donna minicucci '07
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"Nursing has been a rewarding journey, and teaching has allowed me to give back to the profession that has given me so much."
Donna Minicucci’s journey in nursing is a testament to lifelong learning and dedication. After graduating from SUNY Orange’s Nursing Program in 2007, Donna embarked on a new career as a Registered Nurse in critical care, having entered nursing as a second career. Her passion for nursing and commitment to patient care saw her remain in bedside care for 13 years, where she honed her skills and expertise.
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Donna’s dedication to advancing her career didn’t stop there. She earned both a critical care certification and a master’s degree in Nursing, with a specialization in education. Her desire to give back to her alma mater led her back to SUNY Orange, first as a tutor for the nursing program. Her role soon expanded as she began teaching classes and ultimately became a full-time instructor and skills coordinator, where she played an instrumental role in shaping the next generation of nurses.
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In 2023, Donna retired from her full-time position, but her connection to SUNY Orange continues. She remains an adjunct instructor in the skills lab, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with students.
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Donna’s story is an inspiring example of growth, perseverance, and a passion for both nursing and education. She has left a lasting impact on the SUNY Orange community and continues to make a difference in the lives of future healthcare professionals.
nicole murray '06​
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Nicole Murray’s journey at SUNY Orange is a testament to perseverance and a passion for medical imaging. Starting at SUNY Orange in 2004, Nicole knew from high school that she wanted to pursue a career in Radiologic Technology. Despite the program’s high demand, which delayed her entry, Nicole remained committed. She earned an AS degree in Math and Science in 2004 while continuously applying to the Radiologic Technology program. Her persistence paid off when she finally began the program in August 2004 and graduated in the summer of 2006.
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Soon after graduation, Nicole passed her National Boards and became a certified Radiographer, earning her R.T. (R) credentials. Her early career saw her working in Dutchess and Orange Counties in a variety of settings, from emergency rooms to orthopedics and urgent care. Always eager to expand her knowledge, Nicole cross-trained in Computed Tomography (CT) and earned her R.T. (R) (CT) credentials after passing her national boards in CT.
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Her passion for the field didn't stop at imaging. While working, Nicole was approached by the Radiologic Technology department chair about becoming a volunteer hospital instructor. She enjoyed mentoring students during clinical rotations, which eventually led to an adjunct position as a Clinical Preceptor. Nicole found this role incredibly rewarding, and it wasn’t long before she was offered a position as a full-time instructor on campus.
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Nicole’s career continued to evolve, and she was appointed as the Clinical Coordinator for the Radiologic Technology program, eventually becoming the department chair—her current role. Reflecting on her journey, Nicole shares that being an educator was never part of her plan, but her story shows the limitless opportunities a career in Radiography can offer.
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Her journey demonstrates that a career in Radiography can open doors to unexpected and fulfilling paths, whether in clinical practice, sales, administration, or education. Nicole’s story is an inspiration to all who pursue this dynamic field, proving that one can continue learning and growing in ways they may not have anticipated.​​
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phillip cappadora '09
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"Success isn't measured by how far you've come, but by how many times you chose to keep going when it felt easier to stop."
Phillip Cappadora's journey is a testament to resilience and the unexpected turns life can take. In 2006, a life-changing injury as an ironworker led to nearly a year of rehabilitation, culminating in orthoscopic surgery in December 2007. Seeking a new direction, Phillip enrolled at SUNY Orange (Orange County Community College) in 2008. His path took an unexpected turn when he was recruited for a role in the musical Honk Junior after just a few weeks in an introductory theater class.
Though Phillip's background was rooted in athletics, his injury shifted his focus, leading him to explore the world of theater and film. Encouraged by a group of friends and inspired by his experiences in acting classes, he discovered a new passion. His performance in the 2009 independent film Village Music—his first acting role—left a profound impact on him, solidifying his desire to pursue a career in the film industry.
Today, Phillip is the Founder of The Astoria Filmmakers Club and the Executive Director of The Triborough Film Festival. His story is a powerful reminder that while we can make plans, it's often the unexpected moments that truly shape our paths.​​
Amy Stillwaggon '02
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"After the market bubble burst, she joined her father and grandfather in their business, Newburgh Envelope, a full service commercial print supplier. As of 2015, Amy owns and operates Newburgh Envelope full time."
Amy attended her first 2 semesters of college while still completing her senior year at NFA. Graduating NFA in 2000, Amy completed her Associates in Business Administration at SUNY Orange before transferring to SUNY New Paltz to complete her Bachelor of Arts. Throughout college, Amy was a Realtor. She learned during this time that she loved sales. After the market bubble burst, she joined her father and grandfather in their business, Newburgh Envelope, a full service commercial print supplier. As of 2015, Amy owns and operates Newburgh Envelope full time. In addition, Amy has been a Director Consultant with BNI Mid-Hudson Valley for 11 years, overseeing multiple chapters, facilitating trainings and teaching the art of networking regionally. In her spare time, Amy had the pleasure of opening a food pantry in Ulster County, currently sits on the Foundation Board of the ARC of Sullivan Orange, and can be found running 5Ks in the area. Plans for 2020 include utilizing the space at Newburgh Envelope to be even more of an asset to the business community, being a resource beyond just print, and providing access to the tools entrepreneurs need to launch their businesses.
Niccole Card '02 & '04
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"I have served in my dental hygiene professional association on the local and state levels since graduation as well. I love this college and all that it has to offer!"
I graduated from SUNY Orange in 2002 with my Associate in Arts and graduated again in 2004 with my AAS in Dental Hygiene. I then went on to attain my BS in Dental Hygiene and MS in Dental Hygiene. I came on as an adjunct in 2008 in the Dental Hygiene Department and then became full time in 2011. I have served in my dental hygiene professional association on the local and state levels since graduation as well. I love this college and all that it has to offer!
Michael Benzaia '08
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"My degree and the time spent at SUNY Orange set me up for more success than I even imagined possible."
My degree and the time spent at SUNY Orange set me up for more success than I even imagined possible. Since graduating from the Rad Tech program I have established myself in two of my passion careers- Medical & Television. The skillset the rad tech professors/clinical instructors taught me is what I used to obtain my graduate degree and what I currently utilize to navigate the entertainment world. I have been fortunate to have worked a fulfilling career in the Hudson Valley at medical facilities such as ORMC (Garnet), Middletown Medical, St Lukes Newburgh, & Hudson Valley Imaging. I applied the knowledge from these experiences to break into television working as an actor, medical consultant, and covid safety officer. I have appeared as an actor on How to get away with murder, General Hospital & Scandal. I have traveled around the world from New Zealand to Scandinavia. These experiences helped grow my empathy and understanding. None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for that moment when I said to my parents, " Why don't I give SUNY Orange a try. It’s close to home and affordable." The possibilities today are limitless because SUNY Orange gave me the tools that I needed to excel.
Carol Murray '02
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"This College is my home away from home and I have enjoyed many wonderful mentors and friends throughout the years."
I started at Orange County Community College in 1992 after being laid off from a state position and having a 3 month old and 4 year old at home. I received a Word Processing certificate through the displaced worker state program. I returned years later and completed my Associates degree while working full-time. In 2004 I returned again but as a part-time employee in the Diagnostic Imaging Department and enjoyed working for Professor Misiak. I was fortunate to move into a full-time position In Diagnostic Imaging and then remained here working in Academic Affairs with VP Chew and VP Heppner for 5 years. In 2011 I moved to the President’s Office and worked alongside Dr. Richards. He was an amazing leader and mentor to me. Because of his encouragement I went on to obtain my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Human Services. I am now proud to work alongside Dr. Young in the President’s Office. Dr. Young is taking the College to a new level with her incredible energy and I am witness to the great work being done from my view in our office. This College is my home away from home and I have enjoyed many wonderful mentors and friends throughout the years. The faculty are excellent in their disciplines and we have a staff that really cares about our students. People who come to SUNY Orange find it hard to leave...like me, I’m still here!!
JC Hendrickson '04
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JC feels that his time at SUNY Orange prepared him to work in his chosen field for the past 17 years. He has fond memories of Professor Paul Basinski who mentored him during his time at the college.
JC Hendrickson attended SUNY Orange from 2002-2004. He then went on to get his Bachelor’s degree in Law & Society from American University in 2006, and his Masters of Professional Studies in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University in 2015.
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JC is the Director of Congressional Affairs at the Justice Action Network. In this role, he leads legislative policy and advocacy before the U.S. Congress for the nation’s largest bipartisan criminal justice reform advocacy organization. Prior to this position, he worked in several other policy and advocacy roles, including leading the U.S. refugee resettlement and asylum policy and advocacy at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) for 3 years; and federal government relations for the criminal justice reform team at the Pew Charitable Trusts for 6 years. He was on legislative staff for members of Congress on Capitol Hill for just under 5 years, and while he was a student at SUNY Orange, he was elected to the Middletown Common Council.
JC says that the courses he took in the Global Studies department helped spur his interest in working in Washington, DC. He learned the dynamics that are at play, the history behind them, and how to critically analyze them. He feels that his time at SUNY Orange prepared him to work in this field for the past 17 years. JC has fond memories of Professor Paul Basinski who mentored him during his time at the college.