Messages from our Alumni Leaders
Dean Davis ‘84
President, The State University of New York at Oneonta Foundation
In March of 2022, The SUNY Oneonta Foundation celebrated its 40th anniversary. On March 19, 1982, with all the paperwork in order and a $50 processing fee paid, the New York State Department of State filed a Certificate of Incorporation for The State University of New York at Oneonta Foundation Corporation. That year, the SUNY Oneonta Foundation reported total funds raised at $74,774.15. The Foundation has experienced tremendous growth ever since.
In June 2023, the SUNY Oneonta Foundation celebrated the end of an incredibly successful five-year fund-raising campaign, the Grow. Thrive. Live. campaign, which had an original goal of $25 million. In the end, the campaign raised more than $33 million! As of 10/31/23, The SUNY Oneonta Foundation’s endowment funds and net assets total $72.8 million.
I want to personally express my gratitude to the thousands of donors who gave. The SUNY Oneonta Foundation, through these gifts and grants, allows students to have their best experience at the university by supporting scholarships, internships, student and faculty research, student and faculty travel, faculty development, different science facilities, and the Student Emergency Fund. The vision of the Foundation is clear – provide a $100 million endowment supporting affordable access to high-quality academic experiences for the students at SUNY Oneonta.
As we reflect on our first forty-one years, we remain committed to keeping the Oneonta education affordable, accessible, and inclusive. The Board of Directors of the SUNY Oneonta Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to every member of the Red Dragon family who makes this a reality through charitable gifts and grants of all sizes.
Sincerely,
Dean Davis ‘84
President, SUNY Oneonta Foundation Board of Directors
Drew McKay ‘05
President, SUNY Oneonta Alumni Association
My name is Drew McKay, class of 2005. I’ve been a Director on the Alumni Board for the past 7 years, having served in several capacities during that time. I am honored to be the current President of the Alumni Board, a term I started at the beginning of the July 2022 fiscal year. Being a member of the Board gives me the opportunity to continue to be involved with the SUNY Oneonta “family” on a more meaningful level. As a legacy alumnus, SUNY Oneonta has been a part of my life since I was 10 years old when my sister attended school here. This opportunity seemed like a great way to continue the long relationship I have had with Oneonta.
The Alumni Board is instrumental in supporting the mission of SUNY Oneonta. I, along with my fellow Board Members, support the university financially and by bringing each of our professions’ strengths, which allows our students to grow intellectually, thrive socially, and live purposefully.
The Campaign – Grow. Thrive. Live., has surpassed the goal of $25 million which will increase our endowment. This is only possible because of the support of our Oneonta Alumni and Friends. I thank those of you who have provided support and ask any of you who haven’t to consider doing so. You will provide an opportunity to our students that they might not be able to attain without our support. When I see and hear these students speak of their experiences, I am amazed by what they have overcome and have achieved. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that I have provided support for at least a few students.