Mohawk Valley Community College will host its third annual Community Convening at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, 2026, in Dr. Michael I. Schafer Theater, Francis A. Wilcox Hall, at the Utica Campus.
Sponsored by MVCC’s thINCubator and the MVCC Foundation, the event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and registration is required. The program will be followed by Business After Hours reception presented in conjunction with the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce. To register, visit www.mvcc.edu/cc26.
Communities across the Mohawk Valley are navigating a paradox of real momentum alongside complex challenges — employers are struggling to find talent, families are in need of economic mobility, and institutions are working to adapt in a world changing faster than ever. Yet the region is rich in strengths, including committed employers, innovative educators, civic leaders, and residents deeply invested in shaping a vibrant future. This moment calls not just for new answers, but for a new approach.
This year’s Community Convening, with the theme “Rethinking Problem-Solving in a Time of Complexity,” is designed to shift mindsets and explore how new perspectives can reveal new pathways forward. It will feature an overview of how MVCC is engaging in problem-solving with some of our region’s greatest challenges from MVCC President Dr. Randall VanWagoner, followed by a mesmerizing presentation by Steve Uzzell, National Geographic photographer and master storyteller known for demonstrating how reframing challenges can unlock new avenues for innovation and collective progress. His visual storytelling invites audiences to see complexity not as a barrier, but as a catalyst for possibility, and offers a compelling entry point into what it means to rethink problem-solving in today’s world.
“The Mohawk Valley is experiencing tremendous momentum, even as we navigate complex challenges,” said VanWagoner. “Our opportunity isn’t just to solve problems, but to rethink how we approach them. This year’s convening is a catalyst for shared understanding, collaboration, and collective action as we reimagine problem-solving together.”
As the region’s backbone institution for workforce development and economic mobility, MVCC brings together cross-sector partners to align talent, innovation, and opportunity. This year’s Community Convening will continue that mission by sparking conversation, connection, and collaborative action across industries and communities.
About Mohawk Valley Community College
Mohawk Valley Community College, established in 1946, is New York State’s first community college with a mission to provide accessible, high-quality educational opportunities for everyone. As the community’s college, MVCC is committed to student success through partnerships, transfer and career pathways, and personal enrichment. With campuses in Utica and Rome, MVCC is the region’s primary provider of college education, offering 90 academic program options. Learn more at mvcc.edu.
