coordinator, Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-614-5974
Email: dbeiter@niagaracc.suny.edu

Jan 05
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Fall 2020 Dean's List

NCCC Announces Fall 2020 Dean’s List

By News Archive

January 5, 2021

A total of 737 students were recently recognized for their outstanding academic achievements for the fall 2020 semester at Niagara County Community College.  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.

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

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

Media Contact Information

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

Dec 22
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Delaney Adams

High School Students Get a Jumpstart on College at NCCC

By News Archive

December 22, 2020

At a time when the pandemic has brought challenges for many in the academic realm, Niagara County Community College (NCCC) is improving access to higher education for high school students through the College Acceleration Program (CAP).  CAP allows students to take college courses at their own high school, following NCCC curriculum.  In essence, the dual-enrolled high school students are getting a head start on their college careers.

By participating in CAP, high school students can concurrently enroll to take college courses while receiving both high school and college credit.  As college costs and student debt is rising nationwide, the ability to save time and money through CAP classes while in high school is a huge advantage. According to former CAP student and current NCCC student Gabriela Bonura, “I would recommend high school students taking CAP classes because they are very affordable, and it does prepare you for the rigorous coursework when in college.”

The benefits of CAP are more than just financial savings, as high school students have an opportunity to lighten their course load when they do start college. This opens the door for students to explore more electives, earn a double major, complete an internship, or participate in a study abroad program.  The experience of earning college credit while still in high school helps to further prepare students for the expectations they will face and the culture of a college environment. “Taking college courses in the comfort of my high school has made for a great transitional period prior to college,” states Lockport High School Senior Delaney Adams.

Currently, there are participating high schools within Western New York offering college credits through NCCC CAP at a discounted rate of $79 per credit.  For the spring 2021 semester, a limited number of scholarships will be available to high school CAP students whose families faced financial hardships due to COVID-19.  To learn more about CAP, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/academics/highschool/

Media Contact Information

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

Dec 08
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NCCC unveils new EOP office and collaboration with Niagara Falls High School

By News Archive

December 8, 2020

While the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) has been around since former New York State Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve started the program in 1967, it is relatively new to Niagara County Community College (NCCC).  The program started at NCCC in August of 2016 with the goal of providing academic workshops, tutoring, counseling, advisement, and financial assistance to historically under-served students who require additional academic support.

Currently, the NCCC EOP has funding through the State University of New York (SUNY) Office of Opportunity Programs to support 70 students.  As of Tuesday, November 17, EOP students have a brand new space to call home as NCCC cut the ribbon on a larger, more student-friendly office.  More important than the office is the people who run the program on campus.  As an NCCC Alumna and former EOP student herself, Angela Jackson, EOP Coordinator at NCCC has a valuable perspective when it comes to the population she serves.  “Being able to work at my alma mater is awesome in and of itself, however being a former EOP student and being able to oversee and help shape the new EOP at NCCC was a dream opportunity for me,” says Angela.

Not all high school students receive the guidance and support needed to pursue their goals in higher education, or may not feel they are “college material” according to Angela.  Because of her own experience, she recognizes the importance of having a presence in high school to illustrate possibilities firsthand.  As part of her duties, Angela will now spend one day a week on-site at Niagara Falls High School allowing her to have 1-on-1 time with students to share information about EOP and inform students on exactly what services may be available to them.

While COVID has transitioned many of the services typically offered on-campus to a virtual experience, EOP is still very active in making a positive impact in the lives of the students it serves.  Angela notes that colleague Ted Mallwitz, Academic Support Specialist is amazing at disarming students and creating a safe space for them while directing them to the appropriate resources needed to assist them in their academic journey.  When asked about the vision of the future of EOP at NCCC, Angela envisions the program doubling the population it serves and hopes to provide even more financial support for students.  “The program has survived 52 years; I hope we have another 52.”

The NCCC Educational Opportunity Program helps through mentorship, academic programs, financial assistance, counseling/advising, and other campus support services to those who are first-generation college students, and/or from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. The comprehensive program of support services includes advising, learning skills development, tutoring, and academic advisement.  For more information about the NCCC EOP Program, please call (716) 614-5977 or email: eop@niagaracc.suny.edu

Media Contact Information

Barbara M. DeSimone
Director of Public Relations and Event Management
Phone: 716-481-3775
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu

Aug 11
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Retired NCCC Professor Gail Tylec

NCCC’s Tylec receives statewide recognition

By News Archive

August 11, 2020

Professor Gail Tylec has shown dedication to Niagara County Community College (NCCC) since she graduated from the institution in 1980 with her Associate in Arts Degree.  She was hired by the College not long after in 1988 when she began a career spanning 32 years.  Tylec retired this summer from her role as a Professor of Dietetic Studies, for which she was recently recognized by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Inc. (NYS AHPERD).

In July Tylec was selected as the Western Zone’s Higher Education Teacher of the Year by the NYS AHPERD.  She received this award based upon a nomination from a colleague who noted her extraordinary teaching ability and the impact on students and staff alike.  The award highlights Tylec’s commitment to providing a quality and comprehensive physical and health education program that enables students to engage in healthy and physically active lifestyles.  Following this recognition, Tylec will present her innovative ideas through the organizational newsletter and presentations at regional events.

Media Contact Information

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

Jun 22
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Meagan Swartz, 2017 NCCC Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate.

NCCC Physical Therapist Assistant Program Rewarding in Clinics and Community

By News Archive

June 22, 2020

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Niagara County Community College (NCCC) paves the way for a rewarding career in the healthcare field. Physical Therapist Assistants play a vital role in helping patients who need to improve mobility, decrease pain, and increase their quality of life. NCCC PTA graduates help patients build strength after surgery, recover from injuries, manage chronic pain, and even improve pre-natal and post-partum health.

Meagan Swartz 2017 PTA Grad

Meagan Swartz 2017 PTA Grad

Meagan Swartz, a 2017 graduate of the program explains, “As a PTA, we see people in a vulnerable state following an injury, accident, or surgery. We help them physically by taking them through exercises and stretches or by using manual therapy like massages. We also help mentally, and emotionally by lending a listening ear, explaining things to them regarding their recovery, and helping them to understand the process. It makes a world of difference when you actually listen to someone’s concerns and help to clarify things for them in a way that they understand.” She adds, “Seeing your patients’ happiness and excitement when their pain has decreased or their strength has increased is the most rewarding part of the job.”

The desire to help others is crucial to being a PTA. Outside of the physical therapy world, Meagan is leading the charge in an “Adopt-a-Senior” program in both North Tonawanda and the City of Tonawanda. Creating an online platform where the community can “adopt” local high school seniors, Meagan has helped to coordinate relationships between local residents who shower seniors with contactless doorstep goodies as the pandemic halted their graduations and end of year celebrations. Meagan’s NCCC professors saw the impact she was making in the community and decided to embrace the same program for NCCC 2020 PTA graduates.

In addition to inspiring alumni, the program boasts experienced faculty with a strong interest in evidence-based practice and instruction. A 2019 American Physical Therapy Association’s Emerging Leader recipient, David Faccini ’94, sits on the NCCC faculty roster. He is one of many experienced instructors who is providing a rewarding academic journey to students. David explains, “NCCC has become one of the premier schools in WNY for Physical Therapy Assistant Education. I contribute this to the dedication, compassion, and professional work ethic of NCCC instructors. I have certainly applied these skills to my every day practice over the years which have helped to shape me into the PTA that I am today.”

Well-trained faculty and dedicated students have created an impressive 100% pass rate for the PTA licensure examination from 2011-2018. In addition, graduate employment rate was 100% of those who sought employment. The U.S. News and World Report states, “Physical Therapist Assistants rank #3 in Best Healthcare Support Jobs and #26 out of 100 Best Jobs” overall. NCCC’s PTA degree can be completed in as little as 20 months and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

The NCCC PTA program is part of the State University of New York Higher Education system which helps to keep tuition rates at a lower cost. Enrolled students can take advantage of the NYS Excelsior Scholarship program as well as a myriad of other scholarship opportunities available by the NCCC Foundation. Please visit

for more information.

Media Contact Information

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