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Celebrating SUNY Orange Scholarship Recipients for academic year 2026-2027. Celebrating Our Scholars. Honoring Their Supporters. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of our 2026 scholarship recipients and recognize the generous donors whose support helps make their educational journeys possible. 2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026 Time: 7 PM Location: The Paramount Theatre, Middletown 17 South Street Middletown, NY 10940 RSVP FOR THE CEREMONY Place an Ad in the Scholarship Awards Journal Celebrate our scholarship recipients and support SUNY Orange students by placing an advertisement in this year's Scholarship Awards Journal. View Journal Ad Opportunities Purchase a Journal Ad About the Ceremony The annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony brings together scholarship recipients, their families and guests, scholarship donors, college representatives, and members of our community to celebrate student achievement and the generosity that makes these opportunities possible. During the ceremony, scholarship recipients will be recognized and presented with their awards as we celebrate their accomplishments and the individuals and organizations who have invested in their success. What to Expect We look forward to welcoming scholarship recipients, families, donors, and members of our college and community as we come together to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Arrival & Check-In Doors open at 6:00 PM | Ceremony begins at 7:00 PM Check-in will be in the theatre lobby. Attire Business casual or special-occasion attire is encouraged, for scholarship recipients. A professional photographer will be onsite to capture photos throughout the evening. The Ceremony Each scholarship recipient will be recognized and invited on stage to receive their scholarship certificate. Professional photos will be taken, including recipient and donor photos whenever possible. Guests & RSVP Family and guests are invited to attend. Advance registration is required for all attendees, as the Paramount requires a ticket for each guest. Please include all names when submitting your RSVP. Parking Complimentary parking is available in the lot directly across the street from the Paramount. Additional street parking is available nearby. After the Ceremony Light refreshments will be served in the lobby following the ceremony. Guests are invited to stay, celebrate, and connect with our scholarship recipients, donors, and college community. A Special Note for Scholarship Recipients Congratulations! We are excited to celebrate your accomplishments and recognize you during this year's Scholarship Awards Ceremony. Please Arrive Early Doors open at 6:00 PM, and we encourage scholarship recipients to arrive early enough to check in and be seated well before the 7:00 PM ceremony. Recipients will be seated in a designated area and called to the stage in a predetermined order, so it is important that everyone is checked in and seated before the program begins. Your Name Will Be Announced When you RSVP, please provide the phonetic pronunciation of your name so that we can announce it correctly as you are recognized onstage. Plan to Stay for Photos Please plan to stay for a short time following the ceremony. Our photographer will be taking additional recipient photos, including photos with scholarship donors when they are in attendance. These photographs help us celebrate your achievement and share the impact of our scholarship program. Most importantly, enjoy the evening! This ceremony is a celebration of your hard work and accomplishments, and we look forward to recognizing you alongside your family, friends, donors, and college community. RSVP FOR THE CEREMONY Questions? For questions about the Scholarship Awards Ceremony or assistance with your RSVP, please contact Sharon Hood, Scholarship Administrator. Sharon Hood Sharonhood@sunyorange.edu (845)341-4725 Looking Back: 2025 Scholarship Awards Ceremony On October 8, 2025, we celebrated the achievements of 275 SUNY Orange students , who were awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships at our 2025 Scholarship Awards Ceremony. The evening was a powerful reminder of what's possible when generosity and determination come together, creating opportunities, changing lives, and empowering dreams. Photos by EC Media View Full Photo Gallery by EC Media Here Photos by Justin Cole View Full Photo Gallery by Justin Cole Here We are grateful to the donors and supporters who continue to empower SUNY Orange students to pursue their dreams.

Celebrating SUNY Orange Scholarship Recipients for academic year 2025-2026. 2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony Empowering Dreams Together On October 7. we celebrated the achievements of SUNY Orange students , who received $550,000 in scholarships at our 2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony. The evening was a powerful reminder of what's possible when generosity and determination come together, creating opportunities, changing lives, and empowering dreams. Photos by JRC Photoworks View Full Photo Gallery by JRC Photoworks Here Photos by Shot by 23 View Full Photo Gallery by Shot by 23 Here The 2026 Scholarship Awards Ceremony brought together students, donors, alumni, and community partners to celebrate academic achievement and the generosity that makes scholarship opportunities possible. The evening highlighted the transformative power of scholarships to change lives and strengthen our SUNY Orange community. We are grateful to the donors and supporters who continue to empower SUNY Orange students to pursue their dreams.

Celebrating SUNY Orange Scholarship Recipients for academic year 2025-2026. Empowering Dreams Together On October 8. we celebrated the achievements of 275 SUNY Orange students , who were awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships at our 2025 Scholarship Awards Ceremony. The evening was a powerful reminder of what's possible when generosity and determination come together, creating opportunities, changing lives, and empowering dreams. Photos by EC Media View Full Photo Gallery by EC Media Here Photos by Justin Cole View Full Photo Gallery by Justin Cole Here The 2025 Scholarship Awards Ceremony brought together students, donors, alumni, and community partners in celebration of academic achievement and philanthropy. The evening highlighted the transformative power of scholarships to change lives and strengthen our SUNY Orange community. We are grateful to the donors and supporters who continue to empower SUNY Orange students to pursue their dreams.

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Make a Gift Frequently Asked Questions General Information What are we celebrating? There have been many changes over the past 75 years…for the College and the County…but the one constant throughout all of that time is the transformational impact that the College has had on so many lives over the years. As we reflect on this 75th anniversary milestone, it is the people we want to celebrate. Those whose vision founded Orange County Community College, those who have dedicated their time and talent to educating and serving the students and the students themselves who trusted Orange County Community College with their dreams. The College has been transforming lives for 75 years and will continue to do so for many years to come. How will your 75th anniversary gift be used to help SUNY Orange students? SUNY Orange – Orange County Community College is currently working through a significant Facilities Master Plan that is identifying key areas of improvement for both of our campuses. These physical improvements will help the College create a campus environment that is safe, supportive, and designed to foster student success at every level. Your gift will be used to support these improvements which will help our students by: ● Providing students with a more modern and comfortable learning environment. ● Purchasing new technology that will allow for more inclusive teaching methods and help students learn and study more effectively. ● Creating a welcoming atmosphere that supports diversity and inclusion. ● Strengthening ties with community organizations to expand opportunities for students. ● Encouraging collaboration among faculty, staff, and students to build a strong campus community. How can I learn more about the history of SUNY Orange? There have been some amazing firsts and incredible moments at Orange County Community College over the past 75 years and we are so proud to share them with you. Check them out here . Donations How can I make a gift to the 75th anniversary campaign? You can give to the 75th-anniversary campaign by visiting our “Make a Gift” page . What are the different ways I can contribute? You can make a one-time gift or a recurring monthly donation on our website. You can also donate gifts of stock or make a qualified charitable contribution from an IRA. If you are interested in making a future gift, you can also include the SUNY Orange Foundation in your will or even make us the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Please give us a call at 845-341-4337 to learn more about all of these giving opportunities. Is my donation tax-deductible? Absolutely! How will I be notified about how my gift is being used? If you are on our e-newsletter list, you will receive email updates on how these gifts are being used. If you are not already on our list, you can opt in here. The Foundation will also send a letter in the Summer of 2025 to let you know about the success of our fund-raising initiatives and how the College is putting those gifts to good use. You can also connect with us on our social media channels to get more up-to-date information on how your gift is helping us continue to “transform lives”. Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , YouTube 75th Anniversary Gala How can I join in the celebration? Save the weekend of May 16th and 17th and come to Middletown! There will be an on-campus event the evening of Friday, May 16th with tours, scavenger hunts, meet and greets and opportunities to share your SUNY Orange story. Saturday, May 17th will be our big 75th Anniversary bash at West Hills Country Club in Middletown. Both of these events will help us raise money for the 75th anniversary campaign which is focused on improving the SUNY Orange learning environment to support innovative teaching and student success and prepare students for the jobs of the future. You can register for both events here . Register for 75th Gala Commemorative Items Where can I purchase a 75th-anniversary ornament? You can purchase a 75th-anniversary ornament here . Stay Connected How can I stay updated on the 75th-anniversary celebration? You can stay updated by subscribing to the foundation's newsletter and following us on social media. Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , YouTube . Contact information: (Dawn Ansbro) (845) 341-4337 , dawn.ansbro@sunyorange.edu Who can I contact for more information? You can contact the foundation for more information by calling Dawn at (845) 341-4337 or emailing dawn.ansbro@sunyorange.edu . Links Tribute Kudoboard FAQ's For more information Call: (845) 341-4337 or Email: dawnansbro@sunyorange.edu

Make a gift to the Jenny Mirecki Scholarship today! Make a Gift to the Jenny Mirecki Memorial Scholarship Jenny Mirecki was a talented, beloved and respected professor in the SUNY Orange Education Department who passed away in July 2024. Jenny was passionate about helping and engaging with kids from an early age. She turned that passion into her profession. She taught at Taft Elementary School in the Washingtonville School District for seven years. Taking a break from teaching, Jenny devoted the next nine years to raising her three beloved children. Her dedication to parenthood and love for children was evident in the strong bond and relationships she fostered with them. She then continued her teaching career at SUNY Orange in Middletown, NY, as an associate professor of Early Childhood Education. Through her passion, she helped shape and prepare her students for the future, so they could continue to pursue their careers in education. Jenny was also an outgoing and active member of her local community. She went above and beyond in every role that she held. Jenny volunteered on the Washingtonville Teacher Center Policy Board starting in 2003 and RECAP of Western Orange County Head Start Policy Council, as well as helping run the local Alex’s Lemonade Stand each year. She was also co-advisor to Future Teachers Association, and played a very active role as a chair of the Safety and Security Committee at SUNY Orange. Your gift to the Jenny Mirecki Memorial Scholarship will help continue Jenny's good work and support the students she cared so much about. Thank you for honoring Jenny's memory with your gift.

In honor of the 75th Anniversary, SUNY Orange students who donate $7.50 or more, will be entered to win one of 3 amazing prizes! 75th Anniversary Student Giving Opportunity Celebrate 75 Years of SUNY Orange – Give Back & Win Big! Join us in honoring SUNY Orange's 75th anniversary by making a real impact on your fellow students. For just $7.50 or more, you can help a fellow student stay in school by supporting the SUNY Orange Student Emergency Fund Your donation of $7.50 or more will directly benefit the SUNY Orange Student Emergency Fund- a resource that provides crucial financial assistance to students in times of need. Why Give? Support Your Peers: Your donation helps students facing unexpected financial hardships. Be Part of Something Bigger: Celebrate 75 years of SUNY Orange by fostering a culture of giving. Win Amazing Prizes: When you donate, you're automatically entered to win one of these exciting prizes: Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) Apple IPad Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) How to Donate: Online: Use the secure donation form below Venmo: Send your donation via Venmo to @sunyorangefoundation . (Please include your name and email in the notes) Eligibility: Only currently enrolled SUNY Orange students are eligible to win. Donate by May 8th. Winners will be announced on May 9th! Your contribution- big or small- makes a difference. Let's celebrate 75 years of SUNY Orange by coming together to support our community. Make your gift today and change a life! Donate Now

"Spare" some time and join fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for a fun afternoon of bowling for a good cause - Scholarships for students! Bowling for Scholarships…One Strike at a Time "Spare" some time and join fellow students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members for a fun afternoon of bowling for a good cause - Scholarships for students! Pizza, soda, and prizes included! $25 per player (registration required). Lane Sponsorships available for $350 and includes: name recognition on our website and social media, name recognition at the fundraiser, and six bowler registrations. Your ticket includes two hours of bowling, plus pizza and soda for your team. Registration is accepted online here or by registration form HERE All lanes include 6 players – if not playing as a team of six, you will be matched with other registered players. Space is limited. For more information contact Jennifer D'Andrea at jennifer.dandrea@sunyorange.edu or at 845-341-4179 For more information on what the venue is doing to keep us safe during the pandemic, click on the link HERE Sunday, March 6, 2022 3:00-5:00 p.m. Doors open at 2:45pm Quinnz Pinz - 13 Railroad Avenue - Middletown, NY All proceeds to benefit the SUNY Orange Foundation Presidential Scholarship Fund.

Invest in a student today and watch them invest in others tomorrow! Make a tax-deductible gift to the SUNY Orange Foundation. SUNY Orange Payroll Deduction Campaign Buy an Ornament! Thank you for participating in the SUNY Orange payroll deduction campaign. Whatever way you choose to give, your contributions will help SUNY Orange students realize their dreams and reach their full potential. We are committed to being prudent stewards of all gifts, fulfilling donor intent, and making sure that all SUNY Orange students have the resources they need. Below is a description of each of the funds you can contribute to: Transforming Spaces (75th Anniversary) Fund : We are all excited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Orange County Community College in 2025! To help us celebrate, please consider a gift to the 75th Anniversary Fund. This fund will be used to modernize classrooms in order to better prepare our students for the careers of tomorrow. Teaching methods are now more inclusive and participative and require classroom environments that support this. Desks that are mobile, flexible and ergonomically designed will help students learn and study more effectively. Thank you for helping us provide the best education possible to SUNY Orange students! The Student Emergency Fund: This fund provides resources for SUNY Orange students to help pay for urgent expenses triggered by unforeseen events that threaten their ability to stay in college. Issues such as homelessness or threat of eviction; medical or dental emergencies; domestic violence; theft; and lack of transportation or childcare are just some examples of the real world issues our students face every day. Investing in this fund can help a student get past that financial hurdle and get them back on the road to graduation. Full Tuition (Presidential) Scholarships: These scholarships cover full tuition and books for a student for their full two years at SUNY Orange. The Foundation works diligently with our generous donors each year to fund as many of these scholarships as possible, but there are many students in need and this fund can always use support. Athletic Scholarships: SUNY Orange's Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Baseball and Softball all compete at the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division II level and offer athletic scholarships to help students cover tuition, fees and books. This ensures that scholarships are divided equally between men’s and women’s sports. SUNY Orange Athletic Scholarships allow the College to ensure their programs are competitive and provides the coaches with the ability to sign great players to their teams. Scholarships are particularly helpful in attracting women to the athletic programs. Cultural Affairs: SUNY Orange Cultural Affairs programming is wonderfully diverse and provides enriching experiences for both the college community and the community-at-large. Infusing this program with additional funds would provide more opportunities to connect students with experiences that will shape their critical thinking and expand their ideas about their world we live in. Faculty/Staff Emergency Fund: This is a newly created fund designed to support members of our college community who experience a life-altering emergency. This fund will need to be built up before it can be properly utilized. Other: There are many scholarships that need additional support and this is an opportunity to contribute to the one that means the most to you. It might be a departmental scholarship or one that is simply close to your heart. Just add the name of the scholarship here and the Foundation will be sure your gift is applied appropriately. If you are interested in learning more about establishing your own scholarship with the SUNY Orange Foundation, please click HERE.

Providing a variety of meaningful opportunities to keep alumni connected to SUNY Orange faculty and staff, current students, and alumni. SUNY Orange Alumni Engagement Alumni Contact Form Spotlights E-Newsletter Sign-up Make a Gift SUNY Orange Foundation & Alumni Engagement invites you to, Connect. Engage. Give Back. Whether you live nearby, or far away, there are many ways that YOU, our Orange County Community College – SUNY Orange alumni, can stay connected to the College, students, and other alumni. Here is just a small sample of some ways you can keep in touch, get involved, and when possible, give back. Connect. Stay connected to the College, students, and other alumni through the Alumni E-Newsletter. We'll email you invitations to alumni events, advances and achievements with College, departments and among students, alumni news and spotlights , Foundation events and fundraisers, and events on campus. You can update your contact information and sign up to receive the Alumni E-Newsletter HERE. And don't forget to connect with us on social media. Engage. Stay engaged with the College, students, and other alumni by volunteering as an alumni presenter for College events, alumni panels, class or club discussions, or career services workshops If you are interested in volunteering your time, please let us know by filling out a brief form HERE . O pportunities can be done virtually or in-person. Give Back. SUNY Orange Foundation & Alumni Engagement works to ensure that Orange County County College - SUNY Orange remains a high-quality, affordable education c hoice for students of all ages through its extensive Scholarship and Grant-In-Aid programs. You can give back by making a contribution to the annual fund, giving to the Student Emergency Fund, creating a scholarship, incorporating SUNY Orange Foundation in your will or just giving your time and getting involved. For more information about giving back to SUNY Orange Foundation & Alumni Engagement, please click HERE If you have any suggestions or would like additional information about alumni engagement at the SUNY Orange Foundation, please feel free to reach out. Thank you, and we look forward to connecting with you! Additional Resources . SUNY Orange The Citadel OCCC History Collection Transfer Advising Establishing a Scholarship Career Services Office

The 2026 Leadership awards recognizes five exceptional leaders whose service, innovation, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our community and on SUNY Orange students.  2026 Leadership Awards Honorees We are proud to recognize five exceptional leaders whose service, innovation, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our community and on SUNY Orange students. Thomas Rickard '92 Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award Associate Professor of Mathematics Head Coach, SUNY Orange Men's Basketball Thomas Rickard is a dedicated educator, accomplished coach, and proud SUNY Orange alumnus whose career reflects a lifelong commitment to student success both in the classroom and on the court. A 45-year resident of Orange County, Rickard currently serves as Assistant Principal at Minisink Valley Middle School, where he previously taught mathematics for 16 years. He also continues to support higher education as an Associate Professor of Mathematics at SUNY Orange. Rickard’s connection to the college runs deep. Together with his mother and siblings, all SUNY Orange graduates, he helped establish the Paul Rickard Memorial Scholarship Fund in honor of his father, a beloved mathematics professor and longtime coach at the college. The scholarship has provided meaningful financial support to SUNY Orange students pursuing studies in mathematics, nursing, and athletics, continuing a family legacy rooted in education and opportunity. As head men’s basketball coach at SUNY Orange, Rickard has built one of the region’s most successful programs, leading the Colts to multiple Mid-Hudson Conference titles and a national semifinal appearance. A multi-time Coach of the Year recipient, he is widely respected for cultivating excellence, mentorship, and teamwork among his student-athletes. Rickard’s relationship with SUNY Orange began as a student-athlete, where he scored more than 1,000 career points before continuing his collegiate basketball career as an All-American at Dominican University. He later earned a master’s degree from Iona University and an advanced certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University. Through decades of service as an educator, mentor, and community leader, Rickard has made a lasting impact on generations of students. The SUNY Orange Foundation is proud to recognize Thomas Rickard with the Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award. Everett Collie Leadership in Business Award Creative Professional, Entrepreneur Founder of EC Media Group LLC Everett Collie is a Hudson Valley–based entrepreneur, creative professional, and community leader whose work reflects a deep commitment to advancing opportunity through innovation, mentorship, and service. As co-founder of EC Media Group, LLC, he has helped organizations throughout Orange County communicate their missions through powerful visual storytelling while fostering workforce development and community engagement. Originally from South Florida and a Middletown resident since 1997, Collie built EC Media Group alongside his wife, Cquera, growing the company into a respected media firm and a New York State–certified Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise. Under his leadership, the organization has become known not only for high-quality production, but also for its investment in emerging talent. In 2024, the Collies established the EC Media Group LLC Foundation through the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties to expand educational access and create pathways for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs. Through initiatives such as The Feedback Corner, Collie has cultivated a collaborative environment where filmmakers, content creators, and media professionals can learn, connect, and grow. The foundation’s impact was recognized with an inaugural Orange and Sullivan Equity Fund Grant supporting media production internships. Collie maintains strong partnerships with SUNY Orange, SUNY New Paltz, and Orange-Ulster BOCES, providing students with hands-on experience that bridges education and career readiness. A graduate of Leadership Orange, he currently serves on the boards of Leadership Orange and Hudson Valley Honor Flight. His dedication to service has earned recognition from numerous community organizations, including the Orange County Arts Council and the YMCA, where he received the Community Spirit Award. Since 2014, he has also volunteered with Hudson Valley Honor Flight, documenting veterans’ journeys to Washington, D.C., and preserving their stories for future generations. Through his entrepreneurial leadership and unwavering commitment to community advancement, Everett Collie continues to make a meaningful impact across the region. The SUNY Orange Foundation is proud to honor him with the Leadership in Business Award. Dr. Erika Hackman Leadership in Education Award Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs & Student Services, SUNY Orange Dr. Erika Hackman is a distinguished higher education leader whose strategic vision and commitment to student success have helped shape the academic experience at SUNY Orange and beyond. Serving as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs since 2023, she provides executive leadership for the College’s academic and student support divisions, advancing initiatives that promote access, achievement, and institutional excellence. Since joining SUNY Orange in 2016, Dr. Hackman has led transformative efforts that strengthen both academic quality and student outcomes. Most notably, she spearheaded the College’s successful designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, securing a $2.9 million federal grant to enhance retention, completion, and overall student success — particularly for Hispanic and low-income students. She also served as executive lead for the College’s reaffirmation of accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, guiding a comprehensive institutional self-study. Recognized nationally for her leadership, Dr. Hackman currently serves as Chair of the New York Association of Chief Academic Officers and has held prominent roles with the American Association of Community Colleges and other statewide and national organizations focused on advancing community college education. Her work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, equity, and academic opportunity. Prior to SUNY Orange, Dr. Hackman served as the inaugural Dean of Learning Support at Parkland College in Illinois, where she oversaw academic support services and directed a $2.1 million Title III grant focused on strengthening student learning. Her contributions to the field were recognized with the Community College Leadership Award from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Hackman holds a doctorate in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she also earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She began her higher education journey at Southwestern Illinois College, an experience that continues to inform her dedication to expanding pathways for community college students. Through her visionary leadership and unwavering focus on student achievement, Dr. Hackman continues to advance SUNY Orange’s mission and impact. The SUNY Orange Foundation is proud to honor her with the Excellence in Education Leadership Award. Derrik Wynkoop Leadership in Community Service Award (In Memory of Dawn Ansbro) President & CEO, Walden Savings Bank SUNY Orange Foundation Board Member Derrik R. Wynkoop is a respected banking executive and community leader whose decades of service have helped shape the economic and philanthropic landscape of the Hudson Valley. Since 2011, he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Walden Savings Bank — one of the nation’s oldest mutual savings banks — guiding the institution with a commitment to financial strength, community partnership, and long-term regional growth. With a career in banking spanning more than three decades, Wynkoop has held senior leadership roles across the financial sector, including executive positions at Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union and Walden Federal Savings & Loan. His strategic vision and industry expertise have earned him appointments to influential organizations such as the New York Bankers Association and the American Bankers Association’s Government Relations Council, where he has contributed to shaping financial policy and priorities at both the state and national levels. Wynkoop’s impact extends far beyond the financial industry. A deeply engaged civic leader, he has served in numerous governance roles supporting education, healthcare, and community advancement. He is a past Chairman of both the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan and the SUNY Orange Foundation, where his leadership helped strengthen philanthropic initiatives and expand opportunities for students. He has also played key roles with Mount Saint Mary College, St. Luke’s–Montefiore Hospital, and the Regional Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. A longtime champion of higher education, Wynkoop previously taught as an adjunct professor and helped establish the Medici Scholars Program at Mount Saint Mary College. His enduring connection to SUNY Orange includes many years of board service and continued family ties to the College. In recognition of his exceptional leadership and service, Wynkoop has received numerous honors, including the Ottaway Medal for outstanding contributions to Orange County. Rooted in Walden, New York — where five generations of his family have lived — Wynkoop remains deeply committed to strengthening the community he calls home. The SUNY Orange Foundation is proud to honor Derrik Wynkoop for his visionary leadership and lasting impact. Helen G. Ullrich, Esq. Lifetime Achievement Award Retired Partner, Retired Partner, Bergstein & Ullrich, LLP, Former SUNY Orange Trustee & Foundation Board Member Helen G. Ullrich is a respected attorney and longtime civic leader whose decades of service have strengthened the Orange County community and SUNY Orange alike. After earning her law degree from New York Law School and passing the New York Bar Exam, she began her legal career with the Law Office of Michael Sussman, where she developed a strong foundation in public-interest law. In addition to her legal work, Ullrich has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service. She made history as the first woman elected Councilwoman in the Town of Hamptonburgh and later served as Vice Chair of the Orange County Democratic Committee. Helen also spent more than twenty years of leadership with Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley, including two terms as Board Chair. Appointed by Governor David Paterson to the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees, Ullrich served for approximately a decade and held the role of Board Chair, helping guide the institution through a presidential transition and a period of continued growth. She later continued her service as a member of the SUNY Orange Foundation Board, where she chaired the Diversity Committee. Ullrich remains actively engaged in community initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she supported the Newburgh Urban Farm and Food Initiative in strengthening its governance and now serves as Treasurer of the organization, advancing efforts to address food insecurity throughout the region. In recognition of her distinguished career, steadfast leadership, and lasting impact, the SUNY Orange Foundation is proud to honor Helen G. Ullrich with the Lifetime Achievement Award.