Spotlight Series

Spotlight Series

The SUNY Poly Spotlight Series is a robust collection of camps for kids and teens as well as events and workshops for people of all ages. Showcasing the expertise of SUNY Poly faculty and staff and our Mohawk Valley community, the series provides opportunities for fun and learning in the areas of STEM, the arts, athletics, wellness, and more.

Have an idea for an event? Email us at events@sunypoly.edu and let us know!

Spring 2025 Events and Workshops

The gold listings are workshops or camps for middle and/or high school students with specific age ranges.

The blue listings are events and workshops for community members of all ages. 
 

🧿 Wolfspeed: Driving Innovation in Semiconductor Manufacturing: 5/7/25

Insights from Jim Oerth, Mohawk Valley Fab Manager at Wolfspeed 

Date: Wednesday, May 7
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Jim Oerth, Mohawk Valley Fab Manager at Wolfspeed
Description: Join Jim Oerth as he shares insights into the cutting-edge advancements in semiconductor manufacturing. Wolfspeed is driving innovation and shaping the future of technology through state-of-the-art processes and groundbreaking solutions. Discover the challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving semiconductor industry and how Wolfspeed is leading the charge.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Tuesday, May 6 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max)

Register Now! 
  

🍕 SUNY Poly Pizza Creation Station: 5/13/25

Make and Take Your Own Pizza – Dennis Bord, Executive Chef of Wildcat Hospitality at SUNY Polytechnic Institute 

Date: Tuesday, May 13
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Kitchen, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Chef: Dennis Bord, Executive Chef of Wildcat Hospitality at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: Join us for a deliciously fun “Make & Take Your Own Pizza” event where you become the chef! Craft your perfect pie with a variety of fresh ingredients to create classic cheese, pepperoni, supreme, or veggie. Whether you’re a pizza pro or a first-time maker, this hands-on experience is perfect for all ages and guarantees tasty results to enjoy at home the very same night!
Fee: $25 per person
Deadline: Register by Monday, May 12 at Noon
Participants: 10 (Max)

Register Now! 
 

🦎 UZ&U: The Utica Zoo Classroom Experience: 7/19/25 (Pre-Collegiate Workshop, Ages 11-18)

Wildlife and Wisdom: The Utica Zoo Classroom Experience - Zak Hughes, Education and Conservation Manager at the Utica Zoo

Date: Saturday, July 19
Time: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Zak Hughes, Education and Conservation Manager at the Utica Zoo
Description: Discover the wonders of wildlife with “UZ&U,” an engaging classroom-style program presented by the Utica Zoo. Expert educators will lead you through interactive presentations on fascinating animal-themed topics, featuring live animals that bring each lesson to life. A portion of the program’s proceeds supports vital conservation efforts, making every visit a step toward protecting our planet’s wildlife. 
Fee: FREE/RSVP Required (Thanks to the generous support of NYSTEC, this camp is free for all participants)
Deadline: Register by Friday, July 18 at Noon
Age Range: 11 years old - 18 years old 
Participants: 30 (Max) and 10 (Min)

Register Now! 
 

🏀 Boys and Girls Basketball Camp: 6/30/25 - 7/3/25 (Pre-Collegiate Athletic Camp, Ages 7-14)

“Boys and Girls Basketball Camp” w/ SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics

Date: Monday, June 30 – Thursday, July 3
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Coaches: Rob Schoener and Jessica Skelton, Head Men's and Women's Basketball Coaches for SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics
Description: Come join the SUNY Poly Men's & Women's Basketball Coaches for four days of basketball fun! Days will consist of small group instruction in areas such as shooting, passing, defense & other skills. Team games will take place culminating in camp championships and there will be various contests & competitions throughout the week. Lunch in the Student Center is included in the cost of registration. If you have more than one child that you’d like to register, please contact Rob Schoener at schoenr@sunypoly.edu for a discount. 
Fee: $200.00 per person (Eventbrite Fees: 3.7% & $1.79 per ticket + 2.9% Credit Card Processing Fee)
Deadline: Register by Friday, June 27 at Noon
Age Range: 7 years old - 14 years old 
Participants: 120 (Max) 

Register Now! 
 

🏐 Women’s Volleyball Camp: 8/11/25 – 8/14/25 (Athletic Camp, Ages 15-18)

“Women’s Volleyball Camp” w/ SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics

Date: Monday, August 11 – Thursday, August 14
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Coaches: Dan Short, Head Men's & Women's Volleyball Coach for SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics
Description: Come join the SUNY Poly Men's and Women's Volleyball Coaches for four days of volleyball learning and fun! Days will consist of small group instruction in areas serving, passing, hitting & other skills. Plenty competitive games will take place throughout the four days ending in a large amount of six-on-six play. If you have more than one child that you’d like to register, please contact Dan Short at shortdk1@sunypoly.edufor a discount. 
Fee: $180.00 per person (Eventbrite Fees: 3.7% & $1.79 per ticket + 2.9% Credit Card Processing Fee)
Deadline: Register by Monday, August 4 at Noon
Age Range: 15 years old - 18 years old  
Participants: 60 (Max) and 20 (Min) 

Register Now! 
 

🏐 Men’s Volleyball Camp: 8/11/25 – 8/14/25 (Athletic Camp, Ages 15-18)

“Men’s Volleyball Camp” w/ SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics

Date: Monday, August 11 – Thursday, August 14
Time: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Wildcat Field House, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Coaches: Dan Short, Head Men's & Women's Volleyball Coach for SUNY Polytechnic Institute Wildcat Athletics
Description: Come join the SUNY Poly Men's and Women's Volleyball Coaches for four days of volleyball learning and fun! Days will consist of small group instruction in areas serving, passing, hitting & other skills. Plenty competitive games will take place throughout the four days ending in a large amount of six-on-six play. If you have more than one child that you’d like to register, please contact Dan Short at shortdk1@sunypoly.edufor a discount. 
Fee: $180.00 per person (Eventbrite Fees: 3.7% & $1.79 per ticket + 2.9% Credit Card Processing Fee)
Deadline: Register by Monday, August 4 at Noon
Age Range: 15 years old - 18 years old  
Participants: 60 (Max) and 20 (Min) 

Register Now! 
 

🌲SUNY Blooms Campus Beautification Day: 10/17/25

Transform SUNY Poly Together!

Date: Friday, October 17
Time: 9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Team Leaders: Facilities at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: Join us, a day before "National Community Clean-Up Day," for SUNY Poly’s Beautification Event, a day dedicated to enhancing the beauty and spirit of our campus! Volunteers will take part in a variety of projects, including painting, landscaping, and assisting Facilities and Grounds with maintenance and cleanup efforts. Together, we can create a vibrant and welcoming environment that reflects our pride in SUNY Poly!
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Wednesday, October 15 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max) 

Register Now! 
 

🐒 Leaping into the Wild: The Secret Life of Lemurs: 10/27/25

Tales, Tails, and Tree-Hopping Truths About Lemurs – Adam T. McLain, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology at SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Date: Monday, October 27
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Student Center, Multi-Purpose Room, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 100 Seymour Road, Utica, NY 13502
Presenter: Adam T. McLain, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biology at SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Description: Join us for a wild adventure into the treetops of Madagascar as we explore the fascinating world of lemurs – leaping, lounging, and laughing all the way! From their quirky behaviors to their fight for survival, this playful presentation shines a spotlight on why these unique primates deserve our attention and protection.
Fee: Free/RSVP Required
Deadline: Register by Monday, October 27 at Noon
Participants: 30 (Max) 

Register Now! 
 

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