51���� leaders today announced the campus will join the State University of New York’s Advancing Success in Associate Pathways (ASAP) and Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) — the nation’s leading college retention and completion models — as part of a statewide expansion to serve 10,000 students at 44 SUNY campuses by the Fall 2026 semester.

ASAP supports students pursuing associate degrees, while ACE supports baccalaureate students. Eligible students have access to a wide array of resources and support to help them overcome barriers that can prevent them from obtaining a degree. This includes funding to cover textbooks, groceries, transportation, and other costs of attendance, as well as comprehensive personalized advisement, academic support, and career development activities. See here for more information: .

The expansion was made possible through an additional $8 million in allocated funding in the FY2026-27 Enacted State Budget, bringing the total state investment in this successful program to $20 million annually.

51���� will launch its ASAP program with an inaugural cohort of 150 students this fall.

“SUNY ASAP improves student success,” said SUNY Sullivan President David Potash. “The data is rock solid: ASAP students graduate at nearly twice the rate of their peers. Launching ASAP at SUNY Sullivan, as championed by the SUNY Board of Trustees, is a tremendous investment that we are confident will pay off. When SUNY Sullivan students succeed, our community succeeds.”

“SUNY is committed to the success of every student, and the continued expansion of ASAP|ACE will help ensure our students can complete their degree on time, achieve their dreams, and move forward on a path to upward mobility,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. “I am thrilled that through the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature, and for the SUNY Board of Trustees, these vital programs will serve 10,000 students across the state this fall and I thank the SUNY Sullivan administration, faculty, and staff for their unwavering commitment to student success.”

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, “Through the steadfast support of Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, and continued support from philanthropy, SUNY has been able to expand ASAP|ACE to serve thousands of students throughout the state. With this significant expansion, even more of our students will have access to the advising, financial resources, and wraparound supports that help them stay on track and complete their degrees.”

To learn more about ASAP at SUNY Sullivan, visit , or contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@sunysullivan.edu.

About SUNY Sullivan: SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.

###

Dayanara Olan’s journey with SUNY Sullivan began as a Fallsburg High School graduate who wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye to home. Through the Sullivan Promise Scholarship, she enrolled at SUNY Sullivan, a decision she now calls one of the best of her life.

During her time on campus, Dayanara became a fixture of student life. She served as president of the Art Club and was active in the Latin Student Union, Black Student Union, Nutrition Club, Gender and Sexuality Alliance, Performing Arts Club, Faculty Student Association, and Online Advisory Committee.

Her leadership found its fullest expression in the Student Government Association, where she began as social media manager and rose to president, leading a team of student representatives in advocating for student needs and designing community engagement initiatives. She also performed in two theater productions, building confidence and lasting friendships along the way.

“SUNY Sullivan quickly became much more than a college, it became a second home to me,” Dayanara reflects. “Through my involvement on campus and in the community, I developed leadership skills, discovered my passion for public service, and grew not just professionally, but as a woman. I learned how to advocate for myself, step outside my comfort zone, and take on leadership roles.”

In May 2024, Dayanara graduated from SUNY Sullivan with honors, earning her Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement with a 3.2 GPA. She transferred to the University at Albany, where she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Management with a minor in Criminal Justice, a path that built directly on the foundation she gained at SUNY Sullivan.

At UAlbany, Dayanara’s leadership continued to grow. She was elected executive director of public relations and chief communications officer for the SUNY Student Assembly, overseeing digital strategy and communications for SUNY students across the state.

She was also selected for the New York State Senate Legislative Internship Program, serving in the office of State Senator Pete Harckham first as a session assistant and later as a legislative aide. In those roles, she gained hands-on experience monitoring legislation, drafting bill introductions, and supporting constituent engagement. During this time, she also drafted and presented a student-led bill on active shooter preparedness.

Beyond academics and government work, Dayanara remained committed to community service, volunteering with IGNITE at the University at Albany and participating in the Student Philanthropy Fund, where she helped allocate a $10,000 grant to support food security initiatives.

In May 2026, Dayanara participated in UAlbany’s commencement activities as a member of the Class of 2026. She is expected to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Management in August 2026. She also brought her story full circle by returning to SUNY Sullivan as the communications content creator for the Office of Communications, where she now helps tell the stories of the campus that shaped her own journey.

Looking ahead, Dayanara hopes to one day serve in elected office and make a meaningful impact through public service. “No matter where life takes me, SUNY Sullivan will always be my second home,” she says. “It gave me the confidence, opportunities, and the overall support system that helped me become the person I am today — and for that, I will always be grateful to be a General.”

The MHREDC is one of New York State’s ten Regional Economic Development Councils, bringing together leaders from business, higher education, local government, and nonprofit organizations to guide strategic investment and economic development initiatives throughout the region. Potash said the appointment reflects the increasingly important role community colleges play in addressing workforce shortages, expanding educational opportunity, and supporting long-term regional prosperity.

“Community colleges sit at the intersection of education, workforce development, and economic mobility,” said Potash. “I’m honored to join the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council and contribute to conversations about how we strengthen opportunities for residents, employers, and communities across the region.”

Since becoming president of SUNY Sullivan, Potash has focused on expanding workforce-aligned programs, increasing access for adult learners, and strengthening partnerships with employers, nonprofits, and community organizations throughout Sullivan County and the broader Hudson Valley.

Under his leadership, SUNY Sullivan has expanded healthcare and workforce training initiatives, increased enrollment in high-demand fields, and strengthened pathways for adult learners through programs including SUNY Reconnect and the SUNY Sullivan ATTAIN Lab.

Potash brings extensive higher education leadership experience to the council. Prior to joining SUNY Sullivan, he served as president of Wilbur Wright College in Chicago and held leadership positions at Hunter College, Baruch College, and New York University.

His current board and advisory affiliations also include Campus Compact, the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, the Sullivan County Workforce Development Board, and New Hope Community.

About SUNY Sullivan: SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.

###

51���� invites the community to a live satellite transmission of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Gabriela Lena Frank’s “El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego” (“The Last Dream of Frida and Diego”) on Saturday, May 30, at 1 p.m. in the Seelig Theatre, with a lively pre-screening talk before the show at 12:15 p.m.

The performance concludes the Met’s award-winning 2025-26 Live in HD season, which brings world-class opera directly from the Metropolitan Opera stage to audiences across the globe. The performance will be presented in Spanish with English subtitles and is expected to run approximately two hours and 35 minutes, including intermission. In keeping with the opera’s rich cultural spirit, guests are invited to enjoy Mexican fare served during intermission.

A magical-realist portrait of legendary artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, “El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego” features a libretto by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz. Set on the Day of the Dead, the opera imagines a reunion that never happened in real life: Diego Rivera, who died six years after his wife Frida Kahlo, had wished to be buried alongside her — a final dream denied him in reality but granted in this breathtaking operatic telling. The story unfolds as a reversal of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, where Frida, sung by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, reluctantly returns from the underworld to lead Diego, portrayed by baritone Carlos Álvarez, on his final journey.

“The Met: Live in HD series gives us the extraordinary privilege of bringing world-class opera directly to our community,” said SUNY Sullivan President David Potash. ““El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego” is a visually stunning, emotionally powerful, and culturally significant work, and we are proud to share it with Sullivan County.”

Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts this Met premiere staging, featuring a vibrant, gnarled-tree set design by Jon Bausor and choreography by Deborah Colker. The piece marks the Met debut of composer Gabriela Lena Frank, a 2026 Pulitzer Prize winner in Music. It also marks the third consecutive season in which the Met has presented an opera in Spanish — a language that sings beautifully, following a gap of nearly 100 years.

51����’s partnership with the Met’s Live in HD series reflects the college’s commitment to arts and cultural enrichment as a core part of community life, ensuring world-class artistic experiences belong in the Sullivan Catskills and not just in major metropolitan centers.

Tickets are available now at or by calling 845-434-5750. General admission is $25; Met Opera members and seniors are $20; student tickets are $10; and admission is $5 for children 5 and under.

About the Met: Live in HD: The Met: Live in HD is the Metropolitan Opera’s groundbreaking series of live high-definition transmissions to movie theaters and performing arts venues around the world. Since its launch in 2006, the series has brought opera to more than 2,500 venues in 70 countries, reaching millions of audience members who might not otherwise have access to live performances at the Met.

�����dzܳ����������������ܱ�����������: SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.

###

51���� honored the next generation of healthcare professionals during its 2026 Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse.

The annual ceremony recognized graduates from the college’s Nursing, Respiratory Care, Medical Assisting, and Phlebotomy programs as they prepared to enter careers throughout Sullivan County and the surrounding region.

Guest speaker Jerry Dunlavey, chief executive officer of Garnet Health Medical Center-Catskills, addressed graduates as they stood on the threshold of careers in some of the region’s most essential and in-demand professions.

The ceremony reflected a significant period of growth for SUNY Sullivan’s Health Sciences division, which has expanded by more than 50 percent over the last two years in response to rising regional workforce demand. The placement numbers underscore that momentum: at the time of the ceremony, 95 percent of Nursing graduates, 80 percent of Respiratory Care graduates, and 75 percent of Medical Assisting graduates had already accepted positions in their chosen field.

“These outcomes speak not only to the dedication of our students and faculty, but also to the urgent need for highly trained healthcare professionals throughout our region,” said Dr. David Potash, president of SUNY Sullivan. “Our graduates are entering critical careers where they will make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities every day.”

Dr. Chyrise Taylor, director of Nursing programs at SUNY Sullivan, said the ceremony represented both a personal milestone for graduates and an important transition into professional practice.

“Each year this is a bittersweet moment,” said Taylor. “I am especially proud to know that the staff and faculty of the SUNY Sullivan Health Sciences programs have collectively helped to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals for our county and our state. Your practice will be a reflection of you, and we trust that whenever someone sees you, they will see the hard work, sacrifice, and dedication that brought you here today. Now go set the world on fire.”

The ceremony featured addresses from student speakers across programs. Ariana Curbelo-Negron, valedictorian of the Respiratory Care program, called on her classmates to embrace the weight of the profession they were entering.

“Respiratory therapy is more than just a career, it’s a commitment to your patients and your community,” said Curbelo-Negron. “We will be making a difference in people’s lives during their most vulnerable moments. That is both a privilege and a responsibility.”

Nursing valedictorian Violla Shami drew on the Dickens quote she chose to close her remarks, urging graduates to lead with empathy as they stepped into practice: “Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts.”

Nursing salutatorian Michael Pelton reflected on the mindset Dr. Taylor instilled in the program from day one. “She emphasized an important point: it’s not if you all graduate, it’s when,” said Pelton. “That is a fundamental mindset woven into the entire program, from every instructor and faculty member. They believe in you, they encourage you, and they want you to succeed.”

Thirty-one Nursing graduates were recognized during the ceremony, with awards presented by Dr. Taylor. The ceremony also honored 18 Respiratory Care graduates and eight Medical Assisting graduates. Additionally, 24 students were recognized for completing SUNY Sullivan’s Phlebotomy Microcredential program, a direct and affordable pathway into clinical employment that has become one of the college’s fastest-growing entry-level healthcare credentials.

Nursing graduates also participated in the recitation of the International Council of Nurses’ Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to professional ethics and patient care.

The pinning ceremony took place earlier in the day before SUNY Sullivan’s 62nd Annual Commencement Ceremony, where graduates joined the broader Class of 2026 in celebrating their academic achievements.

About SUNY Sullivan: SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.

###

51���� celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 62nd Annual Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 14, in the Paul Gerry Fieldhouse.

Graduates representing associate degree and applied science programs crossed the stage before family members, friends, faculty, staff, and community leaders as the college recognized their academic achievements, resilience, and determination.

This year’s keynote speaker was Robert J. Rodriguez, president and chief executive officer of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), one of the largest public finance and construction authorities in the country. Before leading DASNY, Rodriguez served as New York Secretary of State and represented East Harlem in the State Assembly for more than a decade.

“You invested in yourselves when you chose to pursue your education. Your families invested in you with their time, encouragement, patience, and sacrifice,” said Rodriguez. “SUNY Sullivan invested in you by creating programs, hiring faculty, and building an institution that takes its responsibility to this community seriously. And New York State invested in you — through SUNY, through financial aid, and through the belief that opportunity should not be reserved only for those who start life with advantages.”

Dr. David Potash, president of SUNY Sullivan, said Rodriguez’s path from East Harlem to statewide leadership made him an especially meaningful speaker for SUNY Sullivan graduates preparing to enter their own next chapter.

“We are honored to welcome Robert Rodriguez to our commencement stage,” said Potash. “His life story, from East Harlem to the halls of the State Assembly to the leadership of one of New York’s most consequential public authorities, is a powerful testament to what public service, hard work, and a commitment to community can achieve. Our graduates could not have had a more inspiring or relevant voice to send them forward into the next chapter of their lives.”

Dr. Ellen Galligan, secretary of the SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees, delivered opening remarks that framed the day’s milestone in the context of resilience and what comes next. Citing Robert Frost, she reminded graduates that “in three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on” and urged the Class of 2026 to carry forward what they learned in the classroom, along with their determination and adaptability.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of Chancellor’s Awards, SUNY’s highest recognition for outstanding achievement among students and employees.

Elizabeth Green, known to her classmates as Lizzie, received the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. A Liberal Arts major from Monticello and president of the Student Government Association, Green served as a student representative on the college’s President’s Cabinet and was a consistent presence on the Dean’s List. Green often described herself with a simple guiding principle: “I am a student first.”

Dr. Chyrise Elizabeth Taylor, director of Nursing programs, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. Under her leadership, the Nursing program expanded from two cohorts to four, adding accelerated LPN-to-RN and evening options while NCLEX pass rates climbed from 38 percent to 86 percent.

Richard Butler, Maintenance supervisor, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service. Butler has served SUNY Sullivan since 1997, building a reputation for reliability, institutional knowledge, and long-standing dedication to the campus community.

Valedictorian Abigail Parucki drew on a personal injury and recovery she experienced in high school to frame her message to the graduating class.

“SUNY Sullivan wasn’t just a place where we earned credits; it was a place where we learned how to manage responsibility, how to grow under pressure, and how to keep moving forward even when things felt overwhelming,” said Parucki. “If there’s one thing I hope we all take with us from here, it’s this: you are capable of more than you think.”

Salutatorian Gwenneth Redman, a high school senior at Tri-Valley who completed college coursework alongside her secondary studies as part of SUNY Sullivan’s College in the High School program, told graduates that her path to higher education began with a medical crisis at age 12 — a locked jaw that sparked a passion for medicine she has carried ever since.

“None of us know what the future holds, good or bad,” said Redman. “Not all challenges we are forced to overcome have a bad outcome.”

This year’s graduating class included December 2025 graduates, May 2026 graduates, and August 2026 degree candidates. Students earning High Honors achieved GPAs of 3.75 or above; Honors graduates earned GPAs of 3.25 or above.

Earlier in the day, SUNY Sullivan recognized graduates from its Nursing, Respiratory Care, Medical Assisting, and Phlebotomy programs during the college’s annual Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony.

The platform party also included State Senator Peter Oberacker, Assemblywoman Paula Kay, Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz and Vice Chair Luis Alvarez, SUNY Trustee Candice Vacin, and members of the SUNY Sullivan Board of Trustees.

About SUNY Sullivan: 51���� is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.

###