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Studetn Holding Football

SUNY Niagara Foundation’s Scholarship Gala Offers One-of-a-Kind Auction

By News Archive

September 27, 2022

Studetn Holding Football

SUNY Niagara Distinguished Student Scholarship Recipient, Evan O’Connor, shows off the Josh Allen signed football which will be auctioned off at the SUNY Niagara Foundation’s Scholarship Gala.

The SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala will return to an in-person event on October 22 at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. To celebrate the College’s 60 Anniversary, this year’s fundraiser will be celebrated as a diamond anniversary themed gala. Organizers have planned a high-end auction full of unique items and priceless experiences to raise scholarship funds for students at SUNY Niagara.

Top auction items include a signed Josh Allen Buffalo Bills football; dinner for ten at Chef’s Restaurant in the company of five Buffalo Sabres alumni; a Buffalo Bison’s suite with food and beverages; four tickets to a Buffalo Bills game; two tickets to a Toronto Raptors versus the Atlanta Hawks in Toronto; a Firth Jewelers’ 0.61 carat diamond; and even a unique dinner experience at Savor Restaurant’s chef’s table with big screen actor, William Fichtner. His success has led him to appear in many television series and blockbuster movies including: Prison Break, Mom, Armageddon, The Perfect Storm, Pearl Harbor, Black Hawk Down, The Longest Yard, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Independence Day: Resurgence.

Other auction items include private dinners and wine pairings at beloved restaurants such as Ilio DiPaolo’s, Hutch’s, Russell’s, and Webster’s Bistro. Adventure seekers will appreciate auction items featuring local experiences such as: passes for the ropes course, Ferris wheel, and wall climbing with food and beverages included at Buffalo RiverWorks; a generous Batavia Downs package; Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra tickets; and Niagara Falls State Park passes to Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, the trolley, and a Top of the Falls restaurant credit.

The evening will include an unforgettable meal prepared by up-and-coming chefs within the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, tours of the European-inspired kitchens and laboratories, access to the auction and raffles, and the chance to celebrate the dedicated students of SUNY Niagara.

Tickets to the SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala are $125 per person. Sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, and additional information can be found online at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala.

The SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala will return to an in-person event on October 22 at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. To celebrate the College’s 60 Anniversary, this year’s fundraiser will be celebrated as a diamond anniversary themed gala. Organizers have planned a high-end auction full of unique items and priceless experiences to raise scholarship funds for students at SUNY Niagara.

Top auction items include a signed Josh Allen Buffalo Bills football; dinner for ten at Chef’s Restaurant in the company of five Buffalo Sabres alumni; a Buffalo Bison’s suite with food and beverages; four tickets to a Buffalo Bills game; two tickets to a Toronto Raptors versus the Atlanta Hawks in Toronto; a Firth Jewelers’ 0.61 carat diamond; and even a unique dinner experience at Savor Restaurant’s chef’s table with big screen actor, William Fichtner. His success has led him to appear in many television series and blockbuster movies including: Prison Break, Mom, Armageddon, The Perfect Storm, Pearl Harbor, Black Hawk Down, The Longest Yard, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Independence Day: Resurgence.

Other auction items include private dinners and wine pairings at beloved restaurants such as Ilio DiPaolo’s, Hutch’s, Russell’s, and Webster’s Bistro. Adventure seekers will appreciate auction items featuring local experiences such as: passes for the ropes course, Ferris wheel, and wall climbing with food and beverages included at Buffalo RiverWorks; a generous Batavia Downs package; Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra tickets; and Niagara Falls State Park passes to Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, the trolley, and a Top of the Falls restaurant credit.

The evening will include an unforgettable meal prepared by up-and-coming chefs within the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, tours of the European-inspired kitchens and laboratories, access to the auction and raffles, and the chance to celebrate the dedicated students of SUNY Niagara.

Tickets to the SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala are $125 per person. Sponsorship opportunities, ticket sales, and additional information can be found online at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala.

 

Studetn Holding Football

SUNY Niagara Distinguished Student Scholarship Recipient, Evan O’Connor, shows off the Josh Allen signed football which will be auctioned off at the SUNY Niagara Foundation’s Scholarship Gala.


Media Contact Information

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

Gala

SUNY Niagara Announces Foundation Diamond Scholarship Gala Co-Chairs

By News Archive

June 6, 2022

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of SUNY Niagara, and after a two-year hiatus, the annual SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala will return in person with a special diamond theme to mark the occasion.  This event is the primary fundraiser to support student scholarships, and will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

The co-chairs of the SUNY Niagara Foundation Diamond Scholarship Gala are: Jerald I. Wolfgang (Foundation Board Chairperson), Jason & Nicole Cafarella (SUNY Niagara Board Chairperson & his wife), and Dr. Martin Drake (Foundation Alumni Committee Chairperson).

The SUNY Niagara Foundation Diamond Scholarship Gala will open with a recognition ceremony for Distinguished Student Scholarship honorees and Distinguished Alumni. Gourmet food stations will be prepared by SUNY Niagara Culinary and Baking & Pastry Arts Students. This event provides an opportunity to showcase our talented culinary students, faculty, and alumni.

The SUNY Niagara Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to deserving students since its inception in 1987. Tickets for the gala are $125 per person and are available for purchase by contacting the SUNY Niagara Foundation office at (716) 614-5910 or online at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala/.

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of SUNY Niagara, and after a two-year hiatus, the annual SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala will return in person with a special diamond theme to mark the occasion.  This event is the primary fundraiser to support student scholarships, and will take place on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

The co-chairs of the SUNY Niagara Foundation Diamond Scholarship Gala are: Jerald I. Wolfgang (Foundation Board Chairperson), Jason & Nicole Cafarella (SUNY Niagara Board Chairperson & his wife), and Dr. Martin Drake (Foundation Alumni Committee Chairperson).

The SUNY Niagara Foundation Diamond Scholarship Gala will open with a recognition ceremony for Distinguished Student Scholarship honorees and Distinguished Alumni. Gourmet food stations will be prepared by SUNY Niagara Culinary and Baking & Pastry Arts Students. This event provides an opportunity to showcase our talented culinary students, faculty, and alumni.

The SUNY Niagara Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to deserving students since its inception in 1987. Tickets for the gala are $125 per person and are available for purchase by contacting the SUNY Niagara Foundation office at (716) 614-5910 or online at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala/.

 

 

 


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

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

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.

Distinguished Student Scholars

SUNY Niagara Foundation Announces Five Distinguished Student Scholars

By News Archive

August 20, 2021 

Five Niagara County high school students have been selected to receive the SUNY Niagara Foundation’s Distinguished Student Scholarship. This award is the most prestigious scholarship offered by the SUNY Niagara Foundation to incoming freshmen. It provides two years of tuition-free education to deserving students. The individuals were selected based on their academic excellence, service to the community, and loyalty to Niagara County.

Students were selected from Royalton-Hartland High School, Mercy Walker (Nursing) and Mackenzie White (Horticulture); North Tonawanda High School, Gina Krolewski (Fine Arts); Starpoint High School, Bridget Hersee (Criminal Justice); and Lewiston-Porter High School, Jillian Donovan (Accounting). “It is with great honor and happiness that I accept this award,” says Bridget. “I truly appreciate your generosity and am looking forward to starting at SUNY Niagara in the Fall!”

During the 2020-2021 academic year, over $175,000 was awarded to nearly 200 deserving students. Please visit the SUNY Niagara website at www.niagaracc.suny.edu/scholarships for a full listing of available scholarships. The deadline to apply for Spring 2022 is Friday, October 15, 2021.

The Distinguished Student Scholarship recipients are typically honored during the SUNY Niagara Foundation’s Annual Scholarship Gala. However, due to COVID-19, this year’s recipients will be honored at next year’s Foundation Scholarship Diamond Gala on Saturday, October 22, 2022, which kicks off SUNY Niagara’s 60th Anniversary! Instead, for this year only, guests are invited to join virtually throughout October to celebrate and invest in SUNY Niagara’s student scholarships and success! For more information, please contact the SUNY Niagara Foundation Office at 716-614-5910 or online at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala/.

From left to right: Jillian Donovan, Mercy Walker, Gina Krolewski, Mackenzie White, and Bridget Hersee.


Media Contact Information

Allison Korta
Assistant Director, Foundation
Phone: 716-614-5910
Email: akorta@niagaracc.suny.edu

Distinguished Alumni Wall

SUNY Niagara Distinguished Alumni Award

By News Archive

October 4, 2019

The 2019 SUNY Niagara Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to Deborah Burns ’78, Peter I. Certo ’73 (posthumously), Rebecca Cali Cuddahee ’95, and Richard Frizzell ’67 at the annual SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala on October 19, 2019, at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.

Deborah Burns graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1978 with her degree in Communications. She continued on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from Regents College and Master’s Degree in Education from Niagara University. She began working at SUNY Niagara in 1988 as an Adjunct Instructor and Academic Advisor for the Social Services Employee Training Program. She continued on her tenure at SUNY Niagara when she became a Counselor/Professor for the office of Student Development and the Academic Advisement Center. She has been an asset to the College, helping students achieve their goals as they began their higher education experience and volunteering for SUNY Niagara’s Foundation Scholarship Gala for countless years. Never stopping even with her retirement from SUNY Niagara, Debbie gives back to the community by volunteering at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital, Saint John De LaSalle Church, and is a co-founder of Confetti Cottage in Niagara Falls, NY.

Peter I. Certo graduated as a member of the first class from the new SUNY Niagara Sanborn Campus in 1973 with his degree in Business Administration. After graduating, Peter joined his family business, Certo Brother Distributing. He served as President and Chairman of the Board of Certo Brothers until his untimely passing in the summer of 2017. In addition, Peter served as a Board Member of the NYS Beer Wholesalers Association for 31 years and was elected Chairman for 2 years. Peter dedicated his time to giving back to SUNY Niagara. He was a Foundation Board Member from 1993-2017, Presidential Partner, and served as Honorary Chair during the SUNY Niagara Learning Commons Capital Campaign helping to raise $2.5 million. Peter and his father, Hank, started the SUNY Niagara memorial golf tournament in honor of his uncle, Albert J. Certo who was an original member of the Board of Trustees. From 1982-2004, the golf tournament raised over $250,000 for SUNY Niagara scholarships. He contributed annually to the SUNY Niagara Alumni Association 5K Run/Walk and SUNY Niagara Foundation Scholarship Gala.

Rebecca Cali Cuddahee graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1995 with her degree in Criminal Justice. She continued on to receive her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University at Buffalo. She has had Anthropology teaching positions beginning in 2003 at SUNY Niagara, UB, and Duke University until 2012. She served two terms in the Niagara County Legislature from 2003-2006. In the community, Rebecca has been instrumental in saving several Niagara County programs at the Trott Building and continuing the Niagara County Jail Inmates Work Release Program. In addition, she has given back to her alma mater by serving as a guest lecturer and sitting on various SUNY Niagara committees.

Finally, Richard Frizzell graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1967 with his degree in Humanities and Social Science. He continued on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from SUNY Buffalo State and his Master’s Degree in International Relations from Troy State University of Alabama. Richard has supported his community as a member of the Niagara County Legislature from 1981-1992, a member of the SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees from 1984-1992, and served his nation as an officer in the U.S. Army rising to the level of full Colonel. Richard’s civilian career has consisted of serving as President of Sentrex Security Services, Inc. along with working as a Middle School Teacher and College Professor of Political Science and International Relations in Georgia until 2018. In his free time, Richard volunteers with the USO at the Jacksonville Airport every Saturday morning. He also works with Habitat for Humanity, the VFW, and the County Board of Assessors as Chairman. He has been recognized as Adjunct Professor of the Year from Coastal Georgia Community College, received the U.S. Army Logistics Program of Excellence Award, and the Legion of Merit for an exemplary career in the U.S. Army.

The 2019 Gala will take place at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute and tickets are $125 per person.  SUNY Niagara Culinary and Baking & Pastry Arts students will prepare sweet and savory dishes from around the world. To purchase tickets and make reservations, visit the SUNY Niagara Foundation website at https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/gala.php or call the office at 716-614-5911.