TRANSITION, AFFIRMATION, DIRECTION
In July I celebrated my one-year anniversary at SUNY Niagara, and what a year it was! Little did I know that my arrival as the college’s eighth president last summer would be just the beginning of a leadership transition period. Before the fall semester had ended, the vice presidents of both academic affairs and student services announced their departures. One retired after 35 years of service to the college. The other, a SUNY Niagara alumna who’d spent most of her career here, moved on to a substantial role at a SUNY university center. Then in February, the vice president of administration followed suit, accepting a vice presidency at one of SUNY’s comprehensive colleges.
While the campus felt the loss of this trio’s considerable combined talents, we also saw an opportunity for growth within SUNY Niagara’s leadership team. Its newest members, each of whom joined the college during the spring semester, are profiled within this report. In the midst of these key personnel changes, our college was pursuing reaccreditation, work that had begun before I came aboard. As institutional projects go, none requires more thoughtfulness, dedication and collaboration than reaccreditation.
I am extremely proud of the way that our campus community came together to craft a comprehensive, incisive self-study. When the Middle States Commission on Higher Education reviewers visited our campus in February, they too expressed their appreciation, not only for our thorough report, but also for the warm welcome and candor that everyone offered. This paved the way for reaccreditation and validated the direction of strategic planning, which we’ve poured our energy into for several months. A status update on this exciting effort appears below. Our college carries great momentum into 2025-2026. As busy as 2024-2025 was, it was just as invigorating. I hope you feel as I do, that SUNY Niagara is ascending. Building on so much success positions us to dream big, move courageously, and become a leading force for innovative education in western New York.
All my best,
Lloyd A. Holmes, Ph.D.
SUNY Niagara President
NIAGARA COUNTY LEGISLATURE
Rebecca Wydysh
Chairman, Second District
Anthony J. Nemi
Vice Chairman, Eleventh District
Randy R. Bradt
Majority Leader, Ninth District
Christopher A. Robins
Minority Leader, Fifth District
Irene M. Myers
First District
Christopher J. McKimmie
Third District
Jeffrey Elder
Fourth District
Christopher Voccio
Sixth District
Jesse P. Gooch
Seventh District
Richard L. Andres
Eighth District
David E. Godfrey
Tenth District
Carla L. Speranza
Twelfth District
Richard E. Abbott
Thirteenth District
Shawn A. Foti
Fourteenth District
Michael A. Hill
Fifteenth District
VIEW THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES WEBPAGE
At a Glance
Total Revenue: $45,296,378
- Student revenue: $16,763,569
- State aid: $10,428,918
- Sponsor contributions: $8,971,000
- Chargebacks: $7,432,649
- Other revenues: $2,466,219
- Change to fund balance: ($765,977)
- Fund balance: $24,138,437
Total Expenses: $45,296,378
- Personnel services: $24,595,043
- Employee benefits*: $12,844,522
- Contractual expenses: $7,522,495
- Equipment: $334,318
- Excludes GASBS 75 ($13,770,866) and GASB 68 ($792,259)
*Does not include the (income) expense associated with GASBS 75 regarding the accounting for other post-employment benefits of ($13,770,866) or GASB 68 regarding the accounting for the College’s proportionate share of the NYS pension plans of $792,259 for fiscal year 2023-2024.
- Clients counseled: 570
- Counseling hours: 2,300
- New business starts: 48
- Capital infusion: $18,099,514
- Loans/equity: 77
- Jobs created/saved: 2,218
- Associate of Applied Science: 347
- Associate of Arts: 128
- Associate of Science: 244
- Certificates: 209
- Microcredential: 51
- Total: 3,232
- 3,186 from New York (98%)
- 1,737 from Niagara County (64%)
- 1,449 from Out of County (36%)
- 46 Out of State (2%)
- Full-Time Tuition: $3,591
- Housing Cost: $4,385–$5,895
- 539 Total employees
- 281 Full-time faculty, staff, administrators
- 157 Adjunct faculty (credit instructors)
- 101 Part-time staff, administrators, non-credit instructors
- 165 Student-athletes
- 9 NJCAA-affiliated teams
- 1 Intramural sport (men’s club hockey)
- 5 NJCAA Region III Titles:
- Wrestling
- Women’s Basketball
- Men’s Basketball
- Golf
- Baseball
- Institutional Accreditation
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Baking and Pastry Arts Culinary Arts
- American Culinary Federation Education Foundation
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)athletes
- Nursing
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) Registered Professional Nursing
- New York State Education Department Registered Professional Nursing
- New York State Education Department Licensed Practical Nursing
- Radiologic Technology
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
- Surgical Technology
- Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA)
- Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)
Liberal Arts and Sciences, A.A. – 616
Nursing, A.A.S. – 337
Business Administration, A.A.S./A.S. – 231
Psychology, A.S. – 162
Liberal Arts and Sciences: Humanities & Social Science, A.A. – 155
- 1,042 – First-Time Registered Freshmen
- 406 – Registered Transfers
44,705
Total alumni
13:1
Student/Faculty Ratio
17
Average Class Size
John Delate, Ph.D.
Vice President of Student Services
Salvatore Durante
Vice President of Administration
Maher Ghalayini, Ed. D.
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Leadership
A CHANGING OF THE GUARD
SUNY Niagara ushered in a new era this past year with the appointment of three seasoned executives to key roles. Our transition began in January with the departures, days apart, of the vice presidents of both academic affairs and student services. In February, the vice president of administration followed.
The college conducted concurrent searches and had filled all of these positions before the start of summer. First to come aboard, on March 3, was Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Maher Ghalayini. Formerly senior vice president of academics at St. Lawrence College in Ontario, Canada, Ghalayini brings over 18 years of leadership and 20 years of teaching experience to SUNY Niagara.
Next, on April 14 the college named Dr. John Delate vice president of student services. A veteran of higher education with 30 years of experience, Delate previously served at SUNY Adirondack and continues to teach as an adjunct professor at SUNY Purchase. His background includes service in the Peace Corps, coaching college football, and union leadership.
The college looked outside of higher education to find a new vice president of administration. Salvatore Durante stepped into the chief financial officer role on June 2. With extensive experience in nonprofit and healthcare finance, and having taught graduate-level courses at the University at Buffalo for over a decade, Durante offers both strategic insight and academic depth to help steer the college.
These appointments reflect SUNY Niagara’s drive to build a workforce that, at every level, empowers students and strengthens our region through community engagement.
STUDENT RECEIVES CHIME
WORKFORCE SCHOLARSHIP
SUNY Niagara student Trinity Nevares was one of only 200 recipients nationwide of a $1,000 Chime Workforce Scholarship from the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. Nevares is enrolled in the Baking Pastry Arts program.
Nevares’ leadership set an example for her peers in a challenging academic environment. The scholarship underscores her achievements and the strength of SUNY Niagara’s hospitality and culinary programs.
The Chime Workforce Scholarship aims to support high-achieving students pursuing career and technical education at two-year colleges. It helps cover tuition, fees, and related educational expenses, giving students resources to complete certificate or associate degree programs.
The Chime Scholars Foundation emphasizes the value of career and technical training in providing individuals with in-demand skills and pathways to sustainable careers. The foundation partnered with the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation to launch the Workforce Scholarship program to recognize and support students across the country who are building better futures for themselves and their families.
ALFRED STATE PARTNERS TO OPEN
DOORS FOR FUTURE ENGINEERS
In August, the college hosted Alfred State College officials at a ceremony to formalize an articulation agreement between the two schools. The agreement guarantees graduates of SUNY Niagara’s Engineering Science program the opportunity to apply for Alfred State College’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program. These students will be granted full junior status and be offered guaranteed scholarships.
A guaranteed admissions pathway into Alfred State College’s bachelor’s degree program allows SUNY Niagara students to begin their academic journey knowing that their next step to a four-year degree is not only possible but promised. The colleges’ partnership highlights their shared commitment to ensuring clear pathways to career preparedness for future engineers, and financial support along the way.
2 NEW LABOR CONTRACTS
TAKE EFFECT
This past year the college negotiated new collective bargaining agreements with two organizations. First, in September 2024, the college reached a tentative three-year agreement with the Educational Support Personnel Association (ESPA), the New York State United Teachers affiliate that represents members of the college’s clerical staff.
Among key provisions of the agreement were:
• 3% annual wage increases;
• updates to vacation accrual and promotion language; and
• the establishment of a sick leave
donation program.
The ESPA membership ratified the contract in March 2025. In April, the SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve it.
Next, at the end of July, the college and Niagara County Community College Adjuncts Association reached a tentative agreement effective from September 2025 through 2029.
Under the new contract, adjunct faculty members will receive annual increases of 5% to both lecture and lab hourly rates over the four-year term. The agreement also institutes longevity pay, providing adjunct faculty with additional compensation after reaching 10, 16, 20 and 26 years of service.
PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION
In April, SUNY Niagara inaugurated Dr. Lloyd Holmes as the institution’s eighth president. The college planned a series of celebratory events as a prelude to an investiture ceremony attended by several hundred guests, followed by a community reception on the Sanborn campus.
Dr. Holmes began his tenure on July 1, 2024, after being appointed by the SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor John B. King Jr. His selection followed a national search by the SUNY Niagara Board of Trustees.
The inauguration marked a significant moment in SUNY Niagara’s history, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to formally welcome new leadership and a shared vision of hope for the college’s future.
New Website Launches
SUNY Niagara launched its new website in February. This project, led by Office of Public Relations and Event Management (PR), began in April 2023. Originally envisioned as a redesign of www.niagaracc.suny.edu, it resulted in a completely separate site, one that incorporates the SUNY Niagara identity:
www.sunyniagara.edu. This was a major undertaking, requiring
• Decommissioning 1,200 of 1,900 webpages and updating an additional 700.
• Reducing plugins from 170 to 28.
• Eliminating nearly 380 user accounts.
• Migrating to a more secure hosting environment with multi-factor authentication.
Traffic exceeded projections. April through June usage more than double the capacity of the college’s hosting plan.
By early summer, PR fully decommissioned the old website and optimization of the new site was underway. Improvements have included
• Resizing and compressing images.
• Writing meta descriptions and titles for 245 pages.
• Eliminating 460 page redirects.
• Rewriting content to reflect the college’s brand voice.
• Increasing plugin efficiency, creating custom post types, and improving page speed.
These enhancements resulted in a Google performance rating of 92 out of 100, a dramatic improvement from the score of 13 in March 2024, just prior to the start of the redesign.
COLLEGE EARNS REACCREDITATION
In August, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) reaffirmed SUNY Niagara’s accreditation through 2033, following a comprehensive review of programs, services, and governance. The process included an institutional self-study, campus visits, and in-depth discussions with faculty, staff, and students.
MSCHE accredits more than 500 institutions of higher education, ensuring educational quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. Its peer review evaluates colleges across seven standards: Mission and Goals; Ethics and Integrity; Design and Delivery of the Student Learning Experience; Support of the Student Experience; Educational Effectiveness Assessment; Planning, Resources, and Institutional Improvement; and Governance, Leadership, and Administration. SUNY Niagara fully met all standards and was commended for:
• Advancing faculty development in innovative approaches to online teaching.
• Using data to strengthen student-centered programs and services.
• Proactively managing costs while maintaining
fiscal stability.
Reaccreditation is timely as the college expects to finalize its next strategic plan in late 2025. SUNY Niagara is positioned to be both ambitious in envisioning a future and inclusive in building on past accomplishments.
COMMERCIAL DRIVER
TRAINING PROGRAM
In July, SUNY Niagara partnered with 160 Driving Academy to begin offering a Commercial Driver Training Program. The Office of Workforce Development worked for two years to bring this initiative to fruition. It provides participants with a clear pathway to earning a commercial driver license and then pursuing a job in the region’s growing trucking industry.
Headquartered in Chicago, 160 Driving Academy operates over 150 commercial truck driving schools across 44 states. Students benefit from proven training methods, expert instruction, and the option of completing either a 160-hour or 200-hour enhanced program. Offering both day and evening sessions, the program’s flexibility accommodates adults balancing work, family, and career transitions.
Based on 160 Driving Academy’s projection, SUNY Niagara is well positioned to train 200 or more CDL drivers annually. To encourage enrollment, the Niagara County Workforce Investment Board has made sponsorship funding available to prospective students.
WAYFINDING IMPROVEMENTS
The college completed its most significant wayfinding project in recent memory this past year. The installation of more than three dozen new, highly visible signs along roadways and sidewalks now direct new students, guests and all others who may be visiting SUNY Niagara for the first time or need to find a particular location.
In addition, the college retired the exterior “Learning Commons” sign, hung when the college’s signature piece of architecture was opened in 2018. Succeeding it is the largest single college logo installation, a lighted “SUNY Niagara” covering over 140 square feet.
These signs represent the last phase of the college’s 2024 rebranding. They are the largest permanent brand assets, repeating and reinforcing the SUNY Niagara aesthetic to all who set foot on campus.
NEW SUITE FOR SBDC
Sonya Smith (center) state director of the New York Small Business Development Center, joins SUNY Niagara President Lloyd Holmes and Maureen Henderson, director of the Niagara Small Business Development Center, to cut the ribbon of the Niagara Small Business Development Center.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Niagara Small Business Development Center opened a new office suite at SUNY Niagara. The SBDC had outgrown its previous location on campus, and the college purpose-built a space to better suit the needs of clients looking to start businesses.
The new location provides a more visible, prominent location on campus and more convenient access for clients. One aspiration of the center is to engage SUNY Niagara students through entrepreneurial programs related to specific majors. The staff also has begun building a library of success stories and is working toward making their courses be available online and on-demand, making industry specific training, and charging for trainings.
Having the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy on campus shortens the path for students who want to pursue careers in policing.
EXPANDING ACADEMIC OFFERINGS
The college received SUNY and state approval to launch a pair of new associate degree programs, both of which will begin accepting students in the fall 2025 semester. A new certificate program also will come on line then, as will two additional tracks in our Engineering Science program.
The Public Safety, A.A.S. degree program offers students pursuing careers in criminal justice the opportunity to complete the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy (NCLEA) as part of their studies. The two-year program integrates 33 credits of foundational coursework in criminal justice and the social sciences with 30 credits of police basic training through NCLEA, fulfilling the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services’ Basic Course for Police Officers.
The program is designed to address regional public safety needs, provide a consistent pipeline of well-prepared professionals, and serve as a training resource for agencies across western New York. Students will graduate prepared for careers at law enforcement agencies or in other roles within the criminal justice system. They also may also transfer their credits to a four-year school to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
The Human Services, A.A.S. degree program prepares students for careers in direct support, social work, and related human services fields. Offered in day, evening, and online formats, the program combines classroom instruction and field experience, giving students kills in the helping process, ethical practice, and communication.
The program prepares students to serve individuals and communities in an evolving social landscape. Graduates gain a strong foundation in social science methods, critical thinking, and client-centered support, equipping them to meet the growing demand for trained professionals across our region’s human services sector.
The Culinary Cannabis Skills certificate prepares students for careers at the intersection of the food service and cannabis industries. The program trains students in advanced cooking methods, infusion science, and safety practices needed to create cannabis-infused foods and beverages responsibly.
The Engineering Science, A.S. degree program expanded to include tracks in both chemical and industrial engineering. These tracks, like the three others in the program, provide students with the foundation needed to transfer seamlessly into four-year engineering programs. The curriculum mirrors the first two years of a typical baccalaureate engineering degree, emphasizing applied physics and including coursework in statics, dynamics, and material properties. Supporting courses in mathematics, physics, and chemistry ensure students are fully prepared for advanced study and transfer SUNY comprehensive colleges and private institutions alike.
HR LEADS EMPLOYEE
APPRECIATION CHARGE
Many employees have been featured on this year’s Employee Spotlight, including Glory Fox, online learning student support specialist, adjunct instructor, and advisor.
To highlight the college’s excellent workforce, the Human Resources office initiated the Thunderwolves Employee Spotlight. This program recognizes staff members’ achievements through social media and internal communications.
Human Resources also established the Thunderwolves Employee Excellence Program to honor employees who exemplify SUNY Niagara’s core values of service, excellence, and integrity.
Monthly winners receive a $50 gift card and campus-wide recognition. The Employee of the Year, who will be named in May 2026, will receive $250 and formal acknowledgment at the college’s Employee Recognition Luncheon.
ENHANCING THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
The Human Resources office’s stewardship of the college’s self-funded health plans sustained quality care for employees and retirees while containing costs this past year. Vigilant claims monitoring resulted in a total cost ratio—operating expenses relative to premium income—of 87.5%, well below the target benchmark of 100%. The college budgeted $6.9 million for health insurance claims from September 2024 through August 2025, but paid $6 million in claims, just 1.1% more than in 2023-2024.
ENROLLMENT CLIMB CONTINUES
Rebranding of the college—transitioning from Niagara County Community College to SUNY Niagara—occupied the first half of 2024. However, the effects of this change didn’t become clear until the 2024-2025 school year.
In November, SUNY issued a report detailing two-year enrollment trends systemwide. According to that document, from the fall of 2022 to fall 2024, enrollment among New York’s community colleges went up by an average of about 4.2%. The median was an increase was 2.9%. SUNY Niagara’s enrollment had grown by 18.5%, more than any other community college in New York.
This outcome followed a promotional campaign ending in August that paired recruitment-related calls to action with messages centered on students’ graduation rate, graduates’ earnings and flat tuition. The campaign generated 11.4 million impressions using video, audio, print, transit, billboard and digital assets. It resulted in 106,000 ad interactions, including 75,000 website visits and 1,400 phone calls to Admissions. These results were unprecedented.
ENHANCING THE
EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
To support continuous learning and create community within the campus community, Human Resources developed structured training programs that share institutional knowledge with newcomers and introduce unit-level managers to contemporary best practices. The redesigned New Hire Orientation strengthens onboarding by introducing employees to campus departments, compliance requirements, and systems within a framework that helps them acclimate to campus quickly. The Supervisory Training Series focuses on effective leadership, communication, coaching, performance documentation, and policy application.
ADDED INCOME
- Alumni Impact: $120.4 million
- Student Spending: $14.1 million
- Operations: $18.6 million
- Construction: $1.2 million
ECONOMIC IMPACT REVEALED
SUNY Niagara engaged Lightcast, a global leader in labor-market analytics, to study the college’s economic impact on our region. After analyzing data from the 2022–2023 fiscal year, Lightcast issued a report in November that found:
- The college generated $154.4 million for Niagara County’s economy, and supported 2,424 local jobs, the equivalent of one out of every 38 jobs in the county.
- Operations: $18.6 million added income, supporting 588 jobs.
- Construction: $1.2 million added income, supporting 14 jobs.
- Student Spending: $14.1 million added income, supporting 225 jobs.
- Alumni Impact: $120.4 million added income, supporting 1,596 jobs.
- This contribution represented 1.6% of the county’s total Gross Regional Product (GRP).
- By way of comparison, the college’s GRP was nearly as large as the entire utilities sector.
The Lightcast report also highlighted SUNY Niagara’s value as an investment:
- For every dollar students invested, they gained $5.80 in higher future earnings, with an average internal rate of return of 20% — double the long-term stock-market average.
- For every dollar of public funding, taxpayers received $2 in return through added tax revenue and reduced social-service costs.
- New York State gained $574.3 million in total social benefits — a return of $10.50 for every public dollar invested.
The economic-impact study concluded that SUNY Niagara:
- Raises students’ lifetime earnings and improves their employability.
- Strengthens local businesses by supplying a skilled workforce.
- Increases tax revenue while reducing public-service costs, resulting in an improved quality of life for the community it serves.
Kristopher Schimek
Wrestling
• Two-time NJCAA All-American and Region III champion
• 2012 Region III Wrestler of the Year
• Member of the NJCAA Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame
Jaclyn Welch
Women’s Basketball
• 2014 Region III Player of the Year
• NJCAA Division II Second Team All-American
• Named to First Team All-Region
ATHLETICS
5 NJCAA REGION III CHAMPIONSHIPS
Baseball
The baseball team’s 51–2 record set a single-season record for wins and clinched the program’s ninth NJCAA Region III championship and a NJCAA Div. III World Series tournament bid. Pitcher Matt Barr was named an NJCAA Div. III All-American and Pitcher of the Year. He was selected to the NJCAA Region III First Team and All WNYAC First Team. The Minnesota Twins drafted Barr with the 149th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Shortstop Nigel Sebastianelli earned a Baseball ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove and was named NJCAA Div. III Defensive Player of the Year. Catcher Dalton Harper and infielder Cooper Rossano were NJCAA Div. III Second Team selections.
Wrestling
Thunderwolves wrestlers captured the program’s 27th NJCAA Region III title. Led by All-American Te’Shaun Mathews, the team finished runners-up at Nationals, the team’s highest finish since 1973.
Women’s Basketball
After winning a seventh consecutive NJCAA Region III title, the women’s basketball team advanced to Nationals for the fifth time in program history. Isabella Karabetsos and Krystal Smith were named to the NJCAA Region III Div. II First Team, while Anaya Smith and Makayla Thomas were named to the Second Team.
Men’s Basketball
Jamyier Patton was named NJCAA Region III Div. II Player of the Year. He led the Thunderwolves to the NJCAA Region III title. Chioke Marshall joined Patton on the NJCAA Region III Division II First Team. Jalen Duff was named to the NJCAA Div. II Second Team. The team reached the NJCAA Div. II National Tournament as head coach Bill Beilein won his seventh NJCAA Region III Div. II Coach of the Year award.
Golf
The golf team defended its title as Region III champions in 2025. The Thunderwolves finished fourth at the NJCAA Div. III Men’s Championship with a four-day score of 1,239 strokes, their lowest at nationals in school history. Eliel Rodriguez and Ryan Kates received NJCAA All-American honors. Head coach Matt Oleski won a second straight Region III Coach of the Year award.
Freshly installed and ready for action: SUNY Niagara’s new Grow Container stands prepped for its first crop. While not yet in use, this cutting-edge facility marks a major milestone in the College’s cannabis education initiative, bringing nearly three years of planning and collaboration to life.
Workforce Development
SPECIALIZED SPACE FOR CANNABIS CULTIVATION
As SUNY Niagara concludes the third year of its $1 million SUNY Cannabis Workforce Development grant and transitions into a fourth year under a no‐cost extension, we are thrilled to share a major milestone: the installation of our highly anticipated grow container in June 2025. This one-of-a-kind facility was made fully operational in time for the fall 2025 semester, offering students state-of-the-art, hands-on training designed for production maximization, efficiency, and sustainability.
This innovation embodies nearly three years of collaborative efforts, during which SUNY Niagara’s Horticulture Program led a regional consortium of SUNY Erie, Genesee Community College, and Jamestown Community College to advance both credit and non-credit cannabis education supported by an active Industry Advisory Council. The success of the project placed the college at the forefront of cannabis instruction as a nationally renowned authority in the “seed to sale” lifecycle.
GRANTS
The Grants Office managed over $6.1 million in grant funding awards during the most recently completed
fiscal year. Thirty-three grant applications, totaling $8.2 million in funding requests were made in 2024–2025.
| Funder | Funding Amount |
|---|---|
| NYSED – PTECH – N.F. High School as the Lead Agency 2024/25 | $24,985 |
| NYSED – PTECH – N.T. High School as the Lead Agency 2024/25 | $25,000 |
| NYSED – PTECH MET – N.F. High School as the Lead Agency 2024/25 | $181,371 |
| NYSED Coordinated Collection Development Aid – Annual Library Aid FY ’25 | $8,089 |
| NYSED Liberty Partnership Program | $530,009 |
| NYSED Perkins Title V Career and Technical Education Act | $370,519 |
| SUNY – Empire State Service Corps (ESSC) | $36,500 |
| SUNY – Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) | $653,047 |
| SUNY – Office of Higher Education in Prison (OHEP) | $54,933 |
| SUNY Cannabis Workforce Development | $333,334 |
| SUNY Child Care Block Grant | $38,500 |
| SUNY Child Care Operational Grant | $81,878 |
| SUNY Community College $8 Million Allocation | $288,000 |
| SUNY Community Colleges for ALL: Adult Learner Leadership Initiative | $50,000 |
| SUNY Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) | $122,500 |
| SUNY Enrollment Fund | $1,271,827 |
| SUNY High Needs Nursing Simulation Support 2024 | $58,000 |
| SUNY Pre-Apprenticeship Training | $24,000 |
| SUNY Reconnect One-Time $1M High-Demand Program Expansion Support | $35,000 |
| SUNY SBDC Annual Support 2024 | $303,053 |
| SUNY SBDC Annual Support 2025 | $55,672 |
| SUNY Transformation Fund | $1,461,051 |
| The Statler Foundation – NFCI HITEC and Software Upgrades | $29,100 |
| US DOE – Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) | $99,837 |
| WNYLRC Access and Innovation Grant | $11,930 |
| Total | $6,148,135 |
Community college, community minded: our “Future Forward” session invited stakeholders from across western New York to give input on SUNY Niagara’s next strategic plan.
STRATEGIC PLANNING
FUTURE FORWARD 2026–2030
In 2025, SUNY Niagara launched Future Forward 2026–2030, a comprehensive strategic planning process designed to guide the college over the next five years.
The initiative began with listening sessions in April and May, where college employees explored ways to strengthen the institution’s mission, vision, and values. Through both online and in-person sessions, the Strategic Planning Committee collected more than 1,200 comments, reflections, and ideas from across and beyond campus.
In August, a forum for industry partners and community members generated additional feedback. This fall, the college will survey students to ensure their voices and experiences shape the final plan.
As the conversation continues and excitement builds, several recurring themes have emerged:
- Innovation and Relevance – Expanding high-demand academic pathways such as digital marketing, public safety, human services, skilled trades, sonography, cybersecurity, and supply chain management.
- Belonging and Empowerment – Strengthening student support services, investing in mental health and tutoring resources, and fostering an inclusive, student-centered culture.
- Partnership and Opportunity – Deepening collaboration with local employers and community organizations, expanding dual enrollment and adult learner initiatives, and exploring mobile/off-campus learning hubs.
- Inclusion and Visibility – Enhancing outreach through ESL programs, improving transportation access, highlighting alumni success stories, and expanding the college’s presence in Niagara Falls.
The Strategic Planning Committee will share a draft plan in October for additional review. A final plan—aligning SUNY Niagara’s goals with the needs of students, the regional workforce, and the broader community—is scheduled for Board of Trustees consideration in November 2025.
NCCC FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP SOIRÉE
The NCCC Foundation’s newly rebranded Scholarship Soirée was held in October at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, uniting alumni, community leaders, and friends of the college for an elegant evening in support of student success. Proceeds from this signature event directly benefit SUNY Niagara’s student scholarship fund, providing essential financial assistance to help students achieve their educational goals. The generosity of donors and sponsors continues to make this event a meaningful and impactful tradition.
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Formerly known as Presidential Partners, the giving society was renamed the President’s Circle to better reflect its focus on leadership, philanthropy, and the strong connection between donors and SUNY Niagara’s mission. The new name was celebrated with a special kickoff event hosted at President Holmes’ residence in July.
ROY E. SOMMER 23RD ANNUAL
GOLF SCRAMBLE
The annual Golf Scramble, held at Niagara Frontier Golf Club, unites alumni, community leaders, and friends of SUNY Niagara for a day of camaraderie and philanthropy in support of athletics. Proceeds from the event directly fund athletic scholarships, providing vital opportunities for student-athletes to pursue both their academic and athletic goals. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, participants, and donors, the Golf Scramble has become a signature fundraising tradition that continues to strengthen opportunities for SUNY Niagara students year after year.
DAY OF GIVING
Held each year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, SUNY Niagara’s Day of Giving brings together alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community members in a powerful show of support for student success. The campaign encourages gifts of every size, proving that when our community comes together, small contributions add up to a big impact. Proceeds directly benefit the NCCC Foundation’s student scholarship fund, providing essential financial assistance to students pursuing their educational goals. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the Day of Giving has quickly become a tradition that expands opportunities for SUNY Niagara students year after year.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
AWARD RECIPIENTS
At the 2024 NCCC Foundation Scholarship Soirée, the Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to three exceptional SUNY Niagara graduates: Richard L. Andres, Jr. ’99, Michael J. Garner ’80, and Pamela A. Walck ’85. Each honoree exemplifies the college’s core values of leadership, service, and community impact. Their achievements reflect the enduring strength of a SUNY Niagara education and serve as an inspiration to current students and fellow alumni alike.
NCCC FOUNDATION BOARD 2024-2025
Executive Committee
Matthew Zvolensky, Chairman
James Turner ’87, Vice-Chairman
Marc O’Hearn, Treasurer
Dr. Martin Drake ’75, Secretary
William L. Ross, Board of Trustees appointment
Jayne Schaber, Member-At-Large
Steven Sinclair, Member-At-Large
Board of Directors
Kristine Arcadi, ’06
Nancy Babis, ’84
Dr. David Bonnevie ‘74
Vincent A. “Jimmy” Cancemi ’68
Sharon Certo
Jane N. Haenle
Michael Hooper
Robert MacDonald, Jr.
Michelle Madigan
James A. Mezhir ’68
Gay Molnar
Fred Rickan ’81
Lester Robinson, III ’87
Dr. Leon Smith ‘65
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
The President’s Circle is SUNY Niagara’s exclusive donor recognition program honoring individuals and organizations who make an annual leadership gift of $1,000 or more. These gifts, designated to the President’s Circle Fund, support scholarships, academic programs, and campus initiatives, directly enriching the student experience and advancing the college’s mission.
For more information, contact the NCCC Foundation office at (716) 614-5910 or visit niagaracc.suny.edu/foundation/presidents-circle.
Ms. Katherine D. Alexander, Esq.
Mrs. Nancy Babis ‘84
Mr. Brandon Bielecki ‘13
Dr. Mark Bonacci
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Canada, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Vincent (Jimmy) A. Cancemi ‘68
Ms. Sharon Certo
Mr. David Cervi ‘82
Mr. Kevin C. Clark
Mr. Mark Constantino
Mr. & Mrs. John (Barbara Murphy) DeSimone
Ms. Katherine M. Dolce
Dr. & Mrs. Martin H. Drake ‘75
Mr. David Gordon
Mr. Terry Gill ‘93
Mrs. Jane Haenle
Dr. Lloyd Holmes
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kopczynski
Mr. and Mrs. Robert McKeown ‘88
Mr. James A. Mezhir ‘68
Dr. & Mrs. Brian Michel
Mr. and Mrs. Richard (Gay) Molnar
Dr. & Mrs. James Murphy
Mr. & Mrs. Marc O’Hearn
Dr. Cindy Oberjosh
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel (Ann Briody) Petock
Mr. & Mrs. Paul D. Reid
Ms. Laurie Ryan ‘80
Mr. Michael Shiah ‘84
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Sinclair
Ms. Sheila Smith
Mr. & Mrs. James Turner ‘86
Dr. & Mrs. Jerome (Lydia) Ulatowski
Ms. Barbara Walck ‘12
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Winter, Esq. ‘74
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Zvolensky
THANK YOU NCCC FOUNDATION DONORS
We would like to thank all of you for your generosity. We have attempted to recognize each gift of $100+ from Sept. 1, 2024–Aug. 31, 2025 and regret any inadvertent omissions. Should you notice a discrepancy, please call (716) 614-5910 or email
found@niagaracc.suny.edu.
Agency 15
Ms. Audrey Agnello
Ms. Katherine Alexander, Esq
Alliance Niagara Federal Credit Union
Mr. and Mrs Richard Andres, Jr. ‘99
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Arcadi ‘06
Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Arthurs
Ascension Industries, Inc
Mr. John Assimotos
Mrs. Mary Ellen Aureli ‘77
Mr. James Austin
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Aversa
Azar Design Co.
Ms. Nancy Babis ‘84
Bank on Buffalo
Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, Inc.
Mr. David Barrett ‘73
Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel
Ms. Lindsey Bax
Mr. Daniel Bazzani
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Beilein
Ms. Bridget Beilein
Ms. Annmarie Beutel
Mr. Scott Bickert
Mr. Brandon Bielecki ‘13
Dr. Mark Bonacci
Bonadio Group
Dr. and Mrs. David Bonnevie
Booker College Planning
Mr. Wayne Bowers
Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Boyle-Smith
Ms. Kelly Brandel
Mr. Paul Brown
Ms. Karen Brown
Mrs. Tammy Bruno
Bryan & Nicole Argo Memorial Foundation
Ms. Kimberly Buerger
Dr. Suzanne Buffamanti
Mr. R. Scott Burns
Mr. and Mrs. Jason Cafarella ‘98, ‘01
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Canada, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Cancemi ‘68
Ms. Sharon Certo
Mr. David Cervi ‘82
Charities Aid Foundation of America
Mr. Robert Cianciosa
Mr. Kevin Clark
Ms. Camryn Collins
Ms. Rose Connolly
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Constantino
Cornerstone Community FCU
Mr. Paul Crawford
CRB Holdings Inc.
Ms. Dawn Credicott
Mr. Ronald Cunningham ‘65
Custom Curb Appeal
Mrs. And Mrs. Mark Cye ‘93
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dashineau
Delaware North Companies
Mr. and Mrs. John DeSimone
Mr. Gary DeVantier
DGI Electrical Services, Inc.
Ms. Nancy DiStasio
Ms. Jean D. Doctor
Ms. Katherine Dolce
Mr. John Domagalski
Mr. Robert Dotton & Dr. Frances Sorge-Dotton ‘70
Dr. and Mrs. Martin Drake ‘75
Mr. and Mrs. John Eichner
Mr. and Mrs. John Elnicki
Erie County Medical Center
Evans Bank
Faculty Association of NCCC
Ms. Jillian Faddoul ‘98
Ayers Family
Ms. Michelle Farina
Mr. Rick Feldhousen
Sherriff and Mrs. Michael Filicetti ‘10
Ms. Stephanie Florczak
Fox Fence Inc.
G & G Fitness Equipment, LLC
Mr. Michael Garner ‘80
Mr. James Geckler
Mrs. Anjanette Geddes Welch
Mr. Terry Gill ‘93
Mr. Timothy Girdlestone
Ms. Rachael Glassner
Mr. Thomas Goodnick
Mr. David Gordon
Greenpac Mill
Ms. Jane Haenle
Mr. Paul Haenle
Mrs. Julie Haenle Bunn ‘84
Mr. Brian Hamluk
Harvard Business School Club of Buffalo
Ms. Alison Haseley
Ms. Carol Haseley
Ms. Grant Haseley
Mr. Randy Haseley
Hebeler LLC
Ms. Suzanne Hempel
Mr. Chris Herbeck
Hodgson Russ LLP
Mr. Bryon Hoffman
Dr. Lloyd Holmes
Mr. George Holt
Mr. Michael Hooper
Mr. Steven Hoover
Ms. Sally Hutton
Independent Health
Mr. Daniel Jackson ‘99
Joe Cecconi’s Chrysler Complex
Ms. Katherine Johnson
Mr. Ryan Johnson
Ms. Anne Jowsey
Mr. Michael Kather
Kerry, Inc. U.S.
Key Bank
Mr. Robert King ‘66
Ms. Nancy Knechtel
Mr. Eric Knuutila
Ms. Jenna Koch
Ms. Rachelle Kolbe
Ms. Jennifer Konstanty
Kopczynski Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kopczynski, Sr.
Mr. Robert Koshinski
Ms. Barbara Kowalski
Mr. Brent Kroening
Ms. Karen Kwandrans
Mr. Steve Kydd
LaBella Associates
Dr. and Mrs. Michael LaFever ‘70, ‘71
Ms. Joelle Lange
Lawley Insurance
Lockheed Martin
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Lynch ‘95, ‘98
M & T Bank
M/E Enginerring PC
Mr. Greg MacConnell
Mr. and Mrs. Robert MacDonald
Mr. Matthew Mackey
Ms. Michelle Madigan
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Malof
Ms. Marisa Martin
Ms. Gina Martin
Mr. Timothy McCarthy
Mr. and Mrs. Robert McKeown ‘88
Mr. James Mezhir ‘68
Dr. and Mrs. Brian Michel
Michelle Farina Agency
Ms. Jane Milleville
MJ Mechanical Services, Inc.
Mr. William Moag ‘76
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Molnar
Hon. Angelo Morinello
Mount St. Mary’s Hospital
Dr. and Mrs. William Murabito
Dr. and Mrs. James Murphy
Hon. Irene Myers
Mr. Michael Nasca
NBT Bank, N.A.
Niagara County Building & Construction Trades Council
Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
Niagara Falls Redevelopment, LLC
Niagara National Insurance Inc.
Niagara University
Dr. Cindy Oberjosh
Ms. Victoria Orzetti
Mr. and Mrs. William Paterson ‘65
Patrick P. Lee Foundation
Personal Touch Food Service
Mr. Todd Phillips ‘93, ‘98, ‘01
Mr. and Mrs. James Pitman
Mr. Aaron Reid
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Reid
Ms. Susan Reiter
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Rickan ‘81
Roach, Lennon & Brown, PLLC
Mr. and Mrs. Lester Robinson III ‘87
Mr. David Rogers
Mr. Nicholas Rosenberg
Mr. and Mrs. William Ross
Ms. Laurie Ryan ‘80
S & H Enterprises
Mr. Donald Sabato
Dr. Elizabeth Sachs
Sanborn Fire Company Band
Ms. Laura Scarpelli
Ms. Jayne Schaber
Mr. Joseph Schmidt
Mr. and Mrs. Randall Schultz ‘75, ‘85
Mr. Frederick Sdao
Seneca Gaming Corporation
Ms. Louise Senn
Sevenson Environmental Service
Mr. Kevin Shelley
Mr. Michael Shiah ‘84
Ms. Alissa Shugats-Cummings ‘95
Ms. Lynne Shuster ‘65
Signal 30 Troopers Benefit Fund Inc.
Ms. Theresa Silvestre ‘82
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Sinclair
Ms. Jill Skillern
Ms. Sheila Smith
Dr. and Mrs. Leon Smith ‘65
Ms. Jennifer Stahlman
Stephanie Neal Agency
Mr. Richard Stuchell
SUNY Niagara Athletic Department
SUNY Niagara Public Safety Department
SUNY Niagara Student Government
Mr. and Mrs. Roger Talley
Dr. Virginia Taylor ‘76
Mr. Scott Terranova
The John Fiore Foundation
The Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation
The Project Future Center
The Reid Group
The Statler Foundation
Mr. Donald Topolski
Toth’s Sports
Mr. Robert Travis ‘75
Mr. Terry Treichler ‘89
Mr. and Mrs. James Turner ‘86
Mr. and Mrs. John Tylec
UBMD Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Dr. and Mrs. Jerome Ulatowski
Ms. Sandra Underwood
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County
United Way of Greater Niagara
Venture Forthe Inc.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #268 Niagara
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Virtuoso
Mr. Chris Voccio
Ms. Barbara Walck ‘12
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wallace ‘74
Ms. Wendy Warchocki
Waste Technology Services Inc.
Wegmans
Mr. John Welsh
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Wentland
Ms. Caitlin Wetherwax
Mr. Frank Wierzbowski
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Winter ‘74
Ms. Joanne Wollaber
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Woods
Hon. Rebecca Wydysh
Ms. Cheryl Yager
Mr. Pascal Zanzano
Mr. Todd Zimmerman
Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Zvolensky