Allie Schwerthoffer of Batavia, was one of 45 SUNY Cortland transfer students inducted into Tau Sigma National Honor Society on Monday, April 1.

Tau Sigma, including its SUNY Cortland Pi chapter, is an academic honor society designed to recognize and promote the academic excellence and involvement of transfer students.

To qualify, students must have transferred to SUNY Cortland from another academic institution with at least one full year's academic credits satisfied and must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 after earning 12 or more credits at Cortland.

More than 90 students, families, faculty, and staff attended the ceremony in the Corey Union Function Room, hosted by the Advisement and Transition Office. President Erik J. Bitterbaum provided a welcome and Ryan Vooris, chair of the sport management department and transfer student himself, presented the keynote address.

This year was the 20th year for the Pi chapter at SUNY Cortland, which has inducted over 1,000 students since 2004.

Crystal Glover of Batavia has been named to Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) Winter 2024 President's List. The winter terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

The State University of New York at Potsdam will recognize the Class of 2024 during the College's 204th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 18.

During Commencement, SUNY Potsdam honors students who have either earned their degree or are eligible to graduate during that calendar year. To learn more about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

Local graduates include:

• Lydia Geiger of Batavia, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Music Performance
• Erin Parnapy of Byron, who is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre
• Megan Privatera of Le Roy, who is set to graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education
   

The City of Batavia Fire Department would like to announce that Firefighter Craig Huntoon will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant effective June 12.

Firefighter Huntoon has served the residents of the City of Batavia since 2019. Prior to that, he was an Aircraft Rescue Firefighter in the Marine Corps. 

He has continually displayed a great deal of fire service knowledge and leadership ability. He has been and will continue to be an asset in his new role as Lieutenant for the 4th Platoon.

Connor Kresock, of Elba, was named among the students who qualified for Belmont University's spring 2024 Dean's List. Approximately 44% of the University's 7,338 undergraduate students qualified for the spring 2024 Dean's List.

"Earning a place on the Dean's List is a testament to the unwavering diligence, tenacity and commitment to scholarly distinction exhibited by Belmont's promising students," said Belmont University Provost Dr. David Gregory. "The ability to excel both inside and outside the classroom emphasizes these students' exceptional character and drive, and it is an honor for me to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one. Whether they are contributing to the arts, pioneering groundbreaking research or championing important causes, they have consistently demonstrated the same level of passion and excellence that has brought them to this momentous academic achievement."

Dean's List eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.

Congratulations to Charles Urbanczyk of East Bethany on being named to Pennsylvania Western University Dean's List for the 2024 spring semester.

Over 3,100 Pennsylvania Western University students earned placement on the Dean's List. Degree-seeking undergraduate students who achieve high academic standards are identified in accordance with the following criteria:

• The student must earn a minimum semester GPA of 3.40.
• The student must earn a minimum of 12 graded credits during the semester, not including credits by proficiency examinations, incomplete grades, temporary grades (e.g., Not Reported), or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades.

Urbanczyk studies at PennWest's Edinboro Campus.

Megan Fuchs of Le Roy had artwork selected for the Term III Senior Art and Selected Student Works Show. The full exhibit was on display in the George Waters Art Gallery between May 2-9 and the senior art pieces will remain through May 19.

The exhibit includes a section for senior Art students to share their work as well as exceptional paintings, drawings, prints, ceramics, and sculptures from students in all class years.

"The George Waters Gallery is an extension of our art studios and classrooms, helping us show the depth, skill, and range of our students and our art department," said Chris Longwell, Associate Professor of Art. "Much hard work occurs in our studio spaces. This exhibition formally celebrates our students' journeys in art."

Having spent more than 35 years working in higher education, Dr. Edward J. Leach is stepping down as the executive director of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) when he retires in August 2024. 

Leach joined NISOD in September 2013. Leach came to NISOD after the 2012 retirement of Dr. John E. Roueche, the head of The University of Texas at Austin’s Community College Leadership Program, to which NISOD was closely linked for 41 years. Not only was Roueche stepping away, but the renowned doctoral program he built was being discontinued. 

Leach stabilized the situation, returning the focus to NISOD’s original mission — empowering and celebrating community and technical college educators. 

“My time leading NISOD has been the best professional experience of my life, and I’m very proud of what our outstanding staff has accomplished, including being recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges as ‘the country’s leading provider of professional development for community college faculty, staff, and administrators.’” said Leach. 

“My reason for making the announcement now is straightforward. I want to give the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin plenty of time to search for and select a new Executive Director.”

During his tenure, Leach led NISOD’s implementation of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges Award, which, in partnership with Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, recognizes community and technical colleges for their exceptional commitments to diversity; launched NISOD’s Student Essay Contest and Student Graphic Design Contest; the Suanne Davis Roueche Faculty Scholarship, in honor of the late Suanne Davis Roueche, who served as NISOD’s director from 1985 to 2000; and the offering of CEUs as evidence of professional development accomplishments. 

As NISOD’s executive director during the pandemic, Leach successfully led NISOD through its transition to remote operations and virtual learning experiences, including a fall virtual conference that continues to be offered.

Leach began his own college education as a first-generation college student and Pell Grant recipient at Genesee Community College (GCC), earning an associate degree in Liberal Arts/General Studies, before adding a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and, finally, a doctorate in Educational Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. Leach has dedicated his last 25 years to providing community and technical college educators access to high-quality professional development.

“I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Leach on his retirement as NISOD’s Executive Director” said Dr. Pedro Reyes, Chair of the Education Leadership and Policy Department at The University of Texas at Austin. 

“Dr. Leach’s visionary leadership and tireless dedication have been instrumental in advancing NISOD’s mission of empowering community and technical college educators. Under his guidance, NISOD has provided high-quality professional development opportunities and celebrated student and staff excellence in the field. We are grateful for Dr. Leach’s invaluable contributions and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

Dr. Leach’s resignation will be effective August 15. The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy and the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin will have more information to share about transition planning in the weeks to come.

Tania Cortes Gutierrez of Pavilion has received the University at Albany's Spellman Award for Highest Academic Achievement.

The Spellman Awards program at the University at Albany was established in 1986 as a way to recognize and acknowledge the academic achievements of UAlbany students of African, Asian, Latino, and Native American heritage.

The Spellman Award for Academic Achievement is presented annually to scholars who are full-time undergraduates with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above and have been matriculated at the University for a minimum of two consecutive semesters. Top Academic Achievement Award honorees are the highest-ranking male and female recipients of African, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino and Native American heritage in their class.

The program and the awards are named in honor and memory of Seth Spellman, Jr., past dean of the University's School of Social Welfare, serving until 1980. He was also a professor and past chair of the Department of Africana Studies, which he helped establish in 1969. In 1984, Spellman was awarded the rank of Distinguished Service Professor by the SUNY Board of Trustees for personifying excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, and community service.

The 3rd quarter High Honor and Honor Rolls have been released for Byron-Bergen Jr./Sr. High School by Principal Paul Hazard. Hazard and the Byron-Bergen Central School District staff offer their congratulations to these students.  

Grade 7: 

High Honor Roll – Charlotte Bloom, Riley Boland, Evelyn Borycki, Madison Carson, Alyssa Chupp, June Dorman, Katherine Erion, Leland Fregoe, Olivia Galdun, Connor Hoopengardner, Isabella Kessler, Delilah Malin, Sophia Matthews, Jack Miller, Trevor O'Brien, Caleb Rassel, Lia Ray, Landon Starkweather, Contessa Vander Wyst, Benjamin Vargas, Kaylanah White, Teagan Williams, Dahlia Wolff 

Honor Roll - Faith Apley, Tristen Davidson, Aaiden Gaiser, Cruz Gilbert, Hunter Jarosinski, Emmarose Michaels, Riley Norman, Aleah Olander, Kelly Parsons, William Scharvogel, Miranda Stanton, Gunner Starowitz, Logan Zaleski

Grade 8:

High Honor Roll - Evan Bannister, Cole Carroll, Eala Coniglio, Samantha Copani, Brooklynn Culmo, Emily Diehl, William Duell, Zachary Gay, Cambria Goodenbery, Lila Graff, Ainsley Kent, Ruth Kuipers, Alexander Kuszlyk, Isabella Lewis, Levi McGrath, Lillian Meier, Liliana Moore, Laney Niedzwiecki, Evan Phillips, Alexandra Pocock, Natalie Randall, Jenna Redick, Audrey Rimmerman, Michael Rogoyski, Genevieve Smith, Madeline Smith, Xavier Vargas, Jillian Weaver, Carson Wells, Paige Winkler 

Honor Roll - Ryanna Armstrong, Mason Farner, Josiah Hiscutt, Taylor Louis, Annabella Madera, Parker Moore, Brook Pagels, Lucy Rea, Cooper Sandow, Miley Stalica

Grade 9: 

High Honor Roll - Zoey Bower, Rylee Burch, Emalyn Canfield, Cody Carlson, Gianna Cicatelli, Lauren Gartz, Isabella Gifford, Wyatt Lewis, Taylor Lundfelt, Ian MacMillen, Logan Marou, Emma Matthews, Hannah Riedmiller, Elliana Tanner, Bradley Tatar, Jack Walker, Rena Wilson 

Honor Roll - Tyler Barberio, Nataly Barrera Zuniga, Audrey Dorman, Brayden Gelsomino, Azaya Maid, Seth Prefontaine, Theodore Schelemanow, Brandon Schuck, Kyle Smith

Grade 10: 

High Honor Roll - Sara Bishop, Liam Boyle, Sarah Campbell, Adam Cardenas, Gianna Clark, Connor Copani, Addison Cummings, Justin Deleo, Gary Donofrio, Gianna Graff, Megan Jarkiewicz, Nial Johnson, Pearl Jolliff, Carter Kuipers, Malacai McGrath, Grace Mundell, Paige O'Brien, Evan Orto, Bradley Pocock, Allison Rimmerman, Katherine Rogoyski, Simone Scharvogel, Rayne Sheard, Solomon Smith, Hayden Starkweather, Elizabeth Starowitz, Aubrey Stein, Emma Wolfe 

Honor Roll - Katelyn Ball, Laura Curts, Logan Czachorowski, Grace DiQuattro, Ava Goff, Mia Gray, Logan LeSage, Maryn Meier, Colin Rea, Andrea White, Evan Williams

Grade 11:

High Honor Roll - Ryan Benstead, Jake Carlson, Deborah Catalino, Kendall Chase, Abigail Cook, Isabella Davidson, Logan Fregoe, Ava Gray, Rachel Hanel, Ella Lewis, Jackson Lundfelt, Anna McLaughlin, Ian Pulcini, Sydney Salmonds, Ashley Schlenker-Stephens, Roman Smith, Lily Stalica, Rose Wilson, Jade Wolff

Honor Roll - Aiden Barberio, Isabelle Best, Zachary Brookhart, Noah Clare, Craig DiQuattro, Lea Donofrio, Annabelle Erion, Chesney Fregoe, Haylee Gartz, Peyton Goodenbery, Samuel Hersom, Eli Kupfer, Martin Mac Connell, Arianne McLaughlin, Connor Moran, Meghan Muscarella, Kasey Pagels, Adam Piper, Trent Sheard, Mikayla Yohon

Grade 12: 

High Honor Roll - Emma Balduf, Carlee Barons, Brody Baubie, Jeffrey Borycki, Tyler Chapman, Chloe Gilbert, Gabrielle Graff, Autumn Hafner, Mackenzie Hagen, Makala Hoopengardner, Kaidance Kimble, Hanna Loewke, Lincoln McGrath, Stephanie Onderdonk, Jillian Peters, Novalee Pocock, Quintin Rich, Victoria Rogoyski, Travis Shallenberger, Riley Sharpe, Malachi Smith, Lukas Volkmar, Lydia Zaffrann

Honor Roll - HannahRae Amador, Braedyn Chambry, James Heick, Colin Martin, Dru Nowatchik, Brendan Pimm, Carter Prinzi, Andrew Smith, Connor Windhauser, Megan Zwerka