Registration Opens for Unique Program to Help Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners 聽聽

Registration is now underway for a unique evening class to help aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners launch or grow a successful business.  The program is a joint project of 蘑菇APP New York, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES, a community-based, peer-driven, cross-disability, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy and leadership on behalf of people with disabilities. 

Intro to Entrepreneurship is a stand-alone program, and there is no requirement that registrants be enrolled 蘑菇APP students. The class will be held on seven Wednesdays from March 13 through April 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with about one hour of homework for each class.  During the last class, course participants will be eligible to showcase their small business ideas in a Shark Tank style 鈥淩ocket Pitch Competition鈥� for a chance to secure seed funding. Three winners will take home $5,000 each, which is funded through a grant from The Bailey Foundation.    

Participants in the program will learn how to:

  • Create a solid business plan that outlines goals, strategies, and financial projections to provide a roadmap for success.
  • Effectively manage credit, from securing loans to optimizing credit utilization.
  • Excel in marketing their business, create a strong brand identity, and attract and retain customers through strategic branding efforts. 
  • Perfect a business proposal pitch to increase the chance of securing investment and forming valuable partnerships.

鈥淚ntro to Entrepreneurship lays the groundwork for fostering local innovation, providing young entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge, skills, and drive needed for success,鈥� stated Tyre麓 Robinson, M&T Bank Regional President. 鈥淢&T Bank is honored to join 蘑菇APP and BRIDGES in this initiative.”

M&T Bank is a generous sponsor and supporter of this collaboration through scholarships, prize money, and promotional considerations.  In addition, M&T will provide financial counselors and branch managers at the majority of class sessions to support small business startups in the lower Hudson Valley.  

蘑菇APP New York Interim President Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., said, 鈥淭his class is a wonderful example of how the community can join together to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.听 蘑菇APP is proud to be teaming up with M&T Bank and BRIDGES to educate, encourage, and hopefully inspire entrepreneurs.鈥�

蘑菇APP graduate students who take the class will receive credit toward their Capstone requirement and undergraduate students will receive one credit toward their business degree. The Intro to Entrepreneurship class costs $782. Scholarships are available.

BRIDGES CEO Carlos Martinez said, “People with disabilities, veterans, and people formerly involved in the justice system often face challenges and barriers to employment and financial self-sufficiency. Entrepreneurship is a clear pathway to autonomy, and we are elated to collaborate with M&T Bank and 蘑菇APP to bring this Intro to Entrepreneurship mini-course to our community, empowering future and early-stage business owners to follow their dreams. This initiative is at the heart of BRIDGES鈥� mission to remove barriers and advance autonomy for all.”

For more information, visit:

February 15, 2024

Help is Available for Families Struggling with New FAFSA

蘑菇APP New York is offering to help parents and students complete the new FAFSA form to apply for financial aid on Saturday, February 10, 2024, during an Open House for incoming freshman and transfer students. Staff from the Office of Student Financial Services will be available to help families fill out the online application on laptops set up at the Open House.

The federal government rolled out a completely overhauled FAFSA for 2024-2025 in an effort to simplify the financial aid process, but unfortunately there have been some glitches and delays that will lead to later offers of financial aid than in previous years. 

Director of Student Financial Services Stacy Salinas said, 鈥淲e know our students and parents are worried and frustrated about problems with the new FAFSA form and my staff and I are committed to helping them navigate the financial aid process as best as possible. At the upcoming Open House, we will answer any questions families have and assist them with filing the FAFSA application.鈥�

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and all prospective college students must complete the form to apply for aid including federal grants, work-study funds, and loans.  In addition, colleges use the FAFSA information to determine financial aid packages provided by the school. 

Salinas said staff will be available to help with the FAFSA application from 9 a.m. to 聽1 p.m. The Open House also includes tours of the campus, as well as presentations on academic programs, student activities, athletics, and more.听 For additional information and to register for the Open House, visit duny.edu/register.

Families of current students who need assistance should stop by the Office of Student Services in Cooke Hall or call 845-848-7821.

February 2, 2024

蘑菇APP New York Appoints Interim President

Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D.


The 蘑菇APP New York Board of Trustees has appointed Sr. Mary Hughes, O.P., Ed.D., to serve as Interim President, replacing President Sr. Mary Eileen O鈥橞rien, O.P., Ph.D., who is retiring on January 1, 2024, after serving two terms as President for a total of 35 years. 

鈥淪r. Hughes has an impressive background with a wealth of experience in education and leadership positions,鈥� said Steven Sabatini, Chair of the 蘑菇APP Board of Trustees. 鈥淲e are very fortunate that she has agreed to serve as Interim President during this time of transition to allow Sr. Mary Eileen to begin her much-deserved retirement while we continue our search for a permanent President.鈥�

Sr. Hughes said, 鈥淚 look forward to being on campus and meeting students, faculty, and staff who make up the heart of this special university community.  Sr. Mary Eileen has a record of remarkable accomplishments at 蘑菇APP, and I am honored and humbled to be called upon to uphold her legacy of promoting educational excellence, while stressing the importance of service and respect for the individual.鈥�

Sr. Hughes is a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Congregation of the Holy Cross, Amityville, NY. Her early ministerial activity was in elementary education, serving as a teacher, a catechist, an assistant principal, and then a principal.  After completing advanced studies, she ministered as a teacher educator both at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY, and then at Iona College, which is now Iona University, in New Rochelle, NY.  Sr. Hughes was Chair of the Education Department at Iona, and later was Special Executive Assistant to the President and Campus Dean.  In addition, she was a member of the Board of Trustees of Molloy College, which is now Molloy University, for 12 years, including five years as Board Vice Chair. For more than nine years, she has been an Adjunct Professor at the Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus, teaching a doctoral seminar on The Spirituality of Leadership for the Graduate School of Education, Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education.

From 2009 to 2012, Sr. Hughes served in the presidency of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR). She represented the majority of Roman Catholic Sisters in the United States at meetings of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and at the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life at the Vatican. She held that position during her second term as Prioress of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Amityville.  She was Prioress from 1995-2001, and again from 2007-2013.  She then served on the staff of LCWR as their Director of Transitional Services.  Sr. Hughes now works as a consultant to religious communities as they seek to further their life and mission.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Molloy University, a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Hunter College, and both a Master in Education and a Doctorate in Education from Columbia University鈥檚 Teachers College. 

Sr. Hughes is expected to remain in the role of Interim President until a permanent replacement is named.  The Board of Trustees has formed a Pre-Planning Committee which has interviewed professional search firms, canvassed the University community for input, and formed a Presidential Search and Screening Committee which will conduct the first round of interviews of potential candidates. The Board is looking for a candidate who will continue to fulfill the University鈥檚 mission to promote educational excellence, leadership, and service in an environment characterized by respect for the individual and concern for the community and its needs. 

Sr. Mary Eileen announced her retirement on October 2, 2023, saying she felt the time was right after the institution attained university status and constructed the long-awaited turf field and track for student athletes.  The turf field was officially named the O鈥橞rien Field on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in recognition of Sr. Mary Eileen鈥檚 years of visionary leadership and service.  She is the longest-serving President in 蘑菇APP鈥檚 71-year history and will continue to serve on the 蘑菇APP Board of Trustees.  

蘑菇APP New York currently serves approximately 1,500 students offering undergraduate programs, master鈥檚 programs in teacher education, occupational therapy, nursing, business, and organizational leadership and communication, as well as doctoral programs in physical therapy and nursing.

December 18, 2023

Virtual Info Session

Graduates & Undergraduates: Join us on Zoom

If you’re juggling work, family, and other responsibilities, we can offer the support, flexibility, and inspiration you need to realize your goals.听 Register now for our Virtual Information Session for Graduate and Undergraduate Adult students

Here’s what you can expect:聽

  • Learn more about your program, curriculum, and outcomes directly from faculty
  • Admissions representatives will personally walk you through the admissions process
  • Speak to Financial Aid specialists about financing options for adult and graduate students


Meeting login info and password will be sent once you have registered.

Be sure to check out Visit Opportunities for more info.

FMA Chapter Established for Finance Students

Finance majors have new opportunities now that 蘑菇APP has established a Financial Management Association International (FMA) chapter.  Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director, Division of Business, Leadership, & Innovation, said that FMA is a great resource to help students develop skills and navigate the different areas that offer finance careers. 

鈥淭here are many benefits. For instance, FMA students have access to Wall Street Prep, which provides practice case studies similar to those that investment banks require students to complete when interviewing for analyst positions.  Another benefit is the many conferences and networking events organized by the FMA,鈥� said Rudolph-Shabinsky. 

The 蘑菇APP FMA chapter will be open to anyone with an interest in pursuing a career in finance.听 Weekly meetings will focus on practice case studies and guest speakers. In addition, students will raise money to fund trips.听 Students interested in joining the chapter should contact the student president, Nicolas Arrieta at N.ArrietaGuerra1@dc.edu.听

November 29, 2023

PHIT Program Offers EMS and Healthcare Professionals Free Tuition for Winter 2024聽

The first ten accepted applicants for for January 2024 PHIT program will have tuition waived for the first semester.

蘑菇APP New York has announced an exciting opportunity for EMS and healthcare professionals. The first ten accepted applicants for the January 2024 Public Health Informatics & Technology (PHIT) program will have tuition waived for the first semester. 聽聽

This offer aims to alleviate financial burdens and encourage more individuals to pursue additional education and training. Those who earn a Certificate in the Public Health Informatics & Technology program (PHIT) at Dominican will receive the education, support, and internship opportunities necessary to excel in their careers.  

The goal of the Health Informatics curriculum is to strengthen the ability of health care professionals to utilize data science to better react to health care emergencies, better collect and analyze public health records, leverage the opportunities provided by today鈥檚 technology, and elevate the diversity in the health care workforce, The program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of EMS and healthcare professionals, empowering them to make a difference in the field.听

蘑菇APP is one of only ten colleges nationwide, and the only institution in the tri-state, to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology to develop a PHIT program. The program is supported by consortium members including Bon Secours Charity Health System, CorEvitas, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, EmpiRx Health, Mount Sinai Health System, and the New York State Department of Health. 聽

The PHIT program is led by a team of faculty members who bring their real-world expertise to the classroom ensuring that students receive practical, up-to-date training that is directly applicable to their work in the field. Recognizing the demanding schedules of EMS and healthcare professionals, the program offers flexible learning options, including online classes and evening courses, allowing students to balance their education with their career responsibilities. 聽

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply for the January 2024 class as soon as possible to take advantage of this opportunity. For application details and program information, please click here.听Prospective students interested in learning more about the PHIT program should email Assistant Professor Carrie Boericke at carrie.boericke@duny.edu.听

This project is supported by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number 90PH0004/01 The Public Health Informatics & Technology Workforce Development Program for grant amount $2.2 million. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by ONC, HHS or the U.S. Government. 

November 16, 2023

Redesigned IT Major Gets State Approval

Under the redesigned IT major at 蘑菇APP, students will be able to take more specialized courses.

The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has approved a redesigned information technology (IT) major at 蘑菇APP that will allow students to take more specialized technology courses. NYSED also approved a new cybersecurity concentration within the IT major. 

Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director of the Division of Business, Innovation, and Leadership, said that the revamped IT major is a stand-alone program, 鈥淲e previously offered an IT major as part of our business program, which required a 9-course business core.   Students in the new program will still be able to take business courses, but their requirements will be focused on courses in information technology, allowing students to delve much deeper into the field and into the four concentrations we offer:  infrastructure, application development, cybersecurity, and public health informatics & technology 鈥�

The cybersecurity concentration will be offered through the Lower Cost Model Consortium (LCMC), which is a coalition of small and mid-sized colleges and universities that have committed to making college more accessible.听 Under the program, students take almost all classes on campus and then take three to five classes online through the LCMC for a concentration in specialized, high demand fields.听 蘑菇APP also offers concentrations in digital marketing, public health, and neuroscience through the LCMC. 聽

September 20, 2023

Founders Week Keynote Address Inspires Students

Sr. Arlene Flaherty delivered the keynote address during the 2023 celebration of Founders Week at 蘑菇APP.

Students attending the 2023 Founders Week kickoff event were inspired by the story of a 20th century Italian university student who has reached the first stage of sainthood.  Alumna Sr. Arlene Flaherty, O.P., D.Min., delivered the keynote address on September 19, 2023, in the Lawrence Room of Rosary Hall. She spoke to students about the Dominican tradition and the short life of Giorgio Frassati, a Dominican lay person who cared for the poor and was committed to changing unjust social and political systems. 

Sr. Arlene told students that questions such as 鈥淲hy am I here?鈥� and 鈥淲hat do I want to do with my life?鈥� are critical questions that lead to choosing a vocation.听 She encouraged the students to think about how they will use their gifts.听 鈥淥ur country is at a crossroads.听 What will you bring to the work of making America a place of welcome, safety, and a country where all can thrive?聽 To what effort can you add your support — healthcare, earth鈥檚 sustainability, children鈥檚 rights, teaching, care for the vulnerable, justice work, research? Where are you called to live and work in harmony with your nature?鈥� she asked.听

Sr. Arlene has a long, distinguished career working to further education, justice, and peace around the world.  Her work has taken her to Haiti, Jamaica, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Ecuador.  In Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria she documented the impact of war on children and refugees.  She represented the Dominican Family at the United Nation鈥檚 Human Rights Commission in Geneva, Switzerland, composing and presenting an oral argument that the war in Iraq and the implementation of crippling sanctions on Iraq constituted a violation of article 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

September 19, 2023

Rockland鈥檚 Five Town Supervisors Speak to Business Leaders at University

Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny, Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips, and Stony Point Supervisor James Monaghan.

Business executives heard from Rockland鈥檚 five town leaders at the second annual Town Supervisor Forum, on Wednesday, September 23, 2023.  The event was organized by the Palisades Institute of 蘑菇APP. 

Chair of the Palisades Institute, and former County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, introduced the forum by pointing out that the Supervisors are in effect CEO鈥檚 of the 鈥渄own home, real government鈥� that people rely on.  鈥淵ou should know, if you don鈥檛, that town government is where the rubber meets the road.  It is the government that is perhaps the most important to our people 鈥� our citizens.  It deals with building. It deals with zoning, It deals with police. It deals with parks and recreation. It deals with highways,鈥� he said. 

The participants in the forum included Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann, Haverstraw  Town Supervisor Howard Phillips, Orangetown Town Supervisor Teresa Kenny, Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht, and Stony Point Town Supervisor James Monaghan.  Among the topics discussed were the need for affordable housing, the fentanyl crisis, rising police costs, and the loss of civility in politics. 

September 13, 2023

DU, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES Announce Initiative to Encourage Entrepreneurship

The “Unlocking the Small Business Potential” seminar will be held at 蘑菇APP on September 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

蘑菇APP New York, M&T Bank, and BRIDGES, all leading advocates for economic development and entrepreneurship, have announced a comprehensive three-part initiative aimed at unlocking the entrepreneurial potential in the Lower Hudson Valley. This initiative seeks to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

Part One: “Unlocking Small Business Potential” Seminar

Kicking off the initiative is a dynamic and informative half-day seminar “Unlocking Small Business Potential.” This seminar will be held at 蘑菇APP on Friday, September 8, and will equip individuals with the essential knowledge, skills, and strategies to launch and grow a successful small business. Participants will learn from industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and experienced business mentors who will share invaluable insights, practical advice, and real-world examples. Topics will include business planning, marketing strategies, financial management, and navigating regulatory challenges. Individuals who have a disability, as well as minority, veteran, and formerly-incarcerated business owners, and those interested in starting a business are strongly encouraged to register for this informative session, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Part Two: Small Business Incubator and Case Competition

Participants in the 鈥淯nlocking Small Business Potential鈥� seminar will have the opportunity to enroll in a six-week accelerated incubator and competition. This intensive program will provide hands-on guidance and mentorship, enabling entrepreneurs to refine their business concepts, develop robust business plans, and gain a deeper understanding of market dynamics. Throughout the incubator, participants will engage in a case competition, showcasing their innovative solutions to a panel of judges consisting of industry experts and community-based investors. The competition will not only provide invaluable feedback, but also offer participants the opportunity to secure seed funding and other essential resources to launch their ventures. The course will be held on Wednesday evenings (6:30 p.m. 鈥� 8:30 p.m.) on 蘑菇APP鈥檚 campus. Enrollment will begin in August and is limited to 40 participants, all of whom will earn credit toward an undergraduate or graduate degree. Further details are available from DUNY faculty member Matt Schiering, at matt.schiering@duny.edu.

Part Three: Enrollment in 蘑菇APP’s MBA or MSOLC programs.

Recognizing the importance of continuous education and professional development, the initiative offers participants the chance to enroll in 蘑菇APP’s prestigious AACSB accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) or M.S. in Organizational Leadership & Communication (MSOLC) programs. These programs equip students with the advanced business knowledge, leadership skills, and global perspectives required to excel in today’s complex business environment. Through this partnership, aspiring entrepreneurs can benefit from a comprehensive academic foundation while accessing valuable networking opportunities and mentorship from industry leaders.

鈥淲e believe that investing in the next generation of business leaders right here in our community is a smart business decision; one that supports our mantra of 鈥楧oing Business Right,鈥欌�� said Ivan Rudolph-Shabinsky, Director of 蘑菇APP’s Division of Business.

M&T Bank, 蘑菇APP, and BRIDGES are committed to supporting and fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Lower Hudson Valley. By providing access to educational resources, practical training, and real-world opportunities, they aim to empower individuals and create a robust network of successful entrepreneurs, driving economic growth and innovation across the region.

鈥淢&T is committed to investing in the growth and development of emerging leaders in our community and we are proud to be able to support this program,鈥� said Tyre Robinson, M&T Bank鈥檚 Tarrytown Regional President.

Carlos Martinez, CEO of BRIDGES, said, “We are thrilled to partner with M&T and 蘑菇APP to bring a strong small business development curriculum to a broad group of aspiring entrepreneurs, and specifically to those representing populations that would benefit most from mentorship and compassionate counsel.鈥�  BRIDGES provides resources for people with a variety of disabilities and works to overcome barriers, stigma, indifference, and the quiet prejudice of low expectations.

Registration for the “Unlocking Small Business Potential” seminar is open and will be capped at 100 participants. Interested individuals can visit to secure a spot. Registration is $98.00, with waivers for those with economic hardships and/or disabilities handled upon request.  For more information about enrolling in 蘑菇APP’s MBA program, please visit /mba/.

July 18, 2023

Professor Mike Kelly Receives Prestigious Golden Apple Award for 50+ Years of Outstanding Service to Education

The Mid-Hudson School Study Council has bestowed upon Professor Mike Kelly the esteemed Golden Apple Award, recognizing his remarkable dedication and unparalleled contributions to the field of education.

With over five decades of unwavering commitment, Dr. Kelly has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and expertise in shaping the landscape of education. As the Director of Graduate Programs in Education at 蘑菇APP, Dr. Kelly has played a pivotal role in elevating the institution’s education program to new heights. His knowledge, innovative methodologies, and passion have inspired countless educators and transformed the lives of students across the region.

Dr. Kelly’s contributions to the field have had a profound impact on the educational landscape, ensuring the provision of top-notch education for countless students. His guidance has shaped the minds and hearts of educators, empowering them to make a lasting difference in the lives of their students.

About the M.S. in Education Programs:

蘑菇APP’s M.S. in Education programs have been designed in consultation with educators and they are delivered by expert faculty who actively practice in the field. The curriculum is crafted to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the education profession.

To accommodate the busy schedules of working adults, classes are scheduled every other week on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing for convenient participation. The program offers flexibility, enabling students to complete their coursework within a minimum of 18 months or extend it up to three years. All programs adhere to the University’s quarter system, culminating in the Master of Science degree (M.S. in Ed.) and eligibility for New York State Certification.

For more information about our M.S. in Education programs and how to apply, please click here

June 20, 2023

Alum Donates $1 Million to 蘑菇APP

The Granito Center on the 蘑菇APP New York campus.

蘑菇APP New York has received a $1 million donation from an alum, who wishes to remain anonymous. 

鈥淲e are indeed grateful for this donor, and all of our benefactors,鈥� said Joseph Valenti, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.  鈥淭hanks to the generosity of our alumni and friends, we are able to offer financial aid packages and scholarships that make an education at 蘑菇APP affordable, even to first-generation college students who make up more than 30 percent of our student body鈥�

All first-time, full-time freshman receive some form of financial aid at 蘑菇APP.  In addition, students leave Dominican with 27 percent less debt than the national average.

June 14, 2023