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December 8, 2015

New Editor and Assistant Editor Named to The Student Connection

Sandra Barkevich
Sandra Barkevich '12, '13, immediate past editor, The Student Connection

Sandra Barkevich ’13, the long-time editor of The Student Connection, SUNY Empire State College’s student-run, online newsletter, today announced the appointments of Suzanne Lazar, who is studying to complete a B.S. in Business Management and Economics, and Eric Norcross, an undergraduate student concentrating in creative writing, as the new editor and assistant editor of the publication.

“The past four years have seen this newsletter grow so much that we were able to bring on a staff of paid student writers, as well as an assistant editor,” said Barkevich. “This is a journey that has played a significant role in my life, and though I am going to miss being at the helm of such an amazing publication, the time has come for me to hand over the reins.”

Barkevich, a 2014 recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, recently began a new job as senior staff assistant with the Office of the President and will complete her Master of Arts in Learning and Emerging Technologies and graduate in the spring of 2016.

The Student Connection also is looking for on-staff student writers. Students interested in contributing on a regular basis should send an inquiry to Student.Editor@esc.edu.

Suzanne Lazar, student editor, Student Connection

Suzanne Lazar, editor, The Student Connection

About Suzanne Lazar

Lazar began her studies with SUNY Empire in Sept. 2014 and anticipates completing her bachelor’s in 2017. After being laid off from her job of 15 years, Lazar turned the negative impact of a job loss into a positive experience by returning to college as a full-time student.

Lazar is a peer coach and also works part time for the college’s Department of Academic Support through the Federal Work Study program. Lazar founded the student/faculty/alumni group Lean In ESC, and is seeking recognition for it as an official Empire State College club.

When she is not coaching students, or working on her own course work, Lazar can be found at the gym, painting, cooking and enjoying the four seasons of upstate New York.

Eric Norcross, Assitant editor, student connection

Eric Norcross, assistant editor, The Student Connection

About Eric Norcross

Norcross is a writer and award-winning filmmaker. He began his studies with SUNY Empire in January 2015, and anticipates completing his bachelor’s in 2017. Originally from Maine, Norcross has dedicated much of his life to writing.

He has contributed op-eds to many news outlets and film industry publications. Norcross also has written and published several books, including a roman à clef, “The Violin Diary,” a sci-fi adventure, “Cranberry Island” and the hard-hitting, fast-paced novel, “Objects & Giants.”