Rep. Elise Stefanik Visits SUNY Canton

CANTON, NY (01/30/2015)(readMedia)-- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik visited the SUNY Canton campus today as part of her St. Lawrence County higher education tour.

Stefanik and college representatives spoke about the importance of a hands-on education, particularly in the science, technology, engineering and math fields; the cost of higher education; and the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.

"We need to have a discussion at the national level about college affordability," Stefanik said. "Fortunately, we have some great institutions in Northern New York that are cost effective, and SUNY Canton is one of them."

Her visit included a discussion with students who are enrolled in the college's Early Childhood program and a tour of the program's lab facility. Stefanik asked students about their career goals and noted the importance of job creation in the North Country to allow graduates who want to stay in the area the opportunity to do so.

She also stopped at SUNY Canton's Small Business Development Center and met with the owners of Adirondack Operations LLC, Mary Anne and Craig M. Kaputa, who will be working in conjunction with the college under the state's Start-Up NY program. The partnership between Adirondack Operations and SUNY Canton, which was announced by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo this week, aims to create jobs to keep qualified students in the area.

"It was an honor to host congresswoman Stefanik and speak with her about issues important to higher education in the North Country and showcase our hands-on programs," said SUNY Canton Executive Director for University Relations Lenore VanderZee. "We know she will be a great advocate for us in Congress, and we look forward to continue working with the congresswoman and her outstanding team."

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses, as well as 10 exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The college's 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

-www.canton.edu-