UPDATE SUNYADK/February 2018

The SUNY Adirondack monthly newsletter


IN THE NEWS

The Workforce Readiness Center is on the northern end of Adirondack Hall.

The doors are open

The Workforce Readiness Center, part of the Adirondack Hall complex, opened in mid-January on the Queensbury campus.

The recently constructed addition houses the Northwest Bay Conference Center, the Office of Continuing Education and Business Central, SUNY Adirondack’s new department for regional economic growth and entrepreneurship.

Katherine Baker joined the college in January as director of Business Central. Baker recently served as SEED program coordinator with the Small Business Development Center at the University at Albany.

Warren Hall reopened its doors at the start of the Spring semester. The newly renovated facility includes a Welcome Center and a number of offices crucial to meeting the needs of students, including Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Success, Educational Opportunity Program, Bursar, Registrar and the Deans of Enrollment Management & Marketing and Student Affairs. The building also is home to the college’s Business, Facilities and Marketing offices. 

The Foundation has moved to its permanent location on campus in Bryan Hall (Regional Higher Education Center), Room 137.

 

Dr. Kristine Duffy, right, and Community Hub Coordinator Yasmin Lopez officiate the grand opening of the Food Source in November 2017.

Kristine Duffy, right, and Community Hub Coordinator Yasmin Lopez officiate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Food Source in November 2017.

A HUB of success

The Community Hub at SUNY Adirondack was created in 2017 to help students with non-academic needs and to provide a seamless link to community and on-campus resources and address the barriers that may get in the way of success.

According to Community Hub Coordinator Yasmin Lopez, in its first year, the Community Hub has serviced 127 students — exceeding the Year-1 goal of 100 students by 23 percent. Out of those 127 students, 93 students registered for the spring, showing a 76 percent retention rate.

The program has expanded to include four completion coaches — including adjunct faculty, community leaders and student leaders — to meet with students about needed services from the Community Hub. 

The Community Hub Food Source opened its doors Sept. 25 and has serviced more than 90 students in the short time it has been open. The Food Source ribbon cutting received some national attention, including US News & World Report and Houston Chronicle articles.  Local organizations, including United Way and YMCA of Glens Falls, have been supportive and have donated generous amounts of food. 

As the program grows into its second year, initiatives include working on a transportation plan, increasing Community Hub awareness on campus, gathering data on graduation rates and increasing the number of students serviced.

 

SUNY Adirondack joins economic collaborative

Innovate 518, a program that connects start-up companies and entrepreneurs to economic programs and services, will expand its services through a $1.25 million grant in state development funding.

Innovate 518 is managed by the University at Albany and is directed in collaboration with the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), IgniteU NY/NYSTEC and SUNY Adirondack.

"We're very excited about the synergy we have with Innovate 518,” said SUNY Adirondack Vice President for Academic Affairs John E. Jablonski. “This partnership comes at a time when SUNY Adirondack is expanding Business Central and starting a new center for entrepreneurship. These assets will help us to connect the businesses and entrepreneurs in Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties to the Innovate 518 ecosystem. Together, we're poised to make a significant contribution to the entire region."

Innovate 518 collaborates with businesses, investors, universities, nonprofits and local governments, coordinating a growing network of more than 20 incubators, accelerators, co-working space and service providers across the eight-county Capital Region.

Innovate 518’s goal is to build and nurture the “entrepreneurial ecosystem” for the region, said Matt Grattan, director of community and economic development at UAlbany, which provides leadership for the organization.

“People might have a great idea for a business, but not know where to go to get help turning that idea into a viable business. We connect the dots, matching entrepreneurs with the services and supports that are right for them. We also help early-stage companies accelerate their growth, and connect business owners with potential investors,” said Grattan.

Since launching in 2015, Innovate 518 has worked with some 300 companies and has seen eight startups go from concept to commercialization. With the new funding, the program aims to support startups that will create more than 500 jobs and attract $5 million in investments.

 

SUNY Adirondack students created artwork inspired by Alphonse Mucha.

SUNY Adirondack Media Arts students created poster designs inspired by Alphonse Mucha.

A 'Creative' collaboration

SUNY Adirondack partnered with The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls to offer high school students and young adults an opportunity to learn about the future of arts-related careers.

The Creative Futures event on Jan. 20 at The Hyde focused on the arts as a viable career option for young people.

The program was led by  SUNY Adirondack Associate Professor of Graphic Arts and Technology Division Chair Nick Paigo, Troy-based illustrator Ira Marcks and local graphic designer and Sidekick Creative co-founder Will Fowler. Each speaker provided a presentation and related arts activity to teach students about their creative career field.

Sponsored by the Workforce Development Institute, the free event was geared toward high school students and young adults.

Creative Futures correlated with the museum’s “Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau” exhibit, which runs though March 18. The Hyde also has work by SUNY Adirondack students, inspired by Mucha, on display in the Rotunda Gallery.

 

Steve Trevlakis, Linda Possemato, Phylicia Coley and Alexis Wielt spoke on the subject of first-generation college students at a January program.

Steve Trevlakis, Linda Possemato, Phylicia Coley and Alexis Wielt spoke on the subject of first-generation college students at a January program.

Encouraging the next generation Upward

TRIO Upward Bound held a program on the topic of First-Generation Students on Jan. 18 to encourage local high school students to pursue higher education.

Several members of the campus community spoke to Upward Bound students about what it was like being the first in their families to go to college. Steve Trevlakis, director of Accessibility Services; Linda Possemato, learning specialist with Accessibility Services; and Phylicia Coley, director of the Residence Hall (an alum of Le Moyne College Upward Bound) were members of the panel. Alexis Wielt, an Upward Bound graduate who is now a senior at Skidmore College, also spoke to the group.

“This first generation panel is so important for our students. It gives them a chance to hear from others that have walked the path before them, said Kelsey Lorusso, TRIO Upward Bound project director. “It is not easy being the first in your family to navigate college, but it is possible. We tell them this every day, but it is even more powerful to hear from people who have successfully done it.”

TRIO Upward Bound is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education to accompany students on the path to developing the skills and motivation necessary to graduate high school, move on to college and succeed.

The panel talked to students and parents about their college path, gave tips and advice about what helped them to be successful and offered some funny anecdotes about some mishaps they had along the way.  

"The panel was eye opening for me. It was good to know others have struggled with things I am confused about now. I’m glad that each of them had different obstacles but still were successful with the help of outside resources, because I know I will be, too,” said Marissa Steenken, a senior from Hudson Falls High School.

 

Continuing the Agenda

SUNY Adirondack continues to develop ADK Agenda 2.0, the college’s next strategic plan for institutional growth and success.

Multiple institutional-level success measures are being considered as indicators of meeting the Six Key Goals:

  • Ready and engaged learners
  • Students prepared for life
  • Outstanding student success outcomes
  • Relevant and effective services and programs
  • Effective and efficient use of modern technology and facilities
  • Engaged employees

The process began in September through open meetings for all college employees and other key stakeholders to provide input. A draft plan and measures were presented to all governing bodies in December, with endorsement received from all. Specific measures and data were developed in January and were shared at the Jan. 26 all-employee spring kick-off event. Further discussion will occur throughout the month of February, with a request for final endorsement from all governing bodies in March. Departments will then develop 2018-2019 annual action plans, with an official roll out of ADK Agenda 2.0 in the fall.

Faculty and staff can find additional information on the college N drive (N:\College Operations\Institutional Research, Planning & Assessment\Institutional Planning\Strategic Plan\2017).

 

Adirondack Hall is home to a new aquarium.

Take a break at The Reef

The Reef at SUNY Adirondack opened in early December.

The coral and saltwater aquarium is home to a variety of tropical fish and corals, including a regal angelfish, radial filefish and clownfish. All fish were donated by Sustainable Aquatics in Tennessee.

Seahorses from Hawaii and Japan have most recently arrived at the college and will soon be added to the tank.

Studies have shown that people who spend time watching fish in aquariums may see improvements in their physical and mental well being. So the next time you need a break or a stress reliever, stop by The Reef in Adirondack Hall any time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Monday through Friday.

 

Glens Falls City Hall

Gallery features student art

SUNY Adirondack art students are showing work in an exhibit running through Feb. 8 at the North Country Arts Second Floor Gallery at City Hall in Glens Falls.

The show, which includes art from students in the college’s open-modeling, two-dimensional/three-dimensional design and drawing classes, is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

An artists’ reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 2. SUNY Adirondack Culinary Arts students will provide refreshments for the party, which is open to the public.

 

Library offers streaming films online

The SUNY Adirondack library has added a number of titles to its Films on Demand searchable database.

Topics include art history, counseling, economics, business, nursing, science and more. Featured producers include Films for the Humanities, Frontline, BBC, CNBC, PBS, National Geographic, HBO and TED.

The subscription database of streaming educational videos is available for use by faculty, staff and students in classes, college workshops or personal viewing.

Full access is available off campus through the library link, Films on Demand. A network username and password are required.

For more information about searching the database, contact a librarian or send an email to librarian@sunyacc.edu.

 

Continuing Education announces spring classes

Registration is open for spring Continuing Education courses.

SUNY Adirondack employees may be able to audit some non-credit personal enrichment courses through the Office of Continuing Education for no charge, except for any associated material/textbook fees, provided that those classes meet their minimum enrollment. 

Call 518.743.2238, email conted@sunyacc.edu or visit Continuing Education at the Workforce Readiness Center in Adirondack Hall.

A full course listing is available online.

 

A sample menu highlights lunch service at the Culinary Arts Center.

Out to lunch

The SUNY Adirondack Culinary Center will offer lunch service Wednesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 13 through May 3 at the the culinary facility on Bay Road in Queensbury. (Note: Location may change to the new 14 Hudson Avenue facility. Date to be determined.)

Students from the college’s Basic Food Prep 2 class will prepare and serve classic modernized menus created by Chefs Matthew Bolton and Megan Diehl.

Start time for lunch service is noon. Seating will be available at noon, 12:15 p.m., 12:30 p.m. and 12:45 p.m. Lunch will not be served on March 14 or 15.

Reservations are required and can be made through the online reservation form or by phone at 518.832.7725.

 


THINGS TO DO

A student signs up for a club during a past Club Drive.

  • A Club Drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Student Center. Students can earn two Pack Points for attending the event, which includes free food.
  • Jeff Goodell, a contributing editor at Rolling Stone and the author of six books, will read and discuss his newest book, The Water Will Come, at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 7 in the Visual Arts Gallery in Dearlove Hall on the Queensbury campus. The Writers Project event is free and open to the public.
  • The exhibit Community Partners: Selections from the SUNY Adirondack Art Collection opens Feb. 8 and runs through April 12 at the Visual Arts Gallery in Dearlove Hall on the Queensbury campus. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 8 in the gallery. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, with extended hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 
  • The college will observe Black History Month with several programs organized by the Office of Student Life and Diversity. The Oscar-nominated film “Get Out” will be screened at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Dining Hall and 8 p.m. Feb. 8 in the Multipurpose Room in the Residence Hall. Understanding Bias: A Self-Improvement Session will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Multipurpose Room. Campus Dialogue on Race: It Is Not Just a Black and White Issue is scheduled for 1 p.m. Feb. 21 in the Multipurpose Room.
  • The Adirondack Business Development Partnership Series presents Network Like a Superstar at 8 a.m. Feb. 13 at the Northwest Bay Conference Center in Adirondack Hall on the Queensbury campus. Katherine Baker, director of SUNY Adirondack's Business Central, will talk about making buisness connections and networking. Admission is $10. Register online for the Office of Continuing Eduation program.
  • A New Media Open House is planned from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 in Washington Hall. The event will feature three breakout sessions throughout the evening for prospective students and their families to have the opportunity to learn about Radio and Television Broadcasting, Graphic Arts and Photography. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, speak with faculty and tour the classrooms, studios and facilities after each of the sessions. Representatives from Admissions, Financial Aid, Accessibility Services, Residence Life, Transfer Services and Student Activities will also be available to answer any questions. Guests are encouraged to register in advance.
  • College Reading Specialist and Assistant Professor of English Stephanie Drotos will present Shoes and Dues and Other Barriers to the College at 12:40 p.m. Feb. 26 in Miller Auditorium in Dearlove Hall on the Queensbury campus. The talk, which is free and open to the public, is part of the College Lecture Series.
  • Poet Annik Adey-Babinski, author of the book Okay Cool No Smoking Love Pony, will read and talk about her work at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the Visual Arts Gallery in Dearlove Hall on the Queensbury campus. The Writers Project event is free and open to the public.

TIMBERWOLF TALK

Buttons promote various SUNY Adirondack athletic programs.

College names new assistant director of athletics

SUNY Adirondack has hired Julie Clark as the college’s new full-time assistant director of athletics.

Clark comes to SUNY Adirondack after serving Adirondack Sports Complex as director of sports programs and field hockey for 11 years. Clark previously served student-athletes in the intercollegiate athletics field for 12 years, mostly as a field hockey coach. 

“I am thrilled to be adding an athletics administrator with the experience and leadership abilities of Julie Clark to our athletics department,” said SUNY Adirondack Athletic Director Jonathan Sisk. “Clark has proven high-level decision making skills and brings a dearth of college athletics experience to the department, including NCAA Division I experience, which will be an invaluable asset as we further develop and grow the department.”

Clark is a certified United States Field Hockey official, working at both the high school and collegiate levels. She is president of the local officiating chapter of New York State Field Hockey Officials Association.

Clark has coached at University of Richmond, James Madison University and Skidmore College. Her administrative experience in the intercollegiate athletics industry includes serving as athletics supervisor for Skidmore College, facility manager for SUNY New Paltz and athletics business manager for Drew University. 

Clark graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor's of health and exercise science while competing in the school’s field hockey program. She was named CFHCA All American in 1993 and was inducted into the Syracuse University Orange Plus Hall of Fame in 2004.

 

Lacrosse men’s intercollegiate athletic program set for 2019

SUNY Adirondack will add men’s lacrosse to its intercollegiate athletic programs beginning in Spring 2019.

Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with more than 750,000 children currently playing the sport across the country and more than 36,000 intercollegiate lacrosse student-athletes.

“Many of the high schools in our service area host successful lacrosse programs, and this will give the student athletes that make up those successful programs an opportunity to compete locally at the next level,” said SUNY Adirondack Athletic Director Jonathan Sisk.

THE SUNY Adirondack lacrosse team will compete in the NJCAA Region III and the Mountain Valley Collegiate Conference.

The college expects to hire a head lacrosse coach in Spring 2017 to begin building the program and recruiting qualified student-athletes.

“We thank the SUNY Adirondack Student Senate and Dr. Kristine Duffy for their support of the addition of this program,” Sisk said.

 


SUNY ADIRONDACK FOUNDATION

A team competes in the 2017 Howl Trivia event.

A howling good time

Howl Trivia Night is March 23 in the new Northwest Bay Conference Center in Adirondack Hall. Teams of six players will compete in three rounds of trivia questions. DJ Luny-Tunz will entertain the crowd once again as the trivia emcee. Individual tickets are $50, teams of six $300 and sponsoring teams $500. Dinner is included, as well as shiny trophies and bragging rights for winners — plus prizes for the top five teams. Sign up online. For more information, call Jill Vogel at 518.743.2244 or email vogelj@sunyacc.edu.

Shop and give back

Giving to the Foundation is as easy as shopping online. Any purchases you make on Amazon throughout the year can directly benefit the college through the AmazonSmile program. The company will automatically donate 0.5% of the price of eligible Amazon Smile purchases to the Foundation. Start donating now!

 


NEW PROGRAMS

SUNY Adirondack has recently added the following new degrees and concentrations:

  • Fine Arts
  • Early Childhood/Childhood Education
  • Individual Studies
  • Sports Management Concentration
  • Individual Studies: Music Industry Concentration

SUNY Adirondack has formed a collaborative agreement with the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The 2+4 agreement allows students to complete two years of undergraduate study at SUNY Adirondack in an associate degree program and then transfer to University at Buffalo’s PharmD program.


FISH! @WORK

Employees within Warren Hall express their sincere gratitude to both the Facilities and IT staffs for their hard work and patience in coordinating office moves throughout the month of January. Warren Hall is now open for business again and serving our students and visitors. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

SUNY Adirondack faculty and staff are invited to register for the Feb. 2 FISH! Introductory Workshop (9 a.m. to noon) by contacting the Office of Continuing Education at 518.743.2238 or conted@sunyacc.edu. Space is limited, so please register today!

If you can't attend the February session, plan ahead and register for the next workshops, which  are scheduled for April 3 (9 a.m. to noon) or June 15 (9 a.m. to noon).

Share your Fish! stories by emailing Doug Gruse at grused@sunyacc.edu, so we can celebrate and support each others’ applications of these practices!

 

SHARE YOUR STORY

UPDATE SUNYADK is published monthly during the Spring and Fall semesters by the Marketing Department.

Have campus-related information you would like to share? Email grused@sunyacc.edu.