IMPROVING CAMPUS INFRASTRUCTURE
Some of the major improvements to infrastructure completed over the summer are very visible; others are not. Read in this issue about the many major projects completed by Physical Facilities and Information Technology Services, as well as the new programs offered by the University Center for Training and Development.
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES OPENS NEW BUILDING
The opening of the new, $60-million School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University's Health Sciences Campus in Johnson City, N.Y., headlines this quarterly report, but there's also good news about collaborations, external funding and student successes. Read more in this issue.
SUCCESSFUL INITIATIVES SUPPORT STUDENTS
It takes donors at many levels to make Binghamton University successful, and in this issue of the quarterly report, you can read about a number of them. Whether it's AVANGRID offering full-tuition scholarships and capstone project support, or playing golf to benefit the Alumni Legacy Scholarship, the Division of Advancement works with Binghamton supporters.
BINGHAMTON RESEARCH FUNDING SETS RECORD
Binghamton University reported research expenditures totaling $47.5 million in 2017-18, an increase of about 19 percent from the previous fiscal year. The figure tops 2011-12, the campus’ all-time best year for research funding, when just over $40 million was reported. The new record, which follows several years of steady growth, is an important sign of the campus’ creativity and innovation. Healthcare research accounted for nearly a third of expenditures, with electronics packaging and systems engineering following at about 22 percent.
BAXTER THE BEARCAT BOOSTS SCHOOL SPIRIT
The Division of Student Affairs spent the summer hosting students and families for orientation and preparing for the opening of the fall semester. With some new people on board and some others with new duties, it has been a busy time. Not too busy, though, to show Binghamton University pride, as you'll read about the new Baxter the Bearcat Bench in the University Union in this issue.
STUDENT-ATHLETES CONTINUE TO SUCCEED ACADEMICALLY
Student-athletes continue to shine on and off the courts and fields. The Athletics Department sets high academic standards, and student-athletes surpass them across the board. Read about the accomplishments made by student-athletes in their sports and in the classroom – and check out the videos showcasing fall sports and the new women's head basketball coach, Bethann Shapiro Ord, in this issue.
HELPING TO MAKE THE CAMPUS MORE INCLUSIVE
The Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion works to educate and empower everyone on campus in ways that create a welcoming community. From the Udiversity Educational Institute, that holds trainings for students, faculty and staff, to the Multicultural Resource Center and Q Center, the division's offices that work to build bridges and support students though education and events such as Sundaze, part of its Welcome Week programming. Read about the division's recent initiatives in this report.
DONOR SUPPORT ADVANCES BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
The Binghamton University Foundation had a successful 2017-18 year, bringing in the second highest amount of cash ever in support of the University. Read the numbers in this issue of the quarterly report, and learn one way the Foundation celebrates its donors.
Libby Tucker promoted to distinguished service professor
Elizabeth “Libby” Tucker was promoted to distinguished service professor at recent meeting of the SUNY Board of Trustees. She joins more than 75 Binghamton University faculty who have achieved distinguished rank.
Promotion to distinguished service professor is bestowed upon those who have achieved a notable reputation for extraordinary service not only to the campus and SUNY, but to the community, state and beyond by application of intellectual skills from the individual’s scholarly and research interests.
The author of five books and a recipient of Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence in teaching and service, Tucker is internationally known as an expert in children’s and adolescents’ folklore and her service to the campus and her profession is legendary.
“The level of respect she commands as an international expert in children’s and adolescent’s folklore is the foundation for her extraordinary service to her profession at the state, national and international levels,” said President Harvey Stenger, “but her service to the campus as a faculty master and mentor to students truly sets her apart.”
“As a master, I found it extremely rewarding to get to know students as individuals,” Tucker said. “That’s harder to do when you’re in the classroom and grading them. The opportunity to get to know them as individuals apart from the classroom was very special.”
The promotion – a wonderful surprise, said Tucker – “means a great deal to me because I’ve spent so many years working with our wonderful students. It’s such a privilege and honor to work with so many exceptional students and colleagues, and to see the University grow. To have this recognition come from a place that I love and contribute to is very meaningful to me.”