HCCC in the 2000’s
January 2000
Four new transfer agreements are established with SUNY Plattsburgh, bringing HCCC’s total number of transfer agreements to 23.
March 2000
HCCC’s Alumni Association holds its Inaugural Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony in Alumni Hall to honor eight alumni who have distinguished themselves among their peers in the pursuit of excellence in areas of personal achievement, professional accomplishment or community service. The first group of alumni honored is: Theodore R. Adams, Rose Marie Battisti-Bruce, Daniel J. Burling, Randolph J. Collins, Harrison J. Hummel III, Leigh Keno, Leslie Keno and James A. W. McLeod.
April 2000
SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence are given to HCCC students Doreen Ashabranner-Perez, Meghan Dillon, and Barbara Roberts.
April 2000
HCTV begins airing the Herkimer County Legislature meetings for community residents.
April 2000
James Marsh is re-elected as chairman of the Board of Trustees.
April 2000
The College holds a high school poetry contest with entries judged by the English and Humanities faculty. The contest, held for the first time in 15 years at HCCC, draws 76 contestants who are later honored at a reception at HCCC.
April 2000
Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team awards are received by HCCC students Meghan Dillon and Barbara Roberts.
April 2000
At the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, Orlando, FL, student Amy Flagler receives the George Bierkoe Distinguished Member award (10 awarded out of membership exceeding 75,000). Herkimer also earns the Journey Challenge 2000 Award for a significant increase in the chapter’s membership.
May 2000
The men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams are named NJCAA National Academic Teams of the Year (1999-00) for the second straight year.
May 2000
John W. Campagna receives the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Thomas W. Lenahan received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
May 2000
Martin Babinec receives the Alumnus of the Year award.
August 2000
Professor William Pelz, a leader in online teaching, publishes three articles on distance learning in the Journal of Educational Computing Research and Online Education.
August 2000
Professor David Piwinski has three articles accepted for publication in scholarly journals for literary criticism.
August 2000
HCCC’s Art Gallery is dedicated as Cogar Gallery, in memory of George and Ann Cogar, as a result of the Cogar Foundation’s contribution to the Generals Campaign.
August 2000
The Internet Academy adds six new degree programs (Liberal Arts & Sciences: Humanities (AA), Liberal Arts & Sciences: Social Science (AA), Business: Accounting (AAS), Business: Human Resource Management (AAS), Criminal Justice: Security (AAS), Criminal Justice: Economic Crime (AS) and two certificate programs (Small Business Management and Corrections).
September 2000
The Radio-TV program launches a five-year campaign to transition the technology to a more modern digital format to provide students with a learning atmosphere that is consistent with today’s workplace.
September 2000
HCCC reaches record enrollment of 2,669 full-time students (9.1% increase over 1999) and 710 part-time students (17.2% increase over 1999).
October 2000
HCCC Trustee Georgette Drake receives the 1999 Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Service at the 47th Annual Fall Conference of the New York Community College Trustees.
November 2000
HCCC hosts the NJCAA national men’s soccer tournament; Herkimer wins the championship.
January 2001
HCCC alters the academic calendar to help area businesses with summer manpower needs. Classes will start Sept 5, 2001 (after Labor Day).
April 2001
John D. Bullis is appointed Dean of Institutional Advancement.
April 2001
Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team awards are distributed in Albany to HCCC students Brent Ruge and Catherine Wilson.
April 2001
At the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, Denver, CO, Leanne Jardine is recognized with the Continued Excellence Award for Advisors, and student Amy Flagler is named Distinguished Regional Officer (10 awarded out of approximately 125 regional officers).
April 2001
SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence are given to HCCC student Catherine Winston.
May 2001
HCCC wins a NJCAA national championship in track & field women’s pole vault. Track & field coach Sharon Howell is named NJCAA Coach of the Year.
May 2001
The women’s swimming & diving team is named NJCAA National Academic Team of the Year (2000-01) for the third consecutive year.
May 2001
Thomas F. LaPuma receives the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
May 2001
Andrew J. Kaiser receives the Alumnus of the Year award.
June 2001
HCCC and Niagara Mohawk Inc. offer an e-government Digital Towpath training to Herkimer County municipalities.
June 2001
The Empire State Games are held at HCCC, one of several locations in the Central New York area to host the games. In addition to hosting competitions on campus, the College helped organize community involvement and promotion of the area to visitors.
July 2001
The tuition rate for the off-site program decreases from $80 to $30 per credit hour. The College officially names this program the College Now program. Enrollment increases 276 percent, from 72 in fall 2000 to 271 in fall 2001.
July 2001
Phi Theta Kappa is named All New York Academic Team.
July 2001
HCCC begins using a new electronic field production vehicle purchased with help from Senators Raymond Meier and James Seward and Assemblyman Marc Butler. It is part of a digital upgrade and will be used to train students in the Radio-Television Broadcasting curriculum.
August 2001
HCCC conducts a continuing education needs assessment of North Country residents.
August 2001
John Ganio is appointed Dean of Academic Affairs.
August 2001
A video project “Little Falls, A Living Legacy,” produced by Mike Giudice and Richard Friedrich in 2000, is sent to the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
August 2001
The Internet Academy adds an additional degree program—Human Services (AAS).
September 2001
David S. Armstrong is appointed to the HCCC Board of Trustees to replace Georgette Drake, whose term expired.
September 2001
The HCC Foundation holds its first World Cuisine Festival, an evening of international cuisine, selected wine, entertainment, auctions.
October 2001
The Village of Ilion and HCCC sponsor a Communities 2000 town meeting to encourage local citizens to actively participate in public life.
November 2001
Fall enrollment is at a record level with 1,994 full-time and 882 part-time students. Total enrollment is up by 10.9 percent over the previous record set in 2000.
December 2001
The Board of Trustees passes a resolution to build additional student housing.
January 2002
Professor Faye Eichholzer receives an award for online teaching by the Learning Resources Network.
March 2002
An Alumni Hall of Honor Ceremony takes place. Inductees are Martin Babinec, Anne Dorrance, John Coveleski and Dr. Mark Sillman.
April 2002
The Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team award is received by HCCC student Amy Flagler.
April 2002
HCCC students Ryan Hallenbeck and Elizabeth Losty receive SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence.
April 2002
At the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, Nashville TN, Leanne Jardine receives the Phi Theta Kappa Board of Directors Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the alumni program, honors program, and special projects. HCCC student Michael Hensel is named George Bierkoe Distinguished Member (10 awarded out of membership exceeding 75,000).
May 2002
HCCC wins the NJCAA national championship in track & field women’s pole vault (second consecutive year).
May 2002
The College’s “EdVentures” program offers trips and tours including the Allentown Art Festival, Bicycling in the Finger Lakes, Hyde Park, and the Metropolitan Opera.
May 2002
Associate Professor Mary Ann Carroll is named to Who’s Who Among American Teachers.
May 2002
Annette M. Yauney receives the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
May 2002
Mark C. Cochi receives the Alumnus of the Year award.
June 2002
Alfred A. Barbato, Schuyler, is appointed to the Board of Trustees.
July 2002
The Internet Academy launches a pilot program with the New York City Fire Department.
August 2002
The College of St. Rose teaches graduate courses to area residents at HCCC.
August 2002
The Internet Academy adds two degree programs, Business: Health Services Management Technology (AAS) and Small Business Management (AAS).
Fall 2002
In 2002, five additional high schools become partners in HCCC’s College Now program, bringing the total number of schools to nine.
September 2002
Patrick E. Russell, Old Forge, is appointed by the County Legislature to the HCCC Board of Trustees.
September 2002
The Board of Trustees approves a resolution to purchase and implement new administrative management software (Banner).
September 2002
The Board of Trustees approves a resolution to lease/transfer property to the Herkimer County College Foundation for the purpose of constructing and managing a new student housing complex.
October 2002
The Board of Trustees passes a resolution to replace the Library building’s roof.
October 2002
The men’s soccer team defeats Alfred State College to win a total of 114 home games in 10 years.
October 2002
The first annual “Take Back the Night” march, rally & speak out against domestic violence is held at HCCC (sponsored by the YMCA of the Mohawk Valley and Catholic Charities of Herkimer).
November 2002
The College’s radio station, WVHC 91.5 FM, adds nationally syndicated jazz programming to its weekend lineup.
January 2003
The College announces an articulation agreement with SUNY Albany bringing the number of articulation agreements to 29.
February 2003
HCCC and the Herkimer Police Department sponsor Terrorism Threat Response Seminars for police, emergency management, fire and other public safety officers.
February 2003
Judy L. Hummel, Mohawk, is appointed to the College Board of Trustees to fill the vacancy of Robert Jones.
April 2003
HCCC opens its state-of-the-art computer technology and high speed internet services to the community in support of students deployed in the military and their families during the Gulf War.
April 2003
The Board of Trustees approves a resolution to improve the track facilities and add new office space in the College Center.
April 2003
Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team awards were given in Albany to HCCC students Francesca Magro and Michael Hensel.
April 2003
At the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, Los Angeles CA, HCCC’s chapter advisor Leanne Jardine receives the Continued Excellence Award for Advisors.
May 2003
The men’s lacrosse team wins the NJCAA National Championship, its eighth in the last 15 years. They also have won 20 straight Region III championships.
May 2003
The College announces that a women’s lacrosse program will begin in 2003-2004. Paul Wehrum is appointed women’s head coach, and Scott Barnard is named head coach for men’s lacrosse.
May 2003
The women’s swimming & diving team is named NJCAA National Academic Team of the Year (2002-03).
May 2003
Alan B. Cronauer receives the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
May 2003
Sean P. O’Brien, LCDR, Ch.C, USNR, receives the Alumnus of the Year award.
July 2003
John J. Quinn is reappointed to the Board of Trustees.
August 2003
The College unveils the Chancellor’s Wall of Honor to recognize recipients of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence since the College’s inception (38 years). The Wall of Honor gives recognition and visibility to the excellence in teaching and support services provided by the College.
August 2003:
The Internet Academy adds two degree programs, Business: Marketing and Paralegal. The Criminal Justice: Security program is deactivated.
August 2003
HCCC hosts a debate between the six candidates for Herkimer County Sheriff.
August 2003
HCCC cuts the ribbon on Reservoir Run and dedicates the buildings to Dean of Institutional Advancement John Bullis, Dean of Students James Hayes, and Dean of Administration and Vice President Robert Kane. HCCC becomes the largest residential community college in New York State.
September 2003
HCCC and Franklin University announce a partnership to offer 10 online bachelor’s degrees to HCCC students.
October 2003
Professor William Pelz receives 2003 Sloan-C Award for excellence in online teaching.
November 2003
A new degree program, Criminal Justice: Cybersecurity (AS) is approved by SUNY and the State Education Department. It is one of the first initiatives resulting from a partnership with other local colleges and the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY. The goal is to have a local degree path in Cybersecurity, from associate level through doctoral level of study.
November 2003
HCCC wins a Telly Award, a national competition honoring outstanding non-network television commercials and programs and non-broadcast video and film productions, for broadcasting of the Empire State Games. The Videographer Award of Distinction was also received for each of two programs.
December 2003
HCCC is granted MSA Accreditation through 2008.
December 2003
HCCC soccer player Chris Charles competes for the Olympics in a CONCACAF qualifying game in Granada.
December 2003
HCCC employees donate $6,686 with 40 percent of the employees contributing to the Valley United Way, the largest contribution from HCCC to the annual campaign to date.
January 2004
HCCC hosts the state’s community colleges at a groundbreaking Peace Officer Legislation Conference. HCCC has played a key role in making this peace officer legislation a law over the past 10 years.
January 2004
Phi Theta Kappa announces that HCCC’s Upsilon Epsilon Chapter has achieved the Pinnacle Scholarship Chapter level in the 2003 Pinnacle Scholarship Award Program.
March 2004
Total enrollment for spring 2004 is over 3,000 students with 71 percent from outside Herkimer County, and 120 students representing 45 countries from around the world.
March 2004
The men’s soccer team is named NJCAA National Academic Team of the Year (2003-04) with a 3.01 overall team grade point average.
April 2004
Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team awards were distributed in Albany to HCCC students Kelsey Schwabach and Denise Finch-Frederick
April 2004
SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence are given to HCCC students Denise Finch-Frederick and Kellie Gervais.
April 2004
The HCCC Alumni Association holds its third Alumni Hall of Honor Induction ceremony. New inductees are Margaret Beck (‘69) and William Plante (‘71).
May 2004
The women’s lacrosse team is named NJCAA National Academic Team of the Year (2003-04).
May 2004
Track & field coach Sharon Howell is named NJCAA Coach of the Year. Howell also received the Coach of the Year award in 2001.
May 2004
HCCC’s Upsilon Epsilon Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa is presented with a Certificate of Outstanding Participation in the PTK International Community Initiative to fight against hunger and illiteracy.
May 2004
The Board of Trustees approves a resolution for Physical Education Building bleachers and repairs.
May 2004
Angela Semo receives the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Rebecca Ward receives the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
May 2004
James C. Roller receives the Alumnus of the Year award.
May 2004
The Board of Trustees passes a resolution to convert the Radio-TV studio’s infrastructure and equipment from analog to digital technology. Funding will come from the State’s allocation for community college campus technology infrastructure projects, and the balance from the College’s capital fund.
June 2004
Dr. Matthew R Hawes is appointed Dean of Students.
July 2004
HCCC receives the SUNY/CUAD Best of Category Award for Student Recruitment Publications: Individual Viewbooks and Prospectuses, for its viewbook Rock Solid Education.
July 2004
Due to growth in enrollment, a new admission requirement is implemented. All non-Herkimer County residents are required to have a high school diploma and a cumulative high school GPA of at least 70 to be admitted. Applicants not meeting the criteria are to be placed on a waiting list.
August 2004
The Board of Trustees passes resolutions to recognize the past, present and future accomplishments of President Ronald F. Williams and the administration, faculty and staff.
August 2004
Director of Campus Safety Frank Lawrence and Paul LaPuma are the first HCCC Safety Officers to be appointed Peace Officers.
September 2004
Total enrollment has increased by 36 percent since fall 2000 (from 2,591 in fall 2000 to 3,526 students in fall 2004). Over 28 percent of HCCC’s students earn their degrees entirely over the internet. The College Now program accounts for 29 percent of the total part-time enrollment for fall 2004 with 10 high schools participating.
October 2004
Turf is laid for HCCC’s new multi-million dollar athletic facility. HCCC will be the first community college in New York State with a synthetic grass stadium facility. The synthetic grass playing surface is similar to fields used by the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys.
October 2004
New institutional and athletic logos are unveiled.
October 2004
Six individuals receive the 2004 Torchbearer Awards in recognition of time and resources generously given to provide the residents of Herkimer County with an affordable and quality community college. They are: Mr. Robert Boyle, Dr. Joseph DeLorenzo, Colonel James Hill, Mr. Frank Menapace, Miss Jean Stapleton, and Dr. H. David Trautlein. Plaques to honor these individuals are placed in the Robert McLaughlin College Center.
October 2004
HCCC students participate in “Make a Difference Day” by cleaning the Herkimer Mini Park and distributing information to neighbors on curbing park vandalism.
November 2004
The Board of Trustees approves a resolution to expand and renovate the Library building.
November 2004
Community groups make plans for the establishment of a Herkimer County Veteran’s Memorial Park to be located at HCCC.
November 2004
Gary C. Luther, Dolgeville, is reappointed to the Board of Trustees.
January 2005
HCCC Library receives a grant from the Northeast Asia Council of the Association for Asian Studies, with the support of the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission to purchase audio-visual materials that will introduce HCCC students to Japan and its culture.
January 2005
The Internet Academy adds two degree programs, Business: Accounting (AS) and Business: Health Services Management Technology (AS).
February 2005
Community organizations meet a $36,000 fundraising goal for the establishment of a Veterans Memorial Park at HCCC.
February 2005
President Williams announces that HCCC’s Internet Academy has proven incredibly successful. Since its inception in 1999 it has grown to include 18 two-year degree programs and three one-year certificate programs. Thirty percent of HCCC’s courses are offered online and 28% of the student body takes all of their courses through the Internet Academy. HCCC has the largest number of online degree programs of any community college in New York State. The college has also been recognized for providing outstanding online support services.
March 2005
Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team awards are given to HCCC students Hannah Mahoney and Theresa Vogel. Advisor Leanne Jardine is selected Advisor of the Year.
April 2005
At the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, Grapevine, TX, HCCC student Nathan McDonald is presented with the 2005 Freeman Science Award (only one awarded; last one ever to be given out) and an international Phi Theta Kappa Hallmark Award for his study on embryonic stem cell research.
April 2005
SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence are given to HCCC students Cassandra Estey, Sam Grande, and Theresa Vogel.
April 2005
HCCC Social Issues Week, open to students and the public, provides a series of activities to heighten awareness of timely social issues important to college students and young adults.
April 2005
HCCC student athletes Amie Chase, Same Grande, Brandi Ostrander, and Nancy Tremblay are honored with the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student-Athlete Excellence.
May 2005
The women’s lacrosse team finishes the season third in the nation in its second year with an impressive 12-1 record with 10 student athletes named Academic All-Americans. The team is also named NJCAA National Academic Team of the Year (2004-05).
May 2005
The men’s lacrosse team wins their ninth NJCAA National Championship title beating Essex 10-5, despite coming in second in the Region III finals. It was the first championship under second-year head coach Scott Barnard.
May 2005
HCCC’s track & field runner Nancy Tremblay wins a NJCAA national championship in the women’s 100 meter.
May 2005
HCCC holds its 37th annual commencement exercises with a class of 559, the largest in school history.
May 2005
Mary E. House receives the Alumnus of the Year award at commencement.
June 2005
HCCC Public Relations Office wins the Gold Paragon Award from the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) for its viewbook, which is themed “Rock Solid Education.”
June 2005
The Board of Trustees passes a resolution to name the College’s new athletic stadium for Paul Wehrum.
July 2005
More HCCC student athletes earned Academic All-Region awards than any other community college in New York State. These awards are given to student athletes who have earned at least 45 credit hours and a GPA of 3.5 or better.
August 2005
HCCC campus safety officers Orzolek, Manley, and Carlesimo receive Peace Officer status following the inaugural class of the CNY Campus Peace Officer Academy after new state Peace Officer legislation for community colleges was passed in 2003. Theirs was the first group to graduate from the Academy.
August 2005
HCCC’s women’s lacrosse team is named the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Academic Team of the Year with a 3.16 GPA (2004-2005).
August 2005
HCCC celebrates with the Herkimer County Legislature 40 years since the former Board of Supervisors passed a resolution in August 16, 1965 supporting the formation of a community college in Herkimer County.
August 2005
HCCC’s Child Care Center earns accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.
August 2005
The Herkimer County Legislature approves a $6.8 million expansion and renovation of the College’s Library building. The project will require no funding from the county or local taxpayers.
August 2005
Dean Nicholas F. Laino is appointed Dean of Administration following the retirement of Robert Kane.
September 2005
The College’s office in Old Forge closes after serving as an administrative and learning center for the College in the Town of Webb and surrounding communities for the past decade. The decision to close the office is primarily based on the College’s ability to provide high quality distance learning opportunities through HCCC’s very successful Internet Academy. HCCC will continue to offer non-credit courses in the Town of Webb.
September 2005
The College partners with the Sloan Foundation and other colleges and universities throughout the country to provide free online courses for students enrolled at institutions affected by Hurricane Katrina.
October 2005
A dedication ceremony is held for the Herkimer County Veterans Memorial Park and Wall of Honor, located on the HCCC campus at the entrance to the new athletic stadium.
October 2005
The College dedicates its new athletic stadium to lacrosse coach and Professor Paul Wehrum. The dedication is the result of a successful fundraising campaign to name the stadium in recognition of the storied head coach of the HCCC men’s lacrosse team from 1979 to 2003. As of this date, Wehrum’s impressive record includes 20 consecutive National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region III Championships and eight NJCAA National Championships (1988-89, ‘92-96, 2003). He holds the collegiate record of 59 straight wins, and has been named NJCAA Coach of the Year six times. He was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1999, the only junior college coach to ever receive this honor. The stadium is the first at a community college in New York State to have a synthetic turf field.
October 2005
HCCC hosts the NJCAA Division III, Region III men’s and women’s soccer tournament at HCCC. Herkimer’s men’s and women’s teams both compete in the tournament and win Region III championship titles. Men’s head soccer coach, Pepe Aragon, is named Region III Coach of the Year.
October 2005
HCCC sets a fall enrollment record, welcoming 997 new full-time students. Total enrollment is 3,556 students on campus, online in Internet Academy courses, and in College Now offerings at area high schools.
November 2005
HCCC hosts the NJCAA Division III men’s and women’s soccer final four tournaments in the same weekend. HCCC’s men’s team won their sixth national championship title, and the women’s team tied for third place. The new Wehrum Stadium features artificial turf, a new scoreboard, press box area, team locker room/officials building, bleachers for 750 spectators, and a concession stand.
February 2006
U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert launches the annual Artistic Discovery competition for high school students. Herkimer County students’ artwork is submitted to and judged at HCCC.
March 2006
President Williams is honored with the Great Heroes award from the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross for both his and the College’s support of the Red Cross. A breakfast and ceremony honoring Dr. Williams and other award recipients is held at the College.
April 2006
The State legislative budget includes $3.4 million for the expansion and renovation of the Library building.
April 2006
Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team award is awarded to HCCC student James Luckner.
April 2006
At the Phi Theta Kappa International Convention, Corning, NY, HCCC Science instructor William Lints receives the Horizon Award.
April 2006
HCCC students Brandon Davis, Kaylynn Iglesias, and James Luckner receive the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence.
May 2006
President Williams is the May 2006 commencement speaker at SUNY Institute of Technology.
May 2006
HCCC holds its 38th annual commencement with a record 592 graduates. This year’s ceremony was available for the first time online through streaming video on the College’s home page.
May 2006
The Alumni Association honors Officer Joseph D. Corr (‘95) as the 2006 Alumnus of the Year posthumously after dying in the line of duty earlier in the year. A video tribute is presented at the commencement exercises.
May 2006
Dr. Timothy McLean, Professor, Social Science receives the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. William Pelz, Professor, Social Science receives the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship & Creative Activities. Tom Stock, Director of Facilities Operations receives the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.
May 2006
A Memorial Day ceremony is held for the first time at the new Veterans Memorial Park.
July 2006
The annual Community Independence Day Celebration featuring music, food and fireworks is held on the HCCC campus, sponsored by various community organizations. The 2006 event has the largest estimated attendance to date in the history of the 14-year event.
July 2006
The College celebrates its 40th anniversary with the community at the Community Independence Day Celebration.
July 2006
President Williams celebrates his 20th anniversary as the College’s President.