General

Morrisville State College will host more than 1,100 high school junior boys and staff at this year's Boys State government camp, sponsored by the American Legion, June 24 to 29. Classified as a Leadership Action Program, Boys State accepts young men with outstanding qualifications in leadership, character, service and citizenship who reflect on the image of the youth of America.

A sea of green decorated the Morrisville State College recreation center during the college's 101st commencement exercises held today. Graduates donned green caps and gowns and celebrated alongside family and friends amid a stage adorned with a lavish display of flowers, grown by students in the college's horticulture program and arranged by graduating seniors from the program.

Three Morrisville State College faculty/staff members were recently honored by the State University of New York and SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. Receiving the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching is: Dr. Anne Schaper Englot, of Fayetteville The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching recognizes professors who show outstanding skill in the classroom, scholarship and professional growth, commitment to students and high academic standards.

Considering attending Morrisville State College? Let one more visit help you decide. The college will host a Summer Showcase on June 2 packed with everything there is to know about and see at the college. Prospective students and their families are invited to partake in the showcase, which includes a variety of activities designed to introduce high school seniors and transfer students to Morrisville State College and assist them with their college search process.

May 19 will be one of the brightest days in Samantha Wackford's life. The 27-year-old Guyana native will cross the stage with fellow Morrisville State College classmates and receive her diploma during the college's commencement ceremony at 1 p.m. in the recreation center. She will receive an associate degree in human services from the college's Norwich campus. Wackford views graduation like every other journey in her life—with bold optimism.

Not a day goes by that Morrisville State College equine student Katrina McAllister doesn't think about her best friend, Laura Janson. She remembers most her driving spirit and how much she loved animals. The promising Morrisville State College student, who naturally connected with everyone, was a role model to McAllister who was four years younger and boarded her horse at the Janson home in North Chittenango.

Two Morrisville State College faculty/staff members have been recognized by their colleagues for their years of distinguished service. Receiving the Morrisville State College Distinguished Faculty Award is Patricia Elko, of Clinton, formerly of Syracuse. 

The best and brightest eleventh- and twelfth-grade student automotive technicians from across the state will race against the clock to correctly identify and fix vehicles that have been “bugged” on purpose. When it is all said and done, one team will drive away the winner of the FORD/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition being held at Morrisville State College on May 15.

Two Morrisville State College students were recently recognized for their volunteer efforts. Receiving the Rays of Light Servant Leadership Award was Thomas Longland, of Dunnville, Ontario, a human performance and health promotion bachelor degree program major. Longland also has an associate degree in sports, nutrition and fitness management from Morrisville State College. Alana Brandon, of Greenville, N.Y., , an agricultural business major, received the college's Rays of Light Award.

Once a day, Pretty Lopin Machine, “Purdie,” gets a 20-minute workout in the large underwater treadmill in Morrisville State College's equine rehabilitation facility. As she walks in a relaxed motion against the resistance of the water, her ears perk in the direction of students coaching her with words of encouragement. “Good girl. You're doing a great job,” said equine student, Cassie Clark, of Rochester, N.Y.