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| The Steinheim is one of Alfred University's historic buildings |
Students, alumni, and visitors often remark about the beauty of the Alfred University campus, but now there’s an outside adjudicator saying it ranks in the top 30 of the “Most-Beautiful Campuses in New York State.”
Thomas Flynn, spokesperson for lendedu.com, which issued the rankings, said “Simply put, Alfred University has an eye-opening campus and is one of the best looking places in New York State!”
The accolade was unexpected but gratifying to those who know Alfred University.
“We do have a beautiful campus, with an interesting mix of very traditional-looking buildings, like Susan Howell Hall, and The Brick Residence Hall, and some spectacular new buildings, including Miller Performing Arts Center, Miller Theater and the brand new Alfred Ceramic Art Museum,” said President Mark Zupan.
“We know that if we can get prospective students and their parents to visit campus, we are far more likely to have the students enroll,” added Zupan. “The campus really is one of our best assets.”
Being ranked at number 20 on the list puts Alfred University among the top 10 percent of all colleges and universities in New York State, Zupan noted.
“Everyone, from the Board of Trustees to the crews that work so hard to maintain the buildings and grounds, is extremely proud of our remarkable campus,” said Giovina Lloyd, vice president for Business and Finance. “We work very hard to preserve our historic buildings, which are a treasure our visitors truly enjoy. The campus scenery is wonderful year-round, and every season here has its own unique beauty.”
In announcing the unanticipated ranking, Flynn said the company devised a “unique ranking equation based (on) the following criteria: architecture and grounds, campus location and surrounding environment.”
The site specifically mentions Alumni Hall, which was built in 1851 and used by generations of Alfred University students for large lectures, performances and meetings. In 1985, the building was restored – literally a new building was created inside the shell of the old – and it houses the Admissions and Financial Aid offices.
The other building cited is The Steinheim, Alfred University’s castle. Construction started in 1875 when then-president Jonathan Allen had thoughts of making the “Stone House” his home. It eventually became a natural history museum – vestiges of that history may still be found inside – and then a space for various offices and programs, including the radio station. Twenty years ago, The Steinheim was modernized and transformed into the Robert R. McComsey Career Development Center, thanks to a generous gift by Robert R. McComsey ’66 ’07 Hon. Deg., a member and former chair of Alfred University’s Board of Trustees.
