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.
Museum renovations include new fire suppression system
The Binghamton University Art Museum has recently completed renovations that will allow it to borrow works of art “from the very best museums,” along with providing better protection to the permanent collection, according to Diane Butler, museum director.
A new state-of-the art fire suppression system has been installed, replacing the old Halon-based system. The new system is water-based, and although that might seem counter-intuitive – water in an art museum? – Butler said a water system is actually the best kind. Each water head has its own sensor, which will trigger the fire suppression system only in that area. Combined with the quick response we have on campus, Butler said this means emergency personnel can respond to an alarm in time to prevent or minimize damage.
The new system marks the latest in a series of several renovations made in the two years since Butler joined the University. “We’ve enjoyed great support from the administration as we’ve transformed our storage areas,” she said. All of the lights in the public areas of the museum have been replaced with dimmable LEDs; this is better for conserving and displaying works on paper and is more energy efficient, which Butler calls a “win-win.”
The renovations, particularly the new fire suppression system and climate controls, are also important considerations for accreditation. The Art Museum is not currently accredited but will pursue accreditation over the next several years through the American Alliance of Museums, Butler said.
The first exhibit made possible by the new fire suppression system will be an exhibit of 30 photographs by Barbara Morgan featuring Martha Graham and other dancers, from the private collection of Dr. Monroe and Edna Kornfeld of Scarsdale, N.Y. “We couldn’t in good conscience display these vintage photographs without the new system,” said Butler. The exhibit, scheduled for the second half of the spring 2015 semester, represents a collaboration between the Art Museum and Binghamton faculty members John Tagg, distinguished professor of art history, and Liz Rosenberg, professor of English, who will write the catalog.
For more information on upcoming exhibits, visit the museum’s website.