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October 7, 2021

>>Jie Zhang, Professor of Special Education, was the first international faculty member featured in the Center for Global Education and Engagements Global Spotlight series. Read the full story in Brockport Today.

>>In early October, Professor of Anthropology Alexander Smith's exhibit at the Cumming Nature Center Welcome Center on the Frost Town Archaeology project will be open to the public. He has been working with Kaitlin Adams '21 since Spring of 2021 to build the exhibit.

>>Associate Professor of History Morag Martin received $5000 grant from the Eleanor Crowder Bjoring Center for Nursing Historical Inquiry at the University of Virginia. The grant is being used to fund her ongoing research on Nurse Practioner oral histories in the Brockport/Rochester area.

>>SUNY Brockport's Computer Science program was recognized as a "Best Undergraduate Computer Science Program" with a ranking of 274 by U.S. News & World Report College 2022 rankings publication. 

>>Kyle Green, Assistant Professor of Sociology, traveled to Kraków, Poland to deliver two invited lectures on storytelling and motivation and participate in a related workshop titled: “Why do people do good? Studying inspirations and continued motivations” at the Jagiellonian University. He also delivered the keynote at the American Sociological Association’s 2021 Annual Junior Theorist Symposium with his co-author Daniel Winchester.

>>Social Work Clinical Associate Professor Debra Fromm Faria delivered the keynote address at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital's 2021 Pediatric Mental Health Symposium titled Cultural Humility and Intersectionality. This online comprehensive  symposium was held to raise awareness of current mental health trends and their impact on mental health care.


September 2, 2021

>>The Computer Information Systems major and Advanced Computing Track of the Computer Science major within the Department of Computing Sciences have been reaccredited by ABET, the leading organization of accredited programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology, for another full term of six years.

>>The Master of Science in Accounting is a completely online, 30-credit program designed for students pursuing careers in public accounting, management accounting,  government accounting, forensic accounting, and fraud examination. Qualified graduates can earn licensure as a New York Certified Public Accountant and pursue certificates to become a Certified Management Accountant, Certified Fraud Examiner, or Certified Internal Auditor.

>>Ka-Wah Wong, Assistant Professor of Physics, has received funding from NASA for faculty and students of SUNY Brockport to conduct research into starburst galaxies and galaxy clusters using NASA observatories.


May 6, 2021

>>Associate Professor Gary Metz and Assistant Professor Afeez Hazzan (Department of Healthcare Studies) co-presented a paper designed to educate police, first responders, and policy makers on issues pertaining to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and intervention practice at the 68th Annual New York State Sociological Association Meeting

>>Karen Schule-Williams, Higher Education Administration Program Coordinator, presented an interactive workshop at the Rochester Women’s Network entitled "Got Biases? Discover and slay your implicit biases.” The workshop helps participants recognize their own implicit biases and develop strategies on how to confront and eliminate them.

>>Hannah Townsend was the first-place winner of the first ever Digital Speech Competition, co-hosted by the Department of Communication and Brockport Debate Society. The final round consisted of communication majors submitting virtual speeches identifying a societal issue and advocating for possible solutions.

>>The Center for Graduate Studies, in conjunction with academic graduate departments, are hosting a number of Virtual Information Sessions and Graduate Virtual Chats throughout the month of May. Register for an event to learn more about our 50+ graduate programs.

>>Kathryn Amatangelo, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and her team consisting of co-PIs Matthew Altenritter, Michael Chislock, Rachel Schultz, and Project Manager Greg Lawrence received a $1.15 million grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for their five-year Coastal Wetland Monitoring program.


April 1, 2021

>>Associate Professor of Anthropology Pilapa Esara Carrol is presenting at Asian Matters, a three-part series exploring the Asian and Asian American communities of Greater Rochester, the history of racism and xenophobia aimed at Asian and Asian Americans in our country, and ways to support Asian and Asian American neighbors.

>>Instructor of Nursing Jennifer Smalls completed an online certification course through the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) to become a certified OSCQR (Open SUNY Course Quality Review) reviewer of online courses. This allows her to work with faculty to ensure that their course design meets the standards and best practices for accessibility and content delivery in their courses.

>>The Department of Healthcare Studies was recently ranked second among all health Services/allied health/health Sciences programs in New York by universities.com.

>>The Graduate Ambassador Program from the Center for Graduate Studies is designed to connect prospective graduate students with current graduate students. Ambassadors will represent a variety of academic departments and serve as official student representatives that share their experience and help answer questions for current students.


March 4, 2021

>>Rafael Outland, Assistant Professor in the Department of Counselor Education, was an invited panelist at “REAL (Rochester Equity and Access Leadership) Conversations.” The event consisted of a panel of mental health experts that addressed the effects of the COVID-19 health crisis and longstanding systemic racism on mental health.

>>Shay Gauthier, broadcasting major from the Department of Journalism, Broadcasting, and Public Relations, earned an Award of Excellence in the PSA, Promo, or Commercial category in the 2021 BEA Festival of Media Arts national competition.

>>Tricia Snyder, Department of Social Work, was awarded a Field Research Scholar position as part of the Transforming the Field Education Landscape (TFEL) Project. International Scholars participate with a cohort by presenting sessions on their work, research, and/or strategies to transform social work field education. Snyder was also selected to join the Critical Race Scholars in Social Work.

>>Nick Pitas, Assistant Professor from the Department of Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, and Tourism reflected on his record-setting publication "Social Capital in the Response to COVID-19” discussing social capital and its effect on our country’s COVID-19 response in a recent story.

>>The School of Business and Management is hosting the Eighth Annual Pettis Family Business Plan Competition. The deadline to apply is March 17, and teams that pass the screening round will  present their business plans on April 9, in front of five internal and external business experts led by Dan Goebel, dean of the School of Business and Management.

>>Afeez Hazzan, Assistant Professor from the Department of Healthcare Studies, delivered an invited presentation at the African American Health Coalition at Common Ground Health. The presentation focused on utilizing technology-driven creative activities to enhance the health and well-being of African-American family caregivers and older adults living with dementia.

>>The Master of Science in Nursing program prepares practicing nurses for advanced practice roles as family nurse practitioners, building on the fundamental principles of nursing to ensure the provision of high-quality care.

The Certificate of Advanced Study is designed for nurse practitioners who are not yet certified as family nurse practitioners. The curriculum is individually tailored to address additional knowledge needed to become a family nurse practitioner. 


February 8, 2021

>> The Center for Global Education and Engagement launched a new series of Virtual International Exchange Opportunities for the 2021 Winter session. Students worked with non-profit organizations from Peru and Bangladesh. To learn more about the Global Citizenship Virtual Exchange Program, read our story.

>>Michael Kramer, Assistant Professor in the Department of History, received a $30,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to develop a website with interactive components and a curated archive about the Berkeley Folk Music Festival.

>>Darson Rhodes, Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health and Health Education, presented on her work as the Provost’s Leadership Development Fellow at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Academic Affairs Winter Meeting on February 5.

>>Debra Faria, Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work, was appointed to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Governance committee, a national level committee. The second is appointment to a committee of NASW which is also at a national level professional service in the field of social work.

>>The Department of Healthcare Studies' Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program was ranked sixth in the nation by "College Choice" for educating future addiction counselors.

>>Markus Hoffman and Michel Pelletier from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry organized a virtual panel on the COVID-19 vaccine to help dispel rumors and separate fact from fiction.


December 3, 2020

>>Assistant Professor of Healthcare Studies Afeez Hazzan has been appointed as an associate editor for the international journal BMC Public Health.

>>Visual Studies (MFA) graduate student Rashaad Parker was awarded a $46,500 grant to the Visual Studies Workshop for his community-led project to capture the local Black Lives Matter movement through photos and videos. The project received funding from the Rochester Area Community Foundation. A second component of the project, a curation of several video segments titled “ROC City Speaks,” was aimed at disseminating on-the-street interviews with protesters directly to the public instead of through mainstream media channels.

>>Karen Schuhle-WilliamsHigher Education Administration Program Coordinator, was an invited panelist at the Continuing Education Association of New York (CEANY) annual conference.

>>Computing Information Systems major John Stone carried out a service-learning project as part of an independent study with Associate Professor of Computing Sciences Mehruz Kamal. Stone was responsible for digitizing hundreds of property records and streamlining the use of these records for the Village of Brockport’s Code Enforcement department.

>>Graduate students from the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program will celebrate the launch of Green Card Youth Voices: Upstate New York on December 9 from 7–8:30 pm. TESOL students Laura Le, Jaclyn Algiers, Samantha Myers, Lindsay Wiegand, Hannah Barone-Crowell, and Clara Mehserle served as coaches to help local high school students featured in the book share and edit their stories.


November 5, 2020

>>Coordinator of Field Education Tricia Snyder (Department of Social Work) and the Sodus Central School District worked together to secure the Mental Health Demonstration Grant by the United States Department of Education for SUNY Brockport. The College was chosen by the National Center on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments as a "grantee highlight" for its emphasis on interdisciplinary school-based mental health, high level of supervision, and training and alignment to restorative practices.

>>Assistant Professor Rafael Outland (Department of Counselor Education) was an invited panelist at a Community Town Hall titled, Policing and Public Health: Mental Health Alternatives to Policing. You can view a recording of the town hall on Facebook.

>>Assistant Professor Claudette Brown-Smythe (Department of Counselor Education), Assistant Professor John Harrichand (Department of Counselor Education), Assistant Professor Sadia Cheema (Department of Journalism, Broadcasting and Public Relations), Assistant Professor Alexander Moe (Department of Journalism, Broadcasting and Public Relations), Assistant Professor Ya-Ling Chen (Department of Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation & Tourism), Associate Professor Takashi Nishiyama (Department of History), Associate Professor Janka Szilagyi (Department of Education and Human Development), and Professor Jie Zhang (Department of Education and Human Development) virtually presented at the SUNY Faculty Development Conference: Teaching and Learning for Student Success as members of the Brockport International Faculty Learning Community. Zhang, Harrichand, and Chen also presented at the Anxiety and Learning: From Research to Practice Conference.

>>The Center for Graduate Studies in conjunction with academic departments are hosting a number of Virtual Information Sessions throughout the month of November. Register for an event to learn more about Brockport's graduate programs. 


October 1, 2020

>>SUNY Brockport hosted the 2020 New York Conference on Asian Studies (NYCAS) Virtual Conference on September 11. Natalie Sarrazin, associate professor in the Department of Theatre and Music Studies, was the chair of the event and oversaw the theme "The Impact of COVID-19 on Asian Communities: From The Local to the Global." More than 200 people from around the world were in attendance.

>>Students and faculty from the Department of Environmental Science and Ecology presented their research virtually. Graduate student Madelynn Edwards presented her research at The Ecological Society of America Conference. Associate Professor Jacques Rinchard and graduate student Aaron Heisey individually presented their research at the Virtual 2020 Annual Meeting of the American Fisheries.

>>The Department of History is presenting a public lecture on the history of Black women's suffrage activism in New York State by nationally recognized speaker Dr. Susan Goodier for the 2020 Robert D. Marcus Memorial Lecture on October 5 from 7:30–9 pm. The event is free and open to the public, but you must register online for a link to watch.

>>Associate Professor of History Meredith Roman spoke on a virtual panel regarding Black lives in the Soviet Union and Post-Soviet Russia and the legacy of African-Russians in today's world.

>>The Center for Graduate Studies offers more than 50 graduate programs preparing individuals for the evolving needs of the communities they serve. With in-person and online options, schedules are intended to complement, not compete, with life’s demands.


September 3, 2020

>>Students who took HST 380: Digital Methods for Historical Projects during the Spring 2020 semester, taught by Assistant Professor of History Michael Kramer, finished their course with a final project unlike anything anyone could imagine. Read their "reports from the field of everyday life during the beginning months of the COVID-19 pandemic."

>>Assistant Professor of Chemistry Robert LeSuer and Associate Professor of Physics Zachary Robinson have put their 3D-printing knowledge and skills to use in "making COVID stay away." In a blog post by LeSuer, read about their trials and triumphs in printing personal protective equipment at home for a local oral surgery office that was struggling to secure it.

>>The School of Business and Management will be hosting guest speaker Derryl Sherred from PricewaterhouseCoopers on September 16. PricewaterhouseCoopers is known as one of the "Big Four" accounting firms in the world. Sherred will be talking to students about his background, career advice as they start their job search, what the workplace will look like post-COVID-19, and more.

>>Rachel Schultz, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Ecology was interviewed by the Chicago Tribune for an article that describes research that Schultz and graduate student Sarah Kirkpatrick are conducting on the Braddock Bay ecosystem.

>>The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies is now formally known as the Department of Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, and Tourism. The decision to change the department's name was made to better reflect the curriculum of its programs and career posibilities for graduates.

>>The online degree completion program in Business Administration offers transfer students with an associate's degree the opportunity to finish their degree 100 percent online. Read testimonials from some of the program's recent alumni on how an online program offered them the flexibility to finish their degree.

>>The Center for Graduate Studies is now offering one-on-one virtual appointments by phone and virtual chat sessions. If you would prefer to hear from a current student, graduate student Ali Dedicke is available to answer your questions.

Individuals who require an in-person appointment based on accessibility needs are invited to contact the Center for Graduate Studies to schedule such an appointment.


May 7, 2020

>>Virtual Scholars Day 2020 is currently live, featuring more than 215 submissions of creative work and research from students. Students and faculty can view the event through Blackboard under "My Organizations" through May 13.

>>The students of the Department of Art have been hard at work, some of which are included in the Annual Student Art Exhibition, “Silience.” This juried show includes a variety of media, including ceramics, sculptures, drawings, paintings, graphic design, and mixed media.

>>The 30-credit Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is a multidisciplinary program offered online that focuses on contemporary issues from various perspectives, including the humanities, social and natural sciences, and the fine arts. The program allows students the opportunity to develop an individualized Plan of Study tailored to their goals. It provides an integrative educational experience that promotes a deeper understanding of self, nature, and society while offering the opportunity to sharpen critical thinking and communication skills.

>>Two programs in the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education achieved top rankings on both a national and state-wide scale. SUNY Brockport was ranked No. 1 of the Best Kinesiology and Exercise Science Colleges in New York for 2020 by Universities.com, and the MSED in physical education-pedagogy was ranked No. 18 on OnlineU.orgs 2020 Most Affordable Online Master's in Physical Education Programs.

>>Christopher Albrecht from the Department of Education and Human Development published the book "Unconventionally Successful," which spent two days ranked by Amazon as the No. 1 new release in the genre of Educational Psychology.


April 2, 2020

>>Robert Schneider of the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education was recently appointed by the SUNY Board of Trustees to the rank of Distinguished Service Professor. Find out more about this appointment in our recent story featured in The Port.

>>Faculty members D'Arcy Gaisser, Connie Lawrence, and Jennifer Smalls of the Department of Nursing recently presented at two conferences in Ireland on original research and civility in healthcare.

>>SUNY Brockport's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies program was ranked the third on Great Value Colleges' list of the 23 Most Affordable Bachelor's in Addiction Studies for 2020.

>>An undergraduate degree is the foundation to becoming a successful educator, but continuing your education at the graduate level will take your career to the next level. Graduate work will move beyond the mechanics of how and what to teach. Learn more about SUNY Brockport's CAEP-accredited programs that lead to New York State certification.

>>The National Science Foundation recently awarded SUNY Brockport with a $116,201 award for a project led by Professor and Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry Markus Hoffmann entitled "RUI: Solvation in Bulk and Confined Polyethylene Glycol."


March 5, 2020

>>The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program prepares Family Nurse Practitioners to examine health care outcomes on a systems level. DNPs are prepared to develop and evaluate new models of care delivery in order to create and sustain change at the system level while improving individual health outcomes. This online, 30-credit post-master's program involves five didactic courses on healthcare systems leadership, evaluating clinical outcomes, translating research into evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and professional writing. In addition, all students complete and disseminate a clinically based project. 

>>The Visual Studies Workshop is currently showing Evidence, an exhibition by Joshua Rashaad McFadden that highlights the reframing of societal views regarding Black masculinity and gender identity. The Visual Studies Workshop received a Promoting Excellence in Diversity grant to support the work.


February 6, 2020

>>Two new graduate programs in Instructional Design, including a 30-credit master's degree and a 12-credit Advanced Certificate, are accepting applications for the upcoming fall semester. The programs were created to meet the increasing need for high-quality instruction in the academic, business, government, and public sectors. Both programs are 100 percent online and designed to prepare professionals to develop, design, implement, and assess a wide variety of multimedia instructional materials.

>>Sadia Cheema from the Department of Journalism, Broadcasting, and Public Relations and students from her public relations class are collaborating with the Ronald McDonald House to perform volunteer work gathering research and materials related to public relations.

>>Zachary Robinson from the Department of Physics and Rachel Schultz from the Department of Environmental Science and Ecology are collaborating on a project with graduate student Courtney Scoles and independent study student Zack Putney to build a datalogger for environmental sensors to be used for wetland research. They will test their prototype this spring.

>>The Department of Social Work's Debra Fromm Faria was appointed to the Board of Directors of the State Society on Aging (SSA) of New York. The SSA is an interdisciplinary membership society committed to improving the quality of life for older New Yorkers.

>>Jacki Dipzinski from the Department of Public Health and Health Education and graduate student Allison Gonyo presented on "Implementation of Peer Assessment, Reflection using Standards Based Rubric Online" at the NYSAPHERD Conference to teachers, superintendents, and faculty from other colleges throughout New York State.

>>The Department of Nursing's D'Arcy Gaisser was conferred as a Fellow Ad Eundem of the Royal College of Surgeons and Midwifery (RCSI) in Dublin, Ireland for her hard work and professional commitment to excellence in nursing.


December 5, 2019

>>Susan E. Lowey presented at the 13th Annual Clinical Practice Forum “Transforming Palliative Care Through Professional and Clinical Leadership." Her presentation was entitled "Preparing Students to Care for the Dying: A Systematic Review of End of Life Care Simulation in Educational Programs."  

>>The Department of Social Work's Tricia Snyder was awarded (and co-wrote) an interdisciplinary federal Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant between the College and a consortium of high-need school districts from Wayne County. The grant provides for innovative partnerships to train school-based mental health professionals for employment in schools.

>>Peter Kalenda was awarded with the Seneca Park Zoo's Expert Award. The award recognized his contributions to the Zoo Society's Education Committee, where he shared his expertise as a certified program evaluator and helping them develop a logic model for the Zoo Scholars program.

>>The Department of Education and Human Development's Amy Shema presented at the National Summer Learning Association annual conference in Atlanta, GA, with colleagues Kelly Bauman and Christina Dandino. The presentation outlined the process and products of a multi-year collaborative that included community stakeholders to identify best practices for summer learning.

>>The Counselor Education graduate programs seek to prepare excellent counselors who choose an emphasis for special preparation in college, mental health, or school settings. The Master of Science in Education has an emphasis in school counseling (K-12) and college counseling and student affairs. The Mental Health Counseling program leads to a Master of Science in Counseling. In addition, the College offers two Bridge programs that lead to certification for school and mental health counseling for individuals who already hold a master’s degree in counseling. These programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

>>Ann Giralco Pearlman, Morag Martin, Barbara Lesavoy, and Jie Zhang, members of  the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) Standing Committee at the College, delivered virtual presentations with their COIL partners from Brazil and Mexico at the International Virtual Exchange Conference: Advancing the Field of Online International Learning in Tacoma, WA. 


October 31, 2019

>>SUNY Brockport has a long history of social work education in the Greater Rochester Metropolitan area and beyond. The Master of Social Work (MSW) program focuses on integrated practice and prepares students for work in programs that serve at-risk populations within families, as well as positions in comprehensive/specialized healthcare facilities, public health clinics and programs, medically based senior health care facilities, wellness/preventive healthcare, and mental health programs.

Applications are being accepted for both the Advanced Standing 36-credit program and the 60-credit program. In addition, the Gerontology Certificate Program is available to matriculated MSW students who seek to work with aging populations.

>>Professor Emeritus Douglas Wilcox from the Department of Environmental Science and Ecology was featured in a documentary film on coastal wetlands titled "Linking Land and Lakes: Protecting Great Lakes' Coastal Wetlands" that aired on PBS stations.

>>Associate Professor of Journalism, Broadcasting, and Public Relations Carvin Eisen was recently named a Rochester Business Journal 2019 Icon honoree. The Icon Honors were created to celebrate leaders over age 60. Eisen will be recognized at an awards celebration on December 9 at the Genesee Valley Club in Rochester.

>>Zippia.com recently ranked two Brockport programs as among the best in New York State. In an annual study on the best colleges for Health Sciences and Services Majors in New York, Brockport ranked #3 and in the annual study on the best colleges for Journalism Majors in New York, Brockport ranked #5. Zippia took into account data on the quality of the program and how students perform after college, among other criteria, when determining the ranking.

>>Sports Management Degree Guide (SMDG) ranked Brockport #9 among the 50 Most Affordable Selective Colleges for Sports Management. SMDG created the list by looking at schools offering a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management accepting less than 60 percent of applicants. Schools received points based on their student/faculty ratio, net tuition, and retention rate.

>>Distinguished Service Professor Lauren Lieberman was the keynote speaker at the European Outdoor Experiential: Diversity and Inclusion in Outdoor and Experiential Learning Conference in Tralee, Ireland. Lieberman was also recognized with the 2019 Herb Siegel Visionary Award for her outstanding leadership and reputation within the visually impaired community.

>>Professor Pamela Haibach-Beach and Associate Professor Melanie Perreault from the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education presented their work with children with CHARGE syndrome at the International Motor Development Research Consortium in Verona, Italy.


October 3, 2019

>>The 30-credit Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is a multidisciplinary program offered online that focuses on contemporary issues from various perspectives, including the humanities, social and natural sciences, and the fine arts. The program allows each student the opportunity to develop an individualized Plan of Study tailored to their goals. The program provides an integrative educational experience that promotes a deeper understanding of self, nature, and society while offering the opportunity to sharpen critical thinking and communication skills.

>>Carson Young from the Department of Business Administration won the Society for Business Ethics (SBE) 2019 Best PhD Dissertation Award. SBE is the leading business ethics society comprised of a global group of students, scholars, and business professionals from all disciplines interested in the research, discussion, teaching, and application of ethical business practices.

>>The School of Business and Management is hosting a half-day conference, “Changing Faces of Accounting” on Thursday, October 24, from 12:30 – 4:30 pm in New York Room, Cooper Hall. This event is organized to encourage interactive dialogue about the innovation and changes occurring in the accounting and finance fields. If you are interested in participating, please register for the event online.

>>Summer Reiner earned the Wiley Award Certificate for her co-authored article titled "Life Balance and Work Addiction Among African Americans." Reiner's work was recognized for generating immediate impact and visibility and contributing significantly to the advancement of professional counseling.

>>Afeez Hazzan was invited to speak at the Community-Wide Geriatric Medicine Grand Rounds held at Monroe Community Hospital.

>>Debra Faria was recently appointed to the Executive Committee of the National Association of Social Workers Board of Directors and the Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) Accreditation Sub-Committee of the Council on Social Work Education's Commission on Accreditation.


September 5, 2019

>>The MSEd in Higher Education Administration is designed for students who work or aspire to work in a higher education setting that requires graduate-level knowledge and credentials for career competence and advancement in the field. This program is offered 90 percent online with networking and classroom experiences throughout each semester. Graduates will be poised to work in two- and four-year public and private colleges as well as higher education service agencies, organizations, and associations.

>>Instructor Tamara Wilcox of the Department of Theatre and Music Studies received the Women's Philharmonic Advocacy Grant to produce music by women composers: one contemporary and one from an earlier era. The concert will be held in the spring.  

>>The Department of Public Administration has earned its re-accreditation through the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) through 2026. NASPAA is the globally recognized accreditor of master's degree programs in the fields of public policy, public affairs, public administration, and public and non-profit management.

>>The Department of Anthropology and the Cummings Nature Center of the Rochester Museum and Science Center (RMSC) continued their field school partnership this past summer. The field school consists of a traditional digging of the site at the Nature Center and helping run the RMSC summer camp.

>>Alum Nick Stefanovic ’15 joined President Donald Trump on stage when the president signed the presidential memorandum facilitating the cancellation of student loan debt for 25,000 of our most severely disabled veterans, at the American Veterans (AMVETS) 75th National Convention in Louisville, KY.

>>McNair scholar Kemara King, a senior majoring in health science and criminal justice, received an award from LeadingAge Western New York for her long-term care of the the aging and disabled people of Western New York.

>>The School of Business and Management is hosting an Accounting/Finance Recruiting Kickoff Event on Tuesday, September 17, from 4 to 6 pm in the New York Room, Cooper Hall. More than 26 companies are participating in on-campus recruitment, and another dozen firms will be utilizing the College's online résumé referral system. The business school's Center for Student Success is planning to organize more than 150 individual interviews for accounting and finance students on campus.

>>The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry engaged 13 students in undergraduate research, including two students from Germany who were supervised by Professor Mark Heitz. Sophomore Matthew Too conducted research with Professor Markus Hoffman in Darmstadt, Germany.

>>The Department of Counselor Education's John Harrichand and Claudette Brown-Smythe received a chapter development grant at the 2019 American Counseling Association Conference, where they presented research findings alongside graduate student Susan Clase.

>>SUNY Brockport was one of four state universities to secure funding for research from a partnership between the Great Lakes Research Consortium and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.


 May 2, 2019

>>The Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies, and Physical Education recently renovated its Exercise Physiology Lab. Check out the story for more information on the changes benefitting students and faculty members.

>>Hear from this year's SUNY Chancellor's Award winners Angelica Whitehorne, Antonio Bottos, Cody Sponholz, and Grace Kelly on their experiences at the College and how it has impacted their lives.

>>Advance your career in a program designed for you — and offered online. The 30-credit Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is a multidisciplinary program focusing on contemporary issues from various perspectives, including the humanities, social and natural sciences, and the fine arts.

The program allows each student the opportunity to develop an individualized Plan of Study tailored to their own personal and/or professional goals. It provides an integrative educational experience that promotes a deeper understanding of self, nature, and society, and offers opportunities to sharpen critical thinking and communication skills.

>>Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry's Markus Hoffman will continue guest research stay as a "Mercator Fellow" with the Buntkowsky Group at the Technical University Darmstadt, Germany. This summer, Hoffmann will be joined by undergraduate student Matthew Too, who received summer research support from the Morris Fellowship for Summer Research in Chemistry.

>>Under the supervision of Amir Bahman Radnejad, a group of Brockport students worked for nearly  four months with a luxury fashion start-up. Their goal was to help the entrepreneur design a better business model, which they recently submitted to the client.

>>Radnejad was recently interviewed by Wallethub to comment on a recent study. You can read more on his interview in their article titled "2019's Best and Worst Small Cities to Start a Business."

>>Steve Hanmer, director of community engagement and outreach for the Institute for Poverty Studies and Economic Development, worked with the NYS Department of Labor to create a workforce development questionnaire to gauge priorities from the sector on behalf of the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council.


 April 4, 2019

>>The Professional Education Unit is hosting a presentation by Casey Kosiorek, superintendent of Hilton Central Schools, April 30 from 4:45 to 6 pm, in Hartwell Hall, Room 221. Kosiorek’s presentation is being funded by a TeachNY grant that was awarded to Keith Nobles, coordinator for Specialized Academic Assessment. The presentation is anticipated to be attended by more than 50 student teachers from the College and will focus on the topic of video coaching, as it relates to improving the art of teaching through reflection.

>>Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance Professor James Cordeiro presented "Stakeholder Influence Capacity and the Shape of the Corporate Social Responsibility — Corporate Financial Performance relationship in India” at the second Aston India Center for Applied Research conference.

>>Connie Lawrence of the Department of Nursing traveled to Dublin, Ireland, with students to present their research at the International Nursing & Midwifery Research and Education Conference at the Royal College of Surgeons and Midwifery (RCSI). Lawrence also conferred fellowship at the RCSI for her professional contribution and dedication to excellence.

>>Associate Professor Paula Barbel received the Peer Reviewer of the Year Award for the Nurse Practioner Journal.

>>Associate Professor Michel Pelletier from the Department of Biology brought four biology honors students to visit a sixth-grade science class at Brockport Oliver Middle School. They brought different bacterial samples to show students microorganisms and let them observe under a microscope plates that were inoculated with various samples.

>>Melissa Pierce received the 2019 Central Western Zone Amazing Person award at the Central Western Zone Conference.

>>Professor Elizabeth Heavey held a podium presentation at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Annual Master's Education Conference.

>>Distinguished Service Professor Lauren Lieberman was chosen to be the Distinguished Lecturer for the Diversity and Inclusion Lecture at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA.

>>The School of Business and Management and the School of Arts and Sciences successfully co-hosted the SUNY Conversations in the Disciplines Conference on "University Technology Transfer & Commercialization: Incentive, Infrastructure and Impact." The conference featured high-profile panelists and keynote speakers from the SUNY Research Foundation, various universities, and founders with expertise in health care, software, and other areas. More than 50 faculty and students attended the conference.

>>The Department of Social Work will start its Master of Social Work (MSW) program in the fall of 2019. Applications for the Advanced Standing 36-credit program and the 60-credit program for the fall semester are currently being accepted. The program features full-time and part-time options with day and evening classes. Most classes meet face-to-face; however, select hybrid and online courses are being offered. The program prepares competent, self-aware, ethical, and culturally humble integrated practice social workers who will work with diverse populations advocating for the well-being of all people.

Information sessions will be held through May 2019. Register today to learn more about the new MSW program. For additional information, please visit the program page.


 March 7, 2019

>>The research behind a mathematical discovery made by Associate Professor Howard Skogman and alum Adam Krauss, "An Ozanam's Rule," was recently published in the math research journal Integers. Read the Port story for the background on their findings.

>>David Alkins, lecturer in the Department of Accounting, Economics, and Finance participated for a professional development program for lawyers for the Practicing Law Institute in New York City.

>>Annette Grape, assistant professor for The Greater Rochester Collaborative Master of Social Work Program, presented a workshop with Brenda McQuillan and Leanne McWalters at the annual Society for Social Work and Research Conference.

>>Susan Weilgosz hosted 17 students from Le Roy Junior Senior High School on February 15. These students toured multiple buildings on campus, including athletic training facilities, Eagle Hall, and the Liberal Arts Building.

>>Kathy Olmstead, Kate Yurko, and Amy Shema presented at the Rochester Area Literacy Council's "Live Local Literacy: Area Educators Sharing Their Ideals" event that focused on professional development for local teachers.

>>Amy Shema, director of Summer LEAP, presented "Rochester Model for High Quality, Fun, and Engaging Summer Programs: Seven Principles" at the Greater Rochester Summer Learning Association's Summer Warm-Up Mini Conference.

>>The MSEd in Higher Education Administration is designed for students who work or aspire to work in a higher education setting requiring graduate-level knowledge and credentials for career competence and advancement in the field of higher education administration. This 39-credit program is offered 90 percent online with networking and classroom experiences throughout each semester.

Colleges and universities today need skilled administrators to negotiate complex environments. Graduates will be poised to work in two- and four-year public and private colleges as well as higher education service agencies, organizations, and associations.


February 7, 2019

 >>Assistant Professor Cameron Harwick's  manuscript entitled "Bubbles and Broad Money Aggregates: Toward a Consensus Approach to Business Cycles" was accepted for publication in the Eastern Economic Journal. He presented another paper "Inside and Outside Perspectives on Legitimacy" at the Southern Economic Association meeting.

>>Jennifer Smalls was recognized by Open SUNY as a SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador for her work as an exemplary online educator. She was also invited to attend the Open SUNY Summit in Syracuse this March.

>>Lauren Lieberman, Monica Lepore, Maria Lepore-Stevens, and undergraduate student Lindsay Ball had their article " Physical Education for Children with Visual Impairments"  published in The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance.

>>Elizabeth Heavey's "Statistics for Nursing, 3rd edition" was selected as the number one Book of the Year in the Nursing Research Category.

>>Alumnus Robert Veeder of our Alcohol and Substance Abuse Studies program was featured on the Today Show after an article he wrote for the Huffington Post went viral. The interview focused on his recovery since the accident.

>>Alisa James gave the Ron Feingold Lecture, titled "Physical Education, Adult Roles and Physical Literacy" at the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education and Dance Conference

>>Associate Professor Carol Wade and alumna Meagan Grover published a paper in the National Mathematics Education Journal. The paper was a follow-up qualitative paper to quantitative paper findings revealed in the national "Factors Influencing College Success in Mathematics" study from Harvard University.

>>Marcie Desrochers and Jie Zhang's "An experimental comparison of the effect of teacher versus self-evaluation/self-reflection feedback on college students’ behavioral observation skills" was published in the Journal of Behavioral Education.

>> The Department of Nursing welcomed its first cohort of Family Nurse Practitioner students in the fall of 2018. This graduate program prepares practicing registered nurses for advanced practice roles as family nurse practitioners (FNP) who are able to meet the increasingly complex primary care needs of diverse populations within the community and beyond. 

The FNP Certificate of Advanced Study program accepted its first group of students to the program. This part-time program is for nurse practitioners who are currently not family nurse practitioners but wish to complete the coursework necessary to expand their scope of practice and establish eligibility for FNP licensure. For most nurse practitioners with advanced standing, the program requires approximately 16 additional credit hours. Applications for both of these programs are available from February 1 – April 1. Additional information can be found on the program page.

>>A Graduate Information Session and Open House will be held on Thursday, March 7, from 5–7 pm. Register now to use this opportunity to learn more about graduate programs.


December 6, 2018

>>The accounting graduate program, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, is a unique 30-credit program designed for students pursuing careers in public accounting, management accounting, and government accounting, as well as students pursuing careers in the dynamic and growing field of forensic accounting and fraud examination. All in-person courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening, beginning at 5 pm or later. The program also offers courses in an online or hybrid format to accommodate both full-time and part-time study. Learn more.

>>The Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education recently hosted a lecture on sport philosophy called "What's Wrong with Football?" The lecture, by Pam R. Sailors, professor and associate dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs at Missouri State University, brought in 230 attendees.

>>Celia Watt hosted the 2018 Fall Seminar for the New York State City/County Managers Association at the Brockport Downtown campus. Approximately 40 city and county managers from across the state, some of whom are Master's of Public Administration (MPA) alumni of the College, and about 10 MPA students aspiring toward careers in this area, attended.

>>Keith Baker, associate professor in the Department of Public Administration was awarded (as co-investigator) a Russell Sage foundation grant to study how claims of racial prejudice affect voting preferences. This is a timely subject given current political trends. The project, managed by Chris Stout (principal investigator) at Oregon State University, is entitled "How Accusations of Racism Influence Partisanship and Voting Behavior in 21st Century America." 

>>Dr. Alisa James was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. She delivered the Feingold Lecture at its conference.

>>BJ Scanlon and Kayleigh Stampflern, two MPA alumni from the College, were recognized in this year's Rochester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list.


November 1, 2018

>>Assistant Professor Stevie Oakes of the Department of Dance has received the Dance Educator Award of the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS). This annual award recognizes dance educators who integrates principals of dance science into their classroom. Oakes' was recognized for her research into the anatomical approaches and pedagogical practices of educators and her ongoing interest in creating more awareness of anatomically-sound and scientifically-based dance education.

>>Jennifer Ramsay of the Department of Anthropology has received the 2019 Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award from the Archaeological Institute of America's (AIA). The AIA is North America's oldest and largest organization dedicated to the field of archaeology. Dr. Ramsay is receiving the award for her invaluable service toward the archaeological community as an educator.

>>First year graduate students of the Adapted Physical Education (MS) program Rachel Sherman and Matt Farwell coordinated and directed a brand new Camp Abilities in Spencer, NY. There were eight other students from the College who helped run the program.

>>Our Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is a 30-credit, multidisciplinary program that focuses on contemporary issues from various perspectives, including the humanities, social and natural sciences, and the fine arts. The program allows students the opportunity to develop an individualized Plan of Study tailored to their own personal and/or professional goals.

>>Students, a recent alumna, and faculty members of the Department of Sociology recently presented at the New York State Sociological Association held at Nazareth College. Paul Roger '19 presented a sole-authored paper "The Hyper-Criminalization of Space: An Investigation of 'Drug Free Zone' Laws Using GIS."

Roger was also part of a presentation with classmates Alysha Rios '20 and Kalani Morris, co-authored alongside Deanna Hutchison '19 and alumnus Fred Brown' 18, entitled "Intersectional Identity and Academic Engagement: A Focus-Group Study."

Three faculty members from the department also presented at the event. Dr. Paul Durlak "Law and the De/Medicalization of Disability," Amy Guptill "The Ketchup Trail in Northwest New York in the Early 20th Century", and Kyle Green on a new work examining the potential NBA as a progressive space, given that sport-spaces are considered "apolitical" and "sacred" in American society.

>>Department of Kinesiology faculty members Bob Schneider and Lauren Lieberman are presenting in Ghana at the International Conference on Physical Activity and Sport for Health and Development in Africa.


 October 4, 2018

>>The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry hosted a diverse group of 12 students working on research projects this summer. Working under the guidance of faculty Josh Blose, Bob LeSuer, Mark Heitz, Markus Hoffmann, Carly Reed, and Jessica Smith were eight Brockport undergraduates — four funded through departmental research fellowships and four funded through Brockport’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program (including two freshmen!); two CSTEP-McNair students from Monroe Community College; a local high school student funded through Project SEED (an American Chemical Society summer research program for high school students from low-income families); and a German college student on a research exchange program. The students worked with the faculty mentors on a variety of projects, including 3D printing devices suitable for electrochemical and other chemical applications; measuring properties of a specific ionic liquid system for battery applications; synthesizing porous molecular organic frameworks using microwave irradiation and novel environmentally benign solvents; studying the effect of large molecules (crowding agents) on the structure of biomolecules mimicking actual biological cell conditions; and synthesizing bioorganic compounds that may lead to novel medicines.

>>The Institute of Movement Studies for Individuals with Visual Impairments, co-directed by Distinguished Service Professor Lauren Lieberman and Professor Pamela Haibach-Beach in the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, continues to expand its series of instructional videos, designed to assist teachers, coaches, and parents. The collection now includes videos focusing on inclusive basketball, soccer, cross country, track and field, and swimming. The team also includes Senior Instructional Design Specialist Ann Giralico Pearlman, Assistant Professor Melanie Perreault, Department Chair Cathy Houston-Wilson, Associate Professor of Theatre and Music Studies Ruth Childs, and students Dustin Hinckley, Lindsay Ball, and John Demy.

>>The College is proud to announce the only AACSB-accredited online business administration program in SUNY. This program is aimed at qualified transfer students who are otherwise unable to join our face-to-face program. The ideal student has an associate’s degree (or is close to completing one) and is constrained by time and/or location. The business administration program prepares students to assume entry-level positions in an organization and offers a firm grounding in all of the functional areas of business. The application and more details will be posted on the College’s website soon. In the meantime, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (585) 395-2751 with any questions.

>>The Department of Public Health and Health Education offers a Master of Science in Education in Community Health Education. The 42-credit program is designed for students wishing to work in the field of public health as health educators, is offered 100% online, and includes a 3-credit internship in the field.

Learn advanced program planning, evaluation, health communication, and community organizing skills from nationally recognized faculty. The program prepares students to sit for the National Health Education Specialist exam to earn the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) designation or the Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES), depending on professional experience.

Whether you are new to public health or already have an established career in the field, this interactive, experience-rich program will allow you to build on the skills you already have while learning new strategies and approaches to positively impact the health of the communities you serve.


September 6, 2018

>>The winners of the second annual Presidential Teaching Excellence Award (PTEA), an opportunity for Brockport students to recognize and celebrate stellar teaching, were announced at the College’s Commencement ceremonies in May and recognized again at Faculty/Staff Convocation on August 21. The president’s office received nearly 600 nominations — twice as many as last year. Congratulations to the winners:

  • Jennifer Chesebro, instructor, Department of Nursing
  • Ashley Fico, assistant professor, Department of Public Health and Health Education
  • Steven Jurek, associate professor and chair, Department of Political Science and International Studies
  • John Keiser, associate professor, Department of Business Administration
  • Kari Smoker, associate professor and chair, Department of Mathematics

Each winner received a plaque and a $500 stipend towards professional development for the 2018–19 academic year.

>>Students in Associate Professor of Sociology Amy Guptill’s Advanced Research Methods class wrapped up their spring semester with presentations about how identity guides academic engagement. They planned and conducted five focus groups with students and learned that students bring complex and changing identities to campus, and their relationships to their academic work is shaped by social ties, access to resources, and a sense of safety and belonging. The students are sharing their work at both the College’s Diversity Conference September 20 and the annual conference of the New York State Sociological Association in October.

>>Students in Associate Professor Jie Zhang’s Assessments for Special Education course this spring worked closely with families who have children with disabilities, in partnership with Starbridge. In this semester-long project, the students wrote introductory letters to the families; interviewed the parents and children to gain the family’s perspectives about how best to collaborate and about the process and impact of disabilities, assessments, diagnosis, and services; and conducted research based on the families’ wants and needs. They then presented their research-based practice suggestions to the families and to their peers. The project was sponsored by a Curriculum Development Grant for Service Learning Opportunities. “It provided students a great opportunity to make meaningful connections between academic content and community service,” said Zhang, “and to help deepen their learning on the influence of collaboration among teachers, professionals, and families, especially for children with special needs.”

>>The Department of Public Administration is proud to share a flurry of student success stories. MPA student Sidnee McDonald was awarded the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) Equity and Inclusion Student Fellowship and will attend APPAM in Washington, DC, next month. In addition, she was accepted into the 2019 NYS Assembly Graduate Scholar Intern Program, which she will begin in January. Jenn (Ashworth) Beideman ’14 and Professor and Chair Celia Watt published a paper in the Journal of Aging & Social Policy entitled, “Legislation governing tobacco use in Ontario’s retirement homes” that they worked on together while Beideman was a student. And MPA student Hafiz Akram recently completed a prestigious fellowship with CGR, one of the Northeast’s premier public sector management consulting organizations.

>>Brockport offers a variety of education programs that prepare effective leaders in the PK-12 classroom or as school district leaders. Curriculum satisfies the requirement for New York State teacher or district certifications.

The Bilingual Education program prepares bilingual educators across a variety of language and cultural backgrounds. Students will learn to use language and pedagogical skills to help bilingual PK-12 students meet rigorous New York State learning standards.

Our Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program provides the tools teachers need to help English learners meet challenging content standards. Pursue a career as an inclusive educator, an ESOL specialist within schools or districts, or an English teacher worldwide.

Our Educational Administration programs offer teachers and other school district professionals an opportunity to pursue advanced degrees that lead to leadership roles within a school district. Students learn the foundations of educational leadership, effective supervision, and management skills.

Contact the Center for Graduate Studies at (585) 395-2525 for more information.


May 3, 2018

>>Twenty-seven Brockport students presented at the 2018 National Conference on Undergraduate Research at the University of Central Oklahoma in April. The students and their mentors are listed below. They were accompanied by Tammy Carrasco from the Department of Dance and Markus Hoffmann from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

  • Art/Design: Erik Edelman (Mitchell Christensen)
  • Biology: Peter Giangrasso (Rongkun Shen)
  • Business Administration/Management: Ashley Hurrell and Joshua Johannes (both John Keiser)
  • Chemistry and Biochemistry: Tylor Taras (Carly Reed) and Justin Galardi (Brandy Sreenilayam)
  • Computer Sciences: James Finn and Samuel Cherwonik (both Ning Yu)
  • Dance: Emily Conn, Jasmine Esquilin, Jenna Kelly, Isaiah Harris (all Tammy Carrasco), Mia Martelli, Emilia Bunich, Ebony Vasquez (all Julia Burrer)
  • English: Kiara Alfonseca, Kimberly Miller, Emily Tabor (all Megan Norcia)
  • Environmental Science and Biology: Christopher Maier (Jacques Rinchard)
  • Kinesiology, Sports Studies and Physical Education: Lauren Bates (Brooke Starkoff), Rahul Bathija, and Alexander Olczak (both Christopher Williams)
  • Modern Languages and Cultures: Brendan Bialy (Ismael Souto-Rumbo)
  • Nursing: Merelyn Aragon (Susan Lowey) and Paige Frarey (Paula Barbel)
  • Public Health and Health Education: Shannon Miller (Joshua Fegley)

>>The former Women and Gender Studies Program has been formally renamed as the Department of Women and Gender Studies. Women and gender studies (WMS) has been offered as a major and a minor at Brockport since 2001. A 12-credit graduate certificate will be available in the next academic year. “Teaching in and around social and gender justice fills a vital need now, and as societies become more diverse and complex, this need is certain to grow in the years ahead,” said WMS Director Barbara LeSavoy. “The stability of WMS as a department means that we can continue to serve the College, gender education, faculty, students, and the world in important and enduring ways.”

>>Advance your career in a program designed for you — and offered online. Our 30-credit Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is a multidisciplinary program focusing on contemporary issues from various perspectives, including the humanities, social and natural sciences, and the fine arts. The program allows each individual the opportunity to develop an individualized plan of study tailored to his or her own personal and/or professional goals. It provides an integrative educational experience that promotes a deeper understanding of self, nature, and society and offers opportunities to sharpen critical thinking and communication skills.

>>In March, Associate Professor of Music Natalie Sarrazin organized and presented at two conferences on music education in India, one in Kochi, Kerala, and the other in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She was accompanied by Brigette Meskell, a senior majoring in theatre and English and minoring in music business, who presented on music theory. “I presented on harmonic progression using the song ‘Creep’ by Radiohead as an example,” said Meskell. “Like any intense experience, it definitely lent me helpful insight regarding my desires and goals for the future.” The conferences were part of the Western Music Education Association, which Sarrazin co-founded, and drew attendance from nearly 150 music educators.

>>Associate Professor of Accounting Kari Smoker was recently quoted in The New York Times and featured on the podcast The Business of Sports with Andrew Brandt, speaking on how Major League Baseball is affected by the new federal tax law, which makes professional sports players’ contracts subject to capital gains tax. Smoker has experience consulting in legal matters of sports taxation for the players’ associations of the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League.

>>The Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education was well represented and recognized at the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America National Convention held in Nashville in March:

  • Professor Alisa James received the Teacher Education Honor Award.
  • Justin Haegele ’07/’09, now an assistant professor of human movement sciences at Old Dominion University, received the Mabel Lee Award for Young Professionals.
  • Nick Faulds ’17, currently a master’s student at the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse, received the Ruth Abernathy Presidential Scholarship Award.
  • Seniors Matt Farrell and Alyssa Trad were named Physical Education Teacher Education Majors of the Year.
  • The national professional fraternity Phi Epsilon Kappa recognized Brockport’s Beta Pi Chapter with the Chapter Development Award; senior Melanie Bernocco with the R.R. Schreiber Distinguished Service Award; and Professor Cathy Houston-Wilson with the Distinguished Advisor Award.

>>The School of Business and Management welcomes one and all to save the date for a celebration honoring Associate Professor of Public Administration Faith Prather upon her retirement. The event will be held Friday, June 15, at 6 pm at the MetroCenter, 55 St. Paul Street, Rochester. Contributions to the new Dr. Faith Prather Scholarship will be gratefully accepted.


April 5, 2018

>>Earth sciences students Kiera McGrath, Kathleen Irwin, Andrew Hamelink, Jodian Chin, Ryan Biel, and Victoria Kaptein accompanied Professor Mark Noll on a spring break trip to study the biogeochemistry of eight watershed in and around the El Yunque National Forest in eastern Puerto Rico, which is the area where Hurricane Maria made landfall. The research is connected with the Luquillo Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) in one of the fastest weathering environments in the world, where the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere interact. The National Science Foundation–supported CZO project allowed the group to collect water and sediment samples and bring them back to Brockport to be analyzed. This was Noll’s third trip to the CZO in which he has brought students along. “These types of studies are usually predominantly made up of faculty and doctoral students,” said Noll. “I'm happy to continue to increase the undergraduate presence.” The group also traveled to Old San Juan and Arecibo, and they spent a day helping with repairs to classrooms at the Escuela Intermedia Santiago Torres in Las Piedras, which continues to recover slowly from Hurricane Maria damage. See photos and more details on the department’s Facebook page.

>>The School of Business and Management continues to bring dynamic speakers to campus:

  • On Monday, April 9, Aaron Wicks, vice president for planning and evaluation at Action for a Better Community in Rochester, presents “Poverty: NO, we are not in it together,” 5:30–6:15 pm in the Grand Hallway of the MetroCenter, 55 St. Paul Street. A Q&A and reception with light appetizers will follow. RSVP here.
  • On Tuesday, April 10, Kevin Stickles, senior vice president of human resources for Wegmans, will be speaking on Wegmans’ HR practices, 11 am – 12:15 pm, in the New York Room in Cooper Hall. Due to limited space, RSVP is required by emailing the Network Club.
  • On Wednesday, April 18, Tom Kane, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Constellation Brands, presents “Charting Your Own Career,” 1:25–2:15 pm. While the in-person event is limited to select classes, there will be a livestream available in the Seymour College Union Ballroom, open to all.

>>The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program prepares future community leaders and managers with an understanding of public service values. Applying theory and practice, the program focuses on preparing students for work in state and municipal management, health care management, public safety, nonprofit management, and agencies addressing poverty alleviation. The program currently serves as the Secretariat organization for the New York State City County Managers Association and provides consulting and service projects that impact the greater Rochester community.

>>Join Rho Phi Lambda National Honor Fraternity and the Student Recreation Club in a volunteer work day on Saturday, April 28, beginning at 10 am, to celebrate the life of former Brockport student Lindsay Kyle. In 2003, Lindsay was a senior studying therapeutic recreation in Brockport’s Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies when she was tragically killed by a drunk driver. To honor Lindsay and all other innocent DWI victims, Lindsay’s parents, Sarah Palermo and Lee Kyle, donated and built a garden outside Hartwell Hall. Every spring, students and faculty from the department, Rho Phi Lambda, and the Rec Club join Lindsay’s family and friends in waking up the garden for another beautiful Brockport summer. They hope to see many of you there! For more information, contact Assistant Professor Joel Agate by email or at (585) 395-5914.

>>After over 20 years in Holmes Hall, the Honors College will be moving to the ground floor of the Albert W. Brown Building, adjacent to the new Academic Success Center. Join them for an informal reception on Friday, April 27, 3:30–5:30 pm, on the second floor of Holmes, Rooms 218–219. The celebration will include exhibits about the Honors College’s history, undergraduate thesis research, and alumni accomplishments. Light refreshments will be served.

>>The Department of Theatre and Music Studies and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry are excited to welcome alumni to campus for 50th-anniversary celebrations on Saturday, April 28. Get event details here.


March 1, 2018

>>Fourteen students traveled to Brussels, Belgium, January 2–5 to compete against 10 European and 10 American universities in EuroSim, an international, intercollegiate simulation of the European Union, founded at Brockport. The group also took a cultural side trip to Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. “I can't imagine any other activity that challenges students academically, professionally, politically, and culturally like this experience does,” said Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies Steven Jurek, the group’s faculty advisor. The club is open to all majors and is actively recruiting for next year. Contact sjurek@brockport.edu for information.

>>While teacher education programs, both public and private, have seen significant declines in enrollment over the last few years — one report, for instance, estimated a 40% decline statewide — Brockport’s teacher certification programs saw a 149% increase in 2016–17. “I think there are a few reasons why we’ve been able to attract more students,” said Dawn Jones, associate professor in the Department of Education and Human Development. “First, we have many 100%-online graduate programs. Second, all of our students get dual certification; they are certified in special education in addition to their first certification area.” The department is continuing its efforts to increase enrollment in order to continue to prepare the next generation of teachers.

>>The Department of Public Administration is pleased to announce the first two events in its 2018 MPA Speakers Series, which is open to the public. On Wednesday, March 7, Stephanie Robusto will speak on the topic of media relations. She is an Emmy Award–winning multimedia journalist, currently working with News10NBC. And on Tuesday, March 20, Carlos Baía, deputy city manager for development for the City of Concord, NH, will speak on “Diversity in City/County Management.” All events are 5:30–6:15 pm in the Grand Hallway of the MetroCenter, 55 St. Paul Street. RSVP here.

>>The School of Business and Management is also thrilled to host Lauren Dixon, CEO of Dixon Schwabl, for a talk and Q&A on Wednesday, April 4, 12:20–1:10 pm in the Seymour College Union, Room 119.

>>Develop advanced skills in school counseling, including diagnosis, consultation, and family systems counseling. Our online, 12-credit School Counselor, CAS program is designed specifically for professionals who already hold a master's degree in school counseling. The program provides the additional credit hours that school counselors need to apply for permanent certification in New York State.

The Mental Health Counselor, MS 60-credit program helps students study the efficacy of individual and group counseling approaches and programs designed to support clients’ holistic growth. Students master skills in counseling theory, diagnostic and other assessment procedures, treatment planning, inter-professional collaboration, crisis intervention, client advocacy, education and training, and case management.

Our Counselor Education programs hold national accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, CACREP.

Learn more about graduate education by attending the Graduate Information Session and Open House on Tuesday, March 6, or by contacting the Center for Graduate Studies at (585) 395-2525.


February 1, 2018

>>The Brockport International Film Festival presents films under the theme of Identity in Conflicting Cultural Contexts. Screenings are Monday nights at 6:30 pm in the Liberal Arts Building, McCue Auditorium, and are free and open to the public. For more information, email Ismael Souto Rumbo, Barb LeSavoy, or Donna Wilkerson-Barker.

  • February 5: The Wound (South Africa)
  • February 12: The Salesman (Iran)
  • February 26: Truman (Spain)
  • March 5: Nise: The Heart of Madness (Brazil)
  • March 19: The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (France/US)
  • April 9: District 9 (New Zealand)
  • April 23: Han Gong-ju (South Korea)

>>The College was recently approved by NY State Education Department to offer a Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner, a Master of Science in Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and an advanced certificate in TESOL, all beginning in fall 2018. Additional information and applications regarding these programs will be posted soon.

>>Our Master of Science in Accounting, accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), is a unique 30-credit program designed for students pursuing careers in public accounting, management accounting, and government accounting, as well as those students pursuing careers in the dynamic and growing field of forensic accounting and fraud examination. All courses are offered in the late afternoon or evening, beginning at or after 5 pm, or in an online or hybrid format, to accommodate both traditional full-time and part-time study.

>>In the last five years, many RN-to-BSN students have gone above and beyond curricular expectations and opted to complete an assignment that involves writing an article for publication. Professor Elizabeth Heavey offered this option to the RN-to-BSN students in NUR 472: Community Based Epidemiology. More than 25 have successfully published articles in professional clinical journals with international readership. Heavey provides mentorship to these first-time authors, many of whom have extensive professional experience but have never tried to write and publish a manuscript. All of the articles go through the peer review process, and students continue to work with Heavey to revise their work based on the peer review feedback, many even after the course is completed. “The nursing department is very proud of all of our new nurse authors and the contribution they have made to the nursing profession!” said Heavey.

>>Students in the MPA program are benefitting from strong ties with the New York State City/County Management Association (NYSCMA). Professor and Chair Celia Watt, Secretariat for the NYSCMA, says, “Student involvement in the state and international organization is paramount to the vibrancy of future communities.” MPA students Lindsey Luft and Cara Farrell were sponsored by two local municipalities (City of Batavia and Village of Fairport, respectively) to attend the International City/County Managers Association (ICMA)’s annual conference in San Antonio, TX, in October. The Department of Public Administration was able to sponsor 11 students to attend the NYSCMA’s fall training seminar in Oneonta, NY. The value of getting trained alongside city and county managers from across the state on a variety of topics that managers currently face is not only instructive but a wonderful networking opportunity for students, Watt says. MPA students will continue to foster these connections through their recent founding of a student chapter of the ICMA on campus.


December 7, 2017

>>Want to pursue graduate study? As a leader in educating the teachers of tomorrow, Brockport offers several online Master of Science in Education programs.

Our adolescence education programs, accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, prepare students to earn professional certification online, and in as little as 15 months. The adolescence inclusive generalist programs prepare students to earn initial and professional certification in the traditional classroom. We offer study in the following content areas: biology, chemistry, earth sciences, English, mathematics, physics, and social studies. Students interested in earning additional certification can choose from literacy and bilingual education.

The online physical education/teacher education MSEd program is available to students who have completed an undergraduate degree in physical education and are eligible for NYS initial certification in physical education. Students get the tools they need to read, understand, critique, and conduct research in physical education. This program can also be completed in as little as 15 months.

Learn more about these programs.

>>Vasil Denchev ’06, chief quantum software architect in the Quantum Artificial Intelligence Lab at Google, recently received the prestigious John Atanasoff Award from the president of Bulgaria in recognition of his overall contributions to the field of computing sciences. Denchev earned bachelor’s degrees in math and computing sciences at Brockport and is a graduate of the Delta College. He then went on to earn a PhD in quantum computing from Purdue University. The award is named after the creator of the first electronic computer, who was of Bulgarian descent. Among the John Atanasoff laureates are leaders in world renowned research institutes and corporations.

>>The School of Business and Management recently held a highly successful alumni event at Constellation Brands’ headquarters in Victor, NY. Approximately 70 people attended the event on October 26, including alumni in the accounting and finance fields along with current faculty and staff. Alissa Barney ’08, who works at Constellation Brands, and Kymberly Bailey, adjunct faculty, assisted in planning the event. Attendees heard from Samantha Tassone, president of GrowthFuel, to discuss conversational intelligence in the workplace. The School is looking forward to hosting additional alumni events in the near future.

>>Joan Schockow, lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education, and Susan Hoffman, associate director of athletics, are featured in a documentary about the 1980 Cortland women’s soccer team’s historic win of the first-ever collegiate national championship held in Colorado Springs, CO. “We beat UCLA in the finals 5-1, and we were the only team not to fly to Colorado; we took two old, red vans and drove straight through, both ways,” said Schockow. After being in development for four years, the film premiered in July during Cortland’s alumni weekend, to high praise. It will be aired at the United Soccer Coaches convention in January. 


November 2, 2017

>>Senior journalism and broadcasting major Kiara Alfonseca has been named an Emerging Reporter by ProPublica, a nonprofit, Pulitzer Prize–winning investigative journalism website. Alfonseca is one of five honorees nationwide, out of 275 applicants.

>>Students in select math and biology classes are benefiting from new methods of assistance offered through the Student Learning Center (SLC). Funded by a grant secured through the Academic Success Center, instructors Melissa Browne (MTH 111), Barry Jones (MTH 122), and Stephanie Wisnowski (MTH 201) hold Supplemental Instruction sessions on class material, pre-requisite material, and learning strategies to help students better grasp course concepts and develop study skills needed to be successful in the class. Students from all course sections have been encouraged to attend, and initial feedback is showing a positive impact on student grades. The SLC is also facilitating peer-led Supplemental Instruction for BIO 321, led by senior Sabrina Terwilliger, under the guidance of Assistant Professor Bernardo Ortega. As a late addition, Lecturer John Bateman has been brought on board to lead engaging Review Sessions for BIO 111. Moreover, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Carly Reed is currently doing valuable preliminary work this semester in an effort to launch an additional Supplemental Instruction series for students taking CHM 206 in the spring. SLC Director Michael Dentino says these initiatives aim “to get the students talking about the content, using the correct vocabulary, and engaging in the material in a hands-on way.”

>>The Department of Nursing will hold its annual Poverty Simulation on November 15, from noon to 2 pm in the Seymour College Union Ballroom. The department has conducted these simulations the past two years, with more than 80 student participants each time. “This simulation is helping our nursing students become more compassionate and focused on social issues and public health,” said Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing Jennifer Chesebro. After the simulation, Cassandra Scott, a lecturer in the department and a family nurse practitioner, will talk with the students about how to help mothers who are raising their children in poverty.


October 5, 2017

>>Preparations for the College’s newly announced MBA program are well underway. Jack Cook, associate professor of business administration, has been named graduate director for the program. Classes will begin in fall 2018. Learn more at brockport.edu/mba.

>>The Department of Public Health and Health Education is pleased to announce the launch of a Master of Science in Education in Community Health Education, with classes starting in fall 2018. The program will provide versatile training for students who wish to work in the field of public health. Learn more online or by emailing Darson Rhodes, assistant professor and graduate director.

>>The greater Brockport community — including Sweden, Hamlin, and Clarkson — will soon have a new source for great stories at its fingertips. Canalside Chronicles will be the community’s first hyperlocal news site, with stories researched and written by students in Professor Kim Young’s Writing for Social Media class (CMC 324), in collaboration with Associate Professor Marsha Ducey. The site is expected to launch later this month.

>>Hanan Sokol ’12, an alumnus of the athletic training program and the Golden Eagles football team, traveled this summer from his home in South Carolina, where he works as an athletic trainer at Charleston Southern University, to Kenya on a missionary trip. One of the eye-opening connections he made there was with a 7-year-old girl who walked three miles to him each day for treatment for a snake bite. Read about his inspiring journey at Athletic Training Today.


September 7, 2017

>>The new advanced graduate certificate program in aging studies provides a foundation of interdisciplinary education for graduate students seeking a specialization in aging and for those currently working with older adults who seek to enhance their knowledge and experience with additional academic credentials. Certification requires the completion of a minimum of 15 credit hours of graduate courses, many of which are available online. The new graduate certificate builds upon the College’s longstanding 18-credit undergraduate aging studies minor. For more information about either program, email Jason Dauenhauer.

>>An annual $1,500 scholarship has been instituted in memory of Vishal Anand, associate professor of computing sciences, who passed away in December 2015. The scholarship is funded by contributions from five alumni: Vasil Denchev '06, Martin Georgiev '11, Srinivas Krishnan '05, Momchil Kyurkchiev '07, and Tsevtomira Radeva '10. The scholarship will be awarded to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence as judged by the Department of Computing Sciences through participation in research, contribution to scholarly papers, or presentation at conferences. The inaugural winner of the scholarship (2016-17) was Cheryl Limer, a double major in psychology and computer science. Alumni wishing to contribute to the funding should contact Barbara Power in the Division of Advancement at (585) 395-5105 or by email.

>>Effective July 1, the College’s former five Schools have been restructured into three:

  • School of Arts and Sciences, led by Dean Jose Maliekal
  • School of Business and Management, led by Dean Joy Bhadury
  • School of Education, Health and Human Services, led by Dean Thomas Hernandez

Unsure where your department lies? Learn more here.

>>The winners of the inaugural Presidential Teaching Excellence Award (PTEA), an opportunity for Brockport students to recognize and celebrate stellar teaching, were announced at the College’s Commencement ceremonies in May and recognized again at Faculty/Staff Convocation on August 22. Congratulations to the winners:

  • Joshua Fegley, assistant professor, Department of Public Health and Health Education
  • Barbara LeSavoy, director, Women and Gender Studies Program
  • Skye Paine, associate professor, Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Dan Rogers, lecturer, Department of Computing Sciences
  • Kari Smoker, associate professor, Department of Accounting, Economics and Finance

Each winner received a plaque and a $500 stipend towards professional development for the 2017-18 academic year.


May 4, 2017

>>Twenty Brockport students presented at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research at The University of Memphis, Tennessee, April 6-8. The students and their mentors are listed below. They were accompanied by Carly Reed and Markus Hoffmann, both from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

  • Biology: Clayton Brady (Adam Rich) and Evan Spencer (Michael Pelletier)
  • Business Administration: Kelley Valente (Jack Cook)
  • Chemistry & Biochemistry: Samantha Klietz (Carly Reed) and Autumn Smith (Brandy Sreenilayam)
  • Dance: Chloe London and Mia Martelli (both Tammy Carrasco)
  • Education and Human Development: Kelsey Rising (Christian Wilkens)
  • English: Samantha Swan, Ashley Farley (both Megan Norcia), and Rachel Campbell (Milo Obourn; Rachel's travel was supported by the McNair Program)
  • Environmental Science and Biology: Holly Jackson (Katie Amatangelo) and Nicholas Farese (Jacques Rinchard)
  • History: Meredith Hutchings (Angela Thompsell)
  • Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education: Randi Snopkowski (Brooke Starkoff and Elizabeth Lenz)
  • Mathematics: Christine Izyk (Gabriel Prajitura)
  • Modern Languages and Cultures: Rashana Lydner (Andrea Parada and Ewelina Barski-Moskal)
  • Nursing: Bridget Murphy (Elizabeth Heavey)
  • Psychology: Jamie Tombari and Sarah Farnett (both Melissa Brown)

>>Students and faculty in the exercise science major in the Department of Kinesiology, Sport Studies and Physical Education offer a couple of innovative programs to help the College and local community stay healthy. The B-Fit Lab is a community fitness lab allowing community members and College at Brockport employees and students to assess their personal fitness and body composition. All testing is performed by exercise physiologists in the exercise science lab located in Tuttle South.

Following the assessment, employees are then encouraged to participate in the Employee Fitness Program on campus. This free program provides current and retired employees and their spouses or significant others, as well as Brockport alumni, with their own place to exercise. The program runs during the fall and spring semesters and is located in the Tuttle North Gym, across from the ice hockey rink. The fitness center is open before classes, during lunch, and in the evenings. Exercise science majors enrolled in PEP 455: Practicum for Exercise Programming help facilitate the program.

>>Two student teams were able to travel to and be a part of the Programming Contest at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY, on April 7, held as part of the Annual Conference organized by the Consortium of Computing Sciences in Colleges - North East (CCSCNE), thanks to the generous support of the recent alumni who generously donated to the Computing Sciences Student Travel Fund. Department faculty have great hopes from the sophomore team who went, and hope that they will be able to participate again in next year's competition, to be held at the University of New Hampshire, Manchester, NH. In addition, the generous support from the alumni enabled senior Spencer Linsner to travel to the conference and present a poster on his Honors thesis work. This poster was part of the Undergraduate Student Poster Competition organized by the conference, where it was judged ninth among 57 posters presented at the conference.

>>Associate Professor of English Meg Norcia was recognized at a ceremony in Syracuse in March as one of SUNY’s “exemplary online educators…who are both enthusiastic and effective in online teaching.” As an Open SUNY Online Teaching Ambassador, Norcia will lead discussions about online teaching SUNY-wide in the coming year.


April 6, 2017

>>The Center for Student Success, housed in Hartwell Hall and managed by the School of Business Administration and Economics, is a one-stop shop for business students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Its staff offers academic and career advising, résumé assistance, interviewing skills, professional development workshops, guest speakers, employer outreach, student club collaboration, and a weekly e-newsletter. They work closely with each of the 900 student visitors they see each year to help make connections between their individual academic and professional goals and ensure their success. For more information, email Director Pamela O’Keefe or call her at (585) 395-2992.

>>The Teacher Immersion Fellows Program is a collaboration among SUNY Brockport, Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, Brockport Central Schools and the Hilton Central School District. The program addresses the shortage of substitute teachers while enhancing educational and employment opportunities for College at Brockport undergraduate and graduate students, who are paid for their participation. Candidates must be enrolled in the College, be available to work 1–5 days a week during a typical school day, and complete an application to determine eligibility. More information is available here or by contacting Shannon Alvarado by email  or at (585) 617-2664.

>>The School of Education, Health, & Human Services has recognized three finalists for its second annual Teacher of the Year Award, identified by a group of student leaders as worthy of recognition for their outstanding contributions to teaching, based on input from current students and alumni. Congratulations to Ms. Melissa Pierce (KSSPE), who was chosen as the winner, and to finalists Ms. Janie Dennis (Nursing) and Dr. Brooke Starkoff (KSSPE).

>>On March 31 and April 1, WBSU 89.1 The Point broadcasted from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, for the 20th year in a row. The broadcast included commentary on the 2017 induction of Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, Journey, Yes, Electric Light Orchestra, and Joan Baez. The broadcast was live on air on 89.1 and through livestream at 891thepoint.com.

>>The School of Science and Mathematics will recognize its top students at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 19. Among them are:

  • Ouail Kitouni, math and physics: Physics Undergraduate Summer Research Award, Bailey Scholarship, Harvard House Award, and Interdisciplinary Award
  • Mayuka Sasaki, physics: R.V. Mancuso Summer Undergraduate Research Award, Bailey Scholarship, and Sigma Pi Sigma: The Physics Honor Society
  • Christopher Wahl, physics: Sigma Pi Sigma: The Physics Honor Society
  • Michele Piwonski, math: Charles Baden Award
  • Gregory Toms, math: Edward Stephany Award
  • Adam Krause, math: M Chen Geometry Award
  • Trevor Jarvis, math: M Chen Geometry Award
  • Sabrina Bentley, math:  Math Departmental Award
  • Christine Izyk, math: Robert Hall Award
  • Matthew Fritschi, computing sciences: Computing Sciences Departmental Award
  • Cheryl Limer, computing sciences: Vishal Anand Scholarship
  • Spencer Linsner, computing sciences: Undergraduate Research Award
  • Erica Kingdollar, environmental science: Kenneth Daman Aquatic Ecology Research Award
  • Stewart Negron, earth sciences: Hubbard Broadcasting Award
  • Amanda Dragonette, biology: Francis Claffey Award
  • Allison Gardella, biology: Cloutier Scholarship
  • Christopher Haller, biology: Henry Gould Award
  • Victoria Robyck, biology: Charles S. Thomas Award
  • Rebecca Gerling, chemistry: Kronthaler Prize, AIC Award
  • Nathan Leisenring, chemistry: Rochester ACS Award
  • Tyler Taras, chemistry: Analytical Chemistry Award, Inorganic Chemistry Award
  • Justin Galardi, chemistry: Organic Chemistry Award
  • Samuel VanScoter, chemistry: Freshman Chemistry Award   

 In addition, two of the five Brockport seniors honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence are from this School: biology and math major Clayton Brady and biology major Melissa Stoj. They and the School’s 10 departmental scholars will be recognized at the College’s Honors and Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 21.


 March 2, 2017

>>Alumni and friends of the College’s mathematics and physics programs are invited to join in a 50th anniversary celebration on Saturday, April 8, beginning at 3:30 pm. The schedule will include planetarium shows, tours of recently renovated Smith Hall, an integration bee with current students, and a dinner with keynote speakers Momchil Kyurkchiev ’07 (Co-Founder and CEO of Leanplum, Inc.), Bob Baden ’79 (President of Rochester Software Associates, Inc.), and K. Sooriakumar “Soori” ’86 (CEO at IR Sensor & 4SSensors Systems Pte. Ltd.). RSVP by March 25.

>>On Friday, April 14, the Department of Education and Human Development and the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching will partner to host a conference, Blend Until Smooth: Recipes for Hybrid Teaching & Learning. Sponsored by a SUNY Conversations in the Disciplines Grant, the conference explores the disciplinary challenges in the age of hybrid/blended courses, through presentations and panel discussions. Dr. Kelvin Thompson from the University of Central Florida will give the keynote address, “Finding Your Voice in the Noise: Conversations About Blended Learning.” The event runs 8:15 am to 3:15 pm in the New York Room in Cooper Hall. Register here. Off-campus participants, please also complete this form. For more information, email Jie Zhang, associate professor of education.

>>Distinguished Service Professor Lauren Lieberman, KSSPE, director of Camp Abilities, and her graduate assistant, Alexandra Stribing ’13/’19, were both recently honored by SHAPE America, the Society of Health and Physical Educators. Lieberman received the R. Tait McKenzie Award, given annually in recognition of distinguished service by members, which takes place outside the framework of SHAPE America but which reflects prestige, honor, and dignity on the association. Stribing, who completed a bachelor’s degree in physical education teacher certification and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education in adapted physical education, received the Adapted PE/Activity Graduate Student of the Year Award, which is given to one master’s-level student each year who excels in the field. Stribing and Lieberman will be honored at the SHAPE America National Convention & Expo in Boston later this month.

>>On sabbatical this semester, Frank Kuhn, professor of theatre, has been directing a play, Leah, the Forsaken, in an Actors Equity Association showcase production in New York City. Two Brockport alumni are along for the journey: Teresa Campbell ’14 is assistant director, and Matt DeLuca ’16 is in the cast, playing the role of Jacob. The production opened February 17 and runs through March 12 at the Metropolitan Playhouse in New York. “One of the great pleasures for me as a teacher is watching the trajectory of my former students’ lives and careers, and lending a hand when I can,” says Kuhn.


 February 2, 2017

>>Nicholas Newcomb ’18, a journalism and broadcasting major, is building his writing résumé both on and off campus. A former editor for The Stylus, he works part time at the Democrat and Chronicle as a sports outfielder. He recently received the “unsung hero award” at the quarterly newsroom awards for his diverse involvement, from pitching story ideas to helping shoot video. He has enjoyed interviewing a variety of athletes, including several Buffalo Bills, members of the “Miracle on Ice” hockey team, local golfer Dominic Bozzelli, and many high school athletes and coaches. “I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if not for the department’s connections with local media outlets and their ability to prepare students for jobs outside of school,” says Newcomb.

>>The William F. Stier Sport Management Scholarship is now endowed in perpetuity after reaching the $25,000 mark, raised in large part by student-led projects over the past five semesters. The “Stier Scholarship” was established by Brockport’s current undergraduate sport management program director, Robert Schneider, in memory of Distinguished Professor Emeritus Bill Stier, longtime faculty member and former program director, who passed away in September 2014. Each year, a senior sport management student will receive this scholarship to fund their capstone internship, working for a sports organization off campus. Schneider calls this “a scholarship for the students, by the students.”

>>Disability Studies: An Interdisciplinary Conversation is a one-day conference being held Thursday, February 9, in the New York Room in Cooper Hall. Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, professor of English and bioethics at Emory University, will give the keynote address, “Who We Are Now: Thoughts on How We Shape Human Communities.” The conference will also feature panel presentations from seven SUNY disability studies scholars, as well as lunch and a closing reception. Participants may attend for the entire day or for individual sessions; the event is free and open to faculty, staff, students, and the public. Sponsored in part by SUNY Conversations in the Disciplines and Promoting Excellence in Diversity grants, along with generous support from the American Democracy Project and many departments and offices, the conference is being organized by Jennifer Ashton, Barbara LeSavoy, Megan Obourn, Sue Robb, and Jessica Sniatecki. Register at the link above.


 December 1, 2016

>>Rosemary Catlin ’85, who teaches at Brockport High School, has been named the 2016 Outstanding Biology Teacher for New York by the National Association of Biology Teachers. She earned her Master of Science in Education from the College, concentrating in secondary biology. In a recent article in the Democrat and Chronicle, Catlin credits Professor Emeritus Walter Brautigan ’63 for encouraging her to stick with her dream of teaching.

>>The Computing Sciences Student Travel Program is a new initiative which will assist students in the department with expenses for conferences, poster sessions, competitions, hack-a-thons, and other opportunities that enhance their education. Anyone wishing to support this program may do so by visiting alumni.brockport.edu/give and designating their gift to Computing Sciences Student Travel. You will help the next generation of Golden Eagles put their knowledge to hands-on use, develop confidence in their skills, and gain exposure to the networks and resources that will lead to success.

>>Michael Herman ’05 (English and theatre) and Rachael Yoder ’11 (theatre) co-direct the Outer Loop Theater Experience, founded by Herman and based in New York City. This past summer, the pair traveled to Tanzania, East Africa, and were inspired to create a play, Ubinadamu (which means “humanity”), about the lack of quality labor clinics in the area. They have since started The Humanity Project to help build a labor clinic in Tanzania. Read more about their story in an alumni spotlight written by intern Andrew Zimmer ’17.


 November 3, 2016

>>Graduate students enrolled in the professional certification MSEd in Adolescence Education programs now have the option of pursuing their degree requirements fully online, if they so choose. The programs that now have an online completion option are as follows: Adolescence Biology, Adolescence Chemistry, Adolescence Earth Science, Adolescence English, Adolescence Math, Adolescence Physics, and Adolescence Social Studies. Students interested in pursuing this option may contact Anne Walton, graduate coordinator, at awalton@brockport.edu or (585) 395-2326.

>>Associate Professor of History Joe Torre has secured a $158,000 grant through the National Endowment for the Humanities Landmarks of American History and Culture Workshop for summer 2017. This will be the fifth time Torre has secured an NEH grant for the Rochester Reform Trail, which brings 72 school teachers from all over the country for two one-week programs focusing on Rochester’s iconic 19th-century technological, economic, and reform landmarks. The program provides important experiential opportunities (and income) for history department students who work as assistants. The project’s 2016 website contains information and links to YouTube lectures and other resources.

>>The Professional Education Unit is proud to partner with Education Queensland through SUNY Cortland to offer student-teaching opportunities in 11 schools on the Sunshine Coast of Australia. Through this highly selective program, students can gain an international experience within their specialty area. The nine-week placement fulfills one of the education program’s student-teaching requirements and provides a rich study of both pedagogy and culture. Students interested in the program for summer 2017 are encouraged to contact Tracy Peterson, director of partnership development and field experience, at tpeterso@brockport.edu or (585) 395-2596.

>>On Saturday, November 5, the Department of Public Health and Health Education and the Department of Sociology are taking 38 students on an inaugural Public Health Bus Tour, visiting public health and social justice organizations throughout the city of Rochester. Sponsored by a Promoting Excellence in Diversity Grant, the event will give students insight into the problems Rochester is currently facing and the organizations committed to helping. Discussions throughout the trip will cover an array of topics including gun control, poverty, homelessness, education, and opportunities for students to get involved in social justice work.

>>Regional Director Jan Pisanczyn and the Brockport Small Business Development Center (SBDC) team are proud to have received reaccreditation by America’s Small Business Development Center and to have received accreditation for technology services for the first time. The SBDC helps businesses get started (developing marketing plans, discovering sources of funding, complying with regulations, etc.) — all free of charge. The SBDC at Brockport serves small- and medium-sized enterprises in Monroe, Genesee, Livingston, Ontario, Orleans, and Wayne Counties, with seven offices in the area. Since its start in 1987, the SBDC has worked directly with 19,596 businesses, helping them to invest over $189 million in the area’s economy and to create or save more than 7,300 jobs.


 October 6, 2016

>>In partnership with the American Democracy Project, Dr. Nilay Saiya, assistant professor and director of international studies, is coordinating the Muslim Voices Speaker Series, which runs throughout the fall semester. The project brings five Muslim scholars and community leaders to campus to share their experiences of what it is like to be Muslim in the United States, amidst the clamor of stereotypes and media caricatures.

>>Professor Gabriel Prajitura and Associate Professor Ruhan Zhao of the Department of Mathematics are coordinating Brockport’s hosting of the Northeastern Analysis Meeting October 14-16. This international math conference will bring approximately 90 professors from 10 countries to campus, most of whom will present new math discovered within the last year that is not yet available in print. This is the first time in 38 years that the National Science Foundation has awarded a grant for such an endeavor to a non-PhD state school in the United States.

>>Dr. Lerong He, associate professor and chair in the Department of Business Administration, received a three-year Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant from the Fujian Provincial Government in China. The grant work includes close collaboration with Fuzhou University in Fujian: teaching summer classes and conducting research with faculty there, as well as bringing faculty members from Fuzhou to Brockport to learn the American style of business education. Dr. He aims to develop exchange-student programs and joint-degree programs with Fuzhou University.

>>The New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance has honored two physical education majors. Seniors Nick Faulds and Madison Hornung are the recipients of the 2016 Jay B. Nash Outstanding Major Award, which annually honors one male and one female student for outstanding performance relevant to their preparation for their future profession. Faulds, who is from Mount Morris, is currently involved with the Outreach Service Program at the Perkins School for the Blind and is actively involved with Camp Abilities. Hornung, who is from Orchard Park, is a volunteer coach for the Rochester Rookies ambulatory sports program and is president of the Brockport chapter for Phi Epsilon Kappa.


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Last Updated 10/14/22