President’s Newsletter

2024-09-06

Dear Colleagues:

This was another week of welcomes and reunions. I had the privilege of welcoming the new REOC students on Tuesday, and it was wonderful to see the multipurpose room so full. I was able to spend the day at the REOC and to connect with colleagues at Brockport Downtown. I was also able to make good on my commitment to get out and about a bit more, and as a result, I enjoyed speaking with colleagues in the Fannie Barrier Williams Building, Tuttle, Drake Memorial Library and Allen. I look forward to other opportunities to connect with colleagues in other buildings as the semester progresses.

Wednesday’s cabinet agenda focused on planned upgrades to the Tuttle complex, our strategic planning processes, and a draft report on the opportunities to reinvigorate and reconceptualize Scholars’ Day. Collectively, it feels like we have so many opportunities to continue to improve this campus, and I am grateful to the colleagues who work so hard on these issues. Other meetings this week included my first official meeting with Bill McNamara, our new BASC Executive Director, a fundraising meeting with Advancement colleagues, a meeting with the CEO of Willow Domestic Violence Center, as well as an opportunity to connect with business and nonprofit leaders in Rochester.

JPBC had their first meeting of the academic year, and it is nice to go into this year’s planning knowing that we have solid student numbers and the opportunity to review investment fund opportunities. So that you’re aware of what the committee will be working on during 2024-25, JPBC’s specific charge for the year is below:

• Organize a session to inform JPBC members about the work of the Brockport Foundation, including information on the endowment and the comprehensive campaign plans.
• Examine the long-term stability of programs supported by student fees and make recommendations as appropriate.
• Examine the efficacy of the scholarship programs and make recommendations as appropriate.
• Review recommendations of the AASCU Student Success Equity Intensive (SSEI) task force to support the development of cross-cutting implementation plans, including budget implications.
• Consider parameters and guidelines for investment funding for 2025-26.

I am looking forward to seeing how the collective wisdom of the JPBC continues to improve our campus.

In terms of student activities, Club Craze was held on Wednesday evening. More than 1,500 students attended, which is the largest number we’ve had at this annual event for years! It was great to see so many engaged students. We also had our field hockey and football opening games on Thursday night, and a number of sporting events are scheduled for Saturday, including cross country and women’s soccer.

I am looking forward to our first Community Conversation this afternoon, and hope to see many of you there. I’d also like to invite everyone to come to First Friday this afternoon from 4pm at Alumni House to celebrate the first two weeks of the academic year.