General

It isn't the first time they've traded their laptops, calculators and books for matching shirts and yard tools. Students at Morrisville State College are no strangers to rolling up their sleeves to help out in the community. And they will be at it again on April 20 during a college-wide volunteer brigade, “Into the Streets.” Throughout the event, students team up and volunteer to perform an array of tasks and services needed by residents in neighboring areas.

Nursing students at Morrisville State College are reaching beyond their regular textbook, classroom, clinical and laboratory lessons—participating in a community wide research project. They've partnered with the Madison County Health Department and Madison-Oneida BOCES to study childhood obesity in Madison County.

Joan Dannenhoffer, of Morrisville State College, has been awarded the 2010 St. Lawrence Section Outstanding Educator Award by the St. Lawrence Section of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). The prestigious award recognizes excellence and commitment in teaching engineering, engineering technology or engineering science. “It is rewarding and flattering to be honored from among so many deserving educators,” Dannenhoffer, associate professor of physics and coordinator of the college's physics program, said.

For nearly 20 years, Lewis “Spike” Holmes taught students in Morrisville State College's equine racing and management, western (stock seat) program, how to ride. His inspiriting voice was a constant at the western indoor riding arena where he devoted endless hours and energy sharing his affinity for horses, teaching and riding. Faculty, staff and students gathered there recently to honor Holmes, naming the indoor western arena of the Equine Complex, the Lewis “Spike” Holmes Western Riding Arena.

Interested in learning more about the future of food production? Morrisville State College will host a symposium covering different aspects of this topic during its fourth annual Science Technology and Society Symposium, Agricultural Acts: On the Futures of Farming and Food, April 22. The event begins at 11 a.m. at the Morrisville State College campus and ends with a panel discussion at 4:30 p.m. at the Colgate University campus.

Two Morrisville State College wood products technology students recently received awards from the New England Kiln Dryers Association (NEKDA). Receiving the J. Harry Rich Award ($500) was Carissa Oeser, of Fort Plain, N.Y. Oeser is the daughter of Deneen Strobel and Randy Oeser of Fort Plain, N.Y. Adam Sobczak, of Lancaster, N.Y., received the Maurice Roy Award ($1,000). A member of the Elma Volunteer Fire Department, he is the son of Mike and Jean Sobczak of Lancaster, N.Y.

Auto enthusiasts are invited to Morrisville State College's Second Annual Bass Off and Auto Show Festival April10. Events, which will be held in the automotive technology parking lot and F-lot, include a dyno challenge, a bass off audio competition and auto show. The public is invited to participate in all events.

Morrisville State College's Renewable Energy Training Center (RETC) is hosting two basic energy sessions. Energy Conservation and Supply Options for Homes will be held April 12 from 6-10 p.m. at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica.

A ceremony naming the Morrisville State College indoor western riding arena after dedicated instructor, Lewis “Spike” Holmes, will be held April 3 at 1 p.m. at the Equine Complex on the corner of Swamp and Fearon roads. The arena will be named the Lewis “Spike” Holmes Western Riding Arena during the event which is open to the public. Holmes retired last year after teaching nearly 20 years at Morrisville State College in the equine science and management, western (stock seat) program.

Learn about producing cheese, adding value to milk and how to market value-added products during a statewide cheese business seminar, Reinventing the Wheel: Cheese is the New “Whey,” at Morrisville State College on Friday, April 30. The event, which is open to the public, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Hamilton Hall. The seminar will offer industry leaders an opportunity to ask questions about forming a cheese-making business. Presentation topics and times are: