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- Annual Report 2017-18
Welcome
Letter from the President
I am pleased to provide you with the SUNY Niagara Annual Report. Please read how SUNY Niagara students, faculty and staff have been a part of the SUNY Niagara community and beyond this past year.
As I write this, I am reminded about the May commencement ceremonies, as our students celebrated their graduation on the Sanborn campus for the first time in three years. It was a time to come together around our core educational mission and a reminder of the strong bonds and distinction that characterize the SUNY Niagara experience. It also serves as a reminder that by working together and supporting each other, SUNY Niagara’s future is bright.
As we move forward, I am confident that SUNY Niagara will continue to influence the social, cultural and economic well-being in our communities and beyond, while ensuring that our students have access to the best possible learning experience. SUNY Niagara is truly a remarkable institution.
Best regards,
Wm. J. Murabito, Ph.D.
Interim President
Board of Trustees
2017-18
At a Glance
FALL 2017 ADMISSIONS PROFILE
2017-18 Annual Report – Admissions Numbers
Applications
Accepted Freshmen
Accepted Transfers
Registered Freshmen
Registered Transfers
MOST POPULAR PROGRAMS
FALL 2017 ENROLLMENT
ALUMNI
2017-18 EMPLOYEES
STUDENT GENDER RATIO
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
DEGREES AWARDED
2017-18
FACILITIES
STUDENT COSTS
2017-18
STUDENT LIFE
In the 2017-2018 Academic Year, Student Life offered over 88 events to SUNY Niagara students in an effort to create a more engaging campus culture.
Over 6,841 students participated in those campus activities, with event and program highlights including:
Academics
Events
Year in Review
Search for new SUNY Niagara president
On Tuesday, August 21, 2018, representatives from SUNY attended the board of trustees meeting to kick off the search for a new college president. It is expected a new SUNY Niagara president will be selected by July 1, 2019.
Increased funding from Niagara County
For the first time in 11 years, SUNY Niagara received an increase in funding from Niagara County. At the June 19, 2018 meeting of the Niagara County Legislature, an increase of $100K was approved for the college, making the total contribution $8.971 million. President Murabito is hopeful this will lead the way to further expansion for the school.
Niagara County Sheriff’s Department provides additional security to campus
As part of a greater effort to update emergency safety plans, an agreement was signed with the Niagara County Sheriff’s Department to provide an off-duty sheriff’s deputy to patrol campus. “You’re not just getting a deputy sheriff, you’re getting an entire sheriff’s office,” said Sheriff James Voutour. Read More
“When that guy steps foot on this campus, he has access to our investigators, our drug task force, our forensic lab, everything that goes with a police department he has access to.”
Cooperative planning with Niagara University
In an effort to provide better service to students, SUNY Niagara and Niagara University have joined forces to provide student shuttle transportation, allowing students to visit various destinations across Niagara County. Beginning in the fall 2018 semester, the shuttle will be launched that will transport students between SUNY Niagara, the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, Niagara University as well as several retail stops along Military Road.
Empire State College opens office at SUNY Niagara
Empire State College opened an office on the SUNY Niagara Sanborn campus and at the Culinary Institute on August 1, 2018. SUNY Empire State College educates nearly 18,000 adult students in person, online, and through a blend of both, at more than 30 locations in New York. Read More
Together with one of the college’s faculty mentors, each SUNY Empire student designs his or her own customized pathway to a college degree that accommodates his or her schedule and awards credit for prior college-level learning. We are excited to have this pathway for our students and alumni.
Bisons Superhero Night
SUNY Niagara sponsored Bisons Superhero Night at the ballpark on Saturday, August 11, 2018. Alumni, employees, and friends of SUNY Niagara joined in the fun. Tripp was on hand with other mascots and superheroes for pictures with the crowd, and William Ross, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees threw out the first pitch at the game.
Read More
The SUNY Niagara Alumni Association also sold tickets for the third year in a row for the game that night. Over 100 SUNY Niagara alumni along with their friends and family enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bisons take on the Toledo Mud Hens between home plate and first base. Tickets were $10 and included a $5 Bisons Bucks gift card good to use towards any snacks, drinks, or apparel.
Thunderfest
The Student Senate Programming Board at SUNY Niagara hosted the 2nd annual Thunderfest on Friday, April 27th to celebrate the end of the spring semester. The event featured a carnival, food trucks, and a live concert on campus. Over 550 students, faculty, staff and community members were in attendance.
Peach Festival Parade
SUNY Niagara participated in the 61st Annual Niagara County Peach Festival parade. The college was represented by students, athletes, faculty and staff on a float featuring the school mascot, Tripp.
Retiree Reunion Reception
A retiree reception was held on December 6 with over eighty retirees in attendance. For many of the retirees, this was the first time many of them had returned to campus for an event. Many familiar faces were on hand to celebrate the season. Plans are in the works to make this an annual event.
SUNY Niagara Lends a Helping Hand
Lending a helping hand during the holiday season is important to the members of the Practical Business Club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at SUNY Niagara. Together both groups were able to collect enough donated items to create ten thanksgiving dinner baskets for families in need. Read More
Approximately twenty students participated this year logging over forty volunteer hours. This is the second year thanksgiving items were collected and given to deserving families. As an advisor to both the business club and honor society, Professor Paul Ratka works with SUNY Niagara’s Child Development Center to identify families that could use some additional help during the holiday season. Once families are identified, students are sent a list of items needed to fill the baskets. This year baskets included a whole turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pie, and more! Each basket also included a small toy for children within the family.
SUNY Niagara Film and Animation Festival
On Saturday, May 5, 2018 SUNY Niagara held its 20th Anniversary Film and Animation Festival. The festival had 131 film submissions from 23 different countries entered into seven categories: animation, comedy, drama, documentary, horror, music video, and experimental. Read More
Winners hailed from France, Iran, Turkey, Australia, and multiple locations within the United States. Each category is judged by two professionals in their respective fields on the basis of creative and technical quality. Monetary prizes are awarded for the first place winner in each category, and an additional prize is given to the best local film.
Grand Buffet
On Friday, March 23rd, Chef John Matwijkow’s Garde Manger class at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute showcased their skills by hosting a Grand Buffet. The event was open to the public, and funds raised benefitted the American Culinary Federation NFCI Scholarship Fund.
Interactive Digital Signage at NFCI
NFCI added an interactive digital sign to the first floor atrium. This tool will allow visitors to gain insight into the rich history of NFCI, award winning chef instructors, academic programs, retail outlets, community education classes, local events and much more! The new sign allows you to control the content and user experience with a simple swipe or press of your finger.
Corner Sign in Sanborn
A new sign was installed at the corner of Route 31 and Townline Road on the Sanborn campus to draw greater attention to SUNY Niagara at the busy intersection.
Thanksgiving Appreciation Lunch
President Murabito hosted the annual Thanksgiving appreciation lunch for students on November 16 on the Sanborn campus and November 17 at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. The President, administrators and faculty leaders served turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all the trimmings to students for a nominal fee. Read More
This annual event is a big hit with students at a busy time of year – not to mention a lot of fun for the volunteers!
Girls in Sports
SUNY Niagara Physical Education Majors volunteered at the Girls in Sports event at the New Era field house. Over 250 girls, ages 6-12, from the Buffalo “closing the gap” schools participated in 8 different sports throughout the day along with speakers that advocated the positive benefits that sports can have on their lives. Read More
This event is sponsored by Mary Wilson (pictured with some of the SUNY Niagara Majors) who is a major advocate of youth sports.
SUNY Niagara Veterans Day Ceremony
SUNY Niagara hosted the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 9, 2017 on the Sanborn campus at the Veterans Memorial Park. This annual ceremony honors all veterans including SUNY Niagara students, faculty, staff, retirees and community members. Interim President Dr. William Murabito offered opening remarks. Read More
The keynote speaker was Major Joseph Pulvino, Officer in Charge of the Emergency Medical Team at the 865th Combat Support Hospital at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station. Army veteran Collin O’Donnell, who is majoring in criminal justice at SUNY Niagara spoke on behalf of SUNY Niagara veteran students. Andrew LaPlante, a US Army veteran, majoring in liberal arts/math & science, served as master of ceremonies. Members of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station Honor Guard, Posted the Colors, performed a Firing Party ritual and Flag Folding Ceremony. All attending veterans were asked to step forward to be recognized and honored.
Food Pantry
Faculty and staff ramped up efforts to collect non-perishable food items for students in need at donation sites across campus. The food collected is stocked in the pantry in H building where students can access what they need. In 2017-2018, over 1,500 items were donated and 541 visits were made to the pantry.
Degree Works
SUNY Transfer Finder functionality within Degree Works went live in Spring 2018! This is a cooperative effort by SUNY to allow students to select up to 3 transfer institutions, filter their completed coursework through an online degree evaluation, and find the shortest pathway to completion for a particular major. Read More
This can also be used to look up coursework a student has taken at another SUNY college or look up course equivalencies across campuses.
Small Business Development Center
In May of 2018, Niagara SBDC Business Advisor Dinene Zaleski was named the New York Small Business Development Center (NYSBDC) State Star. She then represented the NYSBDC at the ASBDC National Conference in September. This well-deserved and very prestigious honor is given annually to only one advisor in each state. Read More
It recognized Dinene’s strong commitment to the Niagara Region and her outstanding counseling services. Dinene has worked with nearly 1,100 clients helping them create / save over 2,800 jobs and over $203 million in economic impact. She has been a proud part of the SUNY Niagara Community since 1987.
Supporters
We thank you all for your generosity. We have attempted to recognize each gift from June 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018 and regret any inadvertent omissions. Please contact the SUNY Niagara Foundation at (716) 614- 5910 should you notice a discrepancy.
SUNY Niagara Foundation Board
Front Row: Maria Crea MD, David Karwick, David Bonnevie DDS, Jerry Wolfgang, Donna Bryk, and Christina Cerrone Pecoraro
Second Row: Jane Haenle, Vincent (Jimmy) Cancemi, Jack Kopczynski, Michael Hooper, Robert MacDonald, Ann Briody Petock, Lester Robinson III, Gina Virtuoso, David DiCamillo, Steven Sinclair, William Bevacqua, Fred Rickan, Jayne Schaber, Marc O’Hearn, and William Ross (Not all Foundation Board Members pictured)
Full Foundation Board
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSON
Jerald I. Wolfgang
WNY Regional Education Center for Economic Development
VICE-CHAIRPERSON
David R. Bonnevie, DDS ‘74
Dental Care Associates, LLC
TREASURER
David I. Karwick
Key Investment Services
SECRETARY
Donna J. Bryk
Walsh Insurance Group
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
William Bevacqua
Retired, Sdao Furniture
MEMBER-AT-LARGE
David J. DiCamillo
DiCamillo Baking Company
COLLEGE TRUSTEE
Gina I. Virtuoso
Retired, Senior Accountant
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ann Briody Petock
Briody Health Care System
Vincent “Jimmy” A. Cancemi ’68
Cancemi Furniture
Sharon Certo-Chislett
Certo Bros. Distributing Co., Inc.
Maria Crea, MD
Retired, Medical Director
Medical Society of G.N.O
Dr. Martin H. Drake ’75
SUNY Niagara
Jane N. Haenle
Retired, SUNY Niagara
Michael Hooper
Hooper Realty
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chuck Kilroy
Delaware North
Jack F. Kopczynski
Ascension Industries, Inc.
Robert MacDonald
M&T Bank
James A. Mezhir ’68
SUNY Niagara
Marc O’Hearn
Evans Bank
Christina A. Cerrone Pecoraro ’06
Mark Cerrone, Inc.
Fred Rickan ’81
Lester J. Robinson III ’87
The Northwoods Corp.
James C. Roscetti
Roscetti & Decastro, PC
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
William L. Ross
Retired, Niagara County Legislature
Jayne Schaber
Connor Middle School
Geraldine Sdao
Retired, M&T Bank
Gary Siddall
Delphi
Steven Sinclair
The Wright Investment Group
Melanie Tisdale ’75
Tisdale & Coykendall
James Turner ’86
Erie County Medical Center
Ronald R. Winkley ’78
Niagara University
Niagara County Legislature
Athletics
Baseball
- Sophomore catcher Matt Cross was selected in the 19th round of the MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics
- Freshman Vinny Chiarenza, Cross and classmate Joe Kruszka were named NJCAA Division III All-Americans
- SUNY Niagara finished as Region III runners-up after winning 40 games, including head coach Matt Clingersmith’s 400th career victory
Pictured: Matt Cross
Co-Ed Golf
- Freshman Hogan Lang qualified individually and ultimately finished 50th at the NJCAA Division III Championships
- Lang was the medalist as SUNY Niagara won the WNYAC Championship at its home tournament for the third consecutive year
- Sophomore All-WNYAC players Vinny Falvo, Zach Fronckowiak, Cam Eddy and Hunter Harris helped SUNY Niagara to five tournament wins
Pictured: Hogan Lang
Men's Basketball
- Sophomore 1,000-point scorer Donel Cathcart was named an NJCAA Division II second-team All-American
- Cathcart (Youngstown State) and classmate LaTerrance Reed (Northwestern State) signed with NCAA Division I programs
- Cathcart, Reed and freshman Najee Scott were All-Region choices on a team that won 21 games
Pictured: Mike Pollard
Women's Basketball
- SUNY Niagara advanced to the regional championship for the third straight year, falling to National Champion Monroe CC
- Sophomore scoring leaders Diamond Fedrick (UNC-Pembroke) and Nerae Truheart (Alderson Broaddus) earned scholarships
- Fedrick, Trueheart and freshman Shilah Parker were All-Region selection for the 19-win Thunderwolves
Pictured: Neraelyn Trueheart
Men's Soccer
- Freshmen trio of Josh Horvath, Noah Meister and Tyler Van Buren were named second-team All-WNYAC
- An overtime win over perennial power Mohawk Valley CC highlighted an otherwise rough season
- David Hesch took over as head coach in 2018
Pictured: James DiLorenzo
Women's Soccer
- Freshman Alexis Fyock led the team with 22 points on her way to first-team All-WNYAC honors
- Classmate Michelle Fiore and sophomore Cristina Catalano were second-team All-WNYAC picks
- Former longtime NCAA Division I assistant David Hesch was named head coach for the 2018 season
Pictured: Alexis Fyock
Softball
- SUNY Niagara won 13 regional games and advanced to the Region III semifinals for the second consecutive season
- Sophomore captain Ana Bryer led the country in stolen bases (48) on her way to first-team All-Region honors
- Pitcher Vicki Waugaman threw a no hitter against Finger Lakes CC and pitcher Bree Chambers had a no hitter against Mohawk Valley CC.
Pictured: Ana Bryer
Women's Volleyball
- Sophomore team captain Lauren Wills was named All-WNYAC for the second consecutive season
- After a one-year hiatus, SUNY Niagara will once again host the Region III Championships in the fall 2018
- Former head coach Joe Daigler, who led SUNY Niagara to a pair of regional titles, returns as an assistant in 2018
Pictured: Maddy Finn
Wrestling
- Sophomore 165-pounder Troy Keller, a University Buffalo signee, became the school’s fifth National Champion
- Keller, a two-time NJCAA All-American and SUNY Scholar-Athlete award winner, set the program record for wins (90)
- Classmate John Riena was also an NJCAA All-American for SUNY Niagara, which won its 21st Region III Championship
Pictured: Troy Keller
Financial Data
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Future Plans
Construction of a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Center
A new STEM Center building has been proposed on the Sanborn campus that will provide updated technology and expanded STEM laboratory spaces. It will impact all students in all degree programs as well as expand workforce development and increase the College’s competitive recruitment of students. Phase 2 of the project includes renovation of the existing space to allow for growth in the Nursing and Allied Health Programs. It is estimated the project will cost approximately $35 million. A steering committee has been established, and they are working to receive support from the local officials.
Niagara Falls Culinary Institute New Accelerated Program
Plans were approved by SUNY to offer a 16-month culinary degree program to accommodate students who want to finish their degree more quickly and enter the workforce. This model will now allow for the oversight of the restaurant and pastry shop at NF to return under the direction of the academic programs as it is at many culinary schools in NY and across the US and as it was here in Sanborn 7 years ago in the faculty dining room. This will put the students at the forefront and complete the student journey for the academic programs from beginning of their degree to completion allowing for the necessary skills to be introduced and practiced in the academic labs and then reinforced in the production style classes serving the public and college community.
Upgrading of Athletics Facilities
Although our athletic programs have experienced unprecedented success in recent years, our athletic facilities have fallen behind rival institutions. A task force spearheaded by Board of Trustees Chairman Bill Ross has been organized to review the athletic facility master plan, which was first presented in 2015. The plan calls for a turf complex for baseball, soccer and softball, upgrades to indoor facilities and locker rooms to meet SUNY mandates and NJCAA compliance as well as options to enhance, renovate and/or re-configure the current fitness center and pool. While meetings are ongoing, Ross has made it clear that the college’s top priority is a new STEM building.
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