![construction on campus](http://www.binghamton.edu/presidents-report/images/20180830_scienceIV11_jwc.jpg)
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.
![academics photo](http://www.binghamton.edu/presidents-report/images/20180717_PharmBld06_jwc_%281%29.jpg)
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.
![Division of Advancement](http://www.binghamton.edu/presidents-report/images/20180914_bass25_jwc.jpg)
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.
![research](http://www.binghamton.edu/presidents-report/images/introblurb_%2815%29.jpg)
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.
![student affairs](http://www.binghamton.edu/presidents-report/images/20180824_BaxterBench02_jwc.jpg)
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.
![athletics photo](http://www.binghamton.edu/presidents-report/images/20180919_paintThePaws11_jwc.jpg)
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.
![construction on campus](http://www.binghamton.edu/presidents-report/images/20180826_sundaze04_jwc.jpg)
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.
![foundation photo](http://www.binghamton.edu/presidents-report/images/20180815_peacequad02_jwc_%282%29.jpg)
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.
Binghamton University establishes its first Student Culinary Council
Binghamton University Dining Services by Sodexo recently helped establish the new Student Culinary Council (SCC) on campus. The SCC is a pro-active group of students that will work with Dining Services to improve the overall dining experience on campus.
Four teams sit within the SCC, focusing on specific areas of improvement. Team members contribute their ideas and follow through to implement lasting change in environmental and social responsibility, nutrition, resident dining and retail dining.
“The job of the Student Culinary Council is to represent the voice of the students, provide direction by keeping the pulse of the student customer and follow up with our campus partner (Sodexo) to bring about changes in an informed, transparent manor,” said Peter Napolitano, director of Auxiliary Services.
Jill Shotwell, a senior and SCC president, said the SCC “It’s a place to create change,” said Jill Shotwell, a senior and SCC president. “We want to hear the issues, and we also want to do something about them.”
SCC meetings are open to any students looking for a voice in the changing landscape of Binghamton University. For more information, go online or follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook @BUCampusFood.
The SCC was featured in the March 2014 newsletter of the Northeast Region of the National Association of Colleges and University Food Services. Scroll to the end of the newsletter to read about Binghamton University’s SCC.