As 2020 comes to
a close, Alfred State College (ASC) is taking a look back at some of its
biggest stories from the year.
The following are
some major moments, in no particular order, from this past year:
- Switch to online learning: As a
result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alfred State students began finishing out
the spring semester in an online format on March 23. The college assisted
students through hosting Online Learning Training Sessions, providing
laptops, and accommodating those with financial or technological hardships
by allowing them to remain on campus while practicing social distancing.
- Pioneers respond to COVID:
Numerous Pioneers responded to the pandemic in a big way. Nursing faculty
helped fill the need for local healthcare workers, alumnus Justin
Recktenwald used his business’ resources to assist with local hand
sanitizer production, several employees made face masks from home, and
Instructional Support Associate Kevin Tucker helped produce face masks
from 3D printers on campus. Also, Alfred State launched a pilot food
pantry program, as well as the Support Our Students (SOS) emergency
fundraiser for students with serious financial needs resulting from
COVID-19.
- President Sullivan to retire:
Dr. Skip Sullivan announced in November that he is retiring as president
effective June 2021.
- 98 percent: For the 11th
straight year, the employment and continuing education rate among Alfred
State graduates reached 98 percent or higher.
- Virtual commencement: While no
in-person ceremony was possible this year, the college was still able to
honor its graduates through hosting a virtual commencement ceremony in
June via Microsoft Teams Live.
- Welcome back: In August, Alfred
State welcomed students and faculty back to campus to resume in-person
instruction for the first time since March. To ensure a safe and
successful semester, the college implemented a number of changes on
campus, including installing plastic partitions at lecterns, requiring
social distancing and mask-wearing in class, and implementing new technology
to allow internet streaming of instruction as needed.
- Construction Continues: After a
brief slow-down, various capital improvement projects have worked to
regain schedules. The MacKenzie South project moved to punch list items,
and the first phase of the MacKenzie North renovation is underway. The
Hinkle Library received a new roof and curtain wall system and work is
beginning again in the Pioneer Center lounge in preparation for a new
eatery. Also, the long-awaited Agriculture Science Building renovation is
approved to move into design.
- US News rankings: ASC continues
to excel in US News & World Report’s Best Colleges list. Among all
Northern Colleges in an 11-state region, Alfred State is ranked No. 9
overall, No. 6 for public schools, and No. 1 among all SUNY institutions
in the category. US News also ranks Alfred State the No. 3 Best College
for Veterans when listing public colleges in the North.
- Good Morning America
recognition: The story of Instructor Sean Kelley losing weight in order to
donate part of his liver to save his 1-year-old son’s life caught the
attention of Good Morning America. The well-known national news program
highlighted the story in an online article titled, “This dad lost 40
pounds to save his son’s life: ‘It was pretty overwhelming.’”
- Major Gifts Campaign launched:
ASC launched a Major Gifts Campaign in September, with the goal of raising
$8 million for athletics, new programs, scholarships, technology, and the
greatest needs of the college.
- Successful fall semester:
Alfred State was able to complete in-person instruction in late November.
The college had among the very highest number of in-person classes offered
across the entire SUNY system, with 87 percent of ASC’s sections delivered
in person, compared to 16 percent for SUNY overall and 31 percent for
colleges of technology.
Other notable
stories from this past year include the police academy achieving a 100 percent
employment rate, Dr. Melvin Chambliss being named the chief diversity officer
of the police academy, the Esports team earning gold at the Empire State Winter
Games, the accreditation of 10 business programs by IACBE, Day of Giving
raising over $218,000, and the dedication of the new Shay Family Athletic Hall
of Fame.
