CANTON – Alondra Maldonado is a first-generation immigrant from Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, who is working as a SUNY Canton Presidential Intern at the St. Lawrence County Center for History and Culture in Canton.

“It’s been an extremely nourishing, impactful, and inspiring experience,” she said. “I’ve been able to see how non-profits run at a closer level.”

Maldonado said she’s developed an appreciation of the historical and local importance of museums. Over the summer, she helped sort and catalog the Center’s textile collection, assisted with outreach, and helped prepare exhibits. “My personal favorite has been learning about the collections,” she said.

The Legal Studies major selected SUNY Canton for the college’s 3+3 program with the University at Buffalo School of Law. She is planning to complete the SUNY Canton portion of her education in 2027.

“I want to focus on immigration law,” she said. “It is a very sensitive topic. I picked history as a minor to learn about the important historical context of law and government in this country.”

Her favorite faculty member is Stephanie Petkovsek, a senior lecturer who teaches history in the college’s School of Business and Liberal Arts.

Maldonado is one of several students who assist North Country non-profit organizations through paid internships. The college received funding from SUNY to expand its on-campus program to benefit the community.

She resides in Canton and her family is from Ogdensburg.