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.
Commencement 2016: Ceremonies salute graduates and supporters
A Hollywood director/screenwriter, a U.S. senator and the grandson of Binghamton University’s first president took the Class of 2016 on trips to the past before delivering advice for the future.
“In Hollywood, we do a lot of stories about kids who are underappreciated by their parents or not loved enough by their parents,” said Marc Lawrence ’81, who has created movies such as “Miss Congeniality,”’ “Two Weeks Notice” and “Music and Lyrics.” “Those are unbelievable stories. … What we don’t do as much is talk about how desperately most parents love their kids.
“I’m assuming there are some people in the audience who helped you go here and get a degree from one of America’s best universities. If you can, say hi to them and don’t completely ignore them. Give them a hug. Slip them 20 bucks. Whatever feels right to you. They must have been instrumental on your path to success.”
The University conferred more than 3,400 degrees for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral candidates at eight Commencement ceremonies, held May 20-22. President Harvey Stenger shook the hand of each graduate who walked across the Events Center stage.
“This is the culmination of a long and challenging journey – a journey filled with the excitement of exploration and discovery, the guidance of faculty mentors and the friendship of colleagues and peers,” he said.
Stenger also saluted the parents, families and friends of the graduates who came to the ceremonies to “share in the joy of watching a loved one reach a rare milestone.”
“Your support and involvement has provided crucial sustenance for our students – ensuring that the occasional challenges of writer’s block or a disappointing test result were never too much to overcome,” he said.