Alfred State celebrates Mary Huntington's 100th Birthday
The local community gathered at the Lake Lodge to celebrate Mary Huntington's 100th birthday. Huntington walked in thinking she was attending a end-of-year celebration only to find friends and families present to celebrate her upcoming birthday.
Mary Huntington came to Alfred in 1964 when her husband David was named the seventh President of the college. She has continually displayed her love for the college, the students, and the community. She is a strong presence not only on campus but in the nearby community.
Alfred Mayor James Ninos read a proclamation that officially declared Mary Huntington the First Lady of Alfred.
Current Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro has learned the importance and impact that Mary has had to the college and the community. “Ms. Mary Huntington has been a distinguished member of the Alfred State College community since the earliest days of the formation of SUNY. Her dedication to the college over the past 50 years is unparalleled and she serves as an inspiration to us all.”
“Mary is the grand lady of Alfred State," commented Patricia K. Fogarty, Alfred State College Council chair. "She supports every endeavor we have. She has financially supported the school. She has participated in numerous committees, but more importantly, she is always there to encourage our students, our staff, and the various people who have roles at Alfred State.”™
Danielle White Appointed to VP & SUNY CUAD Board
Danielle White, who has served as the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement since 2015, was promoted to the role of Vice President of Institutional Advancement in January. White has worked in the Institutional Advancement office at Alfred State since Dec. 2009.
"I am grateful for this promotion and recognition," commented White. "I have been fortunate to work with an exceptional team that works hard together to make Alfred State an amazing place to work."
Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro values White's impact. "The change in title reflects the expanded role and responsibilities she has taken on in the engagement of our over 50,000 alumni in preparation for a comprehensive fundraising campaign. Under her leadership, I am confident we will continue to be successful in raising funds that support the success of our students and the college in so many ways."
White was also recently elected to serve on the SUNY CUAD Board of Directors. SUNY CUAD is the organization for advancement and communication professionals in the State University of New York System.
"Being appointed to the SUNY CUAD board of directors is a great honor. I am excited to be part of this board which is comprised of leaders from across the entire SUNY system."
Prior to joining Alfred State, White served as the director of marketing and the executive director of the foundation at St. James Mercy Health System, as a marketing product manager at World Kitchen, and as a marketing category manager at Advantage/Pezrow.
White holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a BS in marketing from Canisius College.
Aftuck, Bryant and Ray Honored with Advising Excellence Award
Daniel Aftuck, Aric Bryant, and David Ray were named the recipients of the Advising Excellence award at Alfred State’s annual recognition ceremony.
Given annually, the Advising Excellence award recognizes Alfred State college faculty advisors who have gone above and beyond to positively impact a student’s college experience. Students nominated the honorees and a professor from each of the college’s three schools were honored.
Aftuck, an instructor in the building trades department, is credited for helping students when they are in need or if they are not understanding something in class. He students feel he goes above and beyond to assist them and see him as an advopcate and a dedicated teacher that tries to continually keep class interesting and entertaining.
Bryant, is the department chair and teaches in the mechanical and electrical engineering technology department. He is credited for listening to his students and offering extra help to his classes. He is a resource and a problem solver that goes above and beyond and is someone that students can rely on for assistance. Students also feel he is invested and appreciate him checking in on them throughout their studies at the college.
Ray teaches criminal justice within the Social and Behavioral Sciences department. His students credit him with making class activities more interesting and fun at the same time, for keeping them on track throughout the college experience, and for helping them grow as students and as people. Students appreciate that he believes in them even when they might not believe in themselves.™
Holly Chase earns CPA Licensure
Alfred State Assistant Professor Holly Chase has completed the necessary requirements to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York.
Previously, Chase had earned the Institute of Management Accountant’s Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA) designation.
“These designations allow me to bring my experience into the classroom,” commented Chase. “I am working to introduce new courses that are in demand in the industry. We have several employers who consistently seek out our students for both internships and job opportunities.”
Currently, the accounting program allows students to complete certifications in partnership with the National Association of Certified Bookkeepers Association in payroll, bookkeeping, and QuickBooks Online. Students in the program are also introduced to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) IRS program. With this, students can certify and volunteer to provide free tax preparation services to low-income tax payers.™
Saldenha-Raye honored with the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence
Alfred State student Makala Rachel Saldenha-Raye (Brooklyn, NY – Individual Studies) was one of 46 SUNY EOP students honored with the Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence. The award, now celebrating its third class of awardees, recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and strength in overcoming significant personal obstacles throughout their lives.
“To be honored with the Norman McConney Award feels amazing and very rewarding as a recognition that all my hard work paid off throughout my years at Alfred State despite my rough start,” commented Saldenha-Raye. “All the late nights completing assignments and all-nighters was worth it. Receiving this award from a minor setback proved that I could accomplish anything I put my mind to and prove everyone wrong since giving up was not an option with the goals and expectations I have in place for myself.”
“I learned to make every moment count and walk in my own path. Nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. It is all about how you pick yourself up and turn it around while not being influenced by negativity or things that aren’t in place to make you succeed.”
The honor is named in memory of Norman R. McConney, Jr. (1946–2016), a graduate of the University at Albany and former assistant dean for special programs at SUNY. McConney, alongside former Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, helped create the EOP as a statewide program.
Educational Opportunity Program Counselor Shelby Aquilina is incredibly proud of Saldenha-Raye. “I have had the pleasure of working with Makala since she first started as a student at Alfred State in Fall 2020. The growth I have witnessed in her academic and personal life is incredible. We, in EOP, could not be more proud of all that Makala has accomplished and the wonderful things we know are still to come for her. As a graduate of Alfred State College and a forever member of EOP, Makala displays all the qualities we would want to represent our school and our program. We wish you the best in your next adventures and look forward to seeing updates of your accomplishments.”
"When SUNY was founded 75 years ago, the mission was to create an educational environment where all are welcome. For over 50 years, SUNY’s Educational Opportunity Program has worked to make that a reality by helping students, many of whom are the first in their family to go to college, access higher education and see their degrees to completion,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “When I visit our campuses, I am continuously awed and inspired by the dedicated, hardworking EOP students I meet. EOP is a ticket to upward mobility for New York students, which is why I am honored to recognize these students who stand as role models demonstrating what is possible. With the financial support of New York State, and the resources provided at SUNY campuses, New Yorkers have an opportunity to further their education. My congratulations to each awardee for taking that step to go to college and succeed.”
Since its inception in 1967, the EOP has provided access, academic support, and supplemental financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. In its 56-year history, the EOP has served more than 80,000 students and evolved into one of the country's most successful college access programs.
About Norman R. McConney, Jr.
SUNY awards Educational Opportunity Program students for their academic achievements in honor of Norman R. McConney, Jr. due to his legacy of public service, which encompassed several statewide initiatives to benefit underrepresented New Yorkers, including programs to prepare minority high school students for careers in the sciences and medicine and scholarships for students underrepresented in the licensed professions. Mr. McConney is also credited with helping found the Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus, which later became the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislative Caucus.™
Four New Members Inducted into SALUTE
The Alfred State College (ASC) chapter of SALUTE inducted four new members, Jennifer Aul (Avoca, NY), Ryan Darrow (Webster, NY), Johnathon Helms (Portville, NY), and Matthew Proper (Perry, NY).
SALUTE (Service, Academics, Leadership, Unity, Tribute, Excellence) recognizes academic achievement of student veterans in both two- and four-year institutions of higher education.
To qualify for induction undergraduate students must meet the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled as a student.
- Qualify as a military/veteran student under locally derived and maintained definitions.
- Earn a GPA that fits one of four different tiers: Alpha Tier (3.75-4.0 GPA), Bravo Tier (3.50-3.74), Charlie Tier (3.25-3.49), and Delta Tier (3.00-3.24).
- Have served or are currently serving in the military, National Guard, or reserves.
- Maintain the highest ethical standards.
Aul, a nursing major, was inducted into the Delta Tier. She served in the Army prior to attending college and plans to work as a nurse in a local hospital after graduating with her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Darrow, an electrical construction, and maintenance electrician major, was inducted at the Charlie tier. He served in the Army while taking a break in his education and will graduate in May with plans to renovate houses.
Helms, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning major, was inducted at the Alpha Tier. A father of two, he served in the Army reserves and will graduate this May.
Proper, a heavy equipment truck and diesel technician major, was honored at the Bravo tier. He served in the Marines and plans to work as a technician upon graduation.
Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Craig Clark congratulated the newest inductees and encouraged them to continue to serve their local communities. Co-advisors Melanie Ryan and Leslie Buckley inducted the new class. The students were awarded a certificate, honors cords, SALUTE pin, and a challenge coin.
The Alfred chapter of SALUTE started in 2015.™
Histed promoted to Lieutenant
The University Police Department at Alfred State is excited to announce the promotion of Officer Joseph Histed to the rank of Lieutenant.
Having grown up in Allegany County, Lieutenant Histed started his college career at Alfred State, transferring on to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from SUNY Brockport.
After college, Histed began his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Monroe County Sheriff's Office assigned to the road patrol. Returning home to Allegany County, Histed was hired in 2017 by the University Police at Alfred State College.
Lieutenant Histed has continued growing and earned several subsequent New York State-regulated certifications including Patrol Rifle Operator, Responding to an Emotionally Disturbed Person, Police Field Training Officer, Law Enforcement Bicycle Patrol, Interview and Interrogation, Active Shooter, and more.
UPD Chief Jeff Wilcox stated, “Joe Histed is a fine example of the officers we have at the university police department and has truly earned this promotion.”
Officer Histed added, “I am grateful to continue serving the college community in this new capacity. I am humbled to have been selected for this position and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the University Police Department as well as the overall success of Alfred State College."
Histed assumed his new supervisory command staff duties effective April 18th.™
ASC Executive Selected for International Marketing Conference
Encouraging student success takes many forms and in the first half of 2023, Russ Nunley of Alfred State College (ASC) received multiple accolades for making a difference in the lives of learners both online and in person. Nunley, ASC’s chief marketing officer, not only is an advocate for career-readiness, but he also invests his own time and energy to prepare graduates for new careers and fulfill the college’s motto to “Hit the ground running…”
The American Marketing Association recognized his decades of experience in marketing, communication, and crisis management by inviting him to be a judge at the 2023 AMA International Collegiate Competition. A high-energy crowd of 1,300 students from around the world competed face-to-face in New Orleans and Nunley served as a judge in both the preliminary and final round competitions.
“Witnessing some of the very best marketing students in the world thinking on their feet, while utilizing marketing techniques on a deadline and under pressure, is a tremendous in-person lab where these upcoming business leaders could really shine,” said Alfred State Chief Marketing Officer Russ Nunley. Regarding the online teaching honor, "I started as an adjunct faculty member at the beginning of COVID and have continued to find ways to engage remote learners while many students were in isolation due to infection. To be honored as an in-person judge for AMA’s world event and to receive accolades for online instruction excellence in the same year is quite humbling.”
The State University of New York (SUNY) awarded Nunley its Online Teaching Certificate with special recognition that all courses were completed with distinction. Fewer than 50 of SUNY's 29,000 faculty members earn the designation annually. Nunley entered higher education in recent years after working as vice president at Regal Cinemas and prior to that as a television news anchor. He says each career step has relied on his skills in communication, crisis management, and understanding target audiences.
Beyond his executive duties to oversee marketing and communication for the college, Nunley has also served as adjunct faculty at Alfred State while teaching communications, criminal justice, and marketing. He also serves as a trainer for the college’s police academy cadets sharing techniques for tactical communication and how to follow the Department of Homeland Security guidelines for emergency management and the FEMA Incident Command System for command, control, and communication during crises.
The SUNY Online Teaching Certificate includes many technical skills such as administration of the Open SUNY Course Quality Review (OSCQR) rubric. The certificate program for college and university educators emphasizes the need to successfully implement remote learning with inclusive pedagogy and assessment strategies, making courses accessible to diverse learners including non-traditional students, and enabling effective interaction between students and faculty.
Developing a sense of community and support is made more difficult without face-to-face interaction, making the need for engaging content and activities even more important online. Through his studies with SUNY’s Center for Professional Development, Nunley successfully drafted how one of his 15-week courses in business communication could be divided into five micro-credentialed segments to further encourage online learners to build skills. Keeping non-traditional and remote learners incentivized to continue is a growing area of study.™
Pair of Pioneers Honored by Chancellor
Soumya Konar (Dutchess, India – Application Software Development) and Noah Bastedo (Clyde, NY – Financial Planning) were honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. The pair were two of 193 SUNY students honored by Chancellor John B. King, Jr.
Konar has excelled in academics, leadership, and campus involvement. She received the Outstanding Student Award for her major and is currently exploring efficient and sustainable protocols in machines in her current internship with Shark Tech. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and will graduate in three years.
Outside the classroom, Konar is the Student Senate President, capably and loyally advocating for the student community. She is also an assistant residence director, has worked as a help desk technician, and is a civic engagement advocate. She is also the vice president of the International Club and the college’s student Newspaper, the Tor Echo.
On top of this honor, Konar was the recipient of the Dean’s Award and the Leadership through Civic Engagement Award.
Bastedo has gone above and beyond by teaching his peer financial resilience and strategy. He has hosted a Roth IRA clinic that expressed the importance of saving early in life.
Outside of his academic interests, he has been an integral part of the performing arts at the college. He has performed in plays, musicals, inaugurations, and concerts. For his efforts he earned the Most Outstanding Performer Award in 2022.
As a leader in the organization, Bastedo has not just participated but used his influence to raise financial funds for the Mary Cariola Center.
“There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and each of the students recognized today is an example of our extraordinary student body and their rich and diverse ‘SUNY stories,’” said Chancellor King. “Student success is at the core of everything we do, and I am honored to celebrate students from 63 SUNY campuses who are receiving this year’s Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence. Every student can find their community at SUNY, and I congratulate each of the CASE winners for making the most out of their college experience.”
The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence was created in 1997. It is the highest honor SUNY bestows upon students by SUNY.™
Tyler Richards presented with Student Advocate Award
Tyler Richards, the Residence Hall Director in Braddon Hall, was named the recipient of the Alfred State Student Advocate Award.
The award recognizes college employees who have gone above and beyond to help students be successful. Students nominate employees who have made a profound impact on their success.
The students that nominated Richards noted the following:
- He goes above and beyond to check in and make sure I am ok mentally, and if I am stressed out, he is willing to listen and find a way to help me in any way he can.
- If he notices I am getting overwhelmed with work, he encourages me to take a step back, take a break, and then continue working with help from him.
- He does his best to make sure there is a heathy work environment with the dorm and encourages students to put academics first.
- He is very informed on materials and outside help offered on campus.
- I have witnessed him put care and time into his job, while also being attentive to other students and staff members’ needs.
- He is a very hard worker and deserves to be recognized for his ability to balance his normal duties while ensuring his staff and students are safe, comfortable, and feel right at home. Student Senate President Soumya Konar presented Richards with his gift to commemorate the honor.™
New Class of Sigma Lambda Chi Inducted
Four Alfred State College (ASC) construction management students were inducted into the Sigma Lambda Chi honor society. The honorees were presented with achievement certificates, ceremonial pins, and other memorabilia associated with Alfred State’s Zeta V chapter.
The 2023 class included students Jack Curabba (Shohola, PA), Dylan Kehr (Lawtons, NY), Matthew Szczepanski (Rochester, NY) and Halimat Akanbi (Ozone Park, NY). All four met the academic, extracurricular, and work experience criteria established by the International Honor Society.
Sigma Lambda Chi Advisor Dr. Reza Yadollahi is excited to celebrate these students and looks forward to seeing what their future holds. "To me, receiving a certificate for Sigma Lambda Chi honor society is a recognition of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in the field of construction management. This achievement represents not only academic success but also the potential to make a positive impact in the industry. These students are joining a community of experts who share their passion for construction and commitment to excellence.”
Sigma Lambda Chi is an international honor society within the construction industry. Chapters may be established at a school, college, or university that has a major discipline of education in construction. To be inducted by a chapter, a student must be at least a junior and have a GPA in the upper 20 percent of qualified students in the program. They must also have participated in one or more extracurricular activities; demonstrated excellent leadership, character, and personality traits; and worked in some phase of construction for at least one summer or winter break.
Membership in this society is an important milestone in a student’s college career and indicates a significant accomplishment for the inductee, as well as to potential employers. Members are permitted to wear the memorabilia associated with the society at graduation for further recognition.
Assistant Professor Dr. Maryam Tabatabaei was also inducted as an honorary member of the honor society.™
Delaney Nichols wins Vanguard Award
Alfred State welding major Delaney Nichols (North Tonawanda, NY - Starpoint) has won the 2023 Vanguard award. The NET (Nontraditional Employment & Training) program presents the award annually. Nichols, who studies at Alfred State’s Northland campus is the first student at that campus to ever receive this award.
The Vanguard Award acknowledges and commends outstanding students enrolled in Tech Prep and other Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that are not traditional for their gender.
Nichols is excited and proud to be honored. “I have achieved the success that I wanted to reach when I joined this program.”
Her collegiate career started in chemistry but realized that she wanted a more hands-on learning experience. “I grew up in my father’s shop. I really enjoy the technical aspects of welding. It can be artistic at times, and you can really get creative.”
Nichols has seen the growth of her skills and encourages other women to pursue similar opportunities in the field. “I have been able to improve my skills as a welder and as a person. It is a challenge, but I would definitely recommend it to other women who want to pursue a trade.”
Department chair and her current professor Guy Hughson nominated Nichols for the award. “Delaney’s strong work ethic, positive attitude, willingness to help others and desire to succeed has contributed to her success not only as a welder, but as a leader in school which in turn will lead to many years of success in the welding and fabrication industry.”
“This honor is really awesome,” commented Nichols. “It just makes me proud. I just hope that it inspires other people, especially women, to try out a trade.”
After graduation this May, Nichols plans to work in the field with aspirations to eventually return to classroom and teach future welders.
Nichols is one of eight winners across New York and will receive her Vanguard Award virtually at the NET conference on April 13.™