From Biology to Baking, Students Share What They’re Looking Forward to This Semester
Excitement and energy were high on campus on August 24 for the start of the Fall 2026 Semester! We caught up with some students during the first week and asked them to share their goals for the semester.
Jullien Kokaly, Science major
“I’m looking forward to taking Biology this semester.”
Neha Khani, Paralegal
“What I want to accomplish this year is getting closer to my peers – the students
here – and the faculty.”
Lauren Hubbard, Liberal Arts: Psychology concentration
“I’m looking forward to spending time on campus and going to my classes.”
Dominick Powell, Programming for Game Design
“I’m excited to explore career options in my field this semester.”
Shane Hayden, Culinary Arts: Baking Concentration
“One thing I’m looking forward to this semester is getting into my baking classes
and learning how to bake different pastries and cook different foods. This is a great
community and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
Sydney Sciocchetti, Nutrition
“This semester I’m really looking forward to doing some research in the Microbiology
Lab.”
Victor Cabrera, Mathematics and Science
“This semester I’m looking forward to learning new things and expanding my interests.”
Governor Hochul Appoints New College Trustee
Earlier this month, Governor Kathy Hochul appointed Dr. Carlos M. Cotto Jr. to the College’s Board of Trustees for a term through June 30, 2030. Dr. Cotto has served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Schenectady City School District since May 2024, following three years of impactful leadership as the district's Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Equity, and Engagement.
Since arriving in Schenectady in 2021, Dr. Cotto has successfully mobilized resources and led the implementation of numerous programs designed to ensure opportunity, access, and robust support for students and families. Under his leadership, the district successfully relaunched and expanded the My Brother’s Keeper initiative and launched a comprehensive Community Schools initiative. Notably, Dr. Cotto led the transition of the weekend backpack food program into sustainable, in-school food pantries to increase food access. He also spearheaded the implementation of Schenectady’s wellness policy, the development of extended learning programs, and a major expansion of adult and continuing education. Driven by a commitment to holistic student development, he oversaw the growth of district athletics, including the addition of modified sports teams and a new eSports Center at Schenectady High School.
Dr. Cotto holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership and Master of Science in Educational Administration both from St. John Fisher College and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Springfield College.
Students Start Semester Strong With New Student Orientation
361 new students participated in New Student Orientation (NSO) earlier this month, an 18 percent increase in student attendance over last year's NSO. Our new students started off the semester strong even before classes began by getting their schedules and finding out their classroom locations, meeting current students, faculty, and staff, getting their student IDs and parking tags, learning about logging into the College portal, and finding out more about supports and student life. New Student Orientation, held on Aug. 19 for Math, Science, Technology, Health, and Business majors and Aug. 20 for Aviation, Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism, and Liberal Arts majors, was organized by Admissions, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs.
President Reaves Meets with U.S. Congressman and Founder of Local Organization that Connects Youth to Meaningful Work
College President Dr. Nicole Reaves met with Congressman Paul D. Tonko on Aug. 25 during the Capital Region Housing Expo he hosted on campus. 30 local housing organizations were in the Van Curler Room sharing information with a large audience about how to find resources to secure safe, stable, and affordable housing. Dr. Reaves made remarks during the event.
Dr. Reaves met with Jennifer Lawrence, CEO and Founder of the SEAT Center, at the facility on State Street in Schenectady on Aug. 27. During the visit, they discussed opportunities to strengthen the partnership between SUNY Schenectady and the SEAT Center by creating pathways from SEAT's workforce programs into the College, connecting participants with additional credentials and career opportunities, and responding collaboratively to regional workforce needs.
Warren Baynes, Student Co-host and SUNY Empire State Service Corps Civic Engagement Intern; Erica Smith, Managing Editor for Digital Content, Times Union; Amalini Fernando, Doctoral Candidate in Political Science, University at Albany and Fellow with the Center for Women in Government and Civil Society at Rockefeller College; Wendy Johnson, Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of Social Science Division, SUNY Adirondack; Sally Friedman, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany; and Dr. Babette Faehmel, Professor, SUNY Schenectady inside the recording studio in the School of Music during a recent podcast taping.
Not pictured: Ashley Lucie Lumbala, Student Co-host and outgoing SUNY Empire Service Corps Civic Engagement Intern.
Joining long-distance on Zoom were: Dr. Joseph Scanlon, Associate Professor of Political Science, SUNY Monroe Community College, and R.J. Haq, Assistant Director of Civic Engagement, University at Buffalo and SUNY Civic Discourse and Civic Engagement Fellow (2025-2026).
New Podcast Episode Out Now
Many Voices, One Call, the College’s podcast for “courageous, honest, open, and unscripted conversations,” is starting a new season and Episode 1 of Season 6 is out now.
Culinary Arts Lab Named for Longtime HCAT Dean
Students will now be making delicious cuisine in “The Dr. David E. Brough ’81 Food Prep Lab” as the Food Prep Lab was recently named for Dr. Brough, the longtime Dean of the School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism (HCAT), who retired on Aug. 31.
The Board of Trustees voted in June 8, 2026, to name the lab in Dr. Brough’s honor saying, "SUNY Schenectady seeks to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the institution and the naming of campus facilities provides an enduring recognition of such contributions while inspiring future generations.”
Dr. Brough served SUNY Schenectady with distinction for nearly four decades as an alumnus, faculty member, and Dean, beginning as a member of the Class of 1981 and joining the full-time staff in 1988. Throughout his career, Dr. Brough demonstrated a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, student success, and collegial leadership, leaving a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the institution. As a faculty member, he provided high standards, mentorship, and support to generations of culinary students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the culinary field.
As Dean, Dr. Brough provided leadership that resulted in successful American Culinary Federation (ACF) accreditation reviews, program growth and innovation, and expanded experiential learning opportunities, including study abroad and professional internships. His contributions to SUNY Schenectady and the broader community include service on professional and local boards, recognition through the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service, and distinction as an ACF Certified Executive Chef and member of the American Academy of Chefs. His career reflects a deep and enduring commitment to the mission of SUNY Schenectady and has significantly strengthened its culinary programs and institutional legacy.
Dr. Brough shared, “I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the SUNY Schenectady School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism for the past 17 ½ years. It is something that an alumnus of the program can only dream of. As a result of two research projects, my Master’s thesis and Doctoral dissertation, we were able to implement the suggestions of our graduates and their employers to make our Culinary Arts program the best that it can be. Our faculty and staff are second to none, and I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the lives of our students with Michael Stamets’ leadership.”
Chef Michael Stamets who succeeded Dr. Brough as the Dean of HCAT, said, “Dr. Brough has dedicated his career to mentoring and inspiring students, helping them become accomplished industry professionals. His passion for excellence and competitive spirit have shaped the School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism, strengthening its programs, reputation, and culture of achievement. Under his leadership, the School earned Exemplary Program status from the American Culinary Federation—a lasting reflection of his commitment to educational excellence and enduring legacy.”
Events
Find out what’s happening around campus! Visit our events calendar.