The Student Connection

Issue 38, June 1, 2012

From Student to Administrator: An Interview with Mildred Van Bergen, director of Academic Support, Long Island Center

By Vickie Moller-Pepe, student, Long Island Center-Hauppauge Unit and 2011-2012 student representative, Student Affairs Committee

Mildred Van Bergen, the director of academic support for SUNY Empire State College’s Long Island Center, was raised in the ‘60s and ‘70s by parents whose high regard for education was equaled only by their enthusiasm for radical social activism. As a child, attending war protests, political rallies and poetry readings was as normal to Van Bergen as watching cartoons. Not only did her highly educated parents strongly influence and encourage her scholarly pursuits, they also instilled within her an awareness of the importance of working toward social change. ... MORE

Diagnosed with Skin Cancer: A CDL Student Perspective

By Anne Therese McCorkell, student, Center for Distance Learning

In August 2010, after noticing a new sun spot on my face, I immediately made an appointment with my dermatologist because the thin brown line on my cheek stung, and I knew it was getting a bit longer daily. Within a couple of days after a biopsy, my dermatologist called and said, “You have malignant melanoma on your face, and it needs to be removed as quickly as possible. I’m referring you to a surgeon.” ... MORE

Center for Distance Learning Student Cheryl Donahue Named Bahr Scholar

By Michael Mancini, assistant to the dean, Central New York Center

Newark, N.J. resident Cheryl Donahue has been named a Bahr Scholar by SUNY Empire State College. ... MORE

Marina Privman at Fort Drum Wins Excellence in Mentoring Award Award; Specializes in Science, Math and Technology

By Hope Ferguson, senior writer

The SUNY Empire State College Foundation Award for Excellence in Mentoring went to Associate Professor Marina Privman, unit coordinator and mentor in science, math and technology, at the Fort Drum Unit. The award recognizes faculty who show superb performance as a mentor in the areas of teaching, student advisement, scholarship and service to the college. Privman received her award at All College Conference. ... MORE

Changes to Nonresident Tuition-Rate Structure Effective with September 2012 Term

By Paul Tucci, vice president for administration

Tuition charges for nonresident SUNY Empire State College students will change beginning with the September 2012 term. As a result of a change in a SUNY Board of Trustee policy regarding out-of-state rates for distance learners, all students not living in New York state or who are otherwise determined to be nonresidents will be charged out-of-state SUNY rates. ... MORE

Military Advanced Education University Corner Q and A: President Alan Davis Interviewed in Magazine

By Helen Edelman, manager, Exchange

President Alan R. Davis was featured in a Q and A in Military Advanced Education, talking about SUNY Empire State College’s relationship with service members and veterans and their families. The interview was in the magazine’s May 2012 “University Corner” column. ... MORE

Tracy Galuski Presents Two Topics at New York State Association for the Education of Young Children Conference

By Janet Shideler, associate dean, Center for Distance Learning

Tracy Galuski presented two separate topics at the New York State Association for the Education of Young Children Annual State Conference. Her presentation "Learning to Love: Supporting Attachment in Early Childhood Programs" was developed from a course offered at the Center for Distance Learning. ... MORE

Michael Mancini, at CNYC, Wins Excellence in Professional Service Award from Empire State College Foundation

By Hope Ferguson, senior writer

The SUNY Empire State College Foundation Award for Excellence in Professional Service went to Michael Mancini, at left, assistant to Dean Nikki Shimpton of the college’s Central New York Center. Mancini received his award at All College Conference. ... MORE

Hartley Hutchins, of the Niagara Frontier Center, Receives Foundation Award for Excellence in Part-Time Mentoring

By Hope Ferguson, senior writer

The SUNY Empire State College Foundation Award for Excellence in Part-Time Mentoring went to Hartley Hutchins, (in photo, left, with President Alan Davis, right), an adjunct professor at the college’s Niagara Frontier Center. The award recognizes faculty who show superb performance as a mentor in the areas of teaching, student advisement, scholarship and service to the college. ... MORE

SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Reed Coughlan Part of Group Receiving $48,475 to Create “One World Garden”

By Helen Edelman, manager, Exchange

Prof. Reed Coughlan, at left, a Central New York Center-Utica mentor for SUNY Empire State College who works with students of social theory, structure and change, is a member of a group that has received $48,475 to design a community green space in downtown Utica. ... MORE

Literature and Writing Mentor Robert Congemi Publishes Fifth Book, "Millennium Blues"

By Helen Edelman, manager, Exchange

Robert Congemi, at left, a literature and writing mentor at the Northeast Center, has published his fifth book, “Millennium Blues,” the first of three novels together referred to as “The Millennium Trilogy.” ... MORE

Other News

Literature and Writing Mentor Robert Congemi Publishes Fifth Book, "Millennium Blues" by Helen Edelman, manager, Exchange

Office of Communications and Government Relations Calling for Photo Entries from Faculty, Staff and Students for College Calendar 2012-13; Deadline is June 13 by Lorraine Klembczyk, assistant designer, Office of Communications and Government Relations

Skin Cancer Awareness Month by Jennifer Ward, student, School for Graduate Studies, Metropolitan Center-Manhattan Unit

We Got Klout! Social Media Plays an Important Role in Alumni and Student Engagement by David White, coordinator of alumni services

SAC Corner

Seventh Annual Student Academic Conference: An Interview with Diane Cosh, Student Art Presenter by Vickie Moller, student, Long Island Center-Hauppauge Unit; 2011-2012 student representative, Student Affairs Committee

Student/Alumni Profile

Meet James Froio, by Helen Edelman, manager, Exchange

Did You Know...

Priority deadline to apply for travel and/or lodging funding assistance to this year’s Student Academic Conference in Buffalo, NY is June 30.

Article Contributors
  • Helen Edelman
  • Hope Ferguson
  • Lorraine Klembczyk
  • Michael Mancini
  • Ann Therese McCorkell
  • Vickie Moller
  • Janet Shideler
  • Paul Tucci
  • David White