SUNY Schenectady Hospitality Events

06/04/2026

Despite the exhaustion after working all week at the Kentucky Derby, the team knew just what to do for Dr. Brough as we watched the historic race from the roof of Churchill Downs! Happy Birthday, DB!

05/29/2026

SUNY Schenectady 2017 Brewing Alum David Gardell, is bringing The Ruck2 to downtown Schenectady!!!
From the Collar City to the Electric City! Welcome!

05/19/2026

🔥💥👩‍🎓👨‍🎓💥🔥

🎓Graduates Spotlight🎓
Cousins Haleliya Wilson and Montany “Monty” Belfort were born four months apart. They’re quick to finish each other’s sentences and in the School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism, they’re known as “the twins.” They both traveled to Italy last summer for study abroad, learning from chefs, vintners, and farmers there, and for two years in a row, they worked alongside chefs and hospitality professionals from all over the world at the Kentucky Derby. Now, they are both graduating with their A.O.S. degrees in Culinary Arts.

Haleliya got a taste for the culinary business early on, helping her mom Stephanie, who was a baker, sell her gluten free and dairy free cupcakes at farmer’s markets. She became even more interested in baking during the pandemic when she spent time making muffins, pound cakes, and cookies to share with her family. She has worked at Mrs. London's in Saratoga for the past five years.

Haleliya has set her sights on returning to Italy this fall for a three-month program in Asti to learn more about pastry-making. She intends on living in Europe after that to work in bakeries there. “My favorite thing about studying at SUNY Schenectady has been my professors. The faculty chefs were always very supportive and trying to help you grow.”

For Monty, early memories of his grandfather cooking traditional meals from Trinidad inspired his love for cooking and food. He has worked on the Pomme De Terre food truck at equestrian events in Saratoga, at a local catering company, and currently works at Jack's Oyster House, on the “cold line” making salads and desserts and preparing oysters. Monty plans to continue working at Jack’s, begin working at Izakaya Kinko, and possibly at Saratoga Race Course this summer. “I love getting to see people’s faces after they try my cooking. I feel proud. I love just being able to see the food in its most perfect form.”



SUNY Schenectady Hospitality Events
Churchill Downs

04/25/2026

🥔🥔🥔🥔💙💛

04/17/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18MJyXHQLF/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/16/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BK5LsGgmE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/16/2026

Get ready to MASH up your plans… the 🥔 TATER TROT is rolling into Downtown Schenectady on April 25!

Stroll, snack, and spud-hop your way through 17 delicious stops, each serving up their own signature potato creation—all within easy walking distance throughout downtown. From crispy to creamy and everything in between, this is your chance to taste just how versatile (and a-peeling) the humble potato can be.

✨ No tickets. No pressure. Just show up hungry and ready to roam.

Whether you’re in it for the fries, the fun, or just a chance to ketchup with friends, the Tater Trot is your perfect excuse to get out and explore Downtown Schenectady.