Dear Alumni and Friends: I always enjoy this avenue to reach out to our devoted alumni and many friends of the College. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the past year’s successes while also sharing the College’s plans for the future. While there were plenty of reasons to celebrate during 2008, the year ahead promises to be filled with yet more student success. In May, more than 580 graduate and approximately 1,500 undergraduate students, and their families, braved inclement weather to celebrate the College’s commencement ceremony. Commencement Speaker John R. Ryan, CEO of the Center for Creative Leadership and former Chancellor of the State University of New York and retired Navy Vice Admiral, encouraged graduates — in one of our two ceremonies that day — to follow the outstanding attributes common and crucial to successful leaders. “Be authentic. Do your job and live your life without compromising your values or beliefs. Authenticity can help set you apart,” were his words of wisdom. I also had the privilege of presenting Admiral Ryan with an honorary degree on behalf of all of SUNY. The academic prowess of our students continues to shine. Fifty-five percent of our 2008-2009 incoming freshmen were academically in the top 25 percent of their high school class, which is nearly a 30 percent increase from five years ago. Additionally, this year’s freshman class includes more than 30 students who ranked either first or second in their high school class. And, for the third consecutive year, The College at Brockport has been ranked in the top half of all colleges and
universities in our category and region surveyed by U.S. News & World Report. Also in 2008 we introduced The College at Brockport shield as the school’s new logo. The date on the shield — 1835 — references the year the Brockport Collegiate Institute first opened its doors. The torch in the center is borrowed from the Prometheus statue which, as many of you know, stands vigil over the Allen Administration Building. In Greek mythology, Prometheus was the patron of human civilization and is credited with bringing the flame of knowledge to humankind — a very appropriate and moving connection to higher education. I would be remiss if I didn’t temper my enthusiasm somewhat with the very real challenges all State University of New York campuses are facing with the multiple budget cuts ordered by Governor David Paterson. I was very forthright in this responsibility in my annual Convocation Address to our faculty and staff back in August. The College at Brockport is better positioned than many, due in large part to a philosophy of fiscal prudence and transparent, inclusive budget processes enacted over many years. These will help us weather the budget storm — a widespread storm that looms not only over SUNY and the State of New York, but also our nation and internationally. That being said, I truly believe that all interested parties must see institutions of higher education as a wise investment in New York’s future as well as powerful economic drivers for the state. While the New York State budget will likely be top of mind for the foreseeable future, we have much to look forward to in the next year. This year, 2009, will be the 30th anniversary of one of the College’s true legacies: the hosting
of the International Special Olympics; we anticipate commemorating that historic event in several special ways. We also plan on breaking ground for the 150,000-square-foot Special Events Recreation Center (SERC) during 2009, with a forecasted completion in 2011. Another planned capital project is for the full renovation of Thompson Residence Hall that will begin in early 2009 and should be completed in 2010. Soon thereafter, we’ll focus on a much needed new academic building. A class of students is even actively helping us to gather ideas. Ironically, even in the current dismal economic climate, funds are still forthcoming from the state for bonded construction to stimulate the economy. I wish you could share with me the excitement I see each and every day on the Brockport campus. I’ll leave you with good thoughts for a healthy and happy 2009, and I remain committed to continuing to do all I can to make The College at Brockport an institution of which you can be forever proud. Best wishes,
John R. Halstead, PhD President