SUNY Potsdam student wins Oscar Experience contest at 2013 Academy Awards

ChaRon Brabham of SUNY Potsdam on stage at the Oscars with other Oscar Experience Talent Search finalists

SUNY Potsdam student ChaRon Brabham has been named the first place winner in the national “Oscar Experience Talent Search,” sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and mtvU.  Subsequently, she was among five winners to hand Oscar trophies to winners in Sunday night’s ceremony along with being featured on stage during the live broadcast to an estimated one billion viewers.

The aspiring SUNY Potsdam filmmaker from Brooklyn, N.Y., won top honors for her video entry. Entrants had to submit a 30-second video answering the question, “How will you contribute to the future of movies?”

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Sharing Stories About Ability, Education and Achievement with SUNY RF by John Robinson

This past week I had the honor to speak with the leadership of The Research Foundation for the State University of New York.

I have known and worked with SUNY RF in my past life with WMHT, but this was my first opportunity to share stories in this capacity. As I was speaking, I was thinking about what Our Ability’s Educational Department SUNY RF, and SUNY can accomplish together. Our Ability’s most ambitious goal is to educate people about inclusion and disability. I can’t think of better partners than SUNY and the RF to work with.

The chance to speak on this day came from a neighbor who works at the RF. Laurel McAdoo lives in the same town. I heard Laurel was asking around about how to get in contact with me. Laurel introduced me to the group by saying she stalked me! If the opportunity to speak to so many wonderful people who make the difference in many live takes a little stalking, then so be it!

I caught up with Peter Taubkin after our meeting. Peter and I originally met each other during my WMHT days (Peter with Time Warner), and we reminisced. More importantly, we spoke of our children’s hockey exploits!

Our personal connections are a wonderful bonus, but the opportunity to share stories with people who care remains my favorite part of speaking. That plus the chance to learn. I learned more about how SUNY research makes a difference in the lives of New Yorkers and people all around the world. Thank you Bonny Boice, Laurel McAdoo, Peter Taubkin and all SUNY RF for having me!