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.
Fiore-Conte named to health and wellness position
Vice President for Student Affairs Brian Rose announced the appointment of Johann Fiore-Conte, executive director of health and counseling services, as assistant vice president for health and wellness. Fiore-Conte has had responsibilities for the Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC) for the past 10 years, and added oversight of the University Counseling Center (UCC) and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to her position six years ago.
In her new role, Fiore-Conte will continue to lead the DSHSC, UCC and EAP, as well as other departments focused on student health and wellness, including Campus Recreational Services, Interpersonal Violence Prevention, Alcohol and Other Drug Programs, and Health Promotion and Prevention Services.
“Johann has successfully led the DSHSC, UCC and EAP for years, overseeing a major renovation to the health services building as well as the transition to electronic record keeping, earning the respect of her colleagues for both her insight and her calm demeanor,” Rose said. “Establishing a new position to bring a comprehensive, collaborative approach to health and wellness on our campus will be challenging, but I believe Johann is well up to the task.”
“You don’t spend your entire career in the health field and not be absolutely thrilled with this kind of opportunity,” Fiore-Conte said. “I’ve worked for over 30 years in different capacities and now will work to make health and wellness a move visible value on this campus.
“This is a new, cutting-edge position in higher education and I believe we will see more campuses implementing similar roles,” she added. “One of my priorities will be to partner with the academic side to bring health together solidly into both spheres.”
In her new position, Fiore-Conte will work to ensure that departments work collaboratively to provide a wide range of integrated programs and services that respond to the health and wellness needs of a diverse student population, facilitating initiatives that emphasize a wellness culture to support student academic success, personal well-being, and community health and safety.