University Police Lieutenant Brian E. Kurish, University Police Chief Lisa E. Colbert, Criminal Investigation major Eli Max, Criminal Investigation Associate Professor Susan Buckley, and Criminal Investigation Instructor Elizabeth A. Erickson presenting Max with the Dr. McBride Criminal Justice Student Achievement Award from the SUNY University Police Chiefs Association.

Eli Max, a criminal investigation major from Freeport who currently resides in Canton, recently received the $500 Dr. McBride Criminal Justice Student Achievement Award presented by the SUNY University Police Chiefs Association.

“Eli represents the attributes we look for and foster in our students,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carli C. Schiffner, who will become the College’s Interim President on Sept. 1 following President Joseph L. Kennedy’s retirement. “He’s enthusiastic about his education and has all of the qualities of an exceptional leader. These qualities will serve him well in his future law enforcement career.”

Max is a student dispatcher for the SUNY Canton University Police, a volunteer firefighter and EMT with both the Freeport Fire Department and the Canton Volunteer Fire Department. After graduation, he’s hoping to become a detective with the New York City Police Department. Max is also the secretary for the Criminal Justice Student Organization. He was one of the inaugural members of the “Be Proud” program which is designed around the criminal justice certificate program and offers block scheduled courses mirroring a professional work environment.

“Eli was one of the first firefighters on the scene of our Feb. 10 fire in Cook Hall,” noted Elizabeth A. Erickson. “He’s demonstrated a commitment to his course work and excellent time management skills. He has maintained excellent grades on top of working long nights and weekends.”

The Dr. McBride Criminal Justice Student Achievement Award is given annually in recognition of Dr. Bruce McBride, who was instrumental in the evolution of the University Police agency and is heralded as establishing the respected professional requirements for University Police officers.

Matthew J. Wissman of Forestburgh, who is graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in criminal investigation, recently received his award at the recent Faye White Honors Convocation.

“He’s the student that I can always count on to step up and help out,” said Elizabeth A. Erickson, an assistant professor in the criminal investigation program. “He’s really outgoing and happy to be a leader; I hate to see him leave us.”

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy presented him with a ceremonial medallion to adorn his academic regalia for SUNY Canton’s 104^th Commencement Ceremony to be held 10 a.m. Saturday, May 19, in the field house portion of the Convocation Athletic and Recreation Center, (nicknamed Roos House). Nearly 900 students are eligible to participate in Commencement.

Wissman is Senior Resident Assistant at the brand-new Grasse River Suites residence hall. He has demonstrated impeccable maturity and responsibility, according to Kristen B. Roberts, associate director of residence life and the 2012 Northstar Award Recipient.

“Matthew treats everyone with fairness and respect, and encourages others to do the same,” Roberts said. “He’s always one step ahead and proactively addresses issues before they arise.”

He’s been an active volunteer at events on campus and in the community; he worked with children in an after school program at Ogdensburg Free Academy, and participated in a career day at Gouverneur Central High School.

Mr. Wissman is the Vice President for the Criminal Justice Student Association and Secretary for the SUNY Canton chapter of the American Criminal Justice Honor Society. He is an active runner and a member of the men’s cross-country team. Wissman recently volunteered with the President’s 5K Run/Walk challenge, and previously helped out with the annual Nicole Fleury 5K race. He’s been on both the President’s and Deans’ Lists for his outstanding academic achievement and is a member of the College’s chapter of the Golden Key Honor Society.

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

Several SUNY Canton students were the stars of a media event promoting the DVD release of the movie Max Payne. Students and faculty from the Criminal Investigation staged a murder mystery scenario in New York City that stumped international television, magazine, and web-based journalists. » More

9. Roos House Breaks Ground

Many have been enthusiastically watching the rapid progress of the College’s new Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center. The “Roos House” is going up in leaps and bounds, alongside a complete renovation of Nevaldine Technology Center. The College also plans to add a new residence hall on campus in the near future. » More

8. Strong Awards

Assistant Professor Robert Strong, PhD., won a competitive William Randolph Hearst Foundation Research Fellowship and the Chancellor’s Award for Scholarship and Creative Activities for his book-in-progress “Bright Advent.” The award-winning author and poet penned a lyric history of King Phillip’s War including key events that led to the creation of America. » More

7. Nursing Options

Over the past year, SUNY Canton added a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a one-year Practical Nursing program. These programs were created to help meet the demand for more advanced trained nurses amidst a nation-wide professional health care shortage, and have built a full ladder curriculum for students to spend one, two, or four-years learning what they love. » More

6. Winterterm Becomes a Hot Item

Approximately 800 students took courses during the 2009-2010 Winterterm session. Enrollment increased nearly 60 percent from last year and is now five times as large as the 160 students who enrolled in the first Winterterm session four years ago. The semester between semesters has become a convenient and effective way for students to catch up or get ahead. » More

5. Coach Martin Keeps Winning

The American Hockey Coaches Association announced that former Hockey Coach Terry Martin was the 2009 recipient of the prestigious John “Snooks” Kelley Founders Award. Martin was the college’s head coach for 24 seasons (1974-1999), compiling a record of 527-211-29, including a 102-11-8 mark in his final four seasons. His teams won 12 national championship titles and were runner-ups five times. » More

4. SUNY Chancellor Visits

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher visited SUNY Canton in July as part of her summer-long tour of the 64 colleges and universities within the SUNY System. After being met at the College’s entrance by our Roo mascot, the Chancellor was introduced to the evolution and extraordinary growth that has distinguished the College among its peer universities. » More

3. Best Bridge Builders in the Nation

The SUNY Canton American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Steel Bridge Team hit it big in Vegas on Labor Day weekend by building a better bridge than any other college in the nation. The team won the 2009 National Student Steel Bridge Competition by practicing strenuously and beat the odds that favored larger universities with bigger names (and higher tuition.) » More

2. Centennial Campaign Clocks in at $11 Million

The largest and most comprehensive fundraising campaign in SUNY Canton’s 100-year history was successfully concluded after raising $11 million for scholarships and overall college enhancements. To honor Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs Ronald L. ’59 and Blanche K. ‘06 Woodcock, the alumni and foundation boards procured a landmark clock which now adorns the Roselle Academic Courtyard. » More

1. Enrollment Tops the Charts

SUNY Canton smashed its all-time high enrollment record during the Fall 2009 Semester with more than 3,300 students. There was a 20 percent increase in first-year, full-time students, and a 10 percent increase in overall enrollment from the previous year. The expansion has led to increased selectivity in the College’s signature career-driven programs. » More

Members of Beta Psi Delta, the SUNY Canton chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, took home a handful of awards in competitions against students from 17 other colleges.

SUNY Canton Criminal Investigation students Andrew C. Wood of Ogdensburg, Elizabeth S. Ayers of Brooktondale, and Anthony M. Puretti of Canton with their American Criminal Justice Association conference awards.

“This was the first time we competed at an American Criminal Justice Association conference,” noted Criminal Justice Assistant Professor Brian K. Harte, who advises the Beta Psi Delta chapter. “We hope to compete annually as a way to promote our excellent students and our career-driven programs.”

Harte and Criminal Justice Instructor Professor Elizabeth A. Erickson traveled with the students to the conference in Philadelphia, Pa.

Among the Criminal Investigation students who placed at the conference were:

• Elizabeth S. Ayers of Brooktondale took first place in the upper division criminal law examination.
• Andrew C. Wood of Ogdensburg took second place in the upper divisions of the criminal law examination and the police administration examination.
• Anthony M. Puretti of Canton took second place in the upper division of the firearms competition.

The American Criminal Justice Association and its SUNY Canton Chapter emphasizes continuing excellence within the Criminal Justice fields and promotes academic excellence and leadership among students.

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.

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy congratulates Heather Biamonte, a Criminal Investigation major from Marcy, on her Outstanding Graduate award.

A SUNY Canton student who is working toward a law enforcement career is the recipient of the 2009 Outstanding Graduate award at the bachelor’s degree level.

Heather Biamonte, a Criminal Investigation Major from Marcy, received the recognition at the recent Harriett Beggs Honors Convocation. She was presented with a ceremonial plaque and a medallion to accompany her academic regalia for SUNY Canton’s 101^st Commencement Ceremony, to be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, outside across from French Hall.

“Heather is a very reliable, mature student both in a professional and academic environment,” said Criminal Justice Instructor Liz Erickson. “I commend her for her hard work and preparations in and out of the classroom.”

Biamonte has been involved in many activities during her four years at the college. She was the editor of the school paper, The Tribune, the secretary for Alpha Phi Sigma High Honor Society, and a member of the Criminal Justice Honor Society.

She received a John L. Halford Sr. Scholarship through the SUNY Canton Foundation for her first two years at SUNY Canton and the Flora Bertram Geller Scholarship in 2008.

“Heather is one of the most organized people I know,” said Sindy Afriat, a fellow Criminal Investigation student. “She has always proven herself as a valuable team member in all of our group projects.”

She volunteered at the College’s Girl Scout Investigation program (nicknamed GSI), which helps teach young women the aspects of Criminal Investigation. She has also participated in several community outreach programs through her honor society.

Currently, the award-winning Criminal Investigation major is completing her senior level internship in her hometown.

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 offers a four-day academic week allowing students greater flexibility for work, family, or other obligations. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

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

SUNY Canton students will travel to New York City to play out the complexities of a real-life investigation for journalists.

CANTON – Several SUNY Canton students will be the stars of an international media event promoting the recently released DVD Max Payne.

London-based representatives of 20^th Century Fox have recruited and sponsored the Criminal Investigation students as premier educated examples of law enforcement professionals to play out the complexities of a real-life investigation for journalists. The students will leave for New York City on Wednesday, Feb 18, and will spend about three days immersed in the scenario.

Max Payne is a 2008 action film based on a video game. The film was directed by John Moore, who will be joining the SUNY Canton students for an interview during their crime scene scenario. The plot revolves around Police Officer Payne’s (Mark Wahlberg) journey through the unsavory underworld of New York City as he investigates the deaths of his family.

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.

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

The SUNY Canton Chapter of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society recently welcomed several new members.

Student lighting candles during Honor Society ceremony.

“There are many levels of pride associated with being inducted into an honor society,” noted Steven V. Gilbert, Associate Professor of Criminal Investigation and Alpha Phi Sigma faculty advisor. “There is a personal pride in one’s own accomplishments, coupled with a pride in one’s peers, in addition to the pride in knowing that you are part of an organization that rewards success.”

Among those inducted into the SUNY Canton Omega Upsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society were:

 ·      Sapphire Isaac of Brooklyn

·      Chad Sherman of Louisville

·      Ashley Savino of Auburn

·      Mike Bronson of Brasher Falls

·      Chuck Calorusso of Potsdam

·      Diane LaRue of Ogdensburg

In addition to recognizing student success at the honor society induction, two scholarships were awarded to deserving students in the program.

“The Flora Bertram Geller scholarship was established to award a student who has demonstrated a strong background in ethics and motivation within the Omega Upsilon chapter,” Gilbert said. “And I personally fund the Gilbert Forensic Science Scholarship to support a student who shows a strong aptitude in forensics.”

The Flora Bertram Geller scholarship is funded by Barbara Geller Gilbert and Larry Geller in memory of their mother. Barbara presented the scholarship during the induction ceremony.

Heather Biamonte of Marcy received the Flora Bertram Geller scholarship and Caitlyn Hill of Ontario won the Gilbert Forensic Science Scholarship. “Caitlyn was recently accepted as a student affiliate with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences,” Gilbert said. Alpha Phi Sigma is the only National Criminal Justice Honor Society for Criminal Justice Majors.

The society recognizes academic excellence of undergraduate, graduate, as well as doctorate level students. Among its core goals and values are to promote academic excellence in order to make the Criminal Justice System and its practitioners more effective and ethical.

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.

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

Associate Professor Steven V. Gilbert, Ph.D., recently awarded the Flora Bertram Geller scholarship to Sindy Afriat, a Criminal Investigation student from Chase Mills.

Associate Professor Steven V. Gilbert, Ph.D., recently awarded a brand new scholarship for Criminal Investigation students.

Gilbert personally funds the competitive $500 Gilbert Forensic Science Scholarship, which will be awarded to the student who best researches the field of forensics. “I’ve created an annual poster presentation that will allow students to present their research using both graphics and narratives,” Gilbert said.

Criminal Investigation students were invited to submit their research in the academic poster format that Gilbert will judge. Meg Boyer of Penfield received the first of the competitive awards.

“There have been a large number of advances within this field,” Gilbert said. “Many students are already researching these advances to complement their studies.”

In addition, Gilbert recently facilitated another annual scholarship in memory of Flora Bertram Geller, which is awarded to an Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society student. The inaugural recipient was Sindy Afriat of Chase Mills.

“This scholarship was established to award a student who has demonstrated a strong background in ethics and motivation within the Omega Upsilon chapter,” Gilbert said. “Sindy is the first recipient of this $200 scholarship, which is awarded annually at the Criminal Justice Honor Society induction ceremony.”

Afriat is the president of the Criminal Justice honor society and previously received the Leon and Rachael Bagley Endowed Scholarship through the SUNY Canton Foundation.

Gilbert said that the donors of the scholarship funding wished to remain anonymous.

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 65 courses online each semester. The college’s athletic teams have joined the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

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