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.
Renovated East Gym opens
The Recreation Center at the East Gym reopened its doors Jan. 28, following an extensive 18-month renovation. Plans for the revitalization, in the works since 2005, called for a full-blown internal transformation to create an all-inclusive facility that provides improved quality of fitness and wellness services.
The FitSpace area, which sees the most foot traffic, was expanded from 4,000 to 10,000 square-feet, allowing for double the amount of cardio- and strength-training equipment. The Cardio Theater technology implemented in FitSpace encourages a high-energy workout environment, with each machine containing a personal screen. The Expresso bikes offer an interactive workout experience, allowing users to challenge their friends to a virtual race and to post their results to Internet outlets such as Twitter.
In addition to FitSpace, the project included three renovated multipurpose rooms for group fitness classes and club practices; two renovated classrooms; a new, dedicated wellness services suite; renovated and relocated locker rooms; a renovated Outdoor Pursuits rental center; improvements to the court area including a state-of-the-art gym floor, consolidated administrative offices and upgrades to central mechanical systems.
These renovations have increased the campus capacity to offer fitness and wellness services. There are now more than 100 group exercise classes offered every week, three times the amount provided in the past. The revamped and modernized pool and gymnasium are experiencing a significant increase in daily use, the locker rooms offer more individual storage lockers and cater to personal privacy, and with removal of the bleachers in the gym, there is more room to move around.
Check out the new space at the Rec Center at the East Gym in this video: