Suffern, NY — Rockland Community College (RCC) welcomed State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. to campus this week as part of his statewide SUNY Reconnect Tour, an initiative designed to expand higher education opportunities for adult learners.
The visit spotlighted SUNY Reconnect, a program offering eligible New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 free tuition, fees, books, and supplies to pursue associate degrees in high-demand fields. RCC currently offers a dozen SUNY Reconnect pathways, including Occupational Therapy Assistant, Nursing, and Automotive Technology.
Chancellor King toured several RCC facilities alongside College President Dr. William Mullaney, including the new SUNY Reconnect Office, the Growing Together Lounge—a space for student parents—and the Hawk’s Hub Food Pantry, which provides food and hygiene items for students in need. The tour also featured a stop at the college’s Occupational Therapy Assistant Lab, where students demonstrated hands-on learning techniques.
“By removing financial barriers for adults returning to college, SUNY Reconnect is making education more accessible and helping individuals gain the skills needed in high-demand fields that lead to family-sustaining wages,” said Mullaney.
The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion involving Chancellor King, Dr. Mullaney, SUNY Reconnect students, and local business leaders. The conversation focused on workforce development, student experiences, and the role of education in strengthening Rockland County’s economy.
“SUNY Rockland Community College empowers students with the opportunity to transform their lives, make an impact, and chase their dreams with a high-quality education,” King said. “Through SUNY Reconnect, community colleges across New York have been able to welcome adult learners to pursue degrees in high-demand fields with free tuition, fees, books, and supplies.”
The event underscored the growing collaboration between higher education and local industries to prepare adult learners for careers that support both personal growth and community advancement.
For more information about SUNY Reconnect at Rockland Community College, visit sunyrockland.edu/reconnect or email reconnect@sunyrockland.edu.