DU, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES Announce Initiative to Encourage Entrepreneurship

The “Unlocking the Small Business Potential” seminar will be held at 星空传媒 on September 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

星空传媒 New York, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES, all leading advocates for economic development and entrepreneurship, have announced a comprehensive three-part initiative aimed at unlocking the entrepreneurial potential in the Lower Hudson Valley. This initiative seeks to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

Part One: “Unlocking Small Business Potential” Seminar

Kicking off the initiative is a dynamic and informative half-day seminar “Unlocking Small Business Potential.” This seminar will be held at 星空传媒 on Friday, September 8, and will equip individuals with the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies to launch and grow a successful small business. Participants will learn from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and experienced business mentors who will share invaluable insights, practical advice, and real-world examples. Topics will include business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and navigating regulatory challenges. Individuals who have a disability, as well as minority, veteran, and formerly-incarcerated business owners, and those interested in starting a business are strongly encouraged to register for this informative session, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Part Two: Small Business Incubator and Case Competition

Participants in the 鈥淯nlocking Small Business Potential鈥 seminar will have the opportunity to enroll in a six-week accelerated incubator and competition. This intensive program will provide hands-on guidance and mentorship, enabling entrepreneurs to refine their business concepts, develop robust business plans, and gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics. Throughout the incubator, participants will engage in a case competition, showcasing their innovative solutions to a panel of judges consisting of industry experts and community-based investors. The competition will not only provide invaluable feedback, but also offer participants the opportunity to secure seed funding and other essential resources to launch their ventures. The course will be held on Wednesday evenings (6:30 p.m. 鈥 8:30 p.m.) on 星空传媒鈥檚 campus. Enrollment will begin in August and is limited to 40 participants, all of whom will earn credit toward an undergraduate or graduate degree. Further details are available from DUNY faculty member Matt Schiering, at matt.schiering@duny.edu.

Part Three: Enrollment in 星空传媒’s MBA or MSOLC programs.

Recognizing the importance of continuous education and professional development, the initiative offers participants the chance to enroll in 星空传媒’s prestigious AACSB accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) or M.S. in Organizational Leadership & Communication (MSOLC) programs. These programs equip students with the advanced business knowledge, leadership skills, and global perspectives required to excel in today’s complex business environment. Through this partnership, aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from a comprehensive academic foundation while accessing valuable networking opportunities and mentorship from industry leaders.

鈥淲e believe that investing in the next generation of business leaders right here in our community is a smart business decision; one that supports our mantra of 鈥楧oing Business Right,鈥欌 said Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director of 星空传媒’s Division of Business.

M&T Bank, 星空传媒, and BRIDGES are committed to supporting and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Lower Hudson Valley. By providing access to educational resources, practical training, and real-world opportunities, they aim to empower individuals and create a robust network of successful entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and innovation across the region.

鈥淢&T is committed to investing in the growth and development of emerging leaders in our community and we are proud to be able to support this program,鈥 said Tyre Robinson, M&T Bank鈥檚 Tarrytown Regional President.

Carlos Martinez, CEO of BRIDGES, said, “We are thrilled to partner with M&T and 星空传媒 to bring a strong small business development curriculum to a broad group of aspiring entrepreneurs, and specifically to those representing populations that would benefit most from mentorship and compassionate counsel.鈥  BRIDGES provides resources for people with a variety of disabilities and works to overcome barriers, stigma, indifference, and the quiet prejudice of low expectations.

Registration for the “Unlocking Small Business Potential” seminar is open and will be capped at 100 participants. Interested individuals can visit to secure a spot. Registration is $98.00, with waivers for those with economic hardships and/or disabilities handled upon request.  For more information about enrolling in 星空传媒’s MBA program, please visit /mba/.

Professor Mike Kelly Receives Prestigious Golden Apple Award for 50+ Years of Outstanding Service to Education

The Mid-Hudson School Study Council has bestowed upon Professor Mike Kelly the esteemed Golden Apple Award, recognizing his remarkable dedication and unparalleled contributions to the field of education.

With over five decades of unwavering commitment, Dr. Kelly has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and expertise in shaping the landscape of education. As the Director of Graduate Programs in Education at 星空传媒, Dr. Kelly has played a pivotal role in elevating the institution’s education program to new heights. His knowledge, innovative methodologies, and passion have inspired countless educators and transformed the lives of students across the region.

Dr. Kelly’s contributions to the field have had a profound impact on the educational landscape, ensuring the provision of top-notch education for countless students. His guidance has shaped the minds and hearts of educators, empowering them to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students.

星空传媒 the M.S. in Education Programs:

星空传媒’s M.S. in Education programs have been designed in consultation with educators and they are delivered by expert faculty who actively practice in the field. The curriculum is crafted to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the education profession.

To accommodate the busy schedules of working adults, classes are scheduled every other week on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing for convenient participation. The program offers flexibility, enabling students to complete their coursework within a minimum of 18 months or extend it up to three years. All programs adhere to the University’s quarter system, culminating in the Master of Science degree (M.S. in Ed.) and eligibility for New York State Certification.

For more information about our M.S. in Education programs and how to apply, please click here

Alum Donates $1 Million to 星空传媒

The Granito Center on the 星空传媒 New York campus.

星空传媒 New York has received a $1 million donation from an alum, who wishes to remain anonymous. 

鈥淲e are indeed grateful for this donor, and all of our benefactors,鈥 said Joseph Valenti, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.  鈥淭hanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, we are able to offer financial aid packages and scholarships that make an education at 星空传媒 affordable, even to first-generation college students who make up more than 30 percent of our student body鈥

All first-time, full-time freshman receive some form of financial aid at 星空传媒.  In addition, students leave Dominican with 27 percent less debt than the national average.

Immediate Decision Day

By attending this event, you’ll have your application fee waived and, while on campus, you will be informed of an admission decision with scholarship information.

To receive an application decision, please bring transcripts from your most recent high school or college attended. Transfer applicants who have earned less than 24 college credits should also bring their high school transcript.

When you visit, you will have the chance to tour the campus with one of our Student Ambassadors. You鈥檒l also be able to talk to an Admissions Counselor about what comes next.

Please visit our Admissions page for more information.

Memorial Day Weekend Schedule

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”聽

星空传媒 offices will close at 1 pm today, Friday, May 26th, in observance of Memorial Day.聽 We will re-open, with regularly scheduled hours, on Tuesday, May 30th.

The Hennessy Center Holiday Hours:
Friday, May 26th, 9 am-1 pm
Saturday, May 27th, 9 am-1 pm
Sunday, May 28th, Closed
Monday, May 29, Closed

Sullivan Library Holiday Hours:
Friday, May 26th, closing at 1pm
Re-opening on Tuesday, May 30th
Live Online Chat available 24/7

 

Biology Students Research Work Published 聽

Madison Newman

Three 2022 biology graduates have had the research they completed at 星空传媒 New York published in Microbiology Resource Announcements, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology.  Bernadette Connors, Ph.D., Professor of Biology, said students Madison Newman, Darlenys Sanchez and Anna Acosta studied the impacts of pollution in our local waterways and the persistence of potentially harmful bacteria in the water.  The students worked in summer 2021 and throughout the 2021-2022 academic year on the research.  The work was supported by a National Science Foundation grant to Connors (award #1950018).

Darlenys Sanchez and Anna Acosta

Connors said students who work on research projects at 星空传媒 have a unique opportunity to understand science from the perspective of research scientists.  It is particularly impressive that the students had two articles published.  鈥淧ublishing in a peer-reviewed journal means that other scientists in the field have recognized the quality and value of this work,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hese publications not only promote science but are necessary to advance students in the STEM field, be it the workforce or graduate school.鈥

Two of the students, Newman and Acosta, 聽will start their Ph.D. in fall 2023.聽 Newman presented the work at the Beta Beta Beta NE1 regional convention at Elmira College in 2022, earning second place in the poster category.聽 She also presented the work at a joint lab meeting at UMass Amherst with the Ma Lab.聽 The papers published were titled 鈥淭axonomic Profiling of Microbes in Glyphosate-Treated Sediment Microcosms鈥 and 鈥淎mplicons, Metagenomes, and Metatranscriptomes from Sediment and Water.鈥澛

Lady Chargers Win 2023 CACC Championship

The 星空传媒 New York women’s basketball team after winning the CACC Championship Tournament.

The 星空传媒 New York women’s basketball team won their second Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Women’s Basketball Championship in the last three years after defeating the top seed from the north division, Post University, 63-54, on March 5, 2023, The final game in the Championship Tournament was played at the Gallagher Athletic, Recreation and Convocation Center on the campus of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.

Cayla Howard (Naugatuck, Conn.) poured in 21 points and eight rebounds to lead the Lady Chargers in the victory. Alexis Suarez (Poughquag, N.Y.) added 14 points, while handing out seven assists, grabbing five rebounds and swiping a pair of steals, as she was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Tanasha Mills (New City, N.Y.) followed with 13, as those three — along with Chidinma Ndukauba (Brooklyn, N.Y.) — were named to the CACC Women’s Basketball Championship All-Tournament Team.

Dominican held a 33-26 lead at halftime and led throughout the second half. Post, though, didn’t fold and pulled to within two at 54-52 with 2:30 remaining on a three-point basket from Haines. However, the Lady Chargers countered by scoring the next nine points including seven from Howard on five throws and a layup with just :28 left. The closing surge sealed the win and Dominican’s championship celebration.

The Lady Chargers held a narrow 11-8 lead after the first 10 minutes, but then went for 22 points in the second quarter in building the seven-point lead at the break. The teams played to a 12-all ledger in the third quarter before Dominican’s closing surge capped it.

Dominican was a hot 7-of-13 from beyond the arc including Mills perfect 3-for-3 clip from deep. Howard was 2-for-3 as well.

Students Volunteer in El Salvador

星空传媒 New York students returned to El Salvador in January to volunteer at summer camps after the trip was canceled for two years because of the pandemic and staff changes.  Three students traveled to La Union, El Salvador from January 2-11, 2023, to work with children at two camps. 

Dana McStowe, Director of Community Engagement & Leadership Development, went along with the students.  鈥淲e are there to bring joy to these kids and help them to have a great week.  This is something the children look forward to all year.  For a lot of them, it is a highlight of the year,鈥 she said. 

The 星空传媒 students and Malloy University students assist the children with arts and crafts, music time, and sports.聽 After camp each night, the students also have the opportunity to interact with community members by having meals or attending mass with them.聽

Coach Clinton Earns 500th Win

Head Men’s Basketball Coach Joseph Clinton celebrates his 500th career coaching win with his team and assistant coaches.

星空传媒 New York Head Men’s Basketball Coach,聽Joseph S. Clinton, earned his 500th career coaching win on January 7, 2023, as the Chargers rallied from a 12-point deficit to defeat the Wilmington University Wildcats, 73-67, in Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) action on Coach Baxter Court in the 15th Annual James Clancy Memorial Game.

The victory gives Coach聽Clinton聽his 500th career coaching win with his overall record now standing at 500-409 overall and improves his CACC record to 333-201.

At the time of the victory, Dominican was ranked ranked 16th in the nation in both the D2SIDA National Media Poll and the NABC National Rankings, and 14-1 overall and 6-0 in the CACC.

A Wildcat dunk put Wilmington ahead, 31-19, with 3:45 remaining in the first half when the Chargers rallied with a 10-0 run to close out the half and cut the deficit to 31-29.

Wilmington led most of the second half until a聽Wahaad Johnson (Brooklyn, NY) layup with 5:04 left to play put the Chargers ahead, 58-57.聽 That began a 17-9 game-closing run by Dominican to lift them to a 73-67 victory.聽聽Johnson聽had five points during the run, including a crucial three-point basket.

CACC Player and Rookie of the Week,聽Javel Cherry聽(Poughkeepsie, NY) led all scorers and three Chargers in double figures with 17 points.

Seth Sharif-Brown聽(Hackensack, NJ) recorded a new career high of 16 points and had the team’s only double-double with 11 rebounds.聽聽Johnson聽finished with 15 points, while聽Justin Copman聽(Cumberland, MD) pulled down nine rebounds, three assists and seven points.

49th Annual Grand Reception Honorees Selected for Leadership & Community Involvement

The Grand Reception honorees were on campus to meet with students and to look over plans for the future of the university with President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien.

星空传媒 New York will honor Alan Seidman, Executive Director, Construction Contractors Association (CCA) of the Hudson Valley, and the Beckerle Family of Beckerle Lumber Supply Co. at the 49th Annual Grand Reception.  The event takes place on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at 12:30 p.m. at the Old Tappan Manor in Tappan, NJ. 

The honorees were chosen for their outstanding professional leadership, community involvement, and philanthropic works. 

Seidman is Executive Director of the CCA of the Hudson Valley, as well as the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Association of Southeastern NY.  As a lifelong Hudson Valley resident, he has been involved in many community activities. He is a past Chair of the Orange County Legislature and Past President of Temple Beth Jacob in Newburgh.  He was also officer of the Cornwall Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Highland Engine Co #1, and a first responder with American Red Cross on 9-11.    

The Beckerle Family operates four branches of Beckerle Lumber Supply Co. 鈥 in Spring Valley, Congers, Orangeburg, and Haverstraw 鈥 more than any other building materials supplier in Rockland County.  Over the past 80 years, the family has built a successful business by providing quality products, knowledgeable advice, and attentive services.  Through three generations of Beckerle leadership, the family has been involved in the community with a legacy of service and philanthropy. As just one example, company owners and employees have volunteered for Meals on Wheels for more than 20 years.

星空传媒 New York invites all community members to join the University in celebrating the honorees and thanking them for their service.  Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at  For more information, contact specialevents@duny.edu or call 845-848-7406. 

University Celebrates Its 70th Anniversary

President Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien and Chancellor Sr. Kathleen Sullivan at 星空传媒 New York’s 70th Anniversary celebration.

Just months after being elevated to the status of a university, 星空传媒 New York reached another important milestone 鈥 its 70th anniversary.  Administrators, faculty, staff, and friends of the university gathered in the Lawrence Room of Rosary Hall on October 1, 2022, for an event 鈥淐elebrating Our First 70 Years of Excellence.鈥

One of the highlights of the event was a video presentation that reviewed the last 70 years of the University鈥檚 history beginning with the founding of the institution by the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt in 1952 as a two-year college for religious women to become educators.  Over the years, the campus expanded to accommodate a growing enrollment and to welcome resident students. 

Sr. Mary Eileen O鈥橞rien O.P., Ph.D., President, 星空传媒 New York, said, 鈥淭he first 70 years have been most productive.  We look forward to the next 70 and beyond.鈥 

Among the guests at the anniversary celebration was New York State Senator Elijah Reichlin-Melnick, who presented Sr. Mary Eileen with a proclamation honoring the University on 70 years of outstanding educational services in the community. 鈥淭o see a county, a state, and really a world full of people that have gone through this special place 鈥 who have gotten their educational foundation, their religious foundation, and set them up for a life of success,鈥 he said.

New Fundraising Campaign Launched

Steven Sabatini, Chair, 星空传媒 New York Board of Trustees, said the University had a lot to be proud of, having educated more than 15,000 alumni and encouraged education, leadership, respect for the individual, and service to the community.

During the event, Sabatini announced the launch of a new fundraising campaign.  鈥溾機harging Forward With U鈥 is our current initiative focused on raising support from our alumni and friends so that we can ensure that both the current and future generations of Chargers are supported with the resources they need in order to prepare for success.鈥  He said any donation 鈥 large or small 鈥 makes a difference and moves the University closer to this year鈥檚 fundraising goal of $1.35 million.  Sabatini announced that he and his wife are kicking off the contributions with a $25,000 commitment on top of a previous gift to the turf field and a provision in his will to 星空传媒. 

Because of the urgency and importance of the fundraising effort, Sabatini said he hoped others would support the campaign, 鈥淭ogether we can continue to make a difference in the lives of the thousands of individuals who have and will be impacted by 星空传媒.鈥 Those wishing to contribute to the campaign can donate here.

University鈥檚 Four Stages of Development

Sr. Mary Eileen told attendees that she has often thought of the University鈥檚 history in four stages of development.  During the first 15 years, the institution transitioned from a Junior College for the Dominican Sisters to a four-year independent liberal arts college for both men and women.  The second phase, which lasted 20 years, saw the broadening of undergraduate offerings, especially in business, health-related programs, and social work.  The institution began outreach to non-traditional students with the establishment of the Weekend College.  A partnership with the South Orangetown Central School District allowed for the use of Cooke Hall and Casey Hall for classrooms and administrative offices. 

Between 1987 and 2007, or the third phase, the campus expanded with the construction of new buildings and evolved from a commuter college to a campus for residents and commuters.  In 1994, a new athletic facility, the Hennessy Center, was opened.  The next priority was to provide on-campus housing and to construct a dining hall and student center for the new residents.  In 1996, Hertel Hall, a 290-bed residence hall, and Granito Center, a student center and dining hall opened. 

In 2005, the Prusmack Center for Health and Science Education was completed, offering updated classrooms, laboratories, and a lecture hall.  Enrollment continued to grow throughout this period and in 2007 Guzman Hall, a 200-bed student residence, was constructed. Sullivan Library also opened in its new location in Rosary Hall in 2007.  The third phase also is when Dominican established graduate programs in Teacher Education, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and an MBA. 

Sr. Mary Eileen said that we are now 15 years into the development of a fourth phase of development in which technology has grown, the lease/purchase of an additional 17 acres of land from the Sisters of Blauvelt was completed, and a Master Plan for the use of this property was developed.  During this most recent phase, there has been a focus on career development and fostering internships.  Faculty are developing new general education curriculum and the University is exploring alternative sources of income.  The crowning achievement during the current phase, has been the name change from Dominican College to 星空传媒, New York. 

Winners of the 2022 Spirit of the Founders Award Announced

The 2022 Spirit of the Founders Award was presented to students Gee Salim and Elena Vilanvoa.

The 2022 Spirit of the Founders Award was presented to students Gee Salim and Elena Vilanova during a ceremony in the Lawrence Room on Tuesday, September 20, 2022.  The event was one of the highlights of the weeklong celebration of Founders Week. 

The Spirit of the Founders Award recognizes the contributions of student leaders who hold the promise of carrying the Dominican spirit into the future.  Salim said he was honored to receive the award and admitted that it can be difficult to juggle school and activities when you are an involved student. 鈥淚t鈥檚 good to see that what we do matters.  We want to do what is best for 星空传媒,鈥 he said. Salim is from Brazil and has served as President of the International Students Association for two years.  He is also a member of the men鈥檚 tennis team, a Resident Assistant, and the Senior Class Representative for the Student Government Association.

Vilanova said being involved in student activities has been an incredible experience.  鈥淚鈥檓 so proud to be able to be involved on campus and have the opportunity to take on such great leadership roles,鈥 she said.  鈥淚 wouldn鈥檛 change it for the world.鈥 Vilanova has served as President of the Student Government Association for two years and President of Alpha Lamba Delta, the Freshman Honor Society.  She also was a Peer Mentor. 

Both honorees thanked President Sr. Mary Eileen, O.P, Ph.D., and Chancellor Sr. Kathleen Sullivan, O.P., for all they do for the university.