SUNY Canton News

Construction of a new 305 bed residence hall is now underway at SUNY Canton with a completion date set for next August.

The residence hall is the second major facility slated for completion in 2011, along with the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center, known as Roos House.

“About 15 years ago, we were a college with an enrollment just over 2,000 students,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Now we have more than 3,300 students and we’re still growing at an extraordinary rate. Not only are our residence halls on campus full, but we’re maxing out the available student housing in the area as well.”

The apartment-style complex, featuring 83 suites with 305 beds, is being built adjacent to the Cooper Service Complex and the University Policy facility.  The residence hall will be for rising juniors and seniors and current plans include a mini-store, multi-purpose classroom and meeting space, and a large open courtyard for recreation and outdoor activities.

Crews began working in mid-June with a timeline of about 14 months – just in time for the incoming class in August 2011.

Total project costs are currently estimated at approximately $22 million for the LEED Silver Certified building.  Total construction costs are $ 20,500,000.  Total costs including financing are approximately $28 million.

“We’ve seen explosive growth in enrollment numbers, especially in our four-year programs, and we expect this trend will continue,” said Vice President of Advancement David M Gerlach ’83. “The addition of this new residence hall is critical as we add degree programs and welcome more four-year students to our community.”

Northland Associates of Liverpool will be heading up the project, its third simultaneous construction undertaking at SUNY Canton. They are currently working on the College’s Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center and finishing an overhaul of Nevaldine Technology Center.

For photos and live video click here.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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SUNY Shakespeare

SUNY Canton Director of Residence Life Courtney B. Bish is making a special guest appearance in an upcoming Shakespearean comedic play.

Curtain time for the New England Shakespeare Festival’s presentation of “Taming of the Shrew,” and Bish’s debut, will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 1, in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center’s Kingston Theater.

“Taming of the Shrew” is a love story crafted in a comedy. The young and demure Bianca can marry any man she wants, but not until her elder sister Kate has found a husband. Unfortunately for Bianca, Kate is so obnoxious that no man wants anything to do with her. Kate’s generous dowry tempts the blustering suitor Petruchio, who is certain he can “tame” the wild Kate. Sparks fly as marriage and mayhem take center stage in the classic play.

“From what I’ve seen of this production company, they tend to make everything really fun and approachable,” Bish explains. “It’s very much Shakespeare for everyone, rather than just targeting an elite audience.”

New England Shakespeare, a touring company based in Deerfield, N.H., is dedicated to telling Shakespeare’s stories by staging his plays in the original Elizabethan style. “Taming of the Shrew” features a cast of veteran Shakespeare performers. The production is directed by Demitra Papadinis, New England Shakespeare’s founder and Artistic Director.

“What I enjoy most about this show is that it’s just good fun,” Papadinis said. “It’s easy to get hung up on the Chauvinism, but I think the story is not only extremely funny but also very touching. We’re excited to stage ‘Shrew’ as what it is: a light-hearted comedy about two people setting aside their differences and coming together.”

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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Global change starts at a local and personal level, according to Martin Luther King III.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step,” King said to the collected SUNY Canton audience. “We can be part of the change or we can choose not to be a part of it.”

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy, Student Cooperative Alliance President Jennifer P. Bernadotte, and Martin Luther King III prepare for a dinner together at SUNY Canton. King met with student and College officials before his public presentation.

King, the eldest son of famed civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., was the featured speaker for Black History Month at the College. His inspirational speech advocated education, affordable health care, and high qualities of life while encouraging a modest lifestyle in order to obtain personal satisfaction. “We spend our time learning how to make a living, but if we spent our time making a life we would have no trouble making a living,” he said.

He mentioned his father’s vision and referenced the famed “I have a dream” speech delivered August 28, 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. According to King, there are three evils that the nation must overcome: poverty, racism, and militarism. He said despite tremendous strides, that his father’s vision and his dream had not yet been fulfilled.

His lecture resonated with college students and the greater community alike. Student Cooperative Alliance President Jennifer P. Bernadotte said that hearing King speak profoundly impacted her view on her personal life. “He encouraged me to stride for more accomplishments in my own life, to be my best.” she said. “It was the experience of a lifetime.”

King also advocated social involvement and support for global efforts, including relief for Haiti. “I don’t know that we’ve seen a tragedy in this hemisphere quite like the one in Haiti,” he said. “Yet somehow you see Haitian people overcoming these incredible odds. It is amazing to see these people, who basically have nothing, and yet somehow are so thankful that they were somehow spared even though they have to start all over again. It should really be an inspiration to all of us.”

As the founding president and chief executive officer of Realizing the Dream, Inc., King strives to continue the work started by his parents. His presentation at SUNY Canton was an outreach effort to continue his family’s legacy and vision.

Video footage of the event can be downloaded here.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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Proceeds to benefit students who were affected by the devastating earthquakes

The SUNY Canton Foundation has begun a campaign to help SUNY Canton students from the devastated nation of Haiti.

“We’ve seen both immediate and long-term needs that we can help address through our own SUNY Canton Haitian Student Relief Fund,” said SUNY Canton Librarian and Haitian Fund Chair Kathleen Horton. “We’ll be reaching out to raise the money necessary to provide our own specialized relief efforts, which are intended to benefit students who are attending the College. As with any initiative, our first priority is the health and well being of our students.”

STUDENTS HELPING STUDENTS – SUNY Canton Individual Studies Student Marquise Paillere (left) was left stranded in Port of Prince Haiti after the earthquakes. Her roommate, Management student Xiaoli Zhang, who goes by “Lilly” raised $200 to help Paillere get a bus to the Dominican Republic, and asked SUNY Canton to help fly her home. The SUNY Canton Foundation provided the airfare to get Paillere home and the two were reunited a day after classes began.

Some immediate needs will include purchasing textbooks and funding tuition for students whose families have been affected by the earthquake. Future and tentative goals potentially include sending the SUNY Canton Chapter of Habitat for Humanity to Haiti to aid in the rebuilding efforts. Several faculty and staff members at the College have already come forward to donate to the cause.

“We were initially asked to help a student return to her studies when she was left stranded in Haiti during the winter break,” noted Daniel J. Sweeney, Vice President of Student Affairs. “Through the Foundation, we were able to secure her a plane ticket back and she was able to rejoin her classes.”

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy contributes to the SUNY Canton Haitian Relief Fund in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center.

To launch the campaign, and to aid in the creation of the SUNY Canton Haitian Relief Fund, students have begun collecting donations, according to the College’s Diversity and Orientation Director Lashawanda Ingram.

“Upon returning to SUNY Canton, students immediately began looking for ways to help,” she said. “The SUNY Canton Haitian Students Fund gives them the perfect opportunity to help their fellow students. We have already set up several collection points on campus and people have been wonderful in supporting our initial efforts.”

Ingram said that the students plan to set up donation points from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Kinney Drugs and Tops Market (formerly P&C Foods) in Canton.

The SUNY Canton College Association created ways for students to donate by using their Roo Express accounts, the College’s payment option linked to College identification cards. Students can swipe their cards at the Campus Center Store, or purchase a meal for victims while getting one themselves in Chaney Dining Center.

“Right now, we have about a dozen students that we know of with roots in Haiti,” noted SUNY Canton Director of Public Relations Randy B. Sieminski. “We are working to ease their transition back to College and looking to determine how we can best help them.”

For more information or to make a donation, contact the SUNY Canton Foundation at 315.386.7127, or email foundation@canton.edu.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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The eldest son of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. will be continuing his father’s dream by advocating social justice and equity at SUNY Canton.

Martin Luther King III is scheduled to speak at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, in SUNY Canton’s Chaney Dining Center. This event is free and open to the public.

“In this day and age, we’ve broken many of the barriers that divided previous generations, but we still have a long way to go,” said Student Activities and College Association Executive Director Michael J. Perry, who helped orchestrate the event. “At every juncture there is an opportunity for social change and another opportunity to make the King family’s dream a reality.”

Much like his father, King is a human rights advocate, community activist, and a political leader. He has been actively involved in significant policy initiatives to maintain the fair and equitable treatment in the United States and abroad. His messages and initiatives all support nonviolent conflict resolution.

“My father’s dream is a profound, eloquent and unequivocal expression of a world where the dignity and worth of all human personality are its ideals,” King said in a speech special to The Washington Times on the day of U.S. President Barack Obama’s inauguration. “It is a dream of a nation where men of all races, colors and creeds ‘live together as brothers’ he added, ‘or perish as fools.’”

In 1986, Mr. King was elected to political office as an at-large representative of over 700,000 residents of Fulton County, Georgia. King is CEO and President of the King Center. He serves as the founding president and chief executive officer of Realizing the Dream, Inc. a national nonprofit organization with an international vision to carry on the important work embodied in the legacies of his parents. Through Realizing the Dream, Mr. King has launched Poverty in America, a national initiative rooted in the legacy of his father’s Poor People’s Campaign.

King’s presentation will be a part of the College’s celebration of Black History Month. To keep up with all of the latest student activities, visit www.roosnewz.com. For more information, contact the Student Activities Office at 315.386.7315 or email roosnewz@canton.edu.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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MORE BLOOD DONATIONS – Pictured are (l to r) SUNY Canton students Kayla DiGiacomo, Caitlyn Hill, Jenifer Coon, Danielle Soule, Julie Feuerherm, Anne Conant, and Ryan Strate holding the American Red Cross Trophy for the highest percentage growth among four-year SUNY colleges.

Several SUNY Canton student organizations were awarded by the American Red Cross for the highest percentage of growth in volunteer blood donations among four-year colleges in the SUNY System.

The College collected 253 units of blood during four blood drives held over the 2008-2009 academic year, which is over a 100 percent increase from the previous year. Students from Kappa Xi Omega sorority, and the Criminal Justice Association helped orchestrate the on-campus blood drives.

“The students did a fantastic job organizing, raising awareness and recruiting donors for SUNY Canton’s 3-day blood drive,” said Criminal Justice Club advisor and Associate Professor William J. Fassinger. “Their efforts helped provide much-needed lifesaving donations during local and national shortages.”

Collections at all State University of New York four-year colleges were up 19 percent in 2008-09, with a total of 14,898 units collected. In addition to SUNY Canton, four other SUNY schools were awarded for the highest gains. Red Cross representatives presented SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and student representatives with a trophy honoring the achievement.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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SUNY Canton students will be speaking out against domestic violence through absolute silence.

For the fifth year, the college will be holding a “silent march” to raise awareness about the issue at 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, beginning in the Roselle Academic Plaza. The march is free and open to the public.

“Domestic violence is commonly unrepresented and often unreported,” said Melinda Miller, the College’s Director of Counseling. “We are making a statement without sound to give voice to those victims who remain unheard.”

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the “Walk With Me,” silent march is promoted by New York State Assembly member Naomi Rivera of the Bronx to raise awareness at college campuses throughout the state.

The march will go down the Plaza by the Faculty Office Building, up to French Hall, then back to the plaza. Renewal House will be providing information about preventing and recognizing domestic violence.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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Noted spiritual author and scientist Aileen O’Donoghue will be making an appearance at SUNY Canton to discuss her recently released book, “The Sky is NOT a Ceiling.” Her visit was made possible by the College’s Healthy Hops Wellness program.

O’Donoghue said she has searched for, and found, a peaceful solution to the everlasting conflict between science and religion in her own life and has described that journey in her book. “The Sky is NOT a Ceiling.” She details a rich mix of science, spirituality, and mysticism that goes beyond religion to a universe without limits.

The award-winning astronomer and associate professor of physics at St. Lawrence University will be presenting her findings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, and from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center’s Kingston Theater. Both events are free and open to the public.

O’Donoghue is a regular guest on National Public Radio and her work has been featured in national periodicals. She writes for Living Faith, and holds retreats and workshops across the country.

This is one of several college wellness programs offered during the fall semester. For more information, and for ways to get fit and live well, visit www.canton.edu/wellness.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

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SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy will formally dedicate the Peace Garden and kick off the Wellness Program at noon on Friday, Sept. 25, at the Peace Garden’s location next to French Hall.

After unveiling the College’s wellness campaign, Kennedy will lead a walk around the major loop of Cornell Drive around SUNY Canton. The first 100 people to complete the walk will receive a free commemorative t-shirt.

“The walk was developed as a way to give people an incentive to get out and be more active,” noted Vice President of Student Affairs Daniel J. Sweeney. “We plan to have a campus walk every Wednesday starting at noon. Each week, a different campus celebrity will lead a walk around campus beginning at the Peace Garden.”

The College is also running a version of NBC’s hit weight loss show “The Biggest Loser,” with its own “The Biggest Rooser,” a weight reduction program with cash prizes. Other upcoming fitness opportunities include the Nicole Fleury Walk/Run this weekend

There are also several upcoming spiritual wellness programs during the month of October. For more information, and for more ways to get or stay fit and live well, visit www.canton.edu/wellness.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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For the second consecutive year, SUNY Canton has reached an all-time enrollment high. More than 3,300 students are enrolled for the Fall 2009 Semester, topping last year’s previous record of 3,056 students.

First-year, full-time students recorded the largest percentage increase among student categories with a new freshmen class of 972 students. That’s a 20 percent increase from last year’s large incoming class of 810 and a 32 percent increase for the full-time, first-year class of two years ago.

“We are strategically growing our way through the statewide SUNY budget crisis,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “We’ve had a remarkable response to our in-demand, career-oriented degrees, particularly our newest bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Graphic and Multimedia Design. Students are recognizing the great value of a SUNY Canton education.”

While enrollments are generally up throughout the SUNY system, SUNY Canton’s freshmen increase is likely among the largest. Overall College enrollment as of Wednesday morning was 3,343 students. Prior to last year, the College’s record enrollment was during the 1975-76 academic year when 2,833 students were enrolled.

“We’ve had back-to-back extraordinary recruiting years accompanied by a steady growth of continuing and returning students,” said Director of Admissions Jonathan Kent. “That has also allowed us to increase our selectivity, particularly in our most competitive programs. We denied nearly twice as many applicants this year than last year.”

International and online programs have also seen dramatic growth over the past several years. More than 300 Bosnian students will be taking courses online from the American University of Bosnia-Herzegovina. They are among the total of more than 1,600 new students this year, which includes 211 full-time transfer students.

“As one of the largest businesses in this area, SUNY Canton recognizes its obligation to help the local economy battle through tough economic times,” said Kennedy. “We strive to be a leader in that area. We have the ability to do that by creating desirable, modern, innovative academic programs that attract more students. Those students come to the North Country and make an immediate, significant impact on the area’s businesses.”

The College has experienced dramatic growth over the last several years. Enrollment is up nearly 10 percent from last year, 28 percent from two years ago, and more than 60 percent from the 1998-99 academic year, when there were a total of 2,078 students.

“Our four-day academic week and our online classes are very popular,” added Kent. “They are among the many factors that explain why more and more students are choosing SUNY Canton. This year, we have also welcomed more than 50 former General Motors and Alcoa employees from Massena who are looking to transform or ignite their careers.”

Applications from prospective students increased 22 percent in the last year, 37 percent from two years ago, and were 77 percent higher than the Fall 2000 semester.

Northland Associates of Syracuse, a company that employs and subcontracts numerous local workers, is currently constructing SUNY Canton’s new $41 million athletic facility. The College also plans to begin building a new residence hall within the next year or two. SUNY Canton is expecting to add as many as five new bachelor’s degrees within the next year, including Sports Management, Civil and Environmental Engineering Technology, and Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Technology. Renovations were recently completed on the College’s nursing laboratories, and renovation work is nearly complete in Nevaldine Technology Center, home of the College’s Engineering Technology programs.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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