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.
Alumni initiatives
Planning for Homecoming 2013 has been a top priority. The Alumni Association sponsors the annual event, which takes place this year from Friday-Sunday, Oct. 11-13. The largest on-campus alumni event of the year, Homecoming will once again include traditional favorites such as the tailgate party and men’s soccer home game. This year’s event will include 40th anniversary celebrations for the Class of 1973 and Harpur’s Ferry, and a reunion for the swimming and diving teams.
The Alumni Association’s investment in regional chapters is continuing. During the summer, the Alumni Association launched the Metro New York Chapter with a mixer in Manhattan that was attended by more than 250 alumni. A new committee will focus on supporting the existing chapters and launching new chapters.
Making connections with new students is helping the Alumni Association build relationships from the moment students arrive on campus – and in some cases even before. In late summer, the Alumni Association held a student send-off event in Syracuse in conjunction with the Division of Student Affairs that gave incoming students and their families a chance to meet alumni and each other, and have their questions about Binghamton University answered by people who have been Binghamton University students. In addition, at the Convocation held for new students on Move-In Day (Aug. 22), the speaker was alumnus Rose Barre ’06, MA ’08, who works for the New York Yankees. Several alumni volunteers were also on hand to distribute Class of 2017 t-shirts to the new students. The incoming students were also encouraged to sign their class banner which will be displayed at their graduation in four years.
The virtual speaker series “Cool Connections, Hot Alumni” is returning for another year. The use of videoconferencing technology makes it easier for alumni to meet with students from wherever they live and work. The September speaker was Howard Wiener ’77, an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice.