SUNY Canton News

An 83-year-old student demonstrated that age should never be a hindrance to higher education. Myrtle Butterfield of Canton is taking courses alongside her two great grandchildren, 65 years after graduating from high school.

One of the senior-most nontraditional students in SUNY Canton, Myrtle Butterfield, 83, of Canton studies between classes. Butterfield is a liberal arts major scheduled to graduate in December.

“I went to the Office of Admissions with my granddaughter-in-law,” Myrtle recalled. “I met (Admissions Counselor) Brandon Davock and when I walked out, I was enrolled in the Liberal Arts program.”

Her great-grandson, Carter K. Cutway, was a Business Management student during the Spring 2012 Semester, and Myrtle’s great-granddaughter, Jamie L. Butterfield, is in the Criminal Justice program. “Who else can say they went to College with their great-grandmother?” Cutway said.

Myrtle Butterfield, 83, with her great-granddaughter Jamie L. Butterfield (right) and Carter K. Cutway (Left). All three attended SUNY Canton at the same time.

“There’s a lot of my family connected with this College,” Myrtle said. “I watched both of my great-grandchildren grow up, and now I get to go to College with them.”

Adjusting to college life did not come easy to Myrtle. “I almost quit during my first week,” she recalled, “but the Accommodative Services Office has been amazing! Everyone is so supportive. What more can you ask for?”

During time at the college and after developing a new routine, Myrtle has developed a new love of learning. She’s been on the President’s list and inducted into two honor societies, and her GPA was in the top 10 percent of her class.

Myrtle often offers advice to her younger classmates. “I went straight from high school to marriage,” Myrtle recalled. “We didn’t have the resources then that we have today. I always regretted not coming to college, but work and family always came first. I tell all of the young, beautiful and wonderful students here not to waste this opportunity.”

Myrtle has also discovered she has a talent for writing prose and poetry. She is scheduled to earn her associate degree in December 2012 and plans to work toward her four-year degree and continue writing.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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SUNY Canton’s student-led Veterinary Technician Association and the North Country nonprofit organization Spay/Neuter/Now, Ltd., will co-host a workshop on animal homelessness for area veterinarians, veterinary technicians, shelters, rescue groups and others involved in animal welfare.

The workshop will be held from 7 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 8, in SUNY Canton’s Newell Veterinary Technology Center, Room 109. Registration will begin at 6 p.m.

SUNY Canton is one of only 20 colleges in the nation to offer a Bachelor's in Veterinary Technology.

Kathleen Makolinski from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will talk about animal identification methods, feral cat research, client education, and shelter and veterinarian-related issues.

“This important event is aimed at improving the health and welfare of animals in the North Country,” said Sophia Theodore, an Associate Professor in the veterinary science technology program. “Our students and area professionals can learn side-by-side about the latest research in the veterinary field.”

Registration for the event is free and attendees are encouraged to preregister before Oct. 31 by contacting Kevin Mace at Spay/Neuter/Now at (315) 486-0094. Completion of this workshop will allow attendees to earn New York State continuing education credits.

“There is a great need for public education to dispel the myths concerning spaying and neutering,” said Kevin Mace, general manager for Spay/Neuter/Now.  “We hope that this workshop will spread awareness of our area’s current situation and inform veterinary professionals, shelter and animal welfare workers on ways to cooperate to prevent pet overpopulation and educate the public on animal-related issues.”

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SUNY Canton will host author and Director of Creative Writing at Bryn Mawr College Daniel Torday as part of its Living Writers Series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, in the College’s Kingston Theater. The event is free and open to the public.

Torday will be reading from his latest novella, “The Sensualist,” which was published this spring. He will also answer questions about his writing and be available for book signings.

“We are thrilled to welcome Daniel Torday to SUNY Canton as part of our ongoing Living Writers Course created by Assistant Professor Phil LaMarche,” said School of Business and Liberal Arts Interim Dean Maureen P. Maiocco. “These events allow our students to meet and hear from some of the most talented writers today.”

Torday’s fiction and nonfiction works have appeared in Esquire Magazine, Glimmer Train, Harper Perennial’s Fifty-Two Stories, the Harvard Review and the Kenyon Review.

LaMarche described Torday’s writing as “A window into the world of his characters, but also a mirror, reflecting our own lives and the culture we inhabit.”

“The Sensualist” tells the tale of 17-year-old Samuel Gerson, who is ready to rid himself of the tight-knit Jewish community in which he’s spent his whole life. But when he befriends enigmatic Dmitri Zilber, a recent Russian Jewish immigrant who is obsessed with the works of Dostoevsky, Samuel’s world begins to shift. As his life increasingly entangles with that of Dmitri and his beautiful sister Yelizaveta, it sets in motion a series of events that culminates in a disturbing act of violence.

Fall 2012 is the first semester that the Living Writers Course has been offered. Students enrolled in the class read the books by authors scheduled to visit the College. Best-selling author Mary Karr visited the College in September, and the next presenter will be Adam Levin, author of “The Instructions,” on Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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A retired St. Lawrence Central teacher inspired community service and generosity for a new generation of students at SUNY Canton’s annual Scholarship Luncheon.

William D. Demo, a graduate of the class of 1957, and the recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award and Hall of Fame inductee said that scholarship sponsors believe deeply in the quality of a SUNY Canton education.

Pictured are (l to r) Carissa L. Durant, a SUNY Canton nursing major from Brasher Falls, William D. Demo, a graduate of the class of 1957, recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Alumnus Award and Hall of Fame inductee, Luke A. Thompson, a nursing major from Winthrop, and Kathleen Demo. The Demos sponsor two scholarships annually for students from St. Lawrence Central.

“I too was the recipient of a scholarship while I was studying here,” Demo recalled. “I deeply appreciated that scholarship then, and I hope that you cherish yours today.”

Demo is a member of the SUNY Canton College Foundation Board of Directors and created the Bill and Kathleen Demo Scholarship, awarded to two students from St. Lawrence Central School.

Pictured are (l to r) Jolene M. Truax, a SUNY Canton nursing major from Massena, Judy Chase, Board President of the E. J. Noble Guild of the Canton Potsdam Hospital, and Samantha J. LaBarge, a nursing student from Rensselaer Falls. The E.J. Noble Guild doubled their scholarship, which is given annually to two non-traditional students from St. Lawrence County.

Nearly 350 students received scholarships or awards at SUNY Canton this year. The College Foundation awards nearly $450,000 annually for student support.

“Your sponsors and I believe in you and the future you represent,” Demo said to the collected students at the luncheon. “You are our investment in SUNY Canton, the area, and world. Your commitment to others will make our world and our College a better place. I hope you will follow in the footsteps of your sponsors and will want to help future students accomplish their goals.”

Pictured are (l to r) Thompson-Weatherup Family Charitable Foundation Endowed Scholarship recipient Kerrie A. Mooney, a SUNY Canton nursing major from Ogdensburg, Robert Thompson, a graduate of the class of 1941, and Ruth McWilliams. McWilliams is the President, and Thompson is one of the two namesakes of the family’s foundation.

SUNY Canton Interim President Carli C. Schiffner complimented the Demo family’s commitment to education. “Mr. and Mrs. Demo have dedicated their lives to the success of North Country scholars, through their scholarship and their teaching careers,” she said. “On behalf of SUNY Canton, I thank you for your support.”

Demo won the Brasher-Winthrop firefighter of the year award in 1994. He was the first town of Brasher Parade Marshall to in 2004, recognizing his community service. In 2008 received the Quad-Town Lion’s Club first-ever Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest form of recognition given to acknowledge his dedication to humanitarian services, an award presented through the Lion’s Club’s International Foundation. He was also named Quad Town Lion of the year for his community service in 2009

Among his other accolades, he was named the St. Lawrence County Senior Citizen of the year at the St. Lawrence County Council of Senior Citizens Annual Festival in 2005. He is a life-long member of St. Patrick’s Church and Parish in Brasher Falls has served on the Parish Council, and has chaired numerous fundraising efforts. He was the co-recipient of the 2011 Betsey Kaplan Award for his years of dedicated service as a Town of Brasher councilmember.

Demo, who is now retired, owned and operated an auctioneering and appraisal service.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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The most recent Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Grant will assist with SUNY Canton’s textbook loan program and fund a host of other initiatives to benefit students.

Areiba T. Edwards of Brooklyn pulls one of the reserve textbooks for a student at SUNY Canton’s Southworth Library Learning Commons.

“Perkins Grant funding allows students who cannot pay for high-cost books to borrow them instead,” said Jennifer Whittaker, SUNY Canton assistant librarian. “If they have access to textbooks, they can prepare for class, which leads to higher retention rates and increased academic success.”

The textbook loan program has been ongoing for almost a decade. Students also have access to learning models specific to their curricula, and other resources at the Southworth Library Learning Commons.

SUNY Canton students Leanne M. Greene of Fine and Alexandra M. Levine of Canton check out new supplies from the early childhood student teaching center.

The total grant awarded was approximately $245,000. The money is also being used to purchase equipment in many SUNY Canton laboratories and classrooms, including:

• New equipment and models for the veterinary science program;
• Additional manikins for the nursing program;
• New tools for the Snap-on diagnostic center in the automotive technology program;
• Refrigerant equipment for the air conditioning engineering technology program;
• Database and web applications for the computer information systems program;
• Additional equipment for the electronics and communications lab;
• Early childhood student teaching center resources, among others.

Grants Coordinator JoAnne Fassinger helped the College apply for the Perkins grant. Fassinger won the 2012 Excellence in College Service Award for helping her peers file for competitive funding.

Robert M. Gleason of Vestal and Andrew S. Conlan of Canton work together with new grant funded diagnostic equipment in SUNY Canton’s electrical engineering technology labs.

The grant is awarded from the U.S. Government to states, which is then allocated to various schools and colleges within New York based on the programs offered and the number of students in career and technical curricula.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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The St. Lawrence County Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) awarded Massena’s Lisa Furnace with a scholarship to continue her education at SUNY Canton.

Furnace, a mother of six, earned an associate degree in accounting in May and is continuing this fall to earn a bachelor’s degree in legal studies.

Pictured from left to right: Interim President Carli Schiffner, Lisa Furnace and Professor Emerita Faye White

In addition to her academic accomplishments, she is a volunteer firefighter and has helped raise funds for local Catholic schools. Furnace also served as a volunteer income tax assistance worker and is active in the Massena MOMs group, which provides assistance to mothers and families in the Massena community.

Furnace won the associate degree Outstanding Graduate Award at the College’s 2012 Commencement. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and made President’s List for earning a 3.75 of higher grade point average during each of her four semesters in the accounting program.

Furnace won the associate degree Outstanding Graduate Award at the College’s 2012 Commencement.

In addition to her award, she also was given a membership in AAUW.

SUNY Canton Interim President Carli C. Schiffner and SUNY Canton Director of Human Resources Betty Connolly are both AAUW St. Lawrence County Branch officers.

“Lisa is a deserving recipient of this award because of her commitment to excellence in her academic pursuits, as well as her volunteer work in the community,” Schiffner said. “Fellow students said Lisa is inspirational and always willing to help. Faculty said she takes charge of her education and values her experience at the College.”

AAUW is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. AAUW has more than 150,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and 700 college and university partners. Membership is open to anyone who supports the mission of AAUW, regardless of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or class.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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Mary Karr will be reading from "Lit: A Memoir" and answering questions about her writing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center¹s Kingston Theater.

SUNY Canton will be hosting New York Times Best Sellers List author Mary Karr to open its Fall 2012 Living Writers Series.

Karr, who has won multiple awards for her non-fiction work, will be reading from her book “Lit: A Memoir” and answering questions about her writing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center’s Kingston Theater. The event is free and open to the public. Karr will be available for book signings at the end of her presentation.

“We are able to bring award-winning authors to SUNY Canton through our brand-new Living Writers (ENGL264) Course created within our humanities department,” said School of Business and Liberal Arts Interim Dean Maureen P. Maiocco. “Assistant Professor Phil LaMarche created the class, and invited authors to enhance our culturally rich programming.”

LaMarche described Karr as a writing rock star with relatable cathartic prose that modern students can easily identify with and learn from.

“Mary Karr’s ‘Lit’ includes a cast of characters that make modern reality-shows look like a pack of rank amateurs,” LaMarche said. “Her work is harrowing, hilarious and full of heart. Her story is no mere carnival ride, but a genuine tale of love, forgiveness and salvation.”

Karr is most widely known for her best-selling memoirs, but regards herself primarily as a poet. She’s a 2004 Guggenheim Fellow in poetry, and has written four volumes of verse, including “Sinners Welcome.” Her most popular book to date is “The Liar’s Club,” which remained on the New York Times Best Seller’s List for more than a year. Her most recent book “Lit: A Memoir,” presents readers with the story of her alcoholism, recovery and conversion to Catholicism.

Future presenters include Daniel Torday, author of “The Sensualist” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17, and Adam Levin, author of “The Instructions” at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Both events are scheduled to take place in the College’s Kingston Theater and are free and open to the public.

Fall 2012 is the first semester that the ENGL264 course has been offered. Students enrolled in the class read the books by authors scheduled to visit the College. LaMarche plans to offer the Living Writers course, and the related Living Writers Series, again during the spring semester with several different authors.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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A SUNY Canton faculty member has published new research that can help high school educators better prepare students for higher education.

Assistant Professor Eunjyu Yu’s study, titled “Ready for College? What College Students Have to Say about Their High School English Experiences,” was published in the August issue of English Leadership Quarterly.

“In Assistant Professor Yu’s publication, she addresses the growing national phenomenon of helping students better prepare for their transition from high school to college,” said Interim SUNY Canton President Carli C. Schiffner. “Her work fits well within SUNY’s overall “Cradle to Career” views and will assist in our college’s retention efforts.”

She surveyed first-year student volunteers about their high-school experiences within the English language arts classes for her research. She found that students liked being challenged by their teachers, exploring multiple writing techniques and reading a variety of literature, using video and multimedia-materials among other information.

“Since an educational system is ecologically linked from primary education up to higher education, I needed to understand the effectiveness of high school literacy programs from the perspective of high school graduates to develop effective literacy pedagogy for my own students,” Yu said.

She pointed out that little research exists that addresses how effectively a high school English language arts class prepares students for academic reading and writing expectations at the college level.

“With respect to writing, in addition to learning grammar and language usage, the participants I surveyed would like to have more opportunities for hands-on practice with their writing skills,” the assistant professor noted.

Yu offers possible solutions to better prepare young adults, including establishing a stronger link between classroom learning and “real life,” by allowing students the ability to apply what they learn to their careers or personal lives.

English Leadership Quarterly is published by the National Council of Teachers of English. It helps department chairs, K-12 supervisors and other leaders in their role of improving the quality of English instruction.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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Subaru Distributors Corporation has made SUNY Canton its newest corporate training center.

The announcement was made today (Thursday, August 23) at an open house celebration. Subaru and area dealers will be contributing approximately $500,000 in tools, diagnostic equipment, and brand new cars to the College over the next five years to facilitate the partnership.

Barry A. Wells, executive vice president of Subaru Distributors Corp., discusses the advantages of partnering with SUNY Canton to create a corporate training center. Wells is a 1975 and 2010 graduate of the College.

“SUNY Canton exemplifies the ‘Power of SUNY’ and how we can work with distinguished private sector partners like Subaru to boost economic opportunities across the state,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher in a letter to the College. “I commend Subaru Distributors Corp. and North Country Subaru Dealers for recognizing the strength of the SUNY system and SUNY Canton’s state-of-the-art and newly renovated Automotive Laboratory.”

Through the new partnership, automotive technology students can become certified to work with Subaru. Additionally, a third of the Subaru dealers in New York can send their technicians for training at SUNY Canton, saving the company money on travel to more distant training centers.

Assistant Professor Brandon J. Baldwin describes the unique partnership between Subaru Distributors Corp., area dealers and SUNY Canton.

“The SUNY Canton Subaru Training Center will be an inspiration for our automotive technology students and will be an example of the value of our partnerships for other corporations,” said Interim SUNY Canton President Carli C. Schiffner. “The training center will significantly impact our students’ educational opportunities, as well as increase the prestige of our automotive technology program.”

The partnership was first formed when Brandon J. Baldwin, an assistant professor in the automotive program was introduced to Barry A. Wells, executive vice president of Subaru Distributors Corp. Wells graduated from SUNY Canton in 1975, and earned a second degree from the College in 2010.

According to Baldwin, students who complete the training will be exposed to the latest in automotive technology. “Subaru will give them an added edge as they begin their career search,” he said.

Wells pointed out that the collaboration is a great investment from Subaru’s perspective, because students who complete the training and go on to work for the company will already have the specific skills needed, saving dealerships thousands of dollars.

The surprise announcement of the new public-private partnership in SUNY Canton’s Automotive Laboratories drew more than 50 guests. The labs were packed with the latest model Subaru vehicles.

“This is also another outstanding partnership between alumni and SUNY Canton,” said SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “The power of our successful alumni reaching out to assist our community and our current and future students is profound and deeply appreciated.”

Dealerships in attendance included, Barstow Subaru in Potsdam, Fuccillo Subaru in Watertown, and Bill McBride Subaru in Plattsburgh.

Chancellor Nancy Zimpher’s Letter to Campus

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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SUNY Canton will be partnering with a major car manufacturer to provide advanced training and certification opportunities for automotive technology students.

The College will announce the details of the new public-private partnership at 10 a.m. Thursday (August 23) in the Automotive Technology lab (room 124) in Nevaldine Technology Center. The event is free and open to the public.

A birds-eye view of the Automotive Technology Lab, in SUNY Canton’s Nevaldine Technology Center South Room 124.

“The partnership will give our students an additional edge as they seek employment after graduating from SUNY Canton’s program,” noted Interim SUNY Canton President Carli C. Schiffner. “We certainly want to thank the manufacturer and the dealers who have made a fantastic opportunity available to our students.”

In addition to certification, students will also have access to three brand-new cars and specialized tools, according to Brandon J. Baldwin, an assistant professor in the automotive technology program. Baldwin sought out this partnership alongside the SUNY Canton College Foundation.

“We provide our students with the latest tools and diagnostic equipment available,” Baldwin said. “Our new partnership takes their education to an even higher level with specialized industry-specific certification.”

The automotive program also recently became a Snap-On Tools Diagnostic Training Center. It is the only designated training center in New York, and one of only about 20 in the United States.

Previously, students in the motorsports performance program have benefitted from a similar partnership with Polaris Industries Inc. Students learn their profession with some of the latest vehicles made by Polaris, and the company hosts specialty training sessions at the College.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

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