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graduates

May 12
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Culinary Arts graduate, Lance Carter

SUNY Niagara Graduates Celebrate their Accomplishments at Special Event

By News Archive

May 12, 2021

The SUNY Niagara 57th Annual Commencement Ceremony was held in a virtual format on Friday, May 7th, but graduates were treated to a special celebration on campus Saturday, May 8th.  Less formal than a traditional ceremony, the “Graduate Celebration” on Saturday took place outside and allowed graduates to bring their family members and mingle with the faculty and administration at the college.

Those that took part in the event signed up for a specific timeframe in advance to control the number of people on campus at any one time, allowing for appropriate social distancing between guests.  The graduates were treated to various giveaways including a Class of 2021 t-shirt, cookies made by the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), and a yard sign for proud families to display to recognize their graduate.  A DJ kept the event lively, and a large balloon selfie station was set up for the perfect photo opportunity.

The highlight of the event was when graduates had their moment to walk across a stage set up inside a tent full of cheering college trustees and college administrators, and President William Murabito presented each graduate with a diploma cover.  SUNY Niagara Board Chairperson Gina Virtuoso stated, “It was an honor to be able to see our students walk across the stage, and observe how proud and happy family members were to be a part of this special day.”

Nicole Pusateri, a non-traditional student who received a certificate in phlebotomy was excited to participate in the event on Saturday as a positive example to her four-year-old daughter.  “My advice to anyone looking to return back to school after being away for a lengthy time is that it is never too late to return back.  Hard work, commitment, and a positive attitude are all you need to succeed!”

Following the celebration, signs could be seen marking the homes of graduates in the area with the text, “Proud family of a SUNY Niagara grad lives here”.  In normal circumstances receiving a college degree is a source of great pride for graduates and their families, but considering the extra challenges the pandemic has brought this past year, graduates had an extra reason to celebrate.

Culinary Arts graduate, Lance Carter

Culinary Arts graduate, Lance Carter poses with family at the SUNY Niagara Graduate Celebration on Saturday, May 8th

Media Contact Information

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

Apr 28
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2021 SUNY Niagara Commencement Speaker, C.J. Urlaub

SUNY Niagara Announces Graduation Plans and Keynote Speaker for 57th Annual Commencement

By News Archive

April 28, 2021

SUNY Niagara President, Dr. William Murabito has announced the College’s 57th Annual Commencement will use a virtual format on May 7, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony will stream on the College’s website, https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/commencement. Graduates, along with their family and friends, are welcome to join the online celebration from the safety of their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The virtual graduation will feature graduates’ pictures, videos, and awarded degrees along with encouraging messages from the SUNY Niagara Board Chair, Gina Virtuoso, and SUNY Niagara President, Dr. William Murabito. The keynote address will be delivered by Mr. C.J. Urlaub, President of Mount St. Mary’s Hospital.

Because of the College’s esteemed Nursing and Allied Health division, coupled with the strong presence of SUNY Niagara alumni throughout Western New York’s medical field, the College is thrilled to welcome C.J. Urlaub as the Commencement speaker during this historic time in healthcare. Mr. Urlaub has made several strides at Mount St. Mary’s Hospital as President, including five straight “A” grades for quality and patient safety and contributions to significant advances in emergency services and neurological care. Outside of Mount St. Mary’s, Mr. Urlaub serves as Catholic Health’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Integration and Care Delivery in Niagara County. He is known for working collaboratively with other hospitals and healthcare systems. Mr. Urlaub’s latest endeavor includes working on expanding Eastern Niagara Hospital’s (ENH) services and aiding in the development of ENH’s new facility, projected to open in 2023.

While the virtual ceremony promises to be memorable, personalized, and engaging, the option to attend an outdoor celebration at the Sanborn Campus is open to graduates and their families on Saturday, May 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students can sign up for a 30-minute visit to pick up their diploma cover, pose for photos, and enjoy special treats provided by SUNY Niagara and the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute.  A DJ will be playing music all day and graduates are encouraged to decorate their cars to add to the celebration.

2021 SUNY Niagara Commencement Speaker, C.J. Urlaub.

2021 SUNY Niagara Commencement Speaker, C.J. Urlaub.

Media Contact Information

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

Dec 17
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Campus aerial photo

Study Finds SUNY Niagara among Top NYS Community Colleges with High Employment Rates

By News Archive

December 17, 2020

In a Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) study conducted by the US Census Bureau, SUNY Niagara graduates have achieved a 76.8 percent employment rate five years after their graduation. That’s the second-highest 5-year, post-grad employment rate among community colleges in New York State. The study also revealed that the top-grossing jobs were from alumni who earned an Associate degree in allied health, engineering, and computer information related programs at SUNY Niagara.

Dr. William Murabito, President of SUNY Niagara, states, “I am proud of our graduates and honored to be leading an education- and workforce-driven institution which has made a significant impact in our local economy.”

The Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes data illustrates wages and employment flows for recent graduates of partner colleges and universities in Colorado, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin. It includes graduates who are employed full-time on a yearly basis at the federal minimum wage and work three or more quarters in a calendar year.

Media Contact Information

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

Jun 27
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SUNY Niagara Graduate, Maritza Rivera poses with her family during diploma pick-up on Thursday, June 25th

Pick-up or delivery? SUNY Niagara creates new experience for graduates

By News Archive

June 27, 2020

While the global pandemic has altered many aspects of the spring semester for students at SUNY Niagara, the administration wanted to ensure graduates still received a proper acknowledgment of their accomplishments.  For many students, receiving a diploma is the ultimate symbol of years of hard work and dedication to their studies, and the staff at SUNY Niagara wanted to make the process as fun as possible under the circumstances.

SUNY Niagara Graduate, Maritza Rivera poses with her family during diploma pick-up on Thursday, June 25th

SUNY Niagara Graduate, Maritza Rivera poses with her family during diploma pick-up on Thursday, June 25th

After a bit of brainstorming, members of the commencement committee at the College decided that repurposing the campus shuttle for delivering diplomas was a unique way to bring a special moment to deserving graduates.  The Class of 2020 was excited to share the special moment with their families and some even dressed in their caps and gowns to receive their diplomas at their homes while SUNY Niagara staff cheered them on and took photos to commemorate the occasion.

Graduates also had the option to participate in a diploma pick-up on campus at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute or on the Sanborn Campus of SUNY Niagara.  At each location, graduates had an opportunity to get pictures with their families and some graduates were even able to pose for photos with SUNY Niagara President, William Murabito as they normally would at commencement.  “One of the advantages of being at a community college is that the staff and administration are very invested in the students, and they pushed to create these meaningful experiences for graduates despite the inability to have a traditional commencement ceremony,” said President Murabito.

At SUNY Niagara, many students balance their educational pursuits with job and family responsibilities at the same time, so the completion of degree and certificate programs comes with many sacrifices.  Graduates and their families made the most of the diploma delivery and pick-up experience, including the Rivera family.  Maritza Rivera arrived on campus with several members of her family, balloons and noisemakers, proving a formal commencement ceremony is not the only reason to celebrate.

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 SUNY Niagara Physical Therapist Assistant Graduate.

SUNY Niagara Physical Therapist Assistant Program Rewarding in Clinics and Community

By News Archive

June 22, 2020

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at SUNY Niagara 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. SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara professors saw the impact she was making in the community and decided to embrace the same program for SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara faculty roster. He is one of many experienced instructors who is providing a rewarding academic journey to students. David explains, “SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara 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. SUNY Niagara’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 SUNY Niagara 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 SUNY Niagara Foundation. Please visit

for more information.

Media Contact Information

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