Current Press Releases

"Project Slate" Brings Colleges Together To Transform How Current and Future Teachers Teach

Four Capital Region institutions of higher learning have banded together to transform the way colleges and universities prepare future teachers.

At a press conference in Albany today, the institutions – The College of Saint Rose, The Sage Colleges, Union Graduate College, and Schenectady County Community College – along with the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center announced the launch of “Project SLATE” (“Service Learning and Teacher Education”), designed to teach future teachers how to use community service as a teaching and learning vehicle.

The partners will expand organized service learning by integrating community service into their undergraduate and graduate curricula.  Working as a consortium under a new grant from the federal Corporation for National and Community Service, the colleges will share ideas and strategies for creating organized service learning experiences for their pre-service teachers and will develop practice and field experiences with partnering schools in the Capital Region.

The federal agency recently awarded $9 million in highly competitive Learn and Serve America Higher Education grants to just 28 institutions and organizations out of 192 that applied.  The Project SLATE colleges will match the federal grant funding, bringing the first-year total to nearly $900,000.

Saint Rose will serve as Project SLATE’s grant manager.  A new Institute for Service Learning, housed at Saint Rose, will provide the foundation and support for the three-year project.  In addition, the institute, working with the Greater Capital Region Teacher Center, will help prepare current teachers for high-quality service learning with ongoing professional development, teacher forums, in-service programs and peer mentoring.

Project SLATE activities over the next three years will impact more than 3,000 future and current teachers, a majority of whom will be employed in high-need Capital Region schools.

“Project SLATE is an excellent innovative partnership to engage future educators in service learning activities as a part of their pre-service education that will ultimately be integrated into the classroom curriculum to strengthen secondary students’ involvement in civic engagement and service learning activities to make a positive impact on the urban community.  We commit to working closely with Project SLATE partners to expand and strengthen pre-service education experiences for SCCC students,” said Dr. Quintin B. Bullock, President of Schenectady County Community College.

The scope of Project SLATE and the prospect of the sustained effects of integrating service learning in teacher education within the region’s colleges promises to transform the settings in which P-12 school children live and learn.  Project SLATE seeks to actively engage undergraduate and graduate students in service learning while they are enrolled in pre-service education.  Teachers trained to offer service learning in classrooms will increase civic engagement skills and involve their future urban P-12 students in projects to improve their schools and communities.

Research at Cornell University and at the Tufts Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development indicates that children develop in an ecological system; they affect and are affected by the settings in which they spend time.  Children’s home and family settings, early care and education programs, health care settings and community learning sites, such as neighborhoods, libraries and playgrounds, impact children’s development; the ways children develop, in turn, shape the home, school and community settings in which they function.  Service learning works to shape those settings for enhanced child development and learning.

For service learning projects and activities, Project SLATE will draw on the resources of existing partnerships with diverse youth and family, early childhood, social service and community-based educational enrichment and advocacy organizations in the region.  These include Capital Region BOCES; numerous early childhood centers; The Help Yourself Foundation; the Emery Clinic at Saint Rose; Friday Knights, a Saint Rose program for children with autism spectrum disorders; and the College Experience Program for students with developmental disabilities. The State Education Department’s Learn and Serve America office will provide program guidance for enhancing community relationships.

Project SLATE partners estimate that the more than 3,000 college students enrolled in the four cooperating colleges will be directly engaged in service learning within coursework and through practice and field experiences by the end of the three-year project.  The students will have participated in meaningful service projects or activities as individuals, in small groups or through large group volunteer events, such as National Day of Service, Martin Luther King Day of Service and regional service programs.

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Schenectady County Community College and SUNY Empire State College Sign Pathways Transfer Program Agreement

First Class To Arrive on Campus Through SCCC Smart Scholars Early College High School Program

SCCC President Unveils New Strategic Plan

Schenectady County Community College Trustees Elect Officers

SCCC Announces New Academic Programs for Fall 2010

Schenectady County Community College Announces New Dean of Student Affairs

The Schenectady County Community College Board of Trustees passed a resolution recently appointing Martha Jo Asselin as Dean of Student Affairs. Her appointment became effective on June 1, 2010.

According to Denise Murphy McGraw, Chairwoman of the SCCC Board of Trustees, “The appointment of Martha Asselin as Dean of Student Affairs represents another important step in our efforts to carry out SCCC’s new mission and vision. Martha has proven herself as a dedicated professional who is committed to the students of our College. The Board of Trustees was proud to approve her appointment.”  

Asselin’s career has been diverse with increasing responsibility and leadership. Prior to joining SCCC, Asselin worked in Residential Life at the University of Delaware. In 1990, she came to SCCC as the Director of Student Activities. In 1993 she held a dual assignment as the Director of Student Activities and Coordinator of Student Development Services. In 1996, the additional responsibilities evolved into an Assistant Dean for Student Services position and then Associate Dean for Student Services. 

Asselin is Co-Chair of the College’s Campus Safety Council and serves on the Faculty-Student Association, Affirmative Action/Multicultural Advisory Committee, Student Affairs Committee and Enrollment Services Council. She has also served as Treasurer of the Chairpersons, Administrators and Directors Association (CADA) and is the Advisor to the Student Government Association, The Christian Fellowship Club and Student Volunteer Organization.

In addition to her role as a campus leader, Asselin currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School, March for Babies – Schenectady County, and serves as President of the SUNY Community College Chief Student Affairs Officers Association, Co-Chair of the SUNY Campus Safety Committee. She is also a member of the National Council on Student Development and the SUNY College Union and Campus Activities Professionals. She has contributed her time to several community organizations, having served on the Advisory Board for the Institute of Community College Development American Heart Association Board of Directors, Community Human Services Board of Directors, Girls Inc. of Schenectady Board of Directors and the YMCA Schenectady Downtown Branch Board of Directors.

She has been recognized for her exemplary work through various awards including the Chamber of Schenectady County’s Good News Award for her work with the Smart Scholars Early College High School program with Schenectady High School (2009) , the SUNY Student Affairs and a Special Program Award (2008), the Board Member of Distinction Award presented by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany (2008), the National Council on Student Development Regional Conference Presenter Award (2008) and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service (1995). 

Asselin is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany. She holds an M.S. in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University of Albany and a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology from SUNY Oswego.

Dr. Quintin Bullock, President of SCCC, said, “Ms. Asselin’s commitment to higher education, community college leadership, and Student Services is evident in her vita and more importantly, in her professional accomplishments, leadership roles, community service, and testimonies of students, parents, and her peers, alike. At graduation, in school ceremonies, and in countless other ways, students (and parents) profess their appreciation for her support and interest in their educational, personal, and professional development. She encourages students’ persistence and challenges them to pursue goals they might otherwise discount.”

 

SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence-Faculty and Staff

Schenectady County Community College Faculty and Staff Recognized With SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence

 

Schenectady County Community College congratulates the following faculty and staff members who were recently selected to receive SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence.

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service Daniel P. Barletta, Senior Computer Systems Analyst/Programmer, Computer Services
Dan Barletta was hired in October 1986 as a Computer Operator in the Computer Center. He was promoted to Computer Programmer in July 1987, Computer Systems Analyst/Programmer in September 1989 and Senior Computer Systems Analyst/Programmer in September 2004. In 2008 he earned the SCCC Foundation Award for Excellence in Support Service. The criteria for this award includes outstanding achievement, skill and commitment to excellence in fulfilling the job description for the position held, excellence in activities beyond the scope of the job description and creativity and flexibility in performing his or her position to meet campus needs.

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service Carol DeFries, Professor and Chair, Humanities and Social Sciences Department
Carol DeFries was appointed in 2001 as an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department. She was promoted to Professor in 2006. She has played a significant role in SUNY General Education Assessment. Professor DeFries has been a strong proponent of the Writing Across the Curriculum initiative, has been instrumental in the development of the Honors Program, and is one of the Co-Chairs of the SCCC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She has overseen the implementation of the Individual Studies A.A. and A.S. degree programs and the Chemical Dependency Counseling A.A.S. program. Under her leadership, the Early Childhood program earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). She also served as Co-Chair of the Middle States Self-Study process and received the 2009 SCCC Foundation Award for Excellence in Professional Service. She holds a B.A. in English from St. Lawrence University and an M.A. in Reading from The College of Saint Rose. The criteria for this award includes repeatedly seeking improvement in his or her self, his or her campus and ultimately the State University and, in doing so, transcending the normal definitions of excellence. At all position levels, nominees shall be those individuals who can serve as professional role models for a University system in the pursuit of excellence.

SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Dr. Syeda I. Munaim, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Science and Technology Department
Dr. Syeda I. Munaim was appointed in 2004 as an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics, Science and Technology Department and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2008. She introduced new laboratory exercises in place of older ones for muscle and cardio physiology, histology/pathology, population genetics, forensic science and laboratory protocols for DNA replication, transcription, and translation (protein synthesis). Dr. Munaim also introduced using a microvideo system to permit all students to see the same microscopic visual material simultaneously. She has supervised original research work of all Biology II students and served on the Professional Policies Nominations and Awards Committee, the Campus Safety Council, and the Advisement Task Force. Dr. Munaim holds a B.S. in Biology (Pre-Med) from George Washington University, a Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology from Indiana University School of Medicine and has completed post doctoral work at the Harvard Medical School and
the Tufts University School of Medicine. The criteria for this award includes skill in teaching. Additionally, consideration is also given to sound scholarship (usually demonstrated through publications or artistic productions), outstanding service to students, as well as service to the University and to the campus.

 

Young Women Invited to Women in Science Camp

Schenectady County Community College offers hands-on, high-tech learning for young women during Schenectady Women in Science Camp

Calling all young women who are interested in exciting new technologies and science-related careers. Join the Schenectady Women in Science Summer Camp that runs from Monday, July 26 through Friday, July 30, 2010, at Schenectady County Community College to learn more about the sciences and how to go about planning for the next step after high school. The camp will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Center for Science and Technology on the SCCC campus.

Schenectady Women in Science Summer Camp is a hands-on, high-tech summer camp offered by SCCC and the Career Pathways Consortium, a partnership of several area colleges and BOCES, and is for young women entering grades 9-12 in Fall 2010. Students must be recommended by a school counselor or teacher in order to be considered for enrollment in the Career Pathways camps, and they should apply for scholarships to cover tuition costs. Meals are not included. Space is limited.  For more information, visit www.questar.org/summercamp or contact SCCC at 381-1267 or 381-1382.

Young women participating in Schenectady Women in Science will learn how a scientific career can be environmentally friendly, rewarding and fun through a behind-the-scenes exploration of nanotechnology and green technology. Through hands-on, real world labs, they will explore green chemistry, learning how organic solar cells can be constructed using blackberry juice. Through nanotechnology, they’ll gain an understanding of liquid crystals and polymers. Afternoons will be spent with women professionals from a range of scientific careers who will be able to answer questions about the many career and college pathways open to today’s young women.

Tania Cabrera, Assistant Professor in the Mathematics, Science and Technology Department, will be teaching during the camp this summer. “We look forward to running the camp again this year with a host of new activities. The camp is really successful in getting girls in the lab and doing hands-on activities which is very important to fostering interest in science and technology. They might not get those kinds of opportunities at school,” she said.

The Career Pathways Consortium is a partnership between Schenectady County Community College, Hudson Valley Community College, Capital Region BOCES, Columbia-Greene Community College, Que­star III BOCES, Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES, and SUNY Co­bleskill. The Consortium is developing new programs in green technologies, advanced manufacturing systems, nanotechnol­ogy and bioscience at both the high school and college level. The Consortium is also working to improve the connection be­tween other career and technical education programs taught at the high school level with degree programs offered at local colleges.

The Pathways Consortium along with its members advises students, parents, employees and the general public that it offers employment and educational opportunities without regard to gender, race, color, national origin or disability. 

 

Class of 2010 Is Largest Graduating Class in Schenectady County Community College History

Schenectady County Community College held its 40th Commencement Exercises on
Saturday, May 22, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Proctors in downtown Schenectady. The SCCC Class of 2010 consisted of 568 graduates in the A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.O.S. and certificate programs. This is the largest graduating class in the College’s history.

Mike Russo, Director of U.S. Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs for GLOBALFOUNDRIES, was the Keynote Speaker. “Excited as I am to be here to talk to you and share your day and as excited as you are, and should be, having that piece of paper, your diploma, in and of itself won’t change anything in your lives. It is but one more tool in your toolbox in life, and while in many ways the craftsman is only as good as his or her tools, like any craftsman, your total worth will be based on how you use your tools.  Having a fully stocked toolbox may help to open doors; true success is really incumbent on what you get out of those tools. You are well on your way, but you have to do a few things to get there. First you made the commitment to learn, and now, you are graduating, but now your future will be based on how you apply all of your life’s experiences what you have learned here at SCCC. You are qualifying your knowledge today by receiving your degree; the power of knowledge is great, but worth nothing if you don't use, and share it,” Russo said.

Emily Miller, Tourism and Hospitality Management major and member of the Class of 2010, delivered the Student Address. She had this to say to her fellow graduates, “We have all overcome our share of obstacles to get here, and it wasn’t easy, but we made it! We embrace the fact that we are the unconventional students, the unique campus, the unique student body.  I am sure we have all had people tell us ‘you can’t do that’ or ‘you’ll never make it.’ Well, today we prove them wrong! Today, we can do it, today we will succeed.”

 Tracey Caponera, Assistant Professor and Coordinator for Inter-Institutional Hospitality Programs, presented the graduates of the SUNY Delhi B.B.A. program on the SCCC campus. Through a unique partnership with SUNY Delhi, SCCC offers a jointly registered, inter-institutional program which allows SCCC graduates to take all courses on the SCCC campus in two Delhi programs: (1) Hospitality Management B.B.A. degree with concentrations in Travel/Tourism and Hotel/Resort Management and (2) the Business and Technology Management B.B.A. degree.  

In addition, remarks during the ceremony were made by Quintin Bullock, President of SCCC, Denise Murphy McGraw, Chairwoman of the SCCC Board of Trustees, and Susan Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature.

The SCCC Class of 2010

There were 568 graduates this year in A.A.S., A.S., A.A., A.O.S. and certificate programs.

58 percent were female; 42 percent male

The average age for the Class of 2010 was 27.

56 percent of our graduates are from Schenectady County

15 percent are from Saratoga County

17 percent are from Albany County

8 percent are from other Capital Region counties

and

 4 percent are from counties outside of the Capital Region

 

 

SCCC To Hold 40th Commencement Exercises

Schenectady County Community College will hold its 40th Commencement Exercises on
Saturday, May 22, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Proctors in downtown Schenectady. Mike Russo, Director of U.S. Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs for GLOBALFOUNDRIES, will be the Keynote Speaker.

The SCCC Class of 2010 consists of approximately 600 graduates in the A.A., A.S., A.A.S., A.O.S. and certificate programs.

Emily Miller, Tourism and Hospitality Management major and member of the
Class of 2010, will deliver the Student Address. Emily was recently presented with a Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. She is the President of the College’s Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Student Trustee, Co-President of the Student Volunteer Organization and an SGA Senior Senator.

Tracey Caponera, Assistant Professor and Coordinator for Inter-Institutional Hospitality Programs, will present the graduates of the SUNY Delhi B.B.A. program on the SCCC campus. Through a unique partnership with SUNY Delhi, SCCC offers a jointly registered, inter-institutional program which allows SCCC graduates to take all courses on the SCCC campus in two Delhi programs: (1) Hospitality Management B.B.A. degree with concentrations in Travel/Tourism and Hotel/Resort Management and (2) the Business and Technology Management B.B.A. degree.

Keynote Speaker Mike Russo is the Director of U.S. Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs for GLOBALFOUNDRIES. In his role, Mike is responsible for strategic plan development and execution to support business needs, policy development and lobbying. Mike directly interfaces with the Administration and top lawmakers in Washington, D.C., as well as those on the state level. Prior to joining GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Mike was the 14-County Regional Director for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, handling affairs in the State Capital. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Government and Labor from SUNY Empire State College.

In addition, remarks during the ceremony will be made by Quintin Bullock, President of SCCC, Denise Murphy McGraw, Chairwoman of the SCCC Board of Trustees, and Susan Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature.

SCCC Receives $50,000 Donation for Kindl Building Renovations

Schenectady County Community College Receives $50,000 Donation for Kindl Building Renovations

 

Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) today announced a donation of $50,000 by Mrs. Catherine Kindl to the SCCC Foundation. The gift will be will used to help renovate the Kindl Building in downtown Schenectady. Mrs. Kindl generously donated the building to Schenectady County in November 2009 for use by SCCC. 

 

“When the Kindl family donated the building last fall for use by the Community College, we were honored by their very generous donation. Now we are pleased to announce an additional gift by the Kindl Family toward the cost of renovating the building. Mrs. Kindl and her family have made a tremendous investment in the future of the College and we are very grateful to them,” said Dr. Quintin Bullock, President of Schenectady County Community College.

 

“Once again the Kindl Family has shown their commitment to Schenectady County and our fast growing Community College,” said Susan Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “I want to thank Mrs. Kindl on behalf of the many students who will use the building to learn the skills needed to obtain good paying jobs and a great future.”

 

Denise Murphy McGraw, Chair of the SCCC Board of Trustees, said, “We thank the Kindl’s for this second major donation to the College. This donation is demonstration of the growing recognition in the Capital Region that SCCC has an important role to play in training the next generation of skilled employees.”

 

The gift allows SCCC to qualify for a matching grant of $50,000 from SUNY. The original building donation, valued at $150,000, also qualifies for a SUNY match, bringing the total now available to retrofit the building to $250,000. 

 

The College plans to use the three-story, 12,780 square-foot building for programs focusing on workforce development and job training. It will house classrooms, training space, computer labs and offices.

 

SCCC is experiencing rapid growth in enrollment and needs additional space. The cost of renovating additional space at the Kindl Building versus construction of new space results in significant costs savings for Schenectady County.  The County

Legislature is to consider action at its April meeting to add $150,000 to the College’s capital budget for building improvements. This funding will also be eligible for state matching funds resulting in a net cost to the County of almost $12 per square foot for renovation costs, dramatically lower than the cost of building new facilities. 

 

The renovation project also helps build an additional link between SCCC and a revitalized downtown and results in the restoration of a historic building that was once home to famed inventor George Westinghouse.   

 

 

Schenectady County Community College President Supports Governor Paterson’s Proposed Public Higher Education Reforms

Dr. Quintin Bullock, President of Schenectady County Community College, applauds Governor David Paterson’s proposed Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act, a reform package that would provide SUNY and CUNY greater flexibility to prepare students for the workforce of the future and today.

The Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act is a high-impact, zero-cost solution that will create jobs, build the foundation for tomorrow’s economy and strengthen public higher education, while saving millions of taxpayer dollars.

It includes the following:

• a rational tuition policy moving tuition out of the state budget process allowing Boards of Trustees for SUNY and CUNY to implement tuition policies and;


• greater flexibility for SUNY and CUNY institutions for contractual services, construction services and the lease of campus property.

The Governor’s proposed reform package benefits SUNY campuses in the following ways:

• Implementation of a tuition policy under the auspices of the Board of Trustees will provide the financial stability necessary to establish multi-year plans to address campus goals and invest in new faculty hires and academic quality initiatives. 


• Land use and public-private partnerships will enable campuses to be entrepreneurial and generate revenues which will enhance the ability to fund current needs and future growth. 


• Streamlined operational and procurement practices will translate into saved resources and efficiencies on campus.

“The Public Higher Education Empowerment and Innovation Act is a win-win for SUNY and CUNY. The act will benefit and afford new opportunities for the system as a whole and positively impact economic growth in the Capital Region,” said Dr. Bullock.

Drama Students' Production Selected for Kennedy Center Theater Festival-Benefit Performance on January 21, 2010

Organizers from the prestigious Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival have selected the SCCC Players’ production of In Conflict to be performed at the Region I Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival at the University of New Hampshire on the evening of January 27, 2010. The SCCC production was selected from among entries submitted by colleges from throughout Region I which includes Eastern New York and New England.

Other colleges and universities bringing performances to the regional festival include Boston University, Bates College, Dean College, Central Connecticut State University, and SUNY New Paltz. From among these participants and those at seven other regional festivals, four to six productions will be selected to perform at Washington’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in April 2010. 

SCCC entered two Fall 2009 productions to be considered for the festival. Festival representatives then attended the performances, provided feedback on the productions for students and faculty and selected In Conflict to be performed at the festival.

“We entered to get some outside response for our students. I’ve been overwhelmed by the talent of these students and it’s wonderful to see it recognized,” said Drama Professor Sandy Boynton, who directed the production, which took place at SCCC in early November 2009.

To help defray the costs of participating in the festival at the University of New Hampshire, the SCCC Players will present a special performance of In Conflict on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the Carl B. Taylor Community Auditorium. Tickets are $10 each for general admission.

In Conflict is a docudrama by Douglas C. Wager based on the book In Conflict: Iraq War Veterans Speak Out on Duty, Loss, and the Fight to Stay Alive by Yvonne Latty. According to Professor Boynton, “It gives a voice to the veteran who has to readjust to a civilian society that does not understand war, that has no use for a warrior’s skills, and that demands that the returning soldier be somehow unaffected by months or years of combat and bloodletting. I know no one who hasn’t been affected by a silenced warrior.” 

The cast and crew of the SCCC production of In Conflict include Ibrahiim Abdul-Rahman, Louis Ahola, Stephen Barkley, Emily Blaufuss, Andrew Boucher, Kimberly Britten,  Michael Calkins, Vincent Lounello, Mario Claudio, Victoria Benkoski, Caitlin Cox, Mary Catherine Mahoney, Benjamin MacCauley, Kelsey Poore, Shane Sczepankowski, Mary Rose Petrozola, Evan Davis Russell, Carter Sullivan Irwin, and Marissa Thorburn. The production staff includes assistant directors Jocelyn Joy Murphy and Robert D. vanCourt, scenery designer Dale Conklin, sound and projections designer Daniel J. Stott, lighting designer Carter Sullivan-Irwin, and production stage manager Mary Rose Petrozola.

Also, as part of the Region I Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival at the University of New Hampshire in January 2010, SCCC students have been nominated for individual awards. Carter Sullivan-Irwin will present his lighting design for In Conflict. Mary Rose Petrozola will present her stage management portfolio for both In Conflict and The Importance of Being Earnest, which was performed at SCCC in mid-November 2009. Five SCCC student performers were nominated to compete in the prestigious Irene Ryan Scholarship Auditions. They were selected based on nominations from festival representatives who attended the November 2009 performances at SCCC. These scholarships provide recognition, honor, and financial assistance to outstanding student performers wishing to pursue further education. The Irene Ryan Foundation awards 19 regional awards and two fellowships annually.

Three student performers, Ibrahiim Abdul-Rahman, Victoria Benkoski, and Shane Szepankowski, were nominated for their In Conflict performances. Phillip Beattie and Clarence Josesph Finn received nominations for their roles in The Importance of Being Earnest. Emily DiCarlo, Mario Claudio, Justine Grimm, and Kelsey Poore were selected as Irene Ryan alternate nominees, and joined by Ryan Glynn, they will serve as scene partners for the nominees. Each nominee prepares two scenes and a monologue to be performed during the festival.

Schenectady County Community College Awarded Gates Foundation Grant for Early College High School Partnership

Schenectady County Community College was recently informed that the College will receive a $447,500 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as part of the “Smart Scholars” program to facilitate the creation of an Early College High School. The grant is part of a $6 million dollar initiative from the Gates Foundation and 10 SUNY campuses were awarded grants.

 

SCCC will partner with the Schenectady City School District to offer support services, enrichment activities, career exploration, mentoring and courses at SCCC and at Schenectady High School for students in grades 9 through 12. Students will be selected for the Early College High School program based on an application process which will include an interview. They will spend time in programs at the high school and on the SCCC campus. The goal of the partnerships, which will be established throughout New York state, is to increase high school graduation as well as college completion rates among disadvantaged students. The projected number of students to be served as a result of the partnership between SCCC and the Schenectady City School District is 300.

 

"We are very pleased to receive this substantial Smart Scholars grant through the Gates Foundation in an effort to reach out further to local at-risk high school students. Through this partnership, students at Schenectady High School will have the opportunity to participate in both an afterschool and summer enrichment program, earn 20 college credits by the time they graduate from high school, transfer those credits to their selected college and be on their way to pursuing their career of choice," said Dr. Quintin Bullock, SCCC President. 

 

“We would like to thank the Gates Foundation, Governor Paterson, and the New York State Board of Regents for this historic opportunity for children in our state,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher. “Through this partnership with CUNY, independent colleges and local school districts, SUNY is well positioned to take on a leadership role for New York’s education pipeline. By working with schools serving students in some of our most economically challenged regions, SUNY will have an important role in helping more students succeed in high school and beyond.”

 

The other SUNY campuses who were awarded grants are: University at Albany, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Erie County Community College, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, Hudson Valley Community College, Monroe Community College, College at Old Westbury, Onondaga Community College, and Westchester Community College.

SCCC Inducts Students Into Alpha Zeta Upsilon Chapter Of Phi Theta Kappa

 SCCC recently inducted students into the Alpha Zeta Upsilon chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two year colleges. Students who have completed 15 credits and have achieved a 3.70 GPA are invited to become inducted into the society.
 
SCCC Phi Theta Kappa Fall 2009 Inductees
Cassandra Rose Aversa, Robyn Nicole Barber, Zachary T. Beck, Kimberly Ann Burroughs, Elizabeth Ellen Castle, Matthew Patrick Catlin, Augusta Ann Cetnar, Kenneth F. Clark, Rebecca Mae Court, Kerry Ann Dehimer, Kaitlyn Delong, Samuel August Detweiler, Amanda Christine Distel, Jane Kathleen Draiss, Joshua Robert Eldredge, Andrew Eric Falkenstein, Sarah-Jane Fawcett, Eli George Feldman, Jenna Lee Ferguson, Erin Kathleen Finigan, Alisa J. Harris, Nicole Higgins, Valerie Ann Inman, Whitney L. Jackson, Lois Jean Keefrider, Gregory L. Kern, Joel Louis Kessler, Brittney Arianna Kissinger, Isabella Libertini Lourencao, Travis M. McChesney, Ariel Olds Miranda-Zabala, Melody L. Nunez, Daniel Martin Peters, Walter Alan Pfuntner Jr., Patricia Ellen Rothmyer, Ross Anthony Sanders Sr., John J. Schultz, Adam John Smith, Lisa M. Speidel, Jessica Lee Stahl, Paul Anton Strasser, Jennifer E. Teal, Theresa Ann Taylor, Elisabeth Charyn Thalheimer, Matthew C. VanPatten, Erica Lyn Waugh and Gregg Martin Zito.

SCCC Paralegal Degree Program Earns Reaffirmation

Schenectady County Community College’s Paralegal A.A.S. degree program, the only one in the Capital District approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), received reaffirmation through successful submission of its interim report. The ABA is the major accrediting organization for law schools and for paralegal programs throughout the United States. The SCCC Paralegal A.A.S. degree program first obtained ABA approval in 1997.
 
SCCC completed a comprehensive self-study and submitted a wide array of supporting documentation as part of the ABA interim report process. Continuing ABA approval verifies that the SCCC Paralegal degree program meets the most rigorous standards.
 
The SCCC Paralegal degree program prepares its graduates for challenging positions, such as providing legal assistance to lawyers, government agencies, local businesses and the courts. The New York State Department of Labor (NYDOL) projects a 14 percent increase in Paralegal and Legal Assistant jobs in the Capital Region through 2016. The average entry level wage according to NYSDOL is over $35,000 and employment prospects for Paralegals and Legal Assistants are “very favorable.” SCCC  President Dr. Quintin Bullock states, “As a result of this process, the program is stronger and exemplifies rigor, innovation and success.” SCCC Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Penny Haynes added, “The ABA’s approval confirms to potential employers that SCCC graduates are of the highest caliber.”

Kindl Building Will House SCCC's Workforce Development

Officials from Schenectady County Community College and Schenectady County, members of the Kindl family and others gathered on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at 11 a.m. at 201 State Street in Schenectady for an announcement regarding the donation of the building to Schenectady County for use by SCCC. The building will provide the College with much needed office space and enable SCCC to transfer staff  and expand workforce development programs and services as enrollment continues to increase.

The building, located at 201 State St., is owned by Catherine Kindl. She has decided to donate the building to Schenectady County with the provision that the building then be given to SCCC for its use. Kindl’s husband, the late Fred Kindl, bought the 12,000 square-foot building in 1982 and the engineering firm he founded, Encotech, Inc., has been located on the second floor of the building since that time.

The building is located only a few blocks from SCCC and ties in with the College’s goal of expanding its campus further into downtown Schenectady.

Kindl’s daughter Rosemary Harrigan, said that SCCC was the right choice for the building. “My mom’s parents did a lot when they were alive to help young people get a higher education and my dad would be absolutely delighted with this use for his building. I think he would be just thrilled. Higher education is something that our whole family places a high value on.”

201 State Street consists of three floors and a basement. It was built during the 1800s. According to Harrigan, the site was home to several important inventors and businessmen, including George Westinghouse, who invented the air brake for the railroad industry, and Robert Furman, founder of the Schenectady YMCA.

Dr. Quintin B. Bullock, President of SCCC, said that the College plans to use the building to expand the delivery of the college’s programs, services and work force training to the community. 

“After much study and discussion, the Board of Trustees is pleased to accept this most generous gift from the Kindl family. The State Street property will help manage new enrollment growth,” said Denise Murphy McGraw, Chair of the SCCC Board of Trustees.

“I want to thank the Kindl family for this generous gift to Schenectady County Community College,” said Susan Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “At a time of tremendous growth for the College, this building will provide much needed space as we continue the expansion necessary to meet the needs of their growing enrollment.”

View Photos.

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SCCC Graduate Earns National Scholarship

Janice DeJordy was asked what the true meaning of happiness was and she wrote about her children Danielle and Matthew. Her essay and academic credentials landed her a $30,000 a year scholarship to be used while she pursues her Bachelor’s degree.

 

Janice, who graduated from SCCC in May 2009 with her A.S. degree in Teacher Education Transfer (TET), was one of only 30 students (out of 485 nominees) from across the country to earn a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. The awards are intended to cover a significant share of the student’s educational expenses, including tuition, living expenses, books and required fees, for the final two to three years necessary to achieve a Bachelor’s degree.

 

Janice transferred to the University at Albany in Fall 2009 in the Social Welfare program. She would eventually like to become a counselor or therapist.

Janice was nominated for the award by Counselor IV Bernice Dunn and Assistant Professor Renee Adamany. A review panel of distinguished university faculty and admissions professionals judged the nominees using criteria including academic achievement and critical thinking ability, financial need, will to succeed, and breadth of interest and activities.

Janice served as President of the Student Volunteer Organization while at SCCC. She wished to thank one of her faculty members. “Renee Adamany has been my mentor since day one. She’s guided me and given me great advice. She’s been a wonderful inspiration.”

 

A self-made billionaire from humble beginnings, Jack Kent Cooke envisioned a foundation dedicated to supporting students who defy their economic circumstances and perform at the highest academic levels.

For more information about Jack Kent Cooke scholarships, please visit www.jkcf.org.

 

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SCCC Administrators and Local Officials Sign Campus Safety Memorandum of Understanding

Schenectady County Community College administrators have designed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Campus Safety Act (2009) between the College and local public safety, city and county officials. The agreement was signed by officials on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 10 a.m. in the Lally Mohawk Room.

The Campus Safety Act of 2009  requires colleges and universities to work to “increase cooperation, collaboration, and consistency in prevention, response, and problem solving methods among law enforcement, mental health, and other agencies and jurisdictions serving institutions of higher education” and to “develop standardized formats and models for mutual aid agreements and memoranda of understanding between campus security agencies and other public safety organizations and mental health agencies” so as to establish a meaningful partnership for aiding in effective responses to critical incidents.

The Memorandum of Understanding establishes this agreement and is a symbol of this promise and plan for action. “This agreement updates an existing agreement. It’s good that the College and local first responders work in unison to address any emergencies that might affect the campus,” said Edward Baker, Interim President of SCCC.

 

The SCCC Campus Safety Council initiated this agreement to replace the last signed agreement from 1990.

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SCCC Announces Selection of New President Dr. Quintin B. Bullock

The Schenectady County Community College Board of Trustees passed a resolution appointing Dr. Quintin B. Bullock as President of SCCC at their meeting on Monday, Dec. 15, 2008. Dr. Bullock was chosen to serve as the sixth President of SCCC as a result of a national search conducted to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of President Gabe Basil, which was effective Dec. 1, 2008. His appointment becomes effective on July 1, 2009, pending approval of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York.

Dr. Bullock is currently Provost of the Virginia Beach Campus of Tidewater Community College (TCC), the largest of TCC’s four campuses, enrolling more than 20,000 students annually. His 17 years of experience in higher education administration includes serving as Provost of the Norfolk and Virginia Beach campuses of Tidewater Community College; Executive Dean of the Damon City Campus of Monroe Community College; and Director for the Center for Urban Educational Studies at Monroe Community College. He has amassed a successful teaching record, having taught a variety of Biology courses as an Adjunct Professor at Houston Community College, Monroe Community College, and Tidewater Community College. Most recently, he was appointed as an Adjunct Professor by the Graduate School at Old Dominion University and has recently taught a course for their Department of Education.

“Dr. Bullock’s experience in higher education both inside the classroom and as an administrator is exceptional. For nearly two decades, he has shown his commitment to the mission of community colleges as an administrator and professor within the SUNY system and in other areas of the country. We look forward to having him join our campus and lead SCCC into the future,” said Denise Murphy McGraw, Vice Chair of the SCCC Board of Trustees and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee.   

Dr. Bullock earned both his Bachelor’s degree in Pre-Med (Biology/Chemistry) and Master’s degree in Education (Biology) from Prairie View A&M University. He also holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center: Dental Branch and completed post-doctoral work at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. His leadership training includes the Executive Leadership Institute sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College System, the Larkin Institute for Mentored Leadership, the Wharton/IRHE Program in Higher Education, the Future Leaders Program, and Lead Virginia. Additionally, Dr. Bullock is the recipient of the 2007 Damiani Administrator Award, the 2005 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award, and the 2004 National Council on Black American Affairs Outstanding Leadership in the Community College System Award. He is active in the community serving on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Beach Central Business District, Virginia Beach Forum, and Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital.

As President of SCCC, Dr. Bullock’s annual salary will be $155,000, which is in the middle of the range of salary levels of Presidents of medium-sized community colleges, comparable to SCCC. He will join a thriving community college campus that has seen a six percent enrollment increase from Fall 2007 to Fall 2008 for full-time students. One of the 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education, SCCC enrolls over 5,000 students and offers 41 career degree, transfer degree and certificate programs. The College opened its doors for classes in 1969 and continues to provide affordable comprehensive higher education and adult educational opportunities in response to local educational needs.

“Schenectady County Community College is well positioned to be a viable contributor to the county and surrounding communities that it proudly serves.  I am excited about the College’s mission and its future and I look forward to assuming the role of President.  As well, I am confident that SCCC will continue to serve as a strategic partner in connecting and nurturing relationships with current and prospective students, its employees, community partners and the workforce," said Dr. Bullock.

Currently, Edward Baker serves as Interim President of SCCC, a position he has held since Dec. 1, 2008. He had served as Dean of Continuing Education at the College since 1999 and was Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, Acting Dean of Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, and Interim Dean of Academic Affairs prior to that. Dean Baker has over 35 years experience in community colleges, spanning four states.

“I would like to commend the Community College Trustees and the Search Committee for their choice in Dr. Bullock. This is a time of great change in Schenectady County and I look forward to working with Dr. Bullock to create new opportunities for our students and our community," said Susan Savage, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature.

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