Press Releases, 2013

Provost Meg Benke portrait

Meg Benke Inducted into International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame

Posted December 17, 2013

The Hall of Fame was created to honor leaders in the fields of continuing education and adult learning and to serve as a record and inspiration for the next generation of continuing education leaders. ... MORE

Media Advisory

Posted December 10, 2013

The Office of Veteran and Military Education and the Saratoga County Veterans’ Peer to Peer Mentoring Program Co-sponsor the event. ... MORE

The Yip Harburg Foundation and SUNY Empire State College combined logo.

The Yip Harburg Foundation and SUNY Empire State College to Announce Unique Professional Resource Partnership for Musical Theater Studies

Posted December 5, 2013

The Yip Harburg Foundation funds scholarships and theater professionals provide students with free workshops. ... MORE

These members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers were among the thousands of unionists who worked to during and after Hurricane Sandy. (Photo/IBEW Local 2032)

“Sandy Stories, Organized Labor Rebuilds New York” Comes to SUNY Empire State College

Posted December 4, 2013

The exhibit of photographs taken by working men and women during and after Hurricane Sandy, and “When the Lights Go Out,” a multi-media theatrical performance about those who helped in the rebuilding, takes place Thursday, Dec. 5 beginning at 5 p.m. ... MORE

The Metropolitan New York Center of SUNY Empire State College will present “Countdown to Eternity,” a rare and intimate view of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final years, as observed through the lens of photographer Benedict J. Fernandez ’87. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Photo/Benedict J. Fernandez ’87)

“Countdown to Eternity”

Posted November 20, 2013

“Countdown to Eternity,” a rare and intimate view of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final years, as observed through the lens of photographer Benedict J. Fernandez ’87, will be presented by the Metropolitan New York Center. ... MORE

New Electric Vehicle Charging Station Open at SUNY Empire State College

Posted November 1, 2013

Partnership representatives from the college, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, ChargePoint and National Grid were joined by U.S. Rep. Paul D. Tonko, D-N.Y., for the unveiling and ribbon cutting. ... MORE

President Merodie Hancock presents 2013 Student Academic Conference Art competition winner Stephen O’Donnell Sr. with a framed copy of this work, “Pleasure.” Joining them is O’Donnell’s wife Sue Jean O’Donnell. (Photo/Empire State College)

Stephen O’Donnell Sr. Wins Student Art Competition for “Pleasure”

Posted October 25, 2013

A student at the Hudson Valley Center, Stephen O’Donnell was awarded first prize in the 2013 Student Art Competition for his work, “Pleasure,” an abstract acrylic on canvas. ... MORE

President Merodie Hancock is joined by Francesca Chichello, of the college’s International Programs, far left, and Petr Rieger and Michaela Matejekova, from the college’s program in Prague.

Student Success Takes Center Stage at 2013 Student Academic Conference

Posted October 24, 2013

“The Student Academic Conference is one of the many ways the college creates a sense of community for its students, who are deeply engaged in their studies with the faculty, but are often geographically distant from each other,” said Merodie A. Hancock, president of the college. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College and Veteran Artist Program logos for news release

SUNY Empire State College Hosts Veteran Artist Program in New York City

Posted October 16, 2013

The college’s Office of Veteran and Military Education and its Metropolitan New York Center are hosting VAP’s creative pitch workshop and professional pitch panels in film, theater and writing for military veterans pursuing a career in the arts. ... MORE

2013 Morton Bahr Online Learning Scholarships Announced

Posted October 16, 2013

They are Kenya Coleman of Albany, N.Y., Jennifer Jacob of Hilton, N.Y., John Lawrence Llewellyn, Jr. of Matamoras, P.A., Jordan Marsh, of Glens Falls, N.Y. and Mendy Thorsland of Rock Stream N.Y. ... MORE

Peggy Lynn, standing center right, seen with her daughter Winter and husband Dan at left and daughter Willow at right, and her family enjoy the Altes Prize celebration at the center open house. (Photo/Tracy Zappola)

Prof. Peggy Lynn ’05 Named 2013 Altes Prize Co-recipient for Exemplary Community Service

Posted October 7, 2013

Lynn co-founded Creative Healing Connections, which provides services for women with cancer and other chronic illness and for women veterans. ... MORE

“Between the Palms” by Metropolitan Center student Daisy Ferrer. As a Dominican immigrant celebrating her heritage, Ferrer’s colorful landscape paintings, streets and traditional vendors depict a blend of Spanish, African and Native Tainos. (Image provided by the artist)

FIESTA AMERICANA

Posted October 8, 2013

The opening reception is Thursday, Oct. 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the college’s Metropolitan New York Center Livingston Gallery, sixth floor, 177 Livingston Street, Brooklyn. ... MORE

Student and BMI President Lawrence H. Johnson, at left in bow tie, joined Professor David Fullard and alumnus Jay Marshall ’06, ’08, at the 2013 Metropolitan Center graduation. Fullard, together with Johnson, Marshall and others, led the establishment of the BMI scholarship. (Photo/Marty Heitner)

Student Group Black Male Initiative Launches Scholarship

Posted October 7, 2013

Students, faculty and alumni join together to support black male undergraduates and to encourage degree completion. ... MORE

School for Graduate Studies Hosts Collaborative Economic Development Panel

Posted September 10, 2013

The New York State Economic Development Council approached Empire State College to host a panel exploring the impending transition in leadership in economic and community development as the leadership moves into retirement. ... MORE

College Named to Military Friendly Schools List for Fifth Consecutive Year

Posted September 9, 2013

The college supports the military community through its award-winning Office of Veteran and Military Education, education partnerships with all branches of the military, Credit Where Credit is Due: Veteran and Service Member Pathway to the MBA, Graduate Certificate in Veterans Services and Student Veterans and Military Club. ... MORE

Innovative Program in Business and Environmental Sustainability Meets Employer Needs

Posted September 6, 2013

The certificate program responds to a request from CenterState CEO. ... MORE

New “Metaliteracy” MOOC Explores Information Literacy in the Social Media Age

Posted September 6, 2013

Participation in the MOOC is free and open to anyone. ... MORE

School of Nursing Introduces Online M.S. in Nursing Education

Posted September 4, 2013

“Better-educated nurses have everything to do with healthier people,” said Bridget Nettleton, dean of the college’s School of Nursing. ... MORE

Obama Speech Details Plan for Making Higher Education Affordable

Posted August 29, 2013

Making higher education affordable was the main topic of President Obama’s speech at the University at Buffalo on Aug. 22. Part of his comprehensive plan, specifically cites Open SUNY as a model of using technology to redesign courses. ... MORE

Alfred Z. Solomon Scholarship Recipients Announced

Posted August 21, 2013

Solomon, who died in 2004 at the age of 104, attended the meet at the Saratoga Race Course each year. His legacy of philanthropy is continued by his charitable trust, which supports many nonprofit organizations in the greater Saratoga Springs area, including the scholarship with the college. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State Students, Faculty and Staff to Attend Obama Speech

Posted August 21, 2013

Five SUNY Empire State College students at the Niagara Frontier Center, one Center for Distance Learning student, one faculty member and three administrators will attend President Barack Obama’s speech in Buffalo tomorrow. ... MORE

Professor Karen Garner's Book Published

Posted August 14, 2013

"Gender and Foreign Policy in the Clinton Administration," by Prof. Karen Garner documents the emergence, evolution and legacy of the U.S. global gender policy beginning in the 1970s and throughout the 1990s. ... MORE

Saratoga Springs 150 Logo

SUNY Empire State College Celebrates Saratoga 150

Posted August 14, 2013

Author and Former NBC and ESPN Reporter Sharon B. Smith Speaks on Horses and Racing ... MORE

red and white doiley

All About Mentoring - Faculty Journal at SUNY Empire State College Released

Posted July 30, 2013

The summer issue of All About Mentoring, the journal devoted to SUNY Empire State College’s signature teaching method, has been released and is now available online. ... MORE

New York State United Teachers

NYSUT Education and Learning Trust and SUNY Empire State College Partner to Advance Student Success

Posted July 25, 2013

The partnership provides teachers and educators with sound practices and research-based methods that can be immediately applied in classrooms. ... MORE

Collins' Book on African-American Women's Issues Published

Posted July 19, 2013

Empire State College Mentor Catherine Collins’ book, “African American Women’s Life Issues Today: Vital Health and Social Matters,” (Praeger 2013) has been published. ... MORE

Kenny Barron ’78 recieves the Recognition of Honorary Degree, as Doctor of Music, presented by Hugh Hammett, the college’s vice president for external affairs.

Jazz Great Kenny Barron ’78 Receives Honorary Doctorate of Music from SUNY

Posted July 15, 2013

The Board of Trustees conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Music in recognition of his contributions to music and higher education. ... MORE

Asa Aarons, former consumer reporter for WCBS-TV, NY1 News, WNBC-TV and founder and co-creator of JustAskAsa website, presents Benedict Fernandez ’87, with the Citizen Laureate Award.

SUNY Empire State College Honors Alumni and Faculty

Posted July 2, 2013

Photographer Benedict J. Fernandez ’87, author Walter Dean Myers ’84, emeritus professor Emil Moxey and vocalist Laurel Massé ’05 were presented with prestigious collegewide awards. ... MORE

Media Advisory

Posted June 24, 2013

SUNY Empire State College Alumni and Faculty to be Honored ... MORE

Valerie Irby ’13, and her husband Steven, at right, are joined by their son Steven and daughter Lauren.

Students Take Center Stage at SUNY Empire State College Metropolitan New York Center Graduation

Posted June 24, 2013

The mother of two young daughters, a black belt in Tae Kwan Do and a certified medical assistant and community volunteer were selected to represent their fellow students. ... MORE

Vice President Paul Tucci and Acting President Meg Benke present Chuck Crawford, center, with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

SUNY Chancellor Zimpher Honors Excellence Among Empire State College Faculty and Staff

Posted June 24, 2013

Cynthia Bates, Carol Carnevale, Chuck Crawford, Lisa D’Adamo-Weinstein and Bernard Smith earn prestigious systemwide recognition. ... MORE

Parents and Children Celebrate at the Long Island Center Graduation

Posted June 24, 2013

Bernadine Bauser ‘13 and Carol Faulkner ’11, ’13, were selected to represent their fellow graduates and provide remarks on behalf of the class of 2013. ... MORE

Dean Gary Lacy looks on as graduate Christine Galletta, Acting President Meg Benke and Christine's mother and fellow graduate Anne McDonald Galletta share a smile.

Mother and Daughter, Father and Son Graduate Together

Posted June 10, 2013

Anne McDonald Galletta and her daughter Christine Galletta along with Michael Strube and his son Gavin Michael Strube are proud members of the class of 2013. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Hudson Valley Center 2013 Graduation

Posted June 7, 2013

Students Anne McDonald Galletta and Chana C. Hamilton to Provide Remarks ... MORE

Graduate Margarita DeJesus is joined by her son David DeLarosa, left in glasses, her father Juan DeJesus and her proud daughter Sara DeJesus at the reception for Center for Distance Learning graduates.

More than 1,100 Earn Online Degrees from SUNY Empire State College’s Center for Distance Learning and the School for Graduate Studies

Posted June 7, 2013

More than 1,100 students earned their associate and bachelor’s degrees this year through the SUNY Empire State College Center for Distance Learning, and master’s degrees through a blend of online and face-to-face education at the college’s School for Graduate Studies. ... MORE

Master’s recipient Michael DeMasi of Clifton Park, is joined on stage by his daughters as Tai Arnold, acting dean of the School for Graduate Studies, left and Acting President Meg Benke, right, look on.

Student Success Highlights SUNY Empire State College Northeast Center Graduation

Posted June 7, 2013

Students Donald Ellis, Dennis Kramer and Lisa Michaels offer remarks to fellow graduates. ... MORE

Students Highlight SUNY Empire State College Genesee Valley Center 2013 Graduation

Posted June 5, 2013

The ceremony will take place at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 9, at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center, 123 East Main Street, Rochester. ... MORE

Three Students Highlight SUNY Empire State College’s Central New York Center Graduation

Posted June 3, 2013

A soldier, a public servant and a veteran turned high school teacher share their stories. ... MORE

Left to right: Northeast Center Dean Gerry Lorentz, students Russell Riddell, Agnes Zink, Cheryl Schiemer and Acting President Meg Benke at the center’s student recognition ceremony.

Susan Dake to Receive Presidential Medal at SUNY Empire State College Northeast Center Commencement

Posted June 3, 2013

Last year Stewart’s Foundation renewed its multi-year commitment and pledged $60,000 for scholarships. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College’s Niagara Frontier Center Celebrates Class of 2013

Posted May 31, 2013

More than 200 students will receive associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. ... MORE

Center for Distance Learning and International Programs Mentor Patrice Prusko Torcivia has been selected to receive tier-three funding in the second round of SUNY’s competitive Innovative Instruction Technology Grants program.

Prof. Patrice Prusko Torcivia’s Open SUNY Project Receives Prestigious IITG Funding in Competitive SUNY Program

Posted May 28, 2013

Of the 93 proposals submitted for this year’s competition, 33 were selected to receive awards. ... MORE

Left to right: Northeast Center Dean Gerry Lorentz, students Russell Riddell, Agnes Zink, Cheryl Schiemer and Acting President Meg Benke at the center’s student recognition ceremony.

46 Stewart’s Shops Scholarships Awarded – SUNY Empire State College Matches Funding for a total of $40,000 for 2012-13

Posted May 23, 2013

In 2012, Stewart’s Shops renewed a three-year scholarship commitment and increased its gift to $60,000, $20,000 dollars each year for three years, and the college foundation is matching this gift. ... MORE

Robert Roach Jr. ‘96, to Address Center for Labor Studies Class of 2013

Posted May 20, 2013

The ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 14, Alfred Lerner Hall, 2920 Broadway, Columbia University, New York City. ... MORE

Jasmine Tang ’96 Recognized for Contributions to World Languages and Cultures

Posted May 14, 2013

A member of the Geneseo and Monroe Community College faculty, Tang has dedicated her professional career to education. ... MORE

Kimie Romeo ‘08 Receives Excellence in Environmental Sustainability Award

Posted May 14, 2013

Romeo has been recognized because she has been highly influential in developing or otherwise instilling a policy, program or educational campaign that directly led to significant positive change towards environmental sustainability in the community. ... MORE

Chief James M. Sheppard ‘99, Recognized for Outstanding Leadership and Service to the Community

Posted May 14, 2013

Exceptional Alumni Honored at Annual Genesee Valley Center Community Event ... MORE

Carol Evans ‘77, President of Working Mother Media, to Address Long Island Center Graduates

Posted May 2, 2013

The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15, at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, located on the LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, N.Y. ... MORE

James Lytle

College Council Chair James Lytle to Address Center for Distance Learning Graduates

Posted May 8, 2013

The ceremony will take place at 3 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the Saratoga City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. ... MORE

Susan Law Dake to Address Graduates of the College’s Northeast Center

Posted May 2, 2013

Last year, Stewart’s Foundation renewed its commitment to the college and pledged $60,000 for scholarships to be distributed during the subsequent three years. The Empire State College Foundation matches this gift, which provides $40,000 annually to SUNY community college graduates in Stewart’s Shops service area. ... MORE

Merodie A. Hancock Named President of SUNY Empire State College

Posted May 6, 2013

The SUNY Board of Trustees today voted unanimously to appoint Merodie A. Hancock the fourth permanent president of Empire State College. Hancock will begin serving as president in early July of this year. ... MORE

Hudson Valley Center Alumnus Robert J. Castelli '95 to Address Graduates

Posted May 2, 2013

The ceremony will take place Sunday, June 9, at 3 p.m. at the State University of New York College at Purchase, Performing Arts Center, 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase. ... MORE

Left to right: Program coordinator for the MBA in Global Leadership, Betul Lus, acting dean of the School for Graduate Studies, Tai Arnold, chair, business, management and leadership programs, Alan Belasen.

SUNY Empire State College MBA Earns Accreditation from IACBE

Posted April 30, 2013

The International Assembly for College Business Education Employs a Mission-driven and Outcomes-based Process. ... MORE

Professor Henry L. Taylor Jr., director of urban studies at the Center for Urban Studies at the University at Buffalo

Henry L. Taylor Jr. to Address Niagara Frontier Center Graduates

Posted April 30, 2013

University at Buffalo Professor and Director of Urban Studies at UB's Center for Urban Studies Henry Taylor also teaches courses in race, class and gender in the city and in community development and urban management. ... MORE

Peter Shea, National Expert in Online Learning, to Keynote Center for Distance Learning Conference

Posted April 25, 2013

Live webcast of the conference opening and Shea's presentation begins Friday, April 26 at 9:30 a.m. EST. ... MORE

Sustained by Eating, Consumed by Eating Right – Memoir on the Struggle to Live a Good Life, by SUNY Professor Eric Ball

SUNY Press Publishes Empire State College Professor Eric Ball

Posted April 19, 2013

Ball will be signing copies of his book on Saturday, April 27, at the Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady, beginning at 1 p.m. ... MORE

Professor Yvonne Murphy recipient of the 2013 Imperatore Community Forum Fellowship

Professor Yvonne Murphy Awarded Arthur Imperatore Community Forum Fellowship

Posted April 11, 2013

Project includes creation of adult and workforce-literacy workshops at the Greater Syracuse YMCA. ... MORE

CCME President Joycelyn Groot presented 2013 Institution Award. Seen in the front row left to right: Mindy Boenning, communication and development coordinator, Joycelyn Groot, CCME president, Linda Frank, Desiree Drindak, Susan Bruce. Seen in the back row left to right, William Yaeger, Charles Van Vorst, and William Mayeaux.

SUNY Empire State College Garners National Award for Service to the Military

Posted April 10, 2013

The Council of College and Military Educators presented the college with its 2013 Institution Award. ... MORE

2013 Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence Recipients Michele Cooper, Jason Torreano, Lisa Michaels and Jeannie Lockwood.

Six SUNY Empire State College Students Win Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

Posted April 4, 2013

Sean Coffman, Michele Cooper, Travis Kuhns, Jeannie Lockwood, Lisa Michaels and Jason Torreano are among SUNY's very best. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Launches New Online MBA in Global Leadership

Posted April 2, 2013

The program serves graduate students where they are. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Student Forum to be Featured on C-SPAN’s BookTV

Posted March 27, 2013

“Food4Thought” to be seen on “Book-TV” ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Key to Chancellor’s Vision for Open SUNY

Posted March 20, 2013

The chancellor pointed to the benefits of being able to tap the college’s existing experience and expertise in evaluating learning outside traditional settings ... MORE

After 120 Days, SUNY Empire State College Staten Island Office Reopens after Hurricane Sandy

Posted March 18, 2013

Repairs to the college’s space have been completed and students again are meeting one on one with their faculty mentors and in study groups and seminars. ... MORE

Anna Miarka-Grzelak Joins Empire State College as AVP, Enrollment Management and Student Services

Posted March 13, 2013

She is responsible for directing marketing and recruitment systems, contributing to the college’s overall enrollment management and marketing strategy, as well as the ongoing development of the college’s recruitment and retention policies and procedures. ... MORE

MBA Program Named One of 25 Best for Veterans by Military Times

Posted March 12, 2013

SUNY Empire State College’s School for Graduate Studies MBA Program has been named to the Top 25 Best for Vets by Military Times Magazine. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College to Participate in Open Education Week

Posted March 11, 2013

Coordinated by the Open Courseware Consortium, Open Education Week takes place Monday, March 11, through Friday, March 15. ... MORE

International Scholar Sue Thomas to Keynote 2013 Transliteracy, Technology and Teaching Conference

Posted March 11, 2013

The Transliteracy Research Group, led by Thomas, defines “transliteracy” as the ability to read, write and interact across a range of platforms, tools and media from signing and “orality” to handwriting, print, TV, radio, film and digital social networks. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Students Garner Statewide Awards

Posted March 4, 2013

One was recognized as a senior honoree and the other as a rising star, one of 40 under 40. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Graduate Students Showcase Research

Posted February 27, 2013

Four students from the SUNY Empire State College School for Graduate Studies, Mary Zlotnick, Jennifer Fuller, Cassandra Boucher-Kjelland and Suzanne Shafer, were selected to have their research highlighted as part of the event “Boosting the Power of SUNY and CUNY: A Celebration of Graduate Research.” ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Adopts State University’s Standardized Financial Aid Award Letter

Posted February 20, 2013

The college will use the letter for the 2013-14 academic year as part of the SUNY Smart Track™ campaign, a commitment to transparency in college financing. ... MORE

Media Advisory - SUNY Empire State College Presidential Search Update: Semi-finalists to Visit the College

Posted February 20, 2013

The search for a permanent president for SUNY Empire State College has progressed to the point where five semi-finalists have been selected to visit the college beginning the week of Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. ... MORE

SUNY Optometry Students Look to Empire State College for Path to MBA

Posted February 13, 2013

The two institutions will jointly develop and deliver an advanced graduate certificate in optometry business management, fully applicable to Empire State College's MBA. ... MORE

In the Spirit

Posted February 5, 2013

The opening reception takes place Tuesday, Feb. 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Livingston Gallery in the college’s Brooklyn location ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Assists Students Impacted by Hurricane Sandy

Posted February 4, 2013

The college's efforts help students in the affected areas in the aftermath of what has been described as the worst storm to hit the Northeast in recorded history. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Launches Credit Where Credit is Due: Veteran and Service Member Pathway to the MBA

Posted February 3, 2013

$530,000 GMAC® MET Fund Grant Supports the Program ... MORE

Westchester Community College and Empire State College to Expand Access to WCC Center for the Digital Arts

Posted January 29, 2013

The agreement also calls for the two colleges to continue to promote and strengthen cooperation between the Hudson Valley Center and Center For Digital Arts regarding cross-registration and student transfer and to provide a clear bridge for students seeking to move from a Westchester Community College associate degrees to an Empire State College bachelor’s program in the digital arts and other areas of study. ... MORE

"Strong Women, Strong Hearts" Shows Love for Education, Prevention and Fun

Posted January 22, 2013

Heart disease is the number one killer of women. To educate all women about its dangers and to provide support for those already affected, Upstate University Hospital will present “Strong Women, Strong Hearts” in conjunction with SUNY Empire State College. ... MORE

Open SUNY Announced by Chancellor Zimpher at State of the University Address

Posted January 18, 2013

Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher’s third annual State of the University address focused attention on Empire State College’s strengths in online learning and the college’s expertise in evaluating learning that takes place outside the traditional classroom by highlighting SUNY REAL. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Waives Late Registration Fee for January 2013 Term

Posted January 17, 2013

The waiver applies to those at Hudson Valley, Metropolitan New York and Long Island centers, as well as the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies. Students at the School for Graduate Studies, Center for Distance Learning and nursing program to follow established procedures. ... MORE