Meet Ryan S.

Veteran and Criminal Justice Graduate

Proud Hudson Valley Community College alum, father, and veteran Ryan Smithson came to the college after serving as an engineer in the Army Reserve in Iraq from 2004-2005, where he fortified military posts, repaired roads, and convoyed supplies in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Though he was enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at Hudson Valley, he began writing about his experiences, immediately realizing the therapeutic effects of the creative process. With the help of English professor Maria Pollack, Ryan spent several semesters writing and rewriting his memoir, "Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI,” which is now read in high schools and colleges around the country, including many in the Capital Region. It was also adapted for the stage and toured for three years out of the Griffin Theatre in Chicago. While at Hudson Valley, he also received the John Buono Scholarship for Civic Engagement for his military service and work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.

Ryan graduated from Hudson Valley in 2008 and went on to earn his B.A. from Empire State University (2012) and M.A. in English from UAlbany (2015), during which time he began a career in technology sales. For the last decade, he's worked with state and local governments to help them solve challenges and find efficiencies with software/hardware solutions, cloud services, and application modernization. During the 2020 lockdown, Ryan transitioned from writing to the visual arts when he created a dancer made out of butterfly wings for his daughter. Using real wings from the gift shop at the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in Deerfield, Mass., Ryan continued making this unique art, which he eventually dubbed Frankenflies. He now teaches his technique to children of all ages using coloring sheets. You can view his gallery and request an art workshop or custom art at FrankenflyArt.com.

"As I venture into owning my first business, I see how my time spent studying, mentoring, and making connections at HVCC - even 20 years ago - created a strong foundation and network that still guides me, that still helps me serve the community and keep the Capital Region an amazing place to work and live," said Ryan of his experience at the college.

Service to his country and community remains an important part of Ryan's life. He is a member of the Averill Park-Sand Lake Fire Department and serves on the advisory board for Albany Best Buddies, a one-on-one matching program for students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When not working, Ryan enjoys lots of hobbies, including singing and playing guitar, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, yoga, skiing, hiking, traveling, Latin/ballroom dancing, and hanging out with his two awesome kids.