By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart
Members of the “Community’s College” and key counterparts from the “Community’s High Schools” gathered at the Culinary & Event Center on April 23, 2024, for the annual School Counselor Brunch. This time-honored event, hosted appreciatively by SUNY Broome’s Enrollment Management division, is designed to encourage regional school counselors to relax, connect, learn, and collaborate.
The 2024 School Counselors Brunch marked Dr. Tony D. Hawkins’ first presidential event with the College’s partnering counselors.
“This past fall, 44% of our new, first-time students were recent local high school graduates,” shared President Hawkins. “That 44% is the direct result of your supportive conversations with your students, encouraging them to consider SUNY Broome. Thank you for seeing our value and for championing our academic rigor, affordability, transfer pathways, and workforce development.”
Attendees spent their morning learning about SUNY Broome’s newest initiatives and networking with administrators and faculty from each academic division.
Brittney Richardson and Owen Conklin represented the Enrollment Managment division at the School Counselor Brunch. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
Special speakers included:
- Dr. Tony D. Hawkins – President of SUNY Broome
- Dr. Penny Kelly – Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Owen Conklin – Director of Admissions
- Brittney Richardson – Enrollment Management Coordinator
- Jesse Wells – Executive Enrollment Management Officer
- Jenae Norris – Senior Associate Director of Recruitment at Binghamton University
- Danielle Britton – Director of Training, Education, and Workforce Development
- Richard Griffiths Jr. – Assistant Director of Financial Aid
Breakfast and lunch were beautifully prepared and served by students from the Hospitality Programs Department. Special thanks to students from the following classes:
- CUL 290 – Professional Foodservice Operations
- EVE 225 – Meetings, Tradeshows, Conventions, and Conferences
- BHM 216 – Professional Cooking
- BHM 123 – Bartending and Beverage Management
- BHM 275 – Catering and Community Service
SUNY Broome alumni Tom (Owego/Apalachin) and Jennifer (Whitney Point) Westcott look forward to the School Counselor Brunch each year as an opportunity to glean critical information that they can share with the students and families within their respective districts.
“Counselors have a unique relationship with students as we follow them throughout their entire academic journey,” explained Tom Westcott. “It’s so important that we stay up to date on the resources available for our students at SUNY Broome. SUNY Broome is so vital for our community as it harbors so many opportunities in STEM, the humanities, health sciences, and more.”
Counselors were invited to join their students at SUNY Broome’s Spring Open House, which will take place on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
First and second year Hospitality Programs department students prepared both breakfast and lunch for the event. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
