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The Press Room Home » Press Archives » April - August 2006
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April - August 2006


SUNY Orange Students Can Now Earn a Bachelor’s Degree Online

7/13/2006

(Middletown, NY) – Adults who thought that there was no way they could continue their education beyond an associate’s degree can now look to Franklin University for more options. Many times, adults who have already attained some college credits find that the pressures of work and family responsibilities make it difficult to continue their education to the bachelor’s degree level. However, Franklin University now has a way to help.

SUNY Orange has entered into an agreement with the Columbus, Ohio-based Franklin University to offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree online through Franklin University. After completing their associate’s degree at SUNY Orange, students take bridge courses (approximately 36 quarter units/24 semester hours) at SUNY Orange and online classes (minimum 40 semester hours) through Franklin University to earn a bachelor of science degree in one of 15 majors including: Accounting, Applied Management, Business Administration, Business Forensics, Computer Science, Digital Communication, Financial Management, Forensic Accounting, Healthcare Management, Human Resources Management, Information Technology, Management, Management Information Sciences, Marketing and Public Safety Management.  An innovative 17- month MBA also is available online.
The Community College Alliance was established to provide students the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree online while remaining in their community. Adults have responded enthusiastically to the convenient online format and the ability to fit classes into their daily schedule.  Students are able to access Franklin’s resources via the Internet or by phone.  Franklin’s resources include academic advising, a help desk and a library system.  Each student also is assigned a Student Services Associate who provides support and guidance by answering questions about transcripts, financial aid or even how to purchase textbooks. 

Franklin University Director of Community College Relations Bob Morris will be visiting SUNY Orange in August 2006 to conduct student and faculty/staff information sessions to discuss how students can earn their bachelor’s degree online through the Community College Alliance program.  Details will follow on the exact date, time and location of the sessions.  For more information please contact Bob via email at morrisb@franklin.edu , call toll free 1-888-341-6237 ext. 6203 or visit .

Franklin University serves more than 10,000 students annually through its on-campus programs in Columbus, Ohio, and the Community College Alliance. More than 230 community colleges in 32 states and Canada have teamed with the University to serve students. In addition to offering 18 undergraduate degree programs, the 100-year-old university now has three master’s degree programs, including a MBA offered in an online format. In 1999, Franklin was named as one of 15 educational organizations nationwide for a U.S. Department of Education pilot project, which ensures that federal financial aid is available to students pursuing college degrees through distance learning.

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Summer Computer Classes for all ages offered at SUNY Orange

5/12/2006

Middletown, NY: The SUNY Orange Department of Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) is offering computer classes for all ages and skill levels at convenient times and days throughout the summer months. Participants can begin with an introductory "Computers for Beginners" class to master basic skills and then progress to word processing, spadsheets, databases and graphics psentation programs. For those who are more advanced, intermediate classes in each area are offered as well as a class that teaches how to use QuickBooks, a computerized bookkeeping program.

For those interested in enhancing their job skills, there is a specially designed seminar that focuses on self-paced individualized instruction that teaches students the computer programs needed to get a job or advance to a better one. In addition to job skills training, a special offering is teen summer computer camp. Teens, ages 13 to 17 years old, will learn how to create their own powerful interactive website. They will use the latest technology, including Adobe Photoshop, DreamWeaver and Macromedia Flash, in the newly upgraded labs. Class size is limited and costs and dates vary. For more information, call the SUNY Orange CAPE office at (845) 341-4770 or visit www.sunyorange.edu/cape

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SUNY Orange Recognizes Employees

4/26/2006

Photo: employeesGerald Zazzero
and President William Richards

Orange County Community College held its Employee Recognition Breakfast on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the SUNY Orange College Commons Cafeteria.  Employees recognized for 20 years of service to the college were , Paul Haakmeester, Jack Vuolo, and Gabe Kramer. Employees recognized for 25 years of service were,  Belen Medina, Carol Coon, Janete Melancon, and Rosemary Polo.  One college employee Gerald Zazzero received a standing ovation for his 40 years of service to SUNY Orange. Pictured in each photo (far right) is SUNY Orange President William Richards.

Photo: employees
Paul Haakmeester, Jack Vuolo, Gabe Kramer
and President William Richards

Photo: employees
Belen Medina, Carol Coon, Janete Melancon, Rosemary Polo
and President William Richards

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New Appointments at SUNY Orange Help Meet Training Needs Of Local Businesses

4/21/2006

Photo: David Kohn
David Kohn

Photo: Donald Green
Donald Green

Photo: Petra Wege-Beers
Petra Wege-Beers

Middletown, NY:  William Richards, Ph.D., President, SUNY Orange announces two new appointments in the Continuing and Professional Education Department (CAPE) to better meet the business challenges facing organizations located in Orange County. David Kohn is the new Director and Donald Green is the new Business Solutions Coordinator.  They join Petra Wege-Beers who is the Business Training and Professional Development Operations Coordinator. “SUNY Orange is positioning itself to be even more responsive to the needs of the business community and this is one of the many steps being taken,” Richards states.

David Kohn has earned a Master of Science degree in Adult Education and Human Resource Development, a Master of Business Administration degree in Marketing and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Economics.  He has twelve years of progressively responsible work experience in continuing education and business, specializing in program development and management of continuing education and workforce development programs.  “I am excited about the opportunity to partner with the business community to provide the training and workforce development programs that they need,” states Kohn.

Donald Green has more than 25 years experience in business training and retail. Formerly, he was the CEO of Green’s Department Store, a company renowned for its exceptional customer service, creative merchandizing strategies and innovative marketing campaigns. Additionally, he founded and was President of a private sector training and consulting business that provided both public and private sector businesses with customer service training and profit enhancement strategies.  “In my new position, I will help provide solutions to organizations’ challenges not only in the area of training and education, but to challenges in many other areas as well. There are a great deal of resources available to businesses through the college,” states Green.

Petra Wege-Beers has been part of the training effort at SUNY Orange since 1990 when she started as the Career Program Developer at the Newburgh Extension site. In that capacity she created vocational training programs for dislocated workers, public assistance recipients, veterans and the disabled, as well as the general public.  Currently she is utilizing that experience and her Master of Science degree in Vocational Rehabilitation to guide businesses and organizations through the process of identifying their needs and choosing the best programs.  “I look forward to continuing to customize programs for local businesses that provide excellent end-user results and help organizations set themselves apart from the competition,” states Beers. 

The SUNY Orange Continuing and Professional Education Department (CAPE) provides skills training, education and consulting services for organizations to upgrade, enhance and cross-train their existing workforce as well as courses for professionals to maximize and improve their marketability and employability.  For more information, call 845-341-4770 or visit www.sunyorange.edu/cape.

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Admissions Open House at SUNY Orange

Orange County Community College will host its annual spring Admissions Open House on Tuesday, May 16th from 5:00 to 7:30PM on the Middletown Campus in the College Commons.

The SUNY Orange Admissions Open House gives prospective students the opportunity to meet with academic professors representing over 30 majors.  It is a venue to find out why SUNY Orange students are so successful in transferring to colleges and universities upon graduating and why so many area employees are thrilled to hire SUNY Orange graduates.  The Admissions Open House is also a time to learn about scholarship and other financial aid opportunities. 

Admissions Counselors will be on hand to discuss admissions requirements as well as give walking tours of the beautiful 16-acre campus.

For more information about the SUNY Orange Admissions Open House call 341-4030 between 9:00 AM and 5:00PM, Monday through Friday.

SUNY Orange has an open enrollment policy.  More than 6000 students are enrolled at SUNY Orange on a full-time and part-time basis.  The college has a campus in Middletown, an extension center in Newburgh as well as evening education at Monroe-Woodbury, Port Jervis and Warwick Valley High Schools.  SUNY Orange is part of the State University of New York educational system.

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Mother's Day Concert at SUNY Orange - Sunday May 14

The Orange County Community College Mother’s Day Choral Concert, featuring the SUNY Orange choir and Madrigal Singers will perform a program of choral classics on Sunday, May 14th at 3:00PM in the Orange Hall Theater. The concert is free and open to the public

The SUNY Orange Choir and Madrigal Singers are directed by SUNY Orange choral instructor Christa Damaris.  Their selections for this concert will include Cantate Domnio, April is in my Mistress’ face, Alleluia, , Ose Shalom, Embraceable You and What a Wonderful World.

The concert is sponsored by the SUNY Orange Arts and Communication Department.  For more information please call 341-4787.

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Special Car Sale At SUNY Orange in Conjunction with HEALEY Brothers

  • Saturday, May 6 from 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday, May 7 from 11 AM to 4 PM

Parking Lot #5 - Bennett Street, Middletown

Ford - Chevy - Buick - Hyundai - Lincoln-Mercury - Mitsubitshi

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SUNY Orange Information Session At the Galleria Mall

SUNY Orange County Community College will be hosting an information session at the Galleria at Crystal Run on Sunday, May 7th from noon to 4:00PM. 

The booth will be located at the lower level atrium in front of J.C. Penney. 

Stop by and find out information about all that SUNY Orange has to offer. 

For more information about SUNY Orange or the admissions process contact the Office of Admissions at (845) 341-4030. 

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SUNY Orange offers courses to the Nonprofit Sector

The Institute for Nonprofit Leadership and Management at SUNY Orange is offering a series of courses to assist nonprofit organizations to be more effective and successful in reaching their goals. These courses address the specific needs of board members, executives, managers, administrative staff and volunteers. Such topics include: The Legal Responsibilities of Board Members, Grant Writing, Strategic Planning, Public Relations, Fund Development and Endowment Building.  A Certificate is awarded upon completion of six courses.

The courses are given in the late afternoon and are conveniently located at the SUNY Orange campuses in Middletown and Newburgh. The fee for a three-hour course is $50.

To register or for more information contact Sandra Röding at 845-341-4874, sroding@sunyorange.edu, or visit http://www.sunyorange.edu/cape/courses

The mission of the Institute for Nonprofit Leadership and Management at SUNY Orange is to strengthen nonprofit organizations through education, training and collaboration.  Serving the Greater Hudson Valley, the Institute sponsors a certificate training program, in addition to annual events including the Annual Conference, Philanthropy Day and a Volunteer Fair. 

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Three SUNY Orange students receive Chancellors Award

4/12/2006

Photo: Chancellor Award Recipients

From left to right:
Cartmell Warrington, Karen Mahakian and Michael Maita

On Monday April 10, 2006, John R. Ryan, Chancellor of the State University of New York, honored 270 college students from 62 SUNY campuses with the 2006 Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence. The Awards are given out annually to students who earn a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.78 or higher and record a significant contribution to their campus or local community.

"Recipients of this year's awards have excelled academically and, in many cases, far exceeded even their own expectations in their pursuit of higher education and community involvement,' said Chancellor Ryan. "The Chancellor's Award for Excellence is given to the best and the brightest students across the SUNY System. I am pleased to see so many recipients this year from nearly all of our campuses. I commend the campus presidents and their faculty and staff for discovering and enhancing student excellence throughout the year.'

The Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence was created to recognize students who have best demonstrated, and been recognized, for the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts or career achievement.

Pictured below are the SUNY Orange recipients. They are Karen Mahakian of Verplanck, Cartmell Warrington of New Hampton and Michael Maita of Wallkill.

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SUNY Orange announces new Physical Therapist Assistant Department Chair

3/30/2006

MIDDLETOWN – Orange County Community College's Physical Therapist Assistant Department is pleased to announce Dr. Maria Masker will become the new department chair as of the spring 2006 semester.

Dr. Masker graduated from Quinnipiac University in 1987 with a B.S. in Physical Therapy a declared minor in psychology. In January 2006, she completed her doctorate in physical therapy from Boston University. Maria's clinical experience includes direct patient care in acute care hospital settings, out patient clinics, sub-acute rehabilitation, long term nursing home care, and home care. Administratively, she has served as physical therapy director, center clinical coordinator of education, and coordinator of physical therapy to various local facilities.

Dr. Masker is enthusiastic about working with the staff, faculty and students at SUNY Orange, and will also continue to maintain her clinical experience with her preferred client population, geriatric care.

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