February 26, 2024
ALFRED, NY – Alfred Village Police Sgt. Joshua Van Skiver reports that two male teenagers, one from Bath and one from Painted Post, were charged with disorderly conduct after allegedly getting into a fight on the street, at around 1:00am early Satuday. The Alfred Police Sgt. says that this allegedly happened in the area of Mill Street and Church Street in Alfred.
Both teens were issued appearance tickets.
February 16, 2024
FROM ALFRED VILLAGE POLICE:
On February 2nd, 2024, the Alfred Village Police Department reports the arrest of 18-year-old Zachary T Jones of Angola NY following an investigation into stolen property from the Alfred State College campus. On the late-night hours of February 2nd, Alfred State College reported stolen property from their Campus. Alfred police officers were able to locate the male subject with the stolen property on South Main Street. Mr. Jones was arrested and charged with criminal possession of stolen property in the 5th degree. Mr. jones was processed and released on an appearance ticket set to appear in Alfred village court on a later date.
On February 3rd, 2024, at approximately 3:07 AM the Alfred Police Department reports the arrest of 18-year-old Jalyn Santana of the Bronx NY following a traffic stop on north Main Street in the village of Alfred. Further investigation into the traffic stop revealed that Santana was allegedly impaired by the use of drugs. Santana was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired under drugs in the speed violation. Santana was issued traffic tickets and released set to appear in Alfred village court on a later date.
On February 11th, 2024, at approximately 1:00 AM the Alfred Police Department reports the arrest of 21-year-old Richard Dooner of Pleasant Valley NY following a traffic stop lower College Ave. in the Village of Alfred. Further investigation into the traffic stop revealed that Dooner was allegedly intoxicated by the use of alcohol. Dooner was arrested and charged with Driving while intoxicated, Driving with a .08 % or more alcohol in blood, and traffic violations. Dooner was processed and released on traffic tickets set to appear in Alfred village court on a later date.
On February 15th, 2024, to approximately 2:30 AM the Alfred village Police department reports the arrest of 21-year-old Marisha Sekoll of Greenwood NY. At approximately 2:30 AM the Alfred Police Department received a 911 call of a disturbance/Fight on Mill Street. Sekoll was identified as being the primary part of the disturbance and was ultimately placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct. Sekoll was processed and released on an appearance ticket set to appear in Alfred village court on a later date.
On February 15th, 2024, at approximately 3:12 AM the Alfred Police Department reports the arrest of 23-year-old Bryce Tomb of Troupsburg New York following a traffic stop South Main Street in the Village. Further investigation into the stop revealed that Tomb was allegedly intoxicated by the use of alcohol. Tomb was arrested and charged with Driving while intoxicated, Driving with a blood alcohol level greater than .08%. And operating a motor vehicle with no headlights. Tomb was processed and released on traffic tickets, set to appear in Village Court on a later Date.
Joshua D VanSkiver
Sergeant/Investigator
Alfred Police Department
January 31, 2024
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker
The Alfred State University Police Department will partner with Ardent Solutions to host the International Save a Life Tour on Tuesday, Feb. 6. The safe driving program that includes hands-on virtual reality impaired and distracted driving simulators will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Small Event Space in the Student Leadership Center.
Chief of Police Jeff Wilcox is excited to offer this learning opportunity to Alfred State students. “This program educates students of the consequences of distracted or impaired driving. We all can use reminders and education on the importance of safe driving. I encourage students to stop by and take advantage of this opportunity.”
The Save A Life Tour provides safe driving educational services to The Department of Defense, Connecticut D.O.T., New Hampshire Highway Safety, New York STOP-DWI, Missouri D.O.T., Michigan Highway Safety, Tennessee Highway Safety and more to inform students on the dangers of driving impaired and distracted.
The Save A Life Tour is a comprehensive high impact safe driving awareness program that informs, educates, and demonstrates the potentially deadly consequences resulting from poor choices and decisions made by the operator of a motor vehicle. The program specifically places emphasis on the following driving situations: Distracted Driving, Impaired Driving, Driver Experience, Improper Driver Behavior and Seat Belt Usage. The Save A Life Tour utilizes several methods for education including video presentation, speaking presentation, interactive demonstration with simulators, pre and post surveys and take-a-ways including a pledge card and a wristband.
The Save a Life Tour will make a stop at Alfred State’s Wellsville campus on Monday, Feb. 19.
January 25, 2024
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker
Alfred State College is excited to announce the addition of 22 new faculty and staff members. The new members of the ASC community were announced during Dr. Steve Mauro’s semester opening address.
New employees in the Division of Academic Affairs include:
Stephanie DeRue – Coordinator of Tutoring and Accessibility – Office of Student and Faculty Development
Lakee Flunder – Instructor – Electrical, Machine Tool, and Welding Technology (Northland)
Heather Garrish – Office Assistant – Electrical, Machine Tool and Welding Technology
David Greene – Instructional Support Associate – Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology
Max Mertel – Assistant Professor – English and Humanities
Jonisha Scott – Instructor – Electrical, Machine Tool and Welding Technology (Northland)
Chris Staba – Associate Professor – Automotive Trades
Irene Wentzell – Academic Advisor – Office of Student and Faculty Development
New employees in the Division of Enrollment Management include:
Chloe Dunn – Marking Project Manager – Marketing Communications
Melissa Holland – Senior International Officer – Admissions
Luis Nolasco – Admissions Counselor – Admissions
Michael Padlo – Admissions Advisor – Admissions
New employees in Facilities Services include:
Isabel Badaeu – Cleaner – Facilities Services
Christopher France – Cleaner – Facilities Services
Nathanael Harker – Cleaner – Facilities Services
Andrew Hulbert – Cleaner – Facilities Services
Steven Oliver – Cleaner – Facilities Services
New employees in Student Affairs include:
Joseph Burke – University Police Officer
Natasha Daniels – Assistant Coordinator of Student Affairs and Careers – Health and Wellness
Jared Jensen – Resident Hall Director – Residential Services
Clarissa Richmond – Staff Assistant – Health and Wellness
Justin Romero – Resident Hall Director – Residential Services
In other Alfred State College News, Alfred State recently celebrated the opening of the Shults Fitness Studio. The space located on the first floor of Shults Hall will give students and faculty another space on campus to utilize for their fitness journeys.
Coordinator of Campus Recreation Brooke Scianna is pleased with the transformation of the space. “My office is super excited to have an additional fitness space located in Shults Hall and right across from the Student Leadership Center. It was important to create this space to give students an opportunity to exercise in a space that they feel comfortable in. This is a small space where you can learn what works best for you. It also provides a space for those that do not feel comfortable in bigger gyms.”
The space which will be available for faculty, staff, and students to use has spin bikes, free weights, yoga mats and balls, seated benches, resistance bands, and kettle bells. “It is exciting to work with Brooke and Campus Recreation to offer this fitness space within Shults Hall,” commented Erika Winans, residential services administrative assistant. “This space will provide students, faculty, and staff with an additional resource on campus for their fitness and wellbeing. The Shults Fitness Studio is the second new space opened on campus for student recreation use in the last year. Last winter, The Studio opened in the Pioneer Center.
January 19, 2024
By Paul Welker
The fall 2023 Dean’s List features 996 Alfred State College students. To be named to the Dean’s List, students had to take a minimum of 12 credit hours of course work and earn a minimum 3.5 grade point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0.
For the most recent semester, the dean’s list includes 996 students, 238 of these students achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. Students represented 17 different states, four countries, and 56 different New York counties.
Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely, PhD is pleased to celebrate this success. “Congratulations to these students that put in the time and effort to achieve this honor. Your hard work in the classrooms and labs has paid off. I encourage you to keep up the great work.”
The complete dean’s list is available online at www.AlfredState.edu/Deans-List
On the topic of accolades, Alfred State College President Dr. Stephen Mauro gave the Spring 2024 address this week. “The hard work of our faculty and staff has been key to our success,” stated Mauro. “We have the opportunity to continue to build on our success and I look forward to what lies ahead as we move towards our goals.”
Towards the end of his address, Mauro asked faculty and staff to share their success stories. Stories from inside and outside the classroom fostered the college’s goals. After a few stories were shared, he introduced a new award, the Pioneer Spotlight Award.
The award is for individuals who have distinguished themselves by meritorious participation in an act, an operation, or an effort directed toward an individual or group that resulted in a significant outcome positively impacting the life of others.
The inaugural recipient of the award was Automotive Trades Professor Michael Ronan. Ronan was credited for his quick response to a medical emergency in his classroom during the fall semester.
The first day of classes for the Spring 2024 semester is January 22.
January 8, 2024
Alfred State College Spokesman Paul Welker says, a recent graduate of Alfred State named Jonathan Helms was in a trade competition for those who work in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) businesses.
Helms first started in the competition to study for a test at ASC. “I took the multiple-choice questions in the first round to help study and moved on to the second round which tested my practical skills by brazing joints together. In the semifinals we had to gather all the supplies for the professional competitors and in the finals, we had to install a horizontal unit hanging from the rafter in a simulated attic.”
It has taken awhile for the result to sink in for Helms. “I am proud of what I accomplished but at the same time I am disappointed that I did not get first. I absolutely plan to compete again; I want the trophy.”
Helms earned his AOS degree in HVAC in May and currently works for Hilliard Heating and Cooling.
“Alfred State is very proud of Johnathon and pleased that Hilliard Heating and Cooling is supportive of continuing to strengthen and challenge Johnathon’s skills and abilities in the HVAC trade,” stated Dean of the School of Applied Technology Jeffrey Stevens. “Our faculty strive to instill learning as a lifelong endeavor within all our students and Johnathon is a fine example that demonstrates just that. Congratulations to a strong alum and a great employer with a top-notch technician.”
During his time at ASC, Helms was inducted into the SALUTE honor society. SALUTE recognizes academic achievement of student veterans. He was inducted in the Alpha Tier (3.75-4.0 GPA). Helms served in the Army reserves.
Helms and his fellow competitors were featured on the CBS Sports Network. For more information about the competition visit: ServiceTitan HVAC National Championship (tradesnation.com).
December 15, 2023
By Paul Welker
ALFRED, NY – Don Schrader has been named the Esports Director at Alfred State. Schrader takes over the program with the desire to expand opportunities to more current and future students.
Schrader, ’18, is the college’s first Esports Director. He has served as an advisor since the club formed in 2018. After graduation he served the college in a variety of roles within residential life before accepting this new position.
Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs Spencer Peavey is excited to have Schrader take over the program. “Don has been a great asset to the college and will continue to be in this new role. We know our students enjoy gaming and we want to provide them with opportunities to compete regionally and nationally versus other schools. I am excited to see where Don can take this program.”
Schrader is excited about the new opportunity. “Being the Esports Director is a dream come true. I have been the advisor since it was founded and have loved being able to work with students that are passionate about gaming. I am excited to use my previous experience on campus to expand what we have to offer our students and see how Esports will grow.”
Currently students compete in Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Counter Strike 2, League of Legends, Overwatch, Rainbow 6 Siege, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros, and Valorant.
“I expect all the players to have fun. Our teams will be ready to compete, do well in tournaments, and challenge themselves. We will also be putting a heavy emphasis on academic success since that is ultimately why students are here.”
Schrader encourages current and prospective students to investigate opportunities with the team. “We offer a wide range of games so students can compete or just play for fun. We are always looking to expand what we offer and we want to provide an environment where students feel welcomed.”
Interested participants can reach out to Schrader at schraddk@alfredstate.edu or (607) 587-4096.
December 14, 2023
December 12, 2023
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker
ALFRED, NY – The redesigned FAFSA is launching later this month and the financial aid experts at Alfred State College (ASC) are offering increased support for families who have questions on the updated form.
An incredible 77 percent of newly enrolled Alfred State students are eligible for all SUNY tuition costs to be paid by federal or state funds through the Federal Pell, NYS TAP Grant, and the NYS Excelsior Scholarship. ASC counselors work as advocates for families to help find the most funds including up to $20,000 over four years in merit-based awards from the college.
“We seek every dollar to apply to our already very affordable cost of attendance,” said Senior Director of Student Records and Financial Services Julie Rose. “As soon as a student is accepted and we receive their FAFSA, our team goes to work to create a personalized financial aid plan to include federal, state, and local resources. With the new FAFSA Application Process rolling out now, we’re here to answer any questions from parents, guardians, or students who may find the new changes confusing.”
For new students, the first step is to apply for enrollment at Alfred State. Rose says that all accepted and currently enrolled students will have access to ASC’s increased financial aid resources.
Previously, FAFSA application season opened Oct. 1 but an overhaul of the system has caused a delay. It is now scheduled to open by Dec. 31. A student’s FAFSA information is then relayed to colleges approximately 30 days later. The delays are worrisome to families eager to secure financial help for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“This new FAFSA is intended to be simplified and we’re excited to see it streamlined,” said Vice President of Enrollment Management Kishan Zuber. “We know that there will be many questions due to changes in the form and a different timeline. Through it all, we intend to stay in constant contact to assist our students and families to answer questions and provide advice.”
One piece of advice from Alfred State is for parents to initiate the FAFSA form instead of the students. Parents can enter all their information as well as the student’s information. The student can then enter the form just to make any necessary corrections, provide consent, and sign it.
Primary FAFSA Application Changes:
1. Parents, stepparents, and spouses may be recognized as contributors. Contributor is a new term for 2024-2025.
2. Simplification includes direct data sharing with the IRS and consent is required from each contributor.
3. Each contributor must have a StudentAid.gov account.
4. Applicants may send FAFSA information to as many as 20 schools.
Primary Changes in the Calculation of Aid:
1. A new Student Aid Index (SAI) replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
2. The minimum SAI is -$1,500, unlike the EFC which previously was a $0 minimum.
3. The new calculation promises to provide Pell Grant funds to more students.
4. Single-parent households are predicted to see more aid with the new formulas.
Impacts from the new FAFSA will vary per family. For example, the new FAFSA will use the information for the parents who contributes the most financial support, not the one that a student spends the most time with as in the older FAFSA formula. The new SAI formula no longer considers the number of family members in college and child support received will be considered an asset. Small business owners with less than 100 employees that were previously exempt from including their business net worth as a reportable asset no longer have that exemption and the value of a family farm will now be considered.
For first-time FAFSA filers, parents may begin by creating a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID). Students and their contributor(s) must each have their own account. Verification of an ID may take one to three days, and it must be completed before applying for federal student aid.
Alfred State financial aid counselors offer more information and advice regarding the new FAFSA at
tinyurl.com/ASCnewFAFSA. Each academic year a new FAFSA must be submitted. Some financial aid is offered on a first-come, first-served basis so filing as early as possible can be advantageous
December 12, 2023
A court official with the Allegany County Court, tells us that the four Elmira area suspects who are accused of the gang assault against Derrick Correa of Bradford Pennsylvania, in Alfred in October, the four will be in Allegany County Court on January 11, for four separate pre trial conference motions.
Derrick Correa is still recovering from the severe injuries he sustained when he was assaulted. Below is an update on his condition, from Alfred State College.
Dear Alfred State Community,
I want to send an update on student Derek Correa as we near the end of our semester. Derek continues to heal and make progress. Within this week, Derek has made strides to include nodding yes or no to questions, given some hugs, and has written something: “thank you.” Derek is moving to a specialized medical center that focuses on his treatment needs. This progress and incredibly positive update is among the best gifts our campus can receive this holiday season. There is still a long road ahead and you can find more about Derek’s path to recovery on the family’s GoFundMe page here.
November 16, 2023
By Paul Welker
Thanks to another amazing show of support from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, Alfred State College was able to raise over $270,000 on the eighth annual Day of Giving.
The funds raised benefit scholarships, new programs, updated technology, athletics, and so much more. Overall, more than 250 donors supported the cause.
“This year’s Day of Giving was centered around commemorating the 50th anniversary of a campus icon, The Hinkle Bell Tower,” commented Director of Development Jason Sciotti. “Dr. Mauro kicked the day with a message to the Pioneer community and challenged them to surpass our goal of $250 thousand. Students filled the Student Leadership Center throughout the day with our clubs and organizations providing activities, food, and entertainment. We ended the evening cheering on the women’s basketball team and giving away more prizes to the students. It is always awesome to interact with the students during this day to educate them on the power of philanthropy and how in some way each one of them have benefited from our donors.”
“With overwhelming support and generosity, we were able to surpass our goal and raised over $270,000. Wonderful things are happening here, and it starts with the passion and support from our alumni and friends. The day was a success and that only happens when the campus community and our donors come together. A sincere thanks to them all.”
Alfred State College was assisted by several matching and major gift donors who helped to challenge the Pioneer community to make an even greater impact. A matching gift from a 1971 alum, mid-day helped to ignite afternoon and evening support.
Throughout the week, the Alfred State Institutional Advancement Office also collected nonperishable and personal care items to help replenish the on-campus food pantry located in The Community Needs Hub.
November 7, 2023
Alfred State College officials say that Alfred State students who are in the building trades and heavy equipment programs, assisted the local organization, Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, Inc. by building and placing a new bridge on Trail 2 of Phillips Creek State Forest.
“Getting to participate in projects like this is satisfying in multiple ways,” commented Building Trades Instructor Don Tinder. “Being able to apply skills we learn in the classroom while helping the local community is a double victory. Our students enjoyed being part of the project and are proud of the final product.”
Building trades students built the large timber bridge in the Workforce Development Center on the Wellsville campus.
“This was a different type of building style than most of the students had done or learned about before. With each issue or setback that arose the students, in classic Pioneer style, found a way to accomplish the task at hand.”
When the bridge was completed, heavy equipment students jumped in and helped transport the bridge to Phillips Creek. The bridge was then transported over half a mile to the designated spot and installed. Students returned and installed deck boards and handrails to complete the project.
Glenn Gebhard, President of IMPACT, who served as the project liaison was very appreciative of the combined efforts. “This was truly a community effort from start to finish. Donations from the Allegany County Area Foundation, Community Bank and Saputo Dairy along with a grant from Parks and Trails New York funded the project. IMPACT would like to thank Gregory Muller, NYS DEC Region 9 Supervising Forester for the West Almond Trail System for his support and guidance. The Alfred State College faculty and staff worked industriously for several weeks to make this project a success. We are grateful for all the efforts.”