General

Morrisville State is moving forward to partner with local and new businesses after their application was approved for Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s tax-free Start-Up NY plan. Launched in October, Start-Up NY provides incentives for eligible businesses to relocate, start-up or expand tax-free on or near campus for 10 years and their employees will pay no state or local income taxes.

Morrisville State will conduct an emergency drill on campus in conjunction with the New York State Police (NYSP), New York State University Police, New York State Office of Homeland Security, Madison County Sheriff's Department, Cazenovia Police, Hamilton Police and local emergency responders on Wednesday, May 28. This undertaking will allow all organizations to test their emergency preparedness in an economical and effective manner.

While she was attending Morrisville State, Amanda Slader, of Ballston Lake, was already dipping her toes in entrepreneurial endeavors. In her line of work as a licensed cosmetologist, she saw a distinct need for a delousing service. So she set out to turn her idea into reality. Through the support and knowledge she obtained from professors and classes, she launched her brainstorm, Miracles on Lice.

Patrick McNamara and Ryan Seeman worked diligently under the hood of a Ford Fiesta, eager to determine why it wouldn't start. The two Oneida-Herkimer-Madison (OCM) BOCES seniors were teamed up against nine other vocational school teams from across New York State during the FORD/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition, which was held at Morrisville State on May 13.

It's rarely an ordinary day in one of Professor William Snyder's classes—he might be taking students electrofishing local streams, giving a lecture in the college's wildlife museum, demonstrating innovative recycling ideas, or hosting an interactive, live bird demonstration. The colorful professor, revered by students for his enthusiasm and interactive learning techniques, is the recipient of this year's Morrisville State College Distinguished Faculty Member Award.

Morrisville State liberal arts students were recently honored for their achievements during the 14th annual Liberal Arts Tea. The event is part of the college's annual celebration of academic excellence.

Three Morrisville State faculty/staff members were recently honored with Chancellor's Awards for Excellence by the State University of New York and SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. Receiving the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service is: Benjamin D. Ballard, of Manlius The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service recognizes faculty members for excellence in teaching techniques, scholarship and professional growth, student services and academic standards.

Morrisville State will host a variety of events for farmers and consumers during the 2014 Grasstravaganza which will be held on campus July 17-19. The conference, Pasture Soil Health Creates Wealth, will feature a trade show, soil health stations and presentations by national and local grazing and soil health experts who will cover a range of topics.

There’s no hiding the heart-wrenching emotion in Leah Siciliano’s voice and in her eyes as she reflects on her 10-day journey to Guatemala. The rotating photos on her computer screen of children laughing and embracing the kindness of strangers is a keepsake of beloved memories. Nicole Johnson shares the same sentiment.

Chenango County Dairy Ambassador Lily Marshman kept herself busy assisting hundreds of students and community members who attended Morrisville State's annual Ag Day this year. The six-year-old Oxford resident helped serve ice cream then turned her attention to petting goats and sheep who shared the limelight along with horses, a calf, cow and turkey throughout the day. A table scattered with various vegetable seeds, “a greenhouse in a glove,” also drew a curious crowd.