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EmpowerU Expands the Hartwick Experience for All

By Libby Cudmore

JACQUELINE YARBOROUGH ’74 received her bachelor’s degree in a self-directed study of “Theory of Man.” She also wrote a pamphlet about Pine Lake, which remains available in the library.

Now, thanks to Hartwick’s new EmpowerU program, her grandson, Connor, is able to follow in her Oyaron Hill footsteps.

Connor Yarborough is part of the inaugural EmpowerU class — a new partnership launched in February with Springbrook, a school and residential home for children and adults with disabilities. EmpowerU provides these students with the opportunity to experience college life by auditing courses, working on campus, and joining clubs and organizations.

Inspired by Syracuse University’s InclusiveU, it expands access to higher education by inviting non-traditional students to participate in the Hartwick experience.

Lara Sanford

“Many people with disabilities feel isolated. But EmpowerU is all about having opportunities to meet new people and get involved with campus life.”

Lara Sanford

Director of AccessAbility Services

President Mullen congratulates Connor Yarborough on being a member of the inaugural EmpowerU class.

President Mullen congratulates Connor Yarborough on being a member of the inaugural EmpowerU class.

A keyboardist for the local band New Wine, Connor is studying music technology, including acoustics, digital recording and music sequencing, in Evan Jagels’ course.

Yarborough was joined by two other students: Edward Palumbo, who is taking chemistry courses with Professor Andrew Piefer, and Ian “John” LaBar, who is studying economics with Professor Carlena Ficano.

There are multiple benefits to the program, according to Sanford.
“Students will not only get an education and some job skills, but they’ll also learn soft skills, like customer service, time management and working with other people,” she added.

EmpowerU students are not the only ones who benefit. Sanford is also creating peer mentor programs in which traditional Hartwick students will pair with and support EmpowerU students in the classroom and on campus. Peer mentors receive training through Springbrook and can take an on-campus, one-credit mentor course with Mandy Skinner, assistant professor of education.

“This is an important social development for our community,” said Sanford. “We want to further educate our staff, faculty and students about people with disabilities.”

Additionally, the program received $190,000 from the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council to hire a coordinator.

As for Yarborough, he’s already making himself at home on campus.

“I’m just so glad that I get to see some new people,” he said. “And I’m able to go to school with friends and bandmates of mine.”

Caption: President Mullen congratulates Connor Yarborough on being a member of the inaugural EmpowerU class.

April 25, 2025
From The Wick Magazine, Wick Mag Spring 2025

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