The MHREDC is one of New York State鈥檚 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.

鈥淐ommunity colleges sit at the intersection of education, workforce development, and economic mobility,鈥� said Potash. 鈥淚鈥檓 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.鈥�

Since becoming president of 17c起草视频, 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, 17c起草视频 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 17c起草视频 ATTAIN Lab.

Potash brings extensive higher education leadership experience to the council. Prior to joining 17c起草视频, 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 17c起草视频: 17c起草视频 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, 17c起草视频 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.

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17c起草视频 invites the community to a live satellite transmission of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of Gabriela Lena Frank’s 鈥淓l 脷ltimo Sue帽o de Frida y Diego鈥� (鈥淭he Last Dream of Frida and Diego鈥�) 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, 鈥淓l 脷ltimo Sue帽o de Frida y Diego鈥� 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 鈥� 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 脕lvarez, 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 17c起草视频 President David Potash. “鈥淓l 脷ltimo Sue帽o de Frida y Diego鈥� is a visually stunning, emotionally powerful, and culturally significant work, and we are proud to share it with Sullivan County.鈥�

Music Director Yannick N茅zet-S茅guin 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 鈥� a language that sings beautifully, following a gap of nearly 100 years.

17c起草视频’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.

础产辞耻迟听厂鲍狈驰听厂耻濒濒颈惫补苍:聽17c起草视频 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, 17c起草视频 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.

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17c起草视频 honored the next generation of聽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 17c起草视频’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 17c起草视频. “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 17c起草视频, 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 17c起草视频 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,聽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 17c起草视频’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 17c起草视频’s 62nd Annual Commencement Ceremony, where graduates joined the broader Class of 2026 in celebrating their academic achievements.

About 17c起草视频: 17c起草视频 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, 17c起草视频 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.

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17c起草视频 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. “17c起草视频 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 鈥� 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 17c起草视频, said Rodriguez’s path from East Harlem to statewide leadership made him an especially meaningful speaker for 17c起草视频 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 17c起草视频 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: 鈥淚 am a student first.鈥�

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 17c起草视频 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.

“17c起草视频 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 17c起草视频鈥檚 College in the High School program, told graduates that her path to higher education began with a medical crisis at age 12 鈥� 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, 17c起草视频 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 17c起草视频 Board of Trustees.

About 17c起草视频: 17c起草视频 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, 17c起草视频 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.

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The annual ceremony celebrates students who demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, athletics, and campus involvement across a wide range of 17c起草视频 programs. Awards were presented by faculty, staff, and athletic leadership in recognition of achievement inside and outside the classroom.

Opening remarks were delivered by 17c起草视频 President Dr. David Potash and Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs Dr. Carissa Massey.

鈥淭his is an extraordinarily inspirational ceremony,鈥� said Dr. Potash. 鈥淲e are so very proud to recognize the hard work, determination, and personal growth of these students. They have truly distinguished themselves academically, athletically, and as members of the 17c起草视频 community.鈥�

Elizabeth Green received the Chancellor鈥檚 Award for Student Excellence, the highest student recognition presented within the State University of New York system. Ms. Green plans to transfer and she hopes to become a history teacher.

Academic awards were presented across 17c起草视频鈥檚 Health Sciences, Science, Technology & Math, Catskill Hospitality Institute, and Liberal Arts programs. Honorees represented many disciplines, including nursing, respiratory care, culinary arts, business, criminal justice, psychology, computer graphics, and green building technology.

Student athletes were celebrated. Members of the 17c起草视频 men鈥檚 basketball program were honored for athletic performance, leadership, sportsmanship, and conference achievements. Award recipients included Tomas Hernandez, Jamie Reich, Quentin Richardson, and Sincere Henderson.

鈥淲hile today celebrates individual students, success is never achieved alone 鈥� it鈥檚 built through the support of families, friends, advisors, faculty, and an entire college community,鈥� said Simon Clement, director of Athletics at 17c起草视频. 鈥淭he students we鈥檙e honoring today have demonstrated a true commitment to excellence, and we鈥檙e incredibly grateful they chose 17c起草视频 as part of their academic journey. Their achievements make us proud of this college, proud of this community, and optimistic about the future.鈥�

17c起草视频鈥檚 annual Academic & Athletic Awards Ceremony is a joyous campus-wide celebration of student success and achievement. Student recipients were selected by faculty, staff, and coaches based on academic standing, leadership, campus contributions, athletic performance, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

About 17c起草视频: 17c起草视频 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, 17c起草视频 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.

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