Herkimer College Hosts State Representatives

Herkimer County Community College administrators, faculty and students hosted New York State representatives, including Senator James Seward and Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, for a campus visit on Monday, March 7. Students shared with the elected officials personal stories of why they chose to attend Herkimer College, the opportunities available to them and their plans for the future.

Stephen Gross, Dolgeville, NY, said, “I shopped around for college, and I realized I could possibly graduate from Herkimer debt-free…I am here and I am graduating debt-free and I thank Herkimer for that.”

Timothy McKenzie, of Central Islip, NY, originally attended Lincoln University in Pennsylvania on a basketball scholarship. When he tore his meniscus, he lost his scholarship and had to find a more affordable option. “Going to a university was out of the picture for me. I couldn’t afford it.” In addition to the low cost at Herkimer, McKenzie said he has been able to afford college due to several on-campus jobs he holds. He is a peer tutor, resident assistant, and he works in the Fitness Center and Admissions Office. McKenzie has excelled academically, is playing basketball for the Generals, and is a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.

Rhiannon Steele, of Little Falls, NY, explained that many students do not know what they want to study, and by starting at a community college, they can afford to take their time and take courses in different subject areas. Steele discussed the need for the State to increase funding of community colleges, and without increased support, community college students will suffer due to fewer support services and campus job opportunities. “It would be sad to see the college cut back on services that so many students come here for,” said Steele.

SUNY community colleges are requesting an increase to the base aid provided per full-time equivalent (FTE) of $285 for the 2016-17 year. The current base level is $2,597 per FTE which is down $78 in nominal dollars from 2008-09 and $472 in inflation adjusted dollars.
President Cathleen McColgin said, “The visit was very positive, and I appreciated our elected officials taking time to meet with members of the campus community. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to hear from students and faculty and to see first-hand how their support impacts our students and their ability to achieve their educational goals.”

The meeting was followed by a tour of two new state-0f-the-art classrooms in Johnson Hall—the First Source Federal Credit Union Center for Applied Business and Entrepreneurial Studies and the SUNY Regional Center for Quality Assurance.

Photo Attached: Pictured from left: Provost Michael Oriolo, Director of Children’s Center Pamela Mazzorana, NYS Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney, Stephen Gross of Dolgeville, Rhiannon Steele of Little Falls, Brandy Coulibaly of Herkimer, Dean of Students Matthew Hawes, Karra Bretscher of Rome, Timothy McKenzie of Central Islap, Professor MaryJo Kelley, Assistant to the President Daniel Sargent, Director of Community Relations for Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi’s office John Stemen, Associate Professor Jessica Kelly, Vice President for Administration and Finance Nicholas F. Laino, NYS Senator James Seward, and President Cathleen McColgin.

More photos can be viewed here.