SUNY Oneonta Student Kimmy Catalan Completes Experiential Learning Project

SUNY Oneonta student Kimmy Catalan, of Stamford, CT, has completed an experiential learning project titled "Leatherstocking Quilts Internship."

Throughout the calendar year, SUNY Oneonta students put their classroom knowledge into action as they complete a wide range of experiential learning projects across every academic discipline. Whether studying fashion trends, conducting biological research, analyzing historical archives, working in professional accounting settings or participating in community-based fieldwork, students are gaining real-world experience that prepares them for career success.

These opportunities are supported through the university's Experiential Learning Center, located on the main floor of the Hunt Union. The center connects students with internships, research opportunities, global education experiences, volunteer programs and sustainability initiatives. By emphasizing hands-on engagement and practical skill development, the center ensures that experiential learning is woven into every major at SUNY Oneonta.

"I interned at Leatherstocking Quilts in Oneonta, where I gained knowledge about traditional quilting and supported the store in their fabric inventory and got the opportunity to engage with textile distributors. This experience gave me a better understanding of fabric sourcing, merchandising, and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and customers," said Catalan, who is majoring in Fashion and Textiles.

"During my internship at Leatherstocking Quilts, I assisted with organizing and managing fabric inventory, cutting fabric for customers, and creating quilting kits for the store. I also helped change displays and supported the visual presentation of products to create an inviting shopping environment. In addition, I attended and assisted with quilting events alongside Jeanne Turner, where I engaged with customers and the quilting community. Through these experiences, I gained hands-on knowledge in textiles, customer service, merchandising and retail operations.

"Through this internship, I learned more about traditional quilting techniques, textile materials, and the overall operations of a fabric and quilting business. I developed stronger customer service and communication skills by assisting customers with fabric cutting and product questions. I also gained experience in merchandising by helping create displays and organizing inventory throughout the store. Additionally, working with quilting kits and distributors helped me better understand fabric sourcing, retail management, and the importance of community engagement within the fashion and textile industry.

"Moving forward, I plan to continue expanding my knowledge in fashion and textiles through future internships, projects, and hands-on experiences. This internship strengthened my interest in fabric design, merchandising, and retail operations, which will help me pursue a career in the fashion industry. I also hope to apply the skills I learned at Leatherstocking Quilts to my future goal of creating my own clothing brand and store. Overall, this experience has helped me grow both professionally and creatively."

Students benefit from a robust network of campus offices housed within the Experiential Learning Center. The Career Planning and Networking Center helps students secure internships in locations such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Albany and Los Angeles, as well as with local businesses and nonprofits. The Office of Global Education offers programs ranging from 10-day faculty-led trips to full-year study abroad experiences, while the Office of Student Research and Creative Activity supports student research through grants and opportunities to present at the annual Student Research and Creative Activity Showcase.

SUNY Oneonta invests heavily in helping students access these opportunities. Each year, the university awards more than $120,000 in grants to support student research, internships and travel to professional conferences. In addition, 23 study abroad and experiential scholarships help students participate in faculty-led programs, national competitions and industry events. Since the beginning of the 2025-26 academic year, the Career Planning and Networking Center has distributed over $319,500 in internship stipends to more than 400 students.

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/SUNY-Oneonta-Student-Kimmy-Catalan-Completes-Experiential-Learning-Project/202841