Clouds 51 °F
As March draws to a close, we are eager to see spring weather make its appearance at Binghamton. This has been an unusually hard winter with lots of snow and record-breaking cold. It’s hard to believe that the spring semester is half over.
As the semester opened, the University braced for a significant storm, forcing us to open the residence halls earlier than we had planned so everyone could travel back to campus safely before the brunt of the storm hit. In addition, we canceled classes for part of the day on two more occasions due to weather events.
The decision to close the campus is one that we consider very carefully. Of course we weigh safety issues for students and employees, and there are fiscal considerations as well. It costs the University around $2 million for each day we are closed. But Binghamton students and staff are hardy and eager to do their work, and we generally make it through whatever weather is thrown at us.
The gloomy days of winter have been brightened on campus by the recognition our University has received, with several rankings highlighting our high-quality undergraduate programs. For example, the Decker School of Nursing has been ranked #33 out of 500 schools nationwide in a recent College Factual ranking, “Best for The Money.” This puts Decker’s degree programs in the top 10 percent of all nursing programs in the United States based on value; in addition, the school ranked #3 in New York state out of 33 schools. Similarly, CollegeFactual.com ranked our School of Management’s accounting program #8 in the nation, based on factors including the quality of students, educational quality, reputation and accreditation. In addition, U.S. News & World Report ranked 17 of Binghamton University’s graduate programs in the top 100 among their disciplines across the United States.
But the most noteworthy recognition we’ve received this quarter came from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which has named us to its elite list of universities that have achieved the “R1 - very high research” classification. This is based on the 2016-17 academic year and reflects our growing research and development expenditures, research staff and the number of doctorates conferred. Having been named to the highest of all research categories will help us pursue grants for federal agencies and help us attract high-quality graduate students and faculty. It is testimony not only to the growing research footprint of our faculty and graduate students, but also to the quality of work by the University staff that supports them.
While the “very high research” classification is based on work done in the recent past, our faculty have, if anything, become more productive in their research and scholarship. In just the past few months, we’ve received significant grants and recognition based on the quality of their work. For example, a team of faculty and doctoral students at the College of Community and Public Affairs developed a winning proposal that will provide technical aid to more than 300 school districts in central and western New York State state, impacting more than 600,000 students. This contract to the Binghamton University Community Schools (BUCS) program, is from the NYS Education Department and is valued at $1.7 million. The contract will support the region’s schools by providing additional resources to students and faculty members as well as out-of-classroom support to children who are unable to thrive in their school settings.
Researchers in our Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science have also received word of a significant investment in their work. Bahgat Sammakia, our vice president for research and distinguished professor of mechanical engineering at Binghamton, working with Kanad Ghose, professor of computer science, are collaborating with a team at Purdue University to lead a new, multimillion-dollar research center that will help define the next decade of electronics packaging. Funded through the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), a technology research consortium, the new Center for Heterogeneous Integration Research in Packaging (CHIRP) will focus on developing electronics packaging that combines multiple components, each responsible for a different function, on a single computer chip.
The recent emphasis on heterogenous chips is largely the result of the success of previous generations of electronics packaging that has shrunk components to about their physical limit. The only way to continue to achieve the power, efficiency and cost reductions demanded by industry and consumers will be to add more functions to existing chip architectures. The SRC is providing about $1.8 million for the center in its first four years, with matching funds from University, state and SUNY sources. This work will ensure that Binghamton remains at the forefront of chip technology for the coming decade and more.
Researchers in our School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are helping make the school an international leader in the fight against Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a disease that affects about one in every 3,600 children, almost all of them boys. Kanneboyina “Raju” Nagaraju, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and his team at Binghamton University’s School of Pharmacy recently won a $329,000 grant to explore ways to mitigate negative immune responses that complicate exon “skipping” gene therapies for muscular dystrophy. The grant comes from Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, the nation’s largest non-profit looking to cure the disease.
In Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Associate Professor of History Diane Miller Sommerville was named one of five finalists for the 2019 Gilder Lehrman Lincoln Prize, given annually for the best non-fiction work about the American Civil War. Sommerville’s book, Aberration of Mind: Suicide and Suffering in the Civil War–Era South discusses the psychological impact on the people of the South during the Civil War and its aftermath. Previous Lincoln Prize nominees include Doris Kearns Goodwin, Ken Burns, Eric Foner and James McPherson, all very well-known, popular and academic historians.
The innovative research and thought-provoking scholarly work by our faculty is generating excitement among alumni and other partners. As a result, we’ve seen a number of alumni step forward with significant gifts that support the work of our faculty and enhance our educational and research offerings.
It was her experiences as a student at Binghamton that inspired Harpur College alumna Ellyn Uram Kaschak ’65 to provide a a seven-figure gift to establish the new Institute for Social Justice for Women and Girls, with Distinguished Service Professor of English and former dean of the Graduate School Susan Strehle serving as its founding director. Kashak’s goal is to develop a research program supporting faculty affiliates, practitioners-in-residence and student fellows at the graduate and undergraduate levels, all while fostering public engagement and outreach. As a kickoff of sorts, the institute will host a landmark international conference in April 2020, that will focus on the state of women’s rights, as part of Harpur College’s 70th-anniversary celebration. We already have an amazing group of speakers lined up, but we’re keeping that a surprise for the time being.
Alumni support has also allowed the campus to expand its collection of rare books. Thanks to involvement of Harpur College alumnus Alex Huppé, the University was able to secure a gift from the Breslauer Foundation, a charitable organization that supports libraries purchasing rare books. Huppé, along with support from the University’s Bernardo Fund, provided matching funding that allowed us to purchase two medieval “Books of Hours” – rare illuminated manuscripts that served as devotional books for the faithful. Apart from the religious significance of these illustrations, they also give a peek into the social life of the times.
The books are being held by the Libraries in Special Collections. Faculty involved with our Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (CEMERS) are excited to have these manuscripts for study and research, and both graduate and undergraduate students will have access to them for research purposes as well. This is a significant addition to our libraries and will enhance the reputation of our already highly-acclaimed CEMERS program.
While alumni have been stepping up to support our research and educational programming, two of the University’s campus partners – our food service provider, Sodexo, and our University Bookstore operator, Barnes & Noble – have given generously to provide scholarship support for students. This year, the Bookstore offered $36,000 in support to 34 students – and over the course of our 20-year relationship with B&N, it has provided more than a half million dollars to support our students. Similarly, Sodexo has provided $60,000 in scholarship support to students in financial need this year; during the time they’ve been on campus, more than 350 students have received scholarships from them, with a value entering well into the high six- or low seven-figure range.
Scholarship support was also at the center of this year’s Celebrating Women’s Athletics fundraiser held at the Events Center in January. This year’s keynote speaker was Olympic marathon champion Joan Benoit-Samuelson. Her participation in this event highlights the growing visibility of the annual fundraiser – she’s one of the world’s most high-profile marathoners. Among her many records, she won the first-ever women’s Olympic marathon at the 1984 Games in Los Angeles and twice won the Boston Marathon. In her remarks, Benoit-Samuelson emphasized the need for hard work and passion in order to achieve one’s dreams, whether on the course or in your career. Also speaking was Erin Schultz, our senior standout volleyball player from Carrollton, Texas, who talked about how the pursuit of perfection can hold you back from accomplishing your goals.
This event has become one of the regional highlights for women’s athletics – 14 years ago, the first luncheon attracted just over 75 people –but this year the Events Center was filled with nearly 800 people in attendance. Over the years, the event has raised $450,000 to support scholarships for our female athletes.
This scholarship and academic support mean so much to the students who are the beneficiaries by allowing them more time for studies and unique learning experiences, helping them build stronger academic resumes while lowering their after graduation.
Community support for our athletics program was also behind a recent gift from Visions Federal Credit Union to help us renovate the Student-Athlete Success Center at the Events Center. This newly revamped center will allow us to continue our progress in ensuring that our athletes are academically prepared for successful careers once they graduate.
I also want to briefly mention our wrestling team. In early March, our campus hosted the Eastern Intercollegiate Wrestling Association championships – this is the conference we wrestle in and is considered one of the best in the nation. At the meet, four of our wrestlers placed in their weight classes and were able to represent Binghamton at the NCAA wrestling championships in Pittsburgh in late March.
All of us at Binghamton University are grateful for the support we receive from alumni and community organizations, but it is notable as well that our campus community is itself generous in return. Each year, the campus pulls together as part of the State Employees Federated Appeal (SEFA), an annual solicitation of state employees. Through the campaign, employees can choose to donate to literally hundreds of different charitable organizations, ranging from animal rescue organizations to the YWCA. This year, 216 campus donors pledged $67,187 to the campaign, far exceeding our goal of $50,000. And for the first time, Binghamton University Foundation was listed as one of the designated charities in the campaign. As a result, 52 University and Foundation employees pledged a total of $10,652 to the Foundation to benefit the campus. I’m grateful for this support, and I’m impressed by the engagement and giving of our University faculty and staff.
The end of winter means that the University is at the peak of the annual admissions cycle. Our admissions staff is busy looking over thousands of applications and is working to finalize all first-year decisions.
For the first time in several years, we’ve seen a slight decrease in the number of freshman applications. To date, we’ve received over 37,000 applications – down about three percent from last year. Most of the SUNY University Centers and colleges are experiencing similar declines, as are many of our peer institutions. Nonetheless, applications overall are still up by more than 12 percent compared to two years ago. Our enrollment management team is researching the cause of the decrease, although a decline in the number of high school graduates is likely involved.
Meanwhile, our admissions staff is working to increase our yield, with open houses scheduled in April, when the campus has a chance to shine.
In January, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced $30 million in Upstate Revitalization Initiative funding to allow us to finish renovations to the new Decker School of Nursing facility at 48 Corliss Ave., adjacent to the SOPPS building, and to also renovate properties adjacent to the Health Sciences Campus. Meanwhile, renovations have begun to the Decker building, which was once an Endicott Johnson shoe box factory. Demolition has also begun on several of the properties surrounding this project, which will allow for both the building of the Ford Wellness facility as well as parking and greenspace.
The Health Sciences Campus is already changing the landscape in the Southern Tier, with the new pharmacy building being recognized with the 2019 BC Transformative Award from the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, for influencing regional industry in a “cutting-edge” way.
Several other projects affiliated with the Health Sciences Campus are moving forward and we are looking for collocation space for industry and research in the area surrounding it. Overall the campus is on target and on schedule, with a planned opening of the expanded Decker School of Nursing building in 2020.
In December, the provost and I announced that the University would be taking the difficult step of limiting the hiring of non-essential personnel due to significant fiscal challenges stemming from lower than anticipated enrollment, as well as the lack of state support for already-negotiated salary increases. At the same time, we put in place a process for establishing exemptions to the policy for positions critical to the educational mission and operations of the campus.
I recognize that this has put a burden on our departments and divisions, and I commend the faculty and staff who have stepped up to fill the holes that have resulted. At the same time, 345.5 exemptions to the hiring freeze have been granted since December 2018, ensuring that the campus is able to continue the progress we’ve made in recent years.
Exemptions approved/held/denied, Dec. 1, 2018 to March 28, 2019:
These numbers represent a significant reduction in hiring compared to past winter months, and I appreciate the effort that department chairs and divisional leaders have given to helping the campus meet the current financial challenges. With the New York state budget due in early April, it is my hope that we will have weathered the worst of this crisis.
When students returned to campus at the end of March following their spring break, I took time to send a message to them reminding them that there were only eight more weeks left in the semester. These last few weeks of the semester can be stressful for students, and I want to make sure that they are happy and safe so that they can do their best work. In my message I included five tips to reduce stress: getting good sleep, eating healthily and getting exercise, and taking occasional breaks – both from their studies and from the internet. I also asked them to monitor their needs, and to ask for help if they felt overwhelmed or needed someone to talk to. Perhaps it’s just the dad in me, but I want all of our students to end the semester with as little stress as possible.
So, it’s been a very busy and productive quarter, with lots going on. It’s been mostly good news, with strong support from alumni and friends and exciting developments in the works. But we’re not done yet − with Commencement just ahead, the next few weeks will be even busier.
Sincerely,
Harvey G. Stenger
With a seven-figure gift, Ellyn Uram Kaschak ’65 has established the Ellyn Uram Kaschak Institute for Social Justice for Women and Girls, to continue her fight lifelong for equality for women.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) has selected Binghamton University Community Schools to receive a five-year, $1.7 million contract to become one of three regional Technical Assistance Centers (TAC) for community schools.
Sommerville is a finalist for best Civil War-era work of 2018.
Talk examines higher education and helping to heal America.
Land-mine detection project earns first place in aerospace and defense category
Founding Dean Gloria Meredith accepted the 2019 BC Transformative Award from the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast ceremony in February.
The work of our faculty continues to draw the attention of news outlets from across the globe.
Seven-figure estate gift will support several areas at Binghamton University.
Binghamton University held the Binghamton Women’s Workshop March 22, at the Princeton Club of New York.
Binghamton students had their choice of 40 employer visits during the week.
During the University’s mid-semester recess, students visited various companies in Washington, D.C., and Boston.
IBM Corp. and Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems made gifts to support the design, assembly and operation of the student-run Mars rover project.
Sixth annual Thank-a-Giver (TAG) Day
In the first three months of 2019, the Office of Alumni Engagement organized about 15 events across the country.
Read about the Binghamton University Athletics’ team and individual achievements from spring 2019.
For the fourth consecutive semester, Binghamton student-athletes raised the bar on their academics and for the second straight term.
Read about ’Cat couples and more.
For the third consecutive year, Binghamton’s Leadership Institute (Explore, Engage and B You – EEBU) held its “Night at the Races.”
Bearcat videos showcase activities
About 110 people attended the Binghamton University Forum’s faculty spotlight program Jan. 16.
Members of the winter 2019 cohort of the Accelerator Program at the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator received special support to develop their business startups.
Research Days will run from April 8-13 this year as Binghamton students, faculty and staff gather to celebrate research, scholarship and creative activities.
Binghamton graduate student Mebrahtu Weldeghebriel is a man of many firsts: He is the University’s first student from Eritrea, and he is presenting the first interpretation of what changed the chemistry of ancient seawater.
Binghamton University hosted its Annual Health Fair from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, at the Recreation Center, East Gym.
Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) has been honored with a generous gift from the Aversano family.
The Center for Civic Engagement has relaunched its Community Engaged Teaching Fellows Program for the 2018-19 academic year.
This year’s TEDxBinghamtonUniversity event was held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 3, in the Osterhout Concert Theater in the Anderson Center.
This spring, the Fleishman Center piloted several smaller, industry-specific job and internship fairs after hearing feedback from both students and employers who wished for a more industry-focused environment.
The Fleishman Center, Alumni Association and partner career offices work together to coordinate annual student site visits with employers in locations such as New York City and Washington, D.C.
Each semester, the Fleishman Center partners with our local JCPenney store to offer Binghamton University students an extra 40 percent off professional clothing during a private store event.
The Binghamton University Interfaith Council (BUIC), established at the end of the fall 2018 semester, held its first meeting on Jan. 2.
The Binghamton University TRiO Programs were joined by other regional TRiO programs at Appalachian Dining Hall on Saturday, Feb. 23, for their celebration of National TRIO Day.
The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) kicked off the recognition ceremony season at Binghamton during the month of March.