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491 Cottekill Road
Stone Ridge, New York 12484
845-687-5000 | 800-724-0833
94 Mary's Ave., Kingston
right across from the
HealthAlliance Hospital
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Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.
Donate Advocate Educate
We will miss seeing you all in person at our 2020 gala. As we meet here on these pages virtually, please also join at the link below, where, in our video tributes, we can be grateful, together, for each other and for the collective us… and this year especially, for those who we celebrate! To you, thank you for supporting our students. www.sunyulster.edu/foundation/gala
The St. John family legacy of business, community, and philanthropy is known throughout the Hudson Valley and at SUNY Ulster. Howard C. St. John served as Ulster County District Attorney, as a partner in the law firm that bore his name and as Chairman of the Board of Ulster Savings Bank. The St. John family’s advocacy for SUNY Ulster continues with Victoria St. John-Gilligan, who is secretary to the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees, a Director of the Foundation Board, 2020 Gala Co-Chair, and, also with Lisa St. John, a member of the Gala Committee, recognized with their family as a top donor to our Foundation.
Darlene Pfeiffer is an incredible champion of SUNY Ulster students. In 2005, Darlene established a scholarship fund for students who demonstrate self-motivation and an entrepreneurial spirit, now known as The Darlene Pfeiffer Scholarship. She also sponsored the development of the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Center for Entrepreneurial Studies and the highly successful SUNY Ulster Own It! Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference. In the fall of 2017 SUNY Ulster opened the Pfeiffer Technology and Innovation Lab, made possible by an originating donation from Darlene, which has generated over $1M in grant funding for our campus. In 2019, she established yet another life-changing program through her visionary philanthropy. The New Start for Women welcomed the first cohort of 15 students to SUNY Ulster in 2019 and welcomed an additional 15 students in 2020. Darlene’s visionary program attracted an additional $1.5M in funding from the NoVo Foundation. As a Foundation Board Director, she is a tireless advocate and key donor in support of SUNY Ulster, our Foundation, and our students. Darlene is our Foundation’s principal individual donor.
Basch & Keegan LLP is a Kingston law firm with a record of community service. Partners include Eli B. Basch, Maureen A. Keegan, Derek J. Spada, and Foundation Board Director John A. DeGasperis, SUNY Ulster alumnus who was recently inducted into SUNY Ulster’s Alumni Hall of Fame. Eli and Susan Basch, and John and Emily DeGasperis, are President’s Challenge Scholarship sponsors in the Kingston City School District. Basch & Keegan LLP, are sponsors of the Kingston Farmers Market, YMCA, Kingston Rotary, Dietz Stadium, and supports the HealthAlliance/WMC Tulip Ball, The Jewish Federation’s Fall for Art, Shamrock Run, Snowflake Festival and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Ulster County, among many other causes in the community.
Bruderhof, Ulster Savings Bank, Viking Industries
Alesco Advisors, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Rondout Savings Bank
HealthAlliance, Van Kleeck’s Tire, Nutshell Realty, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Anna & Kenneth Brett
Leahy Funeral Home, M&T Bank, Rhinebeck Bank, Roemer Wallens Gold, Ryan, Roach & Ryan
Bank of Greene County, Barbara & Joseph Cohen, Bop to Tottom, Bradford Portraits, Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, Custom Cards by Wynne Anne, EFPR Group, End Cut, Victoria St. John-Gilligan, Herzogs/Kingston Plaza, Junior League of Kingston, Karhu Moon, Kingston Fine Jewelry, Kingston Physical Therapy, Paul L. DeLisio, Mohonk Mountain House, Normann Staffing, Dr. Alan P. Roberts, Rose & Kiernan, Rusk, Wadln, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP, Lorraine Salmon, Spa 21, Stone Ridge Wine & Spirits, Three Wishes Boutique, Timely Signs
Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.
Although it is unfortunate we are unable to gather together in celebration this October, our spirits are high as we unveil our first-ever virtual Gala ceremony. We invite you to join us and view the ceremony at www.sunyulster.edu/gala. Thank you to all of our Gala sponsors and supporters rising to meet the challenge of giving in these unprecedented times. It is in no small part due to your generosity that SUNY Ulster was named the #1 Community College in New York State by BestColleges.com. With support from your charitable gifts, up to 70% of SUNY Ulster students graduate with no college debt, and the Department of Education recognizes SUNY Ulster as a top 100 2-year public college noted for the low cost of education after scholarships and financial aid. Life in Legacy Society. Many thanks to our donors and friends of SUNY Ulster, who have given us the opportunity to serve so many students. We offer special thanks to the members of our Life in Legacy Society on pages 10-12, which honors our donors recognized for giving to Endowed and Honorary & Memorial Scholarships. Kudos to all of our President’s Challenge Scholarship Leaders and Sponsors, outlined on pages 13-18, who have allowed us to reach over 150 first-generation college students in the eighth-grade. You CAN influence our world and make it brighter. Please call me at (845) 687-5093 or email me at salmonl@sunyulster.edu. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you. I would love to hear your story. I’d be happy to tell you mine. Combining our efforts, we are sure to create something positive, together. Thank you for sharing your time this evening to celebrate our 2020 Honorees and Special Recognition Award Recipients.
Lorraine Salmon
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement & External Relations.
*Scholarship awards are based upon fund performance. Ranked #1 Community College in New York State.
Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.
The Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc. is a vital part of the SUNY Ulster Family and I am grateful to see the outpouring of support by our sponsors and donors during a global pandemic to support the work of the Foundation to award scholarships as well as emergency funds through the Lights for Learning In Memory of Barbara A. Adams - student emergency funding program here at SUNY Ulster. In 2020, we will award over $120,000 in emergency support and over $450,000 in scholarships to students, all thanks to the commitment of our community and our generous donors.
Since the Foundation’s inception, we have raised more than $15.3M and increased our partnerships with other Charitable institutions locally and nationwide. Over 5,400 organizations and individuals across our region have chosen to support the work of our Foundation, with over 300 new donors joining us this year.
The Foundation manages over $12.4M in assets today. Our annual earnings support ongoing scholarship awards as well as College program services of over $750,000 this year.
To date, we have awarded over $5.8M in scholarships to more than 7,300 SUNY Ulster students. The annual scholarships granted to students have grown from a total of $15,000 in 1980 to more than $450,000 this year, all because of the generosity of our donors.
On behalf of our Board of Directors, a heartfelt thank you to all of our contributors from our College community, friends, alumni, civic organizations and corporations that have made all of our work possible.
John M. Markes, Chair, Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.
SUNY Ulster was the Only NYS community college named to the top 100 public two-year colleges in the United States with the lowest net price after grant aid and scholarships.
Released by the U.S. Dept. of Education in 2020
I cannot express how lucky I am to have donors who care so much for my college and the students in it. Without these scholarships, I may not have been able to continue on my journey at SUNY Ulster. I am so happy to be able to follow my dreams and spend my time at such a great school. Spring 2020 Scholarship Recipient. Empower Our Vision Emergency Funding. Thank you for helping me through this. I cannot say thank you enough for helping me and my family. It really means so much. Spring 2020 Emergency Funding Recipient.
The recipient is selected by the President of SUNY Ulster annually to recognize a member of the community who works tirelessly on behalf of others, leads by example, dedicates personal time to make the world a better place, and lives in a manner worthy of notice.
The name Anita Williams Peck has always been synonymous with caring for our community and lifting up others. Anita, the daughter of the late Walter G. and Marianne K. Williams was a successful businesswoman, passionate about her family and community, and someone who was known to extend kindness and hospitality to everyone she met. Beginning in 1965, Anita operated the Williams Lake Hotel, founded in 1929 by her grandfather, Gustave Williams, a Finnish immigrant. Anita took over the management of the hotel in 1987. Anita worked tirelessly in support of plans to redevelop Williams Lake Hotel into a world-class sustainable resort community. Anita was a strong environmental steward, and in 1994 contributed over 400 acres of environmentally sensitive land to the Rondout-Esopus Land Conservancy Inc., to be preserved as “forever-wild” to benefit the community and protect wildlife habitat. Since 2007, Anita was an owner of Hudson River Valley Tours, which provides tours through the region. Known throughout Ulster County and the Hudson Valley for her countless hours of volunteerism for not-for-profits, Anita served as a champion for the following organizations, including the Benedictine Health Foundation, Junior League of Kingston, Zonta, Stone Ridge Nursery School, Stone Ridge Library, Rosendale Library, Rosendale Theatre, Rosendale Elementary School Christmas Project, Hudson Valley AIDS Auction, Boys and Girls Club of Kingston, Ulster County Historical Society, Children’s Home (New Paltz and Rosendale), Ulster County Chambers of Commerce, Esopus Chamber Orchestra, Friends of Historic Kingston, D&H Canal Museum and Skål International, the largest professional tour and travel organization in the world. Anita served as a member and President of the Rondout Valley Central School Board and was a member of the Ulster County School Board Association. In 2007, Anita was recognized with the “Heart of Ulster County Award” for her significant contributions to Ulster County’s economy. In 2013, she was the recipient of the “Sister Mary Charles Award” from the Benedictine Health Foundation in recognition of her service on the Foundation Board and her support of the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund, the Bike for Cancer Care and the Fern Feldman Anolick Center for Breast Health. In 2016, she was honored by the Stone Ridge Library for her board service and support.
Anita was also a board member of the Ulster Community College Foundation, where she completed her third term as Chair just prior to her death in early 2019. Anita endowed three scholarships and the Anita Williams Peck Public Speaking Competition, which celebrated its 10th-year at SUNY Ulster just after Anita passed. Anita was an inaugural donor for The SUNY Ulster President’s Challenge Scholarship, a program that helps 8th-grade students to be the first in their family to graduate from college, which expanded under her leadership from 6 students to some 150 students today.
The Your Promise ~ Their Future Award recognizes donors who, by substantial planned gifts or generous contributions, provide future or present-day funding deemed to be transformative. The 2020 Recipients Jennifer and Peter Buffett and the NoVo Foundation are recognized for their vast philanthropic efforts across Ulster County, infusing more than $10M into our community, including their pivotal multi-year support of the New Start for Women Program, powered by Darlene L. Pfeiffer, which helps women in Kingston and Ulster County earn a one-year SUNY Ulster business certificate leading to living-wage employment and economic mobility. The NoVo Foundation undertakes these efforts with humility and transparency, acknowledging that making systemic change is a difficult, yet necessary endeavor.
The Anne R. Donovan Award is given to members of the campus community who demonstrate extraordinary dedication to SUNY Ulster by undertaking initiatives above and beyond the scope of their work in support of the mission of the College. It was established in memory of the longest-serving member of the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees in the history of the College, Miss Donovan, who dedicated her life to promoting the value of education with forty years (1974-2014) of unwavering leadership and service to our students and our community. Dr. Mindy Kole, Director of the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, has been instrumental in launching new opportunities for students at SUNY Ulster. In addition to teaching business, Dr. Kole shepherded the New Start for Women Program and developed Own It! Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference, providing local innovators access to inspirational and practical information on how to use their skills and expertise to succeed.
Tim and Laurel Sweeney, consummate business professionals and strong civic leaders have dedicated themselves to making a difference in our community and to supporting SUNY Ulster’s students. Laurel, a community college graduate, serves as Vice Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors and has been fundraising to support our students on the Foundation Board since 2015. Laurel has been a key player in the development and launch of the Foundation’s most recent strategic plan. Tim, past Trustee and board chair of the SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees with service from 2010 to 2017, was recognized by the New York Community College Trustees with the Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee service in 2017. His advocacy of capital projects to help SUNY Ulster’s future and his commitment to our students’ success are unparalleled. Tim and Laurel’s leadership in championing and advocating for the President’s Challenge Scholarship has been paramount since day-one and continues today as we grow our donors in support of this life-changing program. As PCS Ambassadors in the Rondout Valley School District, they have secured more than 37 student sponsors for Rondout and other school districts (fundraising more than $265,000) and being named as PCS Rainmakers, and their efforts are not done! Giving back to their community through civic leadership and volunteerism is what Tim and Laurel are known for, as evidenced by their work for countless community boards and organizations.
Kathleen Cloonan, Foundation Board Director and past Co-Chair of our Gala committee, has been an integral member supporting massive changes in our foundation. Kathleen has been a prominent member of many boards and committees in our community and has dedicated her life to supporting the needs of others in Ulster County. The Ulster Garden Club, the Junior League of Kingston, and our Foundation are just a few organizations that have benefitted from Kathleen’s expertise and support. In 2000 she was recognized by the YWCA of Ulster County as a Tribute to Women Honoree. Kathleen and her husband Bill Cloonan, Esq. are sponsors of three President’s Challenge Scholarship (PCS) students, providing a two-year college education at SUNY Ulster to each as they commence from the 8th-grade. Bill and Kathleen’s support has helped us reach other donors who also champion and fund the education of Ulster County PCS Students, some who are currently attending SUNY Ulster. Kathleen retired from 20 years in the insurance industry and changed careers, teaching at-risk kids for 15 years. Kathleen has two daughters, Kate, an attorney in Virginia and Molly, a teacher in New York and four fabulous grandchildren, Connor, Christopher, Colin, and Keegan.
Mary Stuart Masterson & Jeremy Davidson, this Hudson-Valley duo, combine creativity and entrepreneurship through their passionate work to expand the potential of film, media, and tech at Stockade Works and capture the unique stories of our region at their own Storyhorse Theater. Known for acting and directing with a light on political history and social conscience, Jeremy and Mary Stuart founded the Storyhorse Documentary Theater, where the couple brings to life Hudson Valley history through stories of the people who reside here. While raising their four children here in the Hudson Valley, this dynamic couple has plans for Upriver Studios, a Saugerties economic development opportunity that will attract movie and TV series production to a state-of-the-art studio while retraining locals for production work. Mary Stuart and Jeremy are committed to developing artistic and workforce opportunities for under-represented populations in the entertainment industry, including women, veterans and minorities. As their storytelling events, industry training, workshops, and community partnerships expand potential artists and would- be film professionals across the region benefit from the depth of their vision for our region.
The Life in Legacy Society honors donors to SUNY Ulster, who have created endowed and honorary & memorial scholarship funds. Scholarship awards give the vital support needed for students to further their education at SUNY Ulster and beyond. Endowed scholarships provide this life- changing assistance to our students forever. You may join the society by forming a scholarship fund or Endowment in Growth and experience the impact of your legacy during your lifetime.
$1,000,000+
$500,000 - $999,999
$300,000 - $499,999
Professor Ann LeFevre Gilchrist Memorial • Grace E. Elliot in memory of Frank G. Elliot
$200,000 - $299,999
The Anita Williams Peck Scholarships
Nursing Scholarship In Memory of Elizabeth H. Tucker
Public Speaking Competition
Scholarship in Arts
Scholarship In Memory of Walter G. & Marianne J. Williams
$100,000 - $199,999
Braby & Blackwell Family Memorial
Murial O. Feraro Memorial Scholarship
George M. & Shirley J. Krembs
Mildred & Louis Resnick In Memory of Joseph Y. Resnick
Aaron E. & Jane M. Shultis Memorial
Glenn B. Sutherland & Cynthia A. Lowe
Karl & Catherine Weibrecht Memorial
$75,000 - $99,999
Freda & Richard Martens Memorial
Sarah M. Schmidt Memorial
$60,000 - $74,999
Eppie Convel & Stan Breite
Macdonald DeWitt Memorial
$50,000 - $59,999
Louis Berger Memorial
Rosakranse Family
Sofia P. Reuner
Sofia P. Reuner Theater Arts
$40,000 - $49,999
Viola C. Jansen Memorial
Elizabeth & Lloyd LeFever Memorial
Ruth Pacini Satterfield, Veronica Pacini & Patricia Pacini
Gary & Janaki Patrik Music
$30,000 - $39,999
Margaret & Robert Markes Memorial
Barbara P. & Edward V. Marrott Memorial Louis & Sophie Offermann Palkowics
Herbert H. Reuner Memorial
$25,000 - $29,999
Louis Greenspan Scholarship for Veterans
Bessie G. Johnston
Dr. Richard Katims
Margaret C. Lewis Professor Lawrence R. & Mrs. Susan Matson Earth Science
James P. Mertes Memorial Adam C. Nadiak Memorial
Marie & Guido Napoletano Memorial
Gary & Janaki Patrik Mathematics Arthur A. Reilly Memorial
Ulster Savings Bank
Charles A. Schenck Memorial Professor Derwin H. Stevens Physics
Todd Wonderly Memorial Kevin E. Zimmerman Memorial Music Scholarship
Endowments In Growth
$25,000 PLEDGED
JFC Breathe Free Scholarship in memory of Joseph F. Clausi Michael B. Finnegan
Dr. Roger & Dr. Rosanne Yetzer Mathematics
$20,000 - $24,999
Alfred Bedell Family
Evelyn E. & Joseph E. Burger and Flossie E. & Ray Davis Memorial Stephen G. Hyatt Memorial
Frederick & Ellen Katt Memorial
Chief James K. Riggins Memorial
Senator Arthur H. Wicks Foundation
Ulster County Association of Town Superintendent of Highways
UP TO
$20,000
Barbara A. Adams Memorial • Walter W. Bartlett Memorial • Noreen Baumgarten Memorial
Police Chief Assoc. Noreen Baumgarten Memorial • Joseph P. Budik Memorial • Eva & Hugo Carlen Diane O’Brien Cooke Memorial • Paul J. Croce Memorial • Robert O. Davenport Memorial
Frank & Helen Delaney Memorial • Professor Kenneth Hallam Memorial • Jerome & Sadie Hirsch Professor Daniel N. Holleran Memorial • Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
Coleen Hughes Memorial Scholarship • Michael Kandl Memorial • Professor Keith LaBudde Memorial Jack & Marti Lawson Memorial • Cantor Julian Lohre Memorial • Prof. & Mrs. Lawrence Matson
John & Margaret Mikalauskas • John H. Moehle Memorial • Jacob R. Moss Memorial • Muroff-Kotler Memorial Patricia & Timothy O’Brien Memorial • Professor Terry L. Parmenter Memorial • McCann/Pezzino Memorial Police Chief Association Jack Lupton Memorial • Milton L. Reynolds Memorial • Mica J. Stanmyer Memorial Rabbi Alice Stein & Marla Stein Memorial • Professor Benjamin P. Stormer Memorial Harriet Tuchman Memorial • Ulster County Scouting Awards by Frank Skidmore
Ulster County Volunteer Firemen’s Association • United Way in Memory of Richard Fredenberg Grace Van Benschoten Memorial • Wiltwyck Chapter, NS, DAR • Matthew A. Wolff Memorial
$1,000,000+
$500,000 - $999,999
Sherman Adin & Carol E. Adin Scholarship
George Devine College Scholars & Future of New Paltz
$300,000 - $499,999
$200,000 - $299,999
Shults Family Scholarship for College Scholars
$100,000 - $199,999
Iris Stedener Memorial Scholarship
Jay E. & Lucia De L. Klock Foundation of Kingston Scholarship The Darlene Pfeiffer Scholarships
$75,000 - $99,999
Clarence W. Spangenberger Scholarship
Ulster County Community College Faculty Association Scholarship
$60,000 - $74,999
Symons Foundation, Inc. Scholarship
Dorothy E. Patton Memorial Nursing Scholarship
$50,000 - $59,999
Charles Haas Memorial Scholarship
Mildred & Louis Resnick College Enhancement Scholarship Sawyer Savings Bank Scholarships - Business, Engineering & Nursing
$40,000 - $49,999
American Association of University Women Scholarship
Organization of Professional Administrative Personnel Scholarship
$30,000 - $39,999
Ellucian Company L.P. Information Technology Scholarship
George Krupica Criminal Justice Scholarship
Helen M. Roedell Memorial Scholarship
Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Scholarship
PEO Sisterhood Scholarship
Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Gail Godwin Honorary Award
$25,000 - $29,999
George Krupica Police Academy Award
Hurley Lions Club Scholarship Zonta Club of Kingston Scholarship
$20,000 - $24,999
Dyson Foundation Student Support Scholarship
Hendrikus and Lena Spijker Memorial Scholarship Rondout Savings Bank Scholarship • Ulster County Board of Realtors Scholarship
Ulster County Community College Board of Trustees Scholarship in Memory of Wendell D. Harp Ulster County Retired Teachers
$10,000 - $19,999
Alfred & Bella Rehm Memorial Scholarship • Ann B. & John C. Smith Scholarship • Anonymous Scholarship Barbara Connelly Cohen Scholarship for Fashion
Catskill Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited, In Memory of Art Flick Scholarship
Christus J. Larios Scholarship for the Sciences • Dominic J. Giamei, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Dr. Erna Moss Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Mindy & Howard Kole Entrepreneurship in Arts, Science & Business In Memory of Isabel M. Hecht
Edna Ten Hagen Scholarship • Frank Sena Memorial Scholarship • Fred & Dale Guerra Memorial Scholarship Gordon L. Kidd, Jr. Memorial Scholarship • Isis Heslin Alumna Scholarship
Kathryn Josephine Brown Memorial Scholarship • Kingston Masonic Lodge Scholarship Kingston Professional Firefighters’ Association: Harry E. Hornbeck Memorial Scholarship Kiwanis Club of Kingston Scholarship • Learning Center Financial Award
Lee Herrington Memorial Scholarship • Molly Lilly Correll Memorial Scholarship
Phebe Aeberli Memorial Scholarship • Professor & Mrs. Harry Matzen History Scholarship Professor Eugene L. and Mrs. Frances C. Turgeon Scholarship • Ron Marquette Writers Scholarship Rosanne Yetzer Continuing Education Scholarship • Sandra J. Wilczek Empowerment Scholarship Senior Computer Learning Center Scholarship • Spearman Family Scholarship
SUNY Ulster Board of Trustees & President’s Cabinet Scholarship in Honor of Martin D. Kelly Supporting Friends of HealthAlliance Scholarship • The Garraghan Family Scholarship
The Gene Haas Scholarship • Thomas D. & Anne N. Connelly Memorial Scholarship Ulster Federal Credit Union Scholarship in Memory of Calvin M. Cunningham
Vern & Paula Piantanida Family Scholarship
Vincent Leone Memorial Scholarship • Williams Self-Reliance Scholarship
$5,000 - $9,999
Adam Jeff McQueen Memorial Scholarship • Al DiBernardo Scholar Athlete Award Anderson Nursing Scholarship • Alexandra Lawson Memorial Scholarship
Barbara Maxwell Memorial Scholarship • Carl J. Mihm, Jr. Memorial Scholarship
Charles A. Vosper Memorial Scholarship • Elaine Reiss Award • Green Careers Academy Scholarship Hudson Valley Personal Computing Club • Karen Zentner Memorial Scholarship
Kingston Rotary Veteran’s Scholarship • Lillian Aaron Memorial Scholarships for Fashion & Music Mim Fyllingen Brown Memorial Scholarship
Professor Barbara A. Maxwell Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Professor Joseph K. Schwarz Memorial Scholarship • Robert T. Brown Scholarship Rosendale Police Benevolent Association, Robert “Nippy” Lasher Memorial Scholarship Sheldon COIL Academic Travel Scholarship • Sherman Robert Ehrich Memorial Scholarship SUNY Ulster Academic Merit Scholarship • SUNY Ulster Choral Music Scholarship
SUNY Ulster Foundation Memorial and Honorary Scholarship
SUNY Ulster Transfer Day Scholarship • The Honorable T.R. Gallo Scholarship Theresa Sena Memorial Scholarship • Tim Grenda Memorial Scholarship
Ulster County School Nurses’ Association Scholarship • Ulster Garden Club Scholarship Vincent M. Rabuffo Memorial Scholarship
Ulster Community College Foundation, Inc.
Donate Advocate Educate
Our Mission
is to raise funds to collaborate with SUNY Ulster to promote academic excellence, accessibility to higher education and economic vitality in Ulster County.
Our Vision
is to promote and manage philanthropic giving for student success through developing scholarships and student support funding, assisting in capital and technological advancements for the college, forging partnerships with businesses and local school districts; and by fostering strong community awareness and engagement.
Your donations support SUNY Ulster students and the Foundation’s mission:
Student Scholarships
Business & Entrepreneurial Studies
Professional & Continuing Education
STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
Criminal Justice, Human Services & Police Academy Nursing
Biological Sciences & Veterinary Technology
English, Foreign Language & Philosophy
Art, Design, Fashion, Music, Theater & Communication
Social Sciences, History, & Education
Thank you for joining us at our Foundation’s 2O2O Virtual Gala!
Although we can’t be together in person due to the challenging times we are facing with COVID-19, we appreciate the opportunity to be connected through our virtual format. Our students’ and community’s health and safety have been our number one focus and priority throughout this public health pandemic.
As the sixth President of SUNY Ulster, it has been an incredible opportunity to serve our community since 2015. We play a critical role in making a significant impact on the lives of the community members and students we assist as they work toward fulfilling their educational goals and pathways.
Working together, we are making SUNY Ulster an even better and stronger institution positioned to weather the challenges ahead and poised to ensure its mission endures to serve the County and region and, most importantly, our students.
We can make a difference by providing affordable access to higher education while changing lives due to your generosity. Thank you for your support and philanthropy, which are imperative to aid our students’ success.
Please feel free to contact me (845) 687-5050 or robertsal@sunyulster.edu. Start Here. Go Far!
Dr. Alan P. Roberts
SUNY Ulster, President
President’s Challenge Scholarship
In Honor of President Emeritus Robert T. Brown
“The President’s Challenge Scholarship was launched in 2016 with six students in the Rondout Valley Central School District. Today, thanks to a generous community of donors, we have nearly 150 students in the program, with an additional 50 college-bound students joining annually and representing all nine Ulster County School Districts.
This initiative will help us make higher education a reality for students in our County who might not otherwise pursue a college education. Motivating students to think about their future educational plans while they are in eighth-grade is just the beginning. The lives of the students who participate will be changed forever.”
Dr. Alan P. Roberts, President, SUNY Ulster
The President’s Challenge Scholarship Program now serves nearly 150 first-generation college- bound students in all nine public school districts throughout Ulster County!
The President’s Challenge Scholarship has grown from six Rondout Valley Central School District students in our 2016-2017 pilot year to 16 students in 2017-2018 to 51 students in 2018-2019 to 100
students in 2019 to nearly 150 students in 2020! These students, across nine school districts, have successfully taken the challenge and are being motivated to stay on the college-bound track – all thanks to the generosity of our student sponsors.
PCS assists first-generation college-bound high school students with overcoming the financial barriers associated with attending college. Students, identified in eighth grade by sponsoring school districts, receive guidance counseling and mentoring through the completion of high school and are awarded a two-year tuition-free college education at SUNY Ulster!
PCS was launched in 2016 with six eighth grade students from Rondout Valley Central School District. Today, thanks to a generous community of donors, we have nearly 150 students in the program, with an additional 50 college-bound students joining annually from all nine Ulster County school districts.
Once PCS Recipients begin high school, they take the PCS Promise and are partnered with a College Mentor at SUNY Ulster. PCS College Mentors, comprised of members of the SUNY Ulster Enrollment and Success Center team, are each assigned to support students from a particular high school. Mentors meet students regularly throughout the school year on-campus and at the school districts. Mentors are charged with keeping their students on the college-bound track and assist with college readiness skills like academic planning, financial literacy, learning styles, and career exploration. This support continues throughout the student’s high school career and ultimately helps to transition them to college.
At the start of their program, PCS students make a commitment to themselves and to the College by taking the PCS Promise. As a President’s Challenge Scholarship Recipient
I Promise To…
Be A Responsible Student • Be Active In & Out Of The Classroom • Choose And Act With Kindness Have An Open Mind & To Be Ready To Learn New Perspectives • Set A Good Example For Others Make Every Effort To Participate In PCS Activities
Given the current situation with COVID-19, the PCS College Mentor team has outlined a combination of phone and email outreach along with synchronous virtual engagement sessions to support PCS students until it is safe to visit in-person. Virtual sessions are scheduled to take place throughout the fall, including a specialized session to welcome our newest 2020-2021 recipients (Class of 2024) to the PCS Program!
Help empower our vision by supporting economically disadvantaged eighth grade students, who will be the first in their family to attend college, by sponsoring a student through the President’s Challenge Scholarship Program at SUNY Ulster. To find out how you can change a life forever, contribute to the PCS Student Experience or make a larger commitment, please call Lorraine Salmon, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and External Relations at 845.687.5093 or Nancy S. Clarke, Office of the President, Administrative Program Coordinator President’s Challenge Scholarship 845.688.1927.
Learn more: www.sunyulster.edu/presidentschallenge
2021-2022 In Need Of Sponsors For The Graduating Class Of 2025
2020-2021 Sponsors For The Graduating Class Of 2024
2019-2020 Sponsors Of The Graduating Class Of 2023
Ellenville Central
2018-2019 Sponsors Of The Graduating Class Of 2022
2017-2018 Sponsors Of The Graduating Class Of 2021
2016-2017 Sponsors Of The Graduating Class Of 2020
2016-2017 Sponsors Of The Graduating Class Of 2020
Lorraine Salmon, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and External Relations • 845-687-5093
Nancy S. Clarke, Office of the President, Administrative Program Coordinator President’s Challenge Scholarship • 845-688-1927 • www.sunyulster.edu/presidentschallenge
*See PCS Leadership Levels Chart for More Information as to Donor Level Designations
“When I heard a student in the President’s Challenge Scholarship Program say this was really going to change her life, that was it! I was hooked on supporting these students and this program.”
Laurel Sweeney, PCS Ambassador & Sponsor
Ambassador – A PCS office held for two years during which time the Ambassador promotes the PCS Program in a specific school district or districts.
Benefactor – A donor who has sponsored one or more gifts in perpetuity (Endowments)
Steward – Sponsor 10 or more students ($72,000)
Rainmaker – An Ambassador responsible for procuring more than 10 sponsorships to the program ($72,000)
Champion – Sponsor of five or more students ($36,000)
Sustainer – Sponsor of four or more students ($28,800)
Transformer – Sponsor of three or more students ($21,600)
Promoter – Sponsor of two or more students ($14,400)
Advocate – Sponsor of one student ($7,200)
Friend – A donor contributing $1,000 or more to the general PCS Program
$7,500+
$5,000+
$2,500+
$1,000+
“I am extremely thankful for the opportunities that this donation and the PCS Program created for me - especially the new doors and paths now open to me. It gives me great drive and meaning to continue on with school. It also contributes to my future and my decision-making as a person. This is a huge step into my future career path and gives me a boost in being able to become the best version of me. It also gives me a good start to be able to change the world. No words can express my thankfulness.”
Grace, PCS Recipient, Wallkill High School, Class of 2023
“Gifts to the SUNY Ulster Foundation create that special place, one where legacy resides, not in a list of precise accomplishments, but in the life of another who has been given great opportunity.”
Lorraine Salmon
John Markes, Chair
Laurel Sweeney, Vice Chair
Henry Gleich, CPA, Treasurer
Barbara Connelly Cohen, Secretary
Dr. Alan P. Roberts, President, SUNY Ulster
Bryant “Drew” Andrews
Cheryl D. Bowers
Bill Calderara
Kathleen K. Cloonan
Scott Davis, PE
John A. DeGasperis, Esq
Joanne A. Fredenberg
Beverly Finnegan
Robert R. Jacobsen, Esq.
Floyd Lattin
Dennis A. O’Brien
Olana O’Connor
Rev. John E. Perez
Darlene L. Pfeiffer
Dale Robbins
Alethea M. Shuman
Victoria St. John-Gilligan
Robert Tonner
Lorraine Salmon, Executive Director
Anita Williams Peck,* Immediate Past Chair *Deceased
Richard A. Anthony
Sally Berger
Robert T. Brown
William H. Collier III
Richard C. Croce
Daniel J. Devine
Beverly Finnegan
Richard A. Mantey
Dr. Ann M. Marrott
Sara T. Rabbino
Richard V. Roth
David H. Rylance
Lorraine Salmon
William L. Spearman
Glenn B. Sutherland
Rich & Donna Croce
Tim & Laurel Sweeney
Alan Lomita
CHAIR
William L. Spearman
VICE CHAIR
Victoria St. John-Gilligan
SECRETARY
Anna M. Brett
Deborah Briggs
Karen Clark Adin
Rod P. Futerfas
Gabriel F. Sottile
William J. Ryan, Jr.
COLLEGE ATTORNEY
Holly Bay
Student Trustee
Peter L. Berger
Françoise C. Dunefsky
John H. Dwyer, Sr.
John E. Finch
Susan M. McConekey
George Rusk, Jr.
David H. Rylance
Timothy J. Sweeney
John J. Wadlin
Dr. Alan P. Roberts
President
Kevin Stoner
Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of Faculty
Jamie Capuano
Vice President for Administrative Services
Christopher Marx
Associate Vice President for Workforce, Economic Development & Community Partnerships
Lorraine Salmon
Executive Director of Institutional Advancement & External Relations
Jenn Zell
Acting Chief of Staff & Secretary to the Board of Trustees
Monika Espinasa • Biological Sciences
Chris Earley
Fine Art, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Music,
Theatre & Communication (SUNY ULSTER ARTS)
Penny Rifenburgh
English, Foreign Languages & Philosophy
Lisa Moruzzi • Nursing
Dr. Hans Vought • Social Sciences, History & Education
Steven Schimmrich
Sciences, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Dr. Anita Bleffert-Schmidt • Business & Professional Studies
James Truitt • Criminal Justice & Human Services
Ranked#1 Community College in New York State 2020
Excellence in Education
Special Thanks To The Group Who Made This Evening Possible
CO-CHAIRS: Victoria St. John Gilligan • Jenn Zell
Kathleen Cloonan
Barbara Cohen
Carol Daley
Sheila Dvorak Galione
Beverly Finnegan
Robert R. Jacobsen Elaine Rylance
Lisa St. John
Kerri Vitek
Please visit the website at www.sunyulster.edu/gala to view highlights of the event
