HAMBURG, N.Y. -- Almost one year into Hilbert College’s first graduate programs getting underway, students in the master of public administration and master of science in criminal justice administration degree tracks are at a pivotal point that integrates classroom learning with real-world professional practice – master’s research projects.

From the 24 students enrolled in the programs, a breadth of discipline-focused topics are being explored and researched. Here, two from the college’s first cohort of students share insight into their ambitious master’s projects, a capstone experience which they’ve been preparing for since starting the programs in Fall 2011.

Erin Carmina ‘13
Master of Public Administration Program

The Erie County Agricultural Society, Hamburg Casino and Alltech are proud to present the Western New York Hog Preview Classic on June 2nd and 3rd in the Showplex building on the Fairgrounds in Hamburg, NY.  This is a NJSA recommended show that is open to exhibitors of all ages; this show gives individuals experience prior to showing at their local county and /or state fair.  Showmanship classes will be held on Saturday, June 2nd at 6:00 p.m. and the Market Hog show and Purebred Breeding Gilt show will be Sunday June 3rd at 11:00 a.m. The judge is Daryl Real of Dallas, TX.

The early entry deadline is May 18, 2012.  Late entries will be accepted up until 9a.m. on Sunday, June 3rd.  The show will have a skill-a-thon on Saturday June 2nd which will be followed by a potluck dinner. New this year, is a free Pork Quality Assurance certification class will be offered Saturday night following showmanship; space is limited and reservations are required.

The view from Mill Road between Sweet and Blakely is one of Aurora, NY’s most treasured. Generations of Western New Yorkers have enjoyed the scenic vistas across the valley, breathtaking in all four seasons, from wildflowers and bright green meadow in springtime to the snow-draped evergreens of winter. With a 180-degree panoramic view to the west, this is the perfect place to watch the mist rise in the morning or to witness the sun sinking below the ridges at day’s end.

The Friends of Mill Road, a citizens group, has a one-time opportunity to secure this property for future generations by purchasing and preserving the 60 acres of open space that create this view. The purchase agreement with the landowners gives the group until the end of 2012 to raise the funds needed to acquire the property, construct a scenic overlook and place a conservation easement on the property to protect it forever.