Upstate alumni meet President Stenger

At Alumni Association-sponsored dessert receptions in Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse held in August, Binghamton University alumni and new students had the opportunity to meet President Harvey Stenger in person and hear his vision for the University’s growth.

Stenger said new students and their parents should feel good about choosing Binghamton because of the strength of its academic programs, citing accolades that the University has received from publications such as Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine and U.S. News & World Report. In addition, now that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has approved Binghamton’s NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Proposal, the University will have funding to grow over the next five years while still maintaining high academic standards.

“We consistently are named a ‘best value’ in higher education, and that’s great, but I want Binghamton to be known for more than that. I want us to be known for the strength of our academics,” Stenger said.

In the Syracuse and Albany areas, the Alumni Association will launch regional chapters. Gregory Ronneburger ‘97, MBA ‘99, an Alumni Association board member, has stepped forward to lead the Syracuse chapter, where he has already been active planning alumni events.

“We have about 2,500 alumni living in this area, and our goal is to offer a wide variety of events and programs here. We’ll have a lot going on,” Ronneburger said.

At the Albany reception, Carl DiCesare ‘03 spoke on behalf of the Alumni Association and encouraged the new students to make the most of the upcoming four years.

“One of the most exciting times in your life is about to begin,” DiCesare said. “You have the opportunity to study almost anything you want, try new activities, explore career fields and meet a lot of new people. You’re part of the Binghamton University family, so don’t be shy about reaching out to the alumni network, and making connections that could help your career. It’s never too early to begin.”