MIDDLETOWN, N.Y. – The SUNY Orange Foundation celebrated academic achievement and community generosity during its annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony, held Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Paramount Theatre in Middletown. The event recognized 275 student recipients who collectively received more than $500,000 in scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Students, donors, alumni, faculty, and friends of the College gathered to honor the impact of scholarships on student success.

“This event was truly an evening of inspiration, appreciation, and celebration,” said Kristin Jensen, executive director of the SUNY Orange Foundation, who joined the College in May and presided over her first scholarship ceremony. “It’s an opportunity to see how the support of our generous donors impacts student success, and for our students to be recognized for their hard work and determination.”

The program opened with a stirring a cappella rendition of the National Anthem performed by Angela Elia, SUNY Orange’s IT Support Manager and a 1994 alumna. The evening’s speakers included student and alumni whose stories exemplified the College’s mission and the power of education to transform lives.

Terri Blancato-Horton (left), a 2000 graduate of the College’s Radiologic Technology program, shared how her time at SUNY Orange as a single mother of two set her family on a new path and inspired her to help future students.

“Getting accepted into the program changed everything,” she said. “I was the first in my family to go to college, and because of that start, my daughters went on to earn advanced degrees. That’s the kind of ripple effect community colleges can have.”

Blancato-Horton also honored the late Arthur “Art” Lynch, a SUNY Orange Radiologic Technology graduate and mentor who spent his career training the next generation of technologists. In his memory, she helped establish the Art Lynch Memorial Scholarship, which supports students in the Radiologic Technology program.

“To me, it was the perfect way to give back to the program that changed my life, and to ensure Art’s impact continues in the radiology world,” she said. “This spring, the very first Art Lynch Scholarship was awarded, and I couldn’t be prouder to see his legacy live on.”

Another inspiring story came from Stephen D’Ambrosio, a sophomore planning to transfer to Montclair State University to pursue a career in film. D’Ambrosio reflected on how the Presidential Honors Scholarship gave him both financial support and the confidence to pursue his dreams.

“Knowing that there are people who support me and believe in me gives me the courage to go out into the world and make a difference,” he said. “Your support is not just making education more affordable. It’s helping build futures. I promise to pay this generosity forward, through the stories I tell, the communities I support, and the students I help one day down the line.”

His remarks highlighted the transformative power of scholarships and the vital role donors play in helping students achieve their goals.

The SUNY Orange Foundation expands educational opportunities through fundraising, alumni engagement, and community partnerships. If you are interested in learning more about establishing a scholarship with the Foundation, please contact Executive Director Kristin Jensen at kristinjensen@sunyorange.edu or (845) 341-4471. Scholarship applications will open again in January 2026 at www.sunyorangefoundation.org.