Impact Stories

Thank you to everyone in the SUNY Oneonta community who contributed during Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta, our five-year comprehensive fundraising campaign, which ended on June 30. Your generosity helped make this the most successful campaign in our university’s history.

We began our campaign in 2018 with the ambitious goal of raising $25 million. Thanks to 10,286 donors, we raised $33.2 million. That is 133% of our initial goal!

In Winter 2022, our University Foundation board of directors announced three new stretch goals.

1. Fully endow our Student Emergency Fund with $1 million: The Student Emergency Fund provides vital assistance to students who face unexpected financial obstacles. Gifts and pledges from our donors for this endowed fund surpass $1 million, which will ensure that $50,000 will be available annually to help our students overcome unanticipated monetary challenges.
2. Establish 25 endowed scholarships or student support funds: Since the announcement of this goal, 32 new endowed scholarships and student support funds were established within the SUNY Oneonta Foundation. These funds will reduce student loan debt and recognize academic achievement.
3. Increase the unrestricted portion of our endowment: The unrestricted endowment is an essential source of funding for campus programs such as faculty development, student research and creative activity, internships, and scholarships. Nearly $2.3 million was raised in support of the unrestricted endowment since January 2022.

My team and I greatly appreciate our campaign co-chairs, Linda ’76 and Pat ’75 McCann, outgoing Foundation Board President Jim Doig ’75, past and present Alumni Association board presidents Christine Warnquist ’71 and Drew McKay ’05, and all our campaign donors for their leadership and generosity. If you would like to learn more about the record-breaking Grow. Thrive. Live. campaign, please visit our campaign webpage.

With gratitude,

Paul J. Adamo ’81
Vice President for University Advancement
Executive Director, SUNY Oneonta Foundation

I’ve had the privilege and enjoyment of being part of the SUNY Oneonta Foundation Board of Directors for 10 years, most recently serving as board president for the past two years. During that time, I’ve witnessed significant growth in the Foundation, including the value of the funds that we steward and the continuous evolution of the Foundation’s staff and volunteer directors. It has been particularly gratifying to see the success of the Grow. Thrive. Live. campaign, which surpassed both its initial $25 million goal and the three additional stretch goals.

Our Foundation and SUNY Oneonta rely on charitable giving. Through the generosity of our donors, we continue to build the assets of the Foundation and support SUNY Oneonta’s mission of nurturing a community where students grow intellectually, thrive socially, and live purposefully. I am proud to share that the Foundation’s endowment and net assets remain among the largest of all SUNY comprehensive universities, with a total value of $76.5 million as of June 30, 2023.

The SUNY Oneonta Foundation Board of Directors is truly a working board, and I would like to recognize the work that our directors and professional staff do to ensure the Foundation’s long-term success. All directors are leadership donors who serve on one or more committees that meet at least quarterly before our board meetings, and often spend considerable personal time working on board-related matters. There is a team mentality with a common purpose: to continue to grow the assets of the Foundation and to help as many deserving students as we can.

I’m pleased to announce that the Foundation’s new board president is Dean Davis, Class of 1984. Dean has been thoroughly involved in board activities as a director for the past four years and will do a terrific job in his new role. Congratulations to Dean, and thanks to him and all the other directors, past and present, who made serving on the Foundation board so enjoyable and rewarding. Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to all our donors and encourage you to continue supporting our students. You make me proud to be a member of the Red Dragon family, and I look forward to seeing how your generosity will help the Foundation grow.

James A. Doig ’75

The Student Emergency Fund continues to provide vital support to SUNY Oneonta students who face unexpected financial difficulties that may otherwise prevent them from graduating. Created in 2018, this fund quickly became a priority of the Grow. Thrive. Live. campaign after its initial success during the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2022, an additional campaign goal was added to fully endow the Student Emergency Fund and ensure that at least $50,000 in emergency funding would be available to students each year. This goal was realized in December 2022 thanks to more than $1 million in gifts, grants, and pledges. Thank you to all our donors who have helped students overcome financial difficulties and complete their education.

Student Testimonials

Your grant of $2,000 has helped me to cover the costs of repairing my car, which I could not have done without your assistance. As a student at SUNY Oneonta, balancing the demands of coursework, job, and personal life can be challenging. However, your financial support has lifted a considerable burden off my shoulders and allowed me to focus on my studies with peace of mind. With my car repaired, I can continue attending classes, commuting to work, and fulfilling my student responsibilities. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. Your kindness has made a significant difference in my life, and I will always be grateful.
-Samuel

I recently lost my job that I was working 30 to 35 hours per week without any notice or warning, so I was in a rough patch trying to figure out how I was going to pay for my everyday expenses. I expressed this concern to one of my professors, and he recommended I apply for the Student Emergency Fund. I did so and I heard back from a member of the fund committee in a timely manner, which was greatly appreciated. She worked with me to coordinate the repairs for my car as well as a Hannaford gift card to help me. To the donors that made this possible, I truly appreciate your kindness and selflessness. With this grant, I can continue to focus on my studies and pursue my career as a meteorologist.
-Eleni

In a recent edition of the Reflections magazine, President Alberto Cardelle stated that “we must ensure that SUNY Oneonta is a vehicle of social and economic mobility for all students, providing them the opportunity to develop meaningful relationships and enriching learning experiences.”

In keeping with this priority, SUNY Oneonta’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) is enrolling the largest class in its history, including 108 freshmen and 143 returning students. EOP is designed to admit students who do not meet the traditional standards for admission but possess the desire, potential, and talent to earn a college degree.

Many generous donors have invested collectively in this campus priority with endowed scholarships and student support funds, including Debra Kawaller ’77. Debra credits her college success to EOP: “SUNY Oneonta was home—it was a safe place to live. It was full of people who cared about me. It was more than an education; it was like family to me. I started making donations—not big initially, but as often as I could—because I felt like I needed to give back. I wanted to contribute so that I could give another student an opportunity like the one I received.”

When it was time for Debra and her husband Kenneth to update their estate plan, they decided to support current and future EOP students with a bequest to the SUNY Oneonta Foundation. Debra and Ken also established the endowed Debra ’77 and Kenneth Kawaller Educational Opportunity Scholarship for students who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need.

Two SUNY Oneonta EOP students recently garnered statewide recognition for their academic achievements. Jamie Crique ‘23 was named a 2023 recipient of the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. “Each of the students recognized today is an example of our extraordinary student body and their rich and diverse SUNY stories,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr at the awards ceremony in April. Samuel Rodriguez ‘23 (pictured with President Cardelle and Pathy Leiva, Director of Access and Opportunity Programs) was one of just 46 students in the SUNY system to receive the Norman R. McConney Jr. Award for Student Excellence. This award recognizes outstanding EOP students for their academic merit and perseverance.

If you would like to learn how to fund a scholarship or to make a difference beyond your lifetime, please contact Joanne Tobey, Director of Gift Planning, at (607) 436-2841 or joanne.tobey@oneonta.edu.

What inspired you to accept the responsibility of co-chairing the Grow. Thrive. Live. Campaign back in 2018?
Pat had served on the Foundation Board of Directors and saw how well the endowment was managed and the impact that donations make on the lives of Oneonta students. Both of us had great experiences during our time at SUNY Oneonta. We made lifelong friends, met each other, and received a great education. We saw the opportunity to give back and make this possible for future generations of Oneonta students.

How has the success of the campaign made a positive difference in the lives of both current and future SUNY Oneonta students?
The campaign was incredibly successful thanks to our generous donors. The scholarships created during the campaign will make SUNY Oneonta accessible to students who may not have been able to attend without this support. For other students, it will greatly reduce the amount of student debt they are burdened with so they will get a jump start in their lives after college. Our students will also have a richer educational experience due to internships, student research and other experiential learning opportunities that campaign donors help to make possible.

Which of the Grow. Thrive. Live campaign’s accomplishments stood out to you the most during the past five years?
After meeting our goal of raising $25 million with 18 months remaining in the campaign, we set three stretch goals, and these were exceeded as well. One of the stretch goals was to fully endow the Student Emergency Fund with $1 million so that it would provide investment income to meet the expected emergency needs of Oneonta students now and in the future. This goal really resonated with donors because many people can remember a time when a family emergency could have caused themselves—or someone they knew—to drop out of school because they did not have the money to get a car fixed or pay a utility bill.

What is one of your favorite memories during your time as SUNY Oneonta students?
Returning to campus in the fall to start a new year was always great. The anticipation of new classes and reuniting with friends you did not see over the summer contributed to a sense of excitement. Pat had a motorcycle and we drove some of the country roads exploring the area and the fall colors. We also have fond memories of working with friends at Wilsbach Dining Hall.

As co-chairs of the Grow. Thrive. Live. campaign, we would like to share another update as the campaign enters its final months.

Thanks to the support of over 9,300 donors, we have raised $30,035,384 as of March 3. That’s 120% of our initial $25 million goal! We are grateful to the entire Red Dragon community for making this achievement a reality.

Since surpassing our goal in Spring 2022, we have not slowed our pursuit of further expanding access to a SUNY Oneonta education and enhancing our inclusive campus community. Three new stretch goals were added to continue our momentum through the campaign’s conclusion on June 30, 2023:

• Fully endow our Student Emergency Fund with $1 million: Sustained support designated for the Student Emergency Fund has brought the endowment to over $1.1 million in gifts, grants, and pledges. This will provide $50,000 in annual funding to help our students overcome unexpected challenges.
• Establish 25 endowed scholarships or student support funds: 22 new endowed scholarships and student support funds have been established within the SUNY Oneonta Foundation. These funds will help SUNY Oneonta recruit and retain outstanding students while easing financial burdens on their families.
• Increase the unrestricted portion of our endowment: Our unrestricted endowment supports vital initiatives including faculty development, student research and creative activity, internships, and scholarships. Since the announcement of this goal, over $1,390,695 has been raised to grow the unrestricted portion of our endowment.

It is an honor to serve as campaign co-chairs, and we cannot thank you enough for your continued support of SUNY Oneonta. Your generosity helped us surpass the original campaign goal and has placed us in a strong position to surpass our three stretch goals. If you would like to learn more about the Grow. Thrive. Live. campaign or join other Red Dragons in supporting our students, please visit our campaign webpage.​​​​​​

​Linda '76 and Pat '75 McCann

SUNY Oneonta science students and faculty can look forward to newly renovated lab spaces and classrooms in the Janet R. Perna Science Building. A significant gift from the estate of Dr. Robert “Bob” Vitkus ’74 will provide funding for the renovation. The gift aligned seamlessly with the existing SUNY Oneonta facilities plan to make upgrades to several lab and classroom spaces. According to Dr. Tracy Allen, Dean of the School of Sciences, the renovation will enhance and improve the tangible spaces where scientific discovery and teaching happen:

“The School of Sciences and the Department of Biology are grateful for the generous gift from Dr. Robert Vitkus. By design, the Perna Science Building rehabilitation will promote academic excellence and strengthen student engagement. Our faculty have worked closely with the designers to imagine multipurpose, shared spaces that enable faculty and students to exchange ideas, solve problems, and ask questions about the living world. The laboratories will provide opportunities for experiential learning and for students to conduct research side by side with their faculty mentors – core values of the School of Sciences. Dr. Vitkus will leave an enduring mark on this building, but, more importantly, on the bright futures of students who will discover and explore science within these walls.”

Dr. Vitkus was a successful oral surgeon and an avid fly fisherman with a love of the outdoors. Bob graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 1974 as a biology major, and Georgetown Dental School in 1978 before completing his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

During his lifetime, Bob was instrumental to many who were interested in entering the field of science or medicine, acting as a mentor and champion of their successes. Bob’s estate gift to the SUNY Oneonta Foundation leaves a fitting legacy that will enhance the lab and classroom spaces where this discovery begins.

To learn more about creating a legacy through the State University of New York at Oneonta Foundation, please contact:

Jill S. Mirabito
Associate Vice President for University Advancement
(607) 436-3107
Jill.Mirabito@oneonta.edu
Gift Planning Website

All gifts made to the SUNY Oneonta Foundation make a difference for our students, both inside the classroom and through experiential learning

opportunities. With the support of the David & Caroline ‘67 D’Antonio Student Travel for Excellence fund, SUNY Oneonta’s Theatre department was able to take advantage of such an opportunity in early February.

The Theatre department’s Fall 2022 production of “Nordost,” directed by Associate Professor Kiara Pipino, was selected to perform at the Kennedy Center Region I Festival on Cape Cod on February 2. The show’s cast included students Gillian Canavan, Sarah Izzo, Madeline Brogan, and Katelyn Litwak (stage managed by Riley Bowen and lights designed by Megan Kirk). SUNY Oneonta’s production of “Nordost” competed against more than 70 shows performed by institutions throughout the Northeastern United States, and was one of only six productions from Region I selected to perform at the festival.

The students performed “Nordost” twice at the festival, receiving a standing ovation and praise from both the audience and their peers. Gillian, Sarah, and Madeline also competed in the festival’s Irene Ryan Scholarship program, in which Gillian became the first SUNY Oneonta student to reach the semifinals. Professor Pipino noted that she was thrilled to see her students be rewarded for their hard work in creating the production.

“Nordost” is not the first SUNY Oneonta Theatre department production to perform at the Kennedy Center Festival. The department’s award-winning 2019-2020 production of “The Wolves” was also able to take advantage of this opportunity with the support of the D’Antonio fund. “I am so grateful that Caroline and David D’Antonio understood the importance for students to experience travel, and created this fund to support all SUNY Oneonta students,” Professor Pipino said. She continued, “I am glad to see students take advantage of learning opportunities outside the classroom, and the financial support is a great relief to them.”

To learn more about the SUNY Oneonta Theatre department, including a list of upcoming performances, please visit the department's website.

What is something you have learned about the SUNY Oneonta Foundation or charitable giving at SUNY Oneonta since being elected as a student director?
I have learned a lot about all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into providing financial support and creating opportunities for our students. During my time with the Foundation Board, I’ve gained firsthand knowledge of the logistics behind planning donor events, managing scholarship funds, and fundraising. I think it is amazing that the Foundation awards over $2.35 million in scholarships and program support funds every year.

What do you hope to accomplish during the remainder of your time working with the Board of Directors?
I want to help raise awareness among our students about the opportunities that the Foundation has helped make available to them. Opportunities to conduct research and travel can help students get the most out of their time at SUNY Oneonta, and there are funds available to help our students do so. I also want to encourage my friends and peers to get involved, either through the Alumni Association or the Foundation like I have.

How has your time with the Foundation Board influenced your perspective as you prepare to graduate?
I want to make sure that I do not lose sight of everything that SUNY Oneonta has done for me as a student. Last year, I had the opportunity to attend the Alumni of Distinction dinner. In addition to connecting with alumni who have had successful careers after college, it was so exciting to learn about how SUNY Oneonta helped them pursue their dreams and their goals.

What are some of your favorite memories as a student so far at SUNY Oneonta?
I am so proud of what we have been able to accomplish with the women’s tennis team. In addition to winning our first SUNYAC championship last spring, we also had a successful season in the fall. We clinched the number 2 seed for the upcoming SUNYAC tournament in the spring, and I had the honor of receiving Single’s Player of the Week and Doubles Team of the Week from SUNYAC during the season. I have high hopes for another great season in the spring.

As co-chairs of the Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta campaign, we are excited to share an update on our progress so far, as well as our additional goals for the campaign over the next year.

We began our campaign with the goal of raising $25 million by June 30, 2023. This is almost twice as much as the $13.2 million raised in the previous campaign. As of August 23, we have raised $28,283,432, 113% of our initial goal! This achievement is made possible by over 9,000 donors throughout the Red Dragon community—alumni, faculty, students, parents, members of the College Foundation Board, Alumni Association Board, and Oneonta community. We would like to thank each and every one of you.

When President Cardelle announced our three new goals for the campaign in February, he emphasized the need to ensure that a SUNY Oneonta education remains affordable, accessible, and inclusive. Over the final nine months of the campaign, we will work to fully endow the Student Emergency Fund by raising one million dollars, establish 25 new endowed scholarship funds, and grow the unrestricted portion of the College’s endowment.

Endowing the Student Emergency Fund will provide $50,000 of investment income each year to meet our students’ unanticipated needs. To date, over $945,000 has been raised toward this goal. By establishing at least 25 new endowed scholarships or student support funds, SUNY Oneonta can continue to attract outstanding students and ease their financial burden. 13 new funds have been created since January. The continued growth of our unrestricted endowment supports faculty development, student research and creative activity, internships, and scholarships. Since January, over $667,977 has been raised toward this goal.

We are so grateful for your continued support of SUNY Oneonta, which has allowed us to both surpass the original campaign goal and identify these three additional priorities.

Linda '76 and Pat '75 McCann

Arlene Erbacher ’73 (pictured with her father at commencement) always knew she wanted to leave a legacy at her alma mater through the College at Oneonta Foundation. She was inspired by her time on campus and hoped she would eventually be in a position to “pay it forward.” Arlene was educated as a teacher, taught for over a decade, and then enjoyed a 32-year career in banking. Throughout her career, Arlene gained an appreciation for how careful planning is necessary to pass things from one generation to the next, and used this knowledge to leave her legacy at SUNY Oneonta with planned giving.

Arlene became a member of the Netzer Planned Giving Society in 2014, so she noticed with interest when the SUNY College at Oneonta Foundation announced a partnership with FreeWill, an online will planning tool. She commented that the announcement “was a good reminder there is no better time to think about your future. As you do, reflect on what is important to you. I was glad to know that SUNY Oneonta now offers the opportunity to create or update your will or estate plan for free.” Arlene continued, “I knew that my important planning documents should be revisited periodically. The online site was easy to use, and I was able increase my gift and direct it to the Unrestricted Endowment. I feel lucky to be able to leave a legacy to the college that helped shape me as a person.”

Future gifts to the unrestricted endowment from Netzer Planned Giving Society members like Arlene allow our students and faculty to strengthen and enrich SUNY Oneonta’s culture of engaged learning, which changes lives on campus, in our community, and beyond.

Get started on your plans today, or for more information about creating a legacy at SUNY Oneonta please contact:

Jill S. Mirabito
Director of Gift Planning
(607) 436-3107
Jill.Mirabito@oneonta.edu
Gift Planning Website

"I cannot express how important this scholarship is to me—a restaurant worker who pays for her college education out-of-pocket. Donors like you make a huge difference to struggling college students like me."
– Madison ’23, O’Connor Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship recipient

"I am now a first-grade teacher and I am about to complete the final class for my master’s degree... Thanks to you, I am one step closer to my goal."
– Emily ’21, O’Connor Foundation Graduate Scholarship recipient

Since 1997, The A. Lindsay and Olive B. O’Connor Foundation has been helping SUNY Oneonta undergraduate and graduate students from Delaware County achieve their academic goals. Thanks to the scholarships established by the O’Connor Foundation, hundreds of students like Madison and Emily have been able to attend SUNY Oneonta.

During their lifetimes, Judge A. Lindsay O’Connor (left) and his wife Olive (right) generously supported countless deserving students, community projects and institutions in the region. Mrs. O’Connor organized the foundation that bears their names in 1965 to continue supporting the causes that meant so much to them. Today, the foundation’s primary focus is improving the quality of life in rural Delaware County and contiguously surrounding rural counties in New York State. Helping the county’s working teachers attain their graduate degrees and making an undergraduate education accessible for area residents continues the philanthropic legacy of Judge and Mrs. O’Connor and is making a difference for students like Madison and Emily.

The O’Connor Foundation is just one of the many charitable foundations supporting SUNY Oneonta’s mission to help students grow intellectually, thrive socially, and live purposefully. For more information on how you can help support SUNY Oneonta students through a family or other foundation, please contact Audrey Porsche, Manager of Foundation/Corporate Programs, at Audrey.Porsche@oneonta.edu.

All gifts to the College at Oneonta Foundation make a difference in enhancing the quality of a SUNY Oneonta education. In addition to scholarship support, emergency support for students, and other funding priorities, charitable gifts can also have a tangible impact in the classroom on a daily basis.

Through a $10,000 gift made by Stella ’91 and Ethan Suib to the Foundation’s Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta campaign, the SUNY Oneonta Music Department Facilities Fund was established with this goal in mind. This funding enabled the Music Department to purchase a wide range of musical equipment which will enrich the student experience in audio arts classes beginning this semester.

The equipment purchased with this funding included a binaural microphone, which utilizes two microphones shaped like the human ear to mimic how a person hears sound. Students utilizing this microphone in upper-level Audio Arts courses will be able to record audio with lifelike quality. The department was also able to purchase a Moog Matriarch synthesizer, which will become the centerpiece of the synthesis and multi-channel mixing room. This analog synthesizer and its advanced capabilities will allow students to gain hands-on knowledge at all levels of audio synthesis. Finally, the Facilities Fund enabled the department to purchase nontraditional gear that will be used in a new course called Interactive Software Design.

This funding and the equipment purchased by the Music Department highlight the significance of the Grow. Thrive. Live. campaign’s new focus on establishing additional scholarships and support funds. Continued support from our loyal donors will ensure that our students have access to educational opportunities which prepare them for successful careers.

What motivated you to get involved with the College Foundation as a student, and what do you hope to accomplish during your time working with the Board of Directors?

The College Foundation Board is a group of people that are passionate about SUNY Oneonta and its students’ education and experience. I want to represent my fellow students so that they can get as many opportunities as they can to help them succeed. I hope to have another good year with the Foundation and continue some experiential learning and research I have been involved with as part of the Finance Committee.

A new goal of the Grow. Thrive. Live. campaign is to grow the unrestricted portion of the college endowment, which helps support scholarships, internships, student research and creative activities, faculty development, and other programs. How has this support impacted you as a current student?

This has impacted me because as a scholarship recipient, I am motivated to continue working hard and gaining experience in my studies now that I have received these new opportunities. I am sure other students can agree that the Foundation’s campaigns truly help students become successful before they walk back through the pillars.

What is something you have learned about the College at Oneonta Foundation or charitable giving at SUNY Oneonta since you became a student director?

I have learned that while the Foundation Board is not entirely made up of SUNY Oneonta alumni, it is certainly a group of people who are passionate about our college. Also, I have learned that it is truly rewarding to give back to my school’s community by working on various projects and events with the Foundation.

What is one of your favorite memories as a student so far at SUNY Oneonta?

One of my favorite memories as a SUNY Oneonta student was representing my school at the AMA International Collegiate Conference this past April in Chicago and participating in the Undergraduate Research Competition.

Kimmy Cushman graduated from SUNY Oneonta in 2017 with a double major in physics and mathematics (and minors in astronomy and chemistry). These days, you can find her working on her Ph.D. in computational methods of particle physics, the study of dark matter and “the smallest building blocks of the universe,” at Yale. Her research is funded by a U.S. Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship.

You can learn more about Kimmy's time at SUNY Oneonta, including the importance of experiential learning opportunities such as Student Research and Creative Activity Day, in this alumni profile.

My name is Jim Doig, class of 1975. I began my term as President of the College Foundation Board of Directors in July 2021, and I have the privilege of serving in this role for a period of two years.

I would like to thank everyone who made a gift or pledge to our Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta campaign, which recently surpassed its initial $25 million fundraising goal. With fifteen months remaining in the campaign, we are excited to announce three additional goals: fully endowing our Student Emergency Fund with one million dollars, establishing 25 new endowed scholarship or student support funds, and continuing to raise funds for the unrestricted portion of our college’s $84 million endowment.

The Student Emergency Fund has proven to be a much-needed source of assistance for students who face unexpected financial difficulties that may otherwise prevent them from completing their college education. If fully endowed, this fund will generate roughly $50,000 annually, all of which will assist students in need on a perpetual basis. The establishment of 25 new endowed scholarships will enhance the Foundation’s efforts to ease the financial burden of our students. The unrestricted portion of our endowment funds faculty development, student research and creative activities, internships, and other campus programs.

I would like to close by thanking our campaign co-chairs, Pat ’75 and Linda ’76 McCann, for their commitment in leading such a successful fundraising campaign thus far. The campaign brings us closer to the Foundation’s long-term vision of a $100 million endowment, which will allow even more SUNY Oneonta students to benefit from the generosity of our donors. As the cost to attend college continues to increase, we must work tirelessly to make this vision a reality.

James A. Doig '75

For many who care deeply for SUNY Oneonta, their legacy story includes planning for the College’s future. Here is how alumnus and College Foundation board member Thomas “O’B” O’Brien '87 describes his story:

“I know I am not alone in the SUNY Oneonta community as someone who feels a great connection and is very thankful to the college for its impact on my life. My personal growth, education, friendships, career, sportsmanship, life lessons, and social memories have all benefited from my time at Oneonta. I see the impact that charitable gifts have on today’s students. I am happy to contribute regularly by making unrestricted gifts, and trust that my gifts will be used to support students’ most critical needs.”

Tom continued, “I asked myself how my contributions will be replaced when I am gone, and the answer was through some simple estate planning. Through my own planning and work with the College Advancement staff, I can efficiently contribute assets from my estate in a tax-favorable manner to help support SUNY Oneonta students and the good work of the Foundation. I am happy to give back to the place that gave me so much, and to contribute now and into the future.”

If you would like to share your legacy story or discuss how to create a legacy for SUNY Oneonta, please contact:

Jill S. Mirabito
Director of Planned Giving
(607) 436-3107
Jill.Mirabito@oneonta.edu
Gift Planning Website

“Supporting myself through college certainly takes a toll, and the help I’ve received from the Student Emergency Fund has helped me immensely. I find it very heartwarming that there are people out there thinking of the students who don’t get to enjoy a traditional college experience; and are instead riddled by stressful adult decisions with little support. I am currently on track to graduate with a teaching degree and this funding gives me one less worry to keep in my mind.” – Viktoriya

For students like Viktoriya, the Student Emergency Fund, originally established by the Gerstner Family Foundation and the Heckscher Foundation for Children, has been a lifeline. It has meant the difference between successfully continuing their education or taking a leave of absence, or even withdrawing from SUNY Oneonta. Unexpected life events such as a medical issue, accident, loss of employment, or a difficult family situation like Viktoriya’s, can derail a student who was otherwise on track to realize their academic goals. Thanks to grants from Gerstner and Heckscher and generous donations from individual donors, we’ve helped 384 students continue their studies.

Since the emergency fund was established in 2018, we’ve learned a lot about our students and the kinds of things that jeopardize their ability to complete their education. Now, we want to make sure SUNY Oneonta is there for them in perpetuity. Both the Gerstner and Heckscher foundations have concluded their support of the fund, and so we have made it a priority to endow the Student Emergency Fund at the $1 million level. An average Emergency Fund award of $1,000 has made the difference in keeping students on the path to graduation. With almost $200,000 raised for the endowed fund, we are on the way to realizing this goal.

You can help ensure that SUNY Oneonta students in need will have access to emergency funds by making a gift today.

From your perspective, what is the significance of the Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of Oneonta campaign surpassing its initial $25 million goal? How does this make a difference for SUNY Oneonta students?

As a first-generation student attending SUNY Oneonta, seven of my eight semesters were tuition-free. The cost of attendance today, including tuition, is about $25,000 per year. The significance of the Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of Oneonta campaign surpassing its initial $25 million goal is that the Foundation can now create even more opportunities for deserving students to pursue an education that they could not otherwise afford. This attests to the long-standing commitment and belief of our alumni that SUNY Oneonta has remained true to its mission.

One of the campaign’s new goals is to create at least 25 new endowed scholarships. What motivated you to endow the Dr. Carol Reiter Denson ’64 Scholarship?

I believe in the value of education as a pathway to life’s opportunities. This scholarship was created in recognition of Marilyn Nine Jessup, a high school teacher and 1957 graduate of SUNY Oneonta. Ms. Jessup was the role model whose guidance and wise counsel led me to attend SUNY Oneonta and earn my undergraduate degree.

What is something that you have learned about the College at Oneonta Foundation or charitable giving at SUNY Oneonta since you joined the Board of Directors?

Reflecting back on my journey, it was at Oneonta where, literally, I learned to grow intellectually, thrive socially and live purposefully. I have been blessed beyond any expectation or anticipation in my life’s journey. Establishing the scholarship and contributing to the campaign are among the most gratifying experiences of my life. I hope that you, too, will consider making a contribution to the campaign. Gifts of any size are important and valued. Your contribution will create and ensure a pathway is available for SUNY Oneonta students to also GROW, THRIVE and LIVE.​​​​​

Over the last eight years, I have had the honor of serving on the College Foundation Board of Directors and during my last two years, as the Board President. Throughout that time, the changing social and economic challenges made me more aware of how charitable gifts and grants help to maintain access and affordability to a SUNY Oneonta education and enhance the academic status of the college.

Because of your generous giving, the College at Oneonta Foundation is in a place of great momentum. I am proud to share that our endowment and net assets are still the largest among all SUNY comprehensive colleges, valued at $82.4 million as of June 30, 2021. This represents an increase of $17.6 million over the last two years. This giving and endowment growth translate into nearly $4 million in annual financial support for students and the campus including scholarships, internships, experiential learning, faculty development, and research.

Additionally, donors within the Red Dragon family have fueled the momentum on our historic $25 million campaign, Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta. The campaign has raised $21.5 million, or 86% of its goal. Achieving our campaign goal will continue to expand scholarship offerings and other financial resources such as the Student Emergency Fund for our priority: our students.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the Foundation Board of Directors and the Division of College Advancement as we pursue our goal of supporting affordable access to high quality academic experiences for our students and faculty. As my Presidential term ends, I want to extend my sincere thanks to all our donors and urge you to continue your support of our college. You make me proud to be a member of the SUNY Oneonta family, and you inspire me to continue supporting our tradition of strength and community since 1889.

Andrea J Casper ‘75

The 2021 Student Research & Creative Activity (SRCA) Day was held as a virtual showcase from April 15-16. This year’s event featured over 60 projects representing the work of 90 students and 49 faculty mentors. The opening keynote address was given by Jared Reynolds ’12, founding member of RM Law Group LLC and member of the College at Oneonta Foundation Board of Directors. “SRCA Day spotlights the scholarly activities of our students, highlighting the impact of experiential learning opportunities,” said Kathy Meeker, Director of Grants Development.

The faculty mentors who work with students on their SRCA Day projects witness the benefits of these experiential learning opportunities firsthand. “Working with students is a learning experience for everyone, and it is always rewarding to see the growth in skills and confidence over the course of more than one semester,” said Dr. Elizabeth Seale, Associate Professor of Sociology. Dr. Seale and her student mentee, Katie Bohart, completed a research project analyzing the relationship between a child’s home environment and the likelihood of future violent criminality.

Dr. Erik Stengler (Cooperstown Graduate Program) worked alongside graduate student Kaitlyn Miller on her thesis, which explored the rise of misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dr. Stengler, student/faculty research “allows me to create a rapport with the students that no other work with them can achieve.” He continued, “this in turn allows me to be a better mentor to them during and after their time in the program.”

Both of these projects were supported by the Student Grant Program for Research and Creative Activity, funded by the College at Oneonta Foundation Unrestricted Endowment and the Alumni Association.

​​​Tribute gifts offer the opportunity to make a gift in honor or memory of a special person in your life while helping SUNY Oneonta continue to provide a transformative educational experience.

This past year, members of the Milne Library staff sought a way to recognize two of their retiring colleagues: Andrea Gerberg, Head of Bibliographic and Digital Services, and Brenda Sundal, Administrative Assistant. Twelve members of the Milne Library staff made gifts in honor of Andrea and Brenda’s retirements to the Student Emergency Fund and the Jacqueline Nicholson & History Department Scholarship. Andrea asked that gifts be made to this scholarship out of a desire to support students studying history, while Brenda chose the Student Emergency Fund due to its role in helping students overcome the unforeseen financial challenges presented by COVID-19.

Michelle Hendley, Assistant Library Director and Coordinator of Instruction, believes that tribute gifts benefit students and inspire them to succeed. “I believe these gifts demonstrate to our students that there are many people who care about them, want them to be successful, and wish for them to have a positive college experience,” said Michelle. “When our students see that there are others supporting them, it can be a source of motivation.”

Visit the Tribute Gifts page to make a gift in honor or memory of someone today.

Barbara Anderson Holzcamp ’63 has taught swimming lessons every summer since she took a lifeguarding instructor course from Miss Abbott and Miss Hammond as a freshman at SUNY Oneonta. As a retired Locust Valley second grade teacher, Barbara knows the importance of consistency and planning. For 40 years, Barbara has been making annual gifts to the College at Oneonta Foundation. Additionally, Barbara had included the college in her estate plans, making her a member of the Netzer Planned Giving Society.

Our 402 Netzer Planned Giving Society members are a group of our most loyal donors, empowering the college to attract the best students and faculty, launch new research initiatives, create innovative learning opportunities, enhance student life, and build a stronger educational community. Together, they represent over 8,675 years of combined annual contributions.

Like many loyal donors, Barbara’s desire to give back to SUNY Oneonta stems from her appreciation for the quality education she received and the opportunity to excel in a career where she could make a positive impact. With her planned gift to the Unrestricted Endowment, Barbara wanted to pay it forward to the next generation of teachers by ensuring that Oneonta students continue to receive a meaningful education.

Barbara (right) and many of her friends (including Barrie Simpson ’63, left), are proud members of the Netzer Planned Giving Society. To learn more about supporting the college’s mission by naming the State University College at Oneonta College Foundation Corporation in your will or as a beneficiary of a retirement plan, please contact:

Jill S. Mirabito
Director of Gift Planning
(607) 436-3107
Jill.Mirabito@oneonta.edu
Gift Planning Website

How do you foresee our campaign, Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta, impacting our students and community now and in the future?

A subtle but key point in that sentence is "now and in the future." Not only are you supporting current students and the College's needs today, but, through prudent management and the Foundation's ability to take a long-term view on stewardship, you wind up supporting students on a practically perpetual basis. A gift today keeps on giving to students 10, 20, 30 years from now. I don't know whether that point is always at the front of donors' minds, but it's incredibly powerful when you zoom out and think about the long-term.

How did the college’s Unrestricted Endowment emerge as one of your priorities in giving to SUNY Oneonta?

I think it's safe to say that anyone considering giving wants to make sure that their gift is put to good use; it's only natural for donors to try to do the work themselves and ask where this money would be best put to use. The Unrestricted Endowment takes off this pressure - by design, it is the bridge to get funds where they are needed most. As a donor, you're amplifying the number of areas where your gift can make an impact.

As a result of your annual giving, you are a member of the 1889 Society, our leadership society recognizing donors who give $1,000 or greater each year. What motivates you to give at this level and continue your membership in the 1889 Society?

I just put myself in the shoes of a student, and it's an easy call to give what I can.

What is your favorite memory from your time as a student at SUNY Oneonta?

Beyond fond memories of time spent with friends, I most frequently reflect on and am reminded of times where faculty or staff took the time to provide unexpected feedback or support in ways that changed my life. I'm forever indebted to that kindness and can only hope to "pay it forward" over time, in part by giving.

Individual donations account for most of the gifts received each year by the College Foundation, but corporate and foundation grants also play an important role in the Foundation’s ability to provide scholarships, internship awards, student research grants, and support for other experiential learning programs. Together, corporate and foundation grants make up roughly 33% of total annual support received by the College Foundation.

Employer matching gifts are a popular way many corporations make charitable contributions to organizations that their employees, and in some cases retired employees, support. Last year we received nearly $70,000 in matching gifts. Requests for matching gifts must be initiated by individual donors, and are a powerful way to increase the impact of a single gift. Donors can check if their company has a matching gift program at https://doublethedonation.com/oneonta.

Charitable giving arms and dedicated corporate foundations are utilized by larger corporations employing a formal application process during designated grant periods. Together with the generous support received from regional private foundations that have their own criteria for support and application process, these awards make up most of the grants from our corporate and foundation partners.

In-kind gifts of products and services are one more way that corporations have helped students and strengthened various campus programs with such things as software packages for design courses or lab equipment for student research projects like last year’s synthetic biology iGEM project, shown above.

Regardless of the type of support and how it is received, we greatly value these campus partners and the important contributions they make to the success of our students and to SUNY Oneonta.

SUNY Oneonta is proud to congratulate Teresa Gonzalez, who has been chosen as a recipient of SUNY’s 2020 Norman R. McConney, Jr. Award for Student Excellence. The award was established last year to celebrate Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve their educational and personal goals. EOP assists students who are both academically and financially disadvantaged and provides additional services needed to ensure success.

In addition to this prestigious award, Teresa’s impressive academic performance resulted in the awarding of two College at Oneonta Foundation scholarships: the Ilse Strauss Russell Scholarship and the Mildred H. Parish ’51 Scholarship. Both of these scholarships are awarded to high-performing Education majors and make a tremendous impact in the lives of students like Teresa. “The Ilse Strauss Russell Scholarship means a lot to me because it allows me to be more prepared for this upcoming semester, when I will have to do my student teaching,” she wrote in a thank-you letter to her scholarship donors. “The Mildred H. Parish '51 Scholarship also helps relieve some of my financial struggles. It will help me continue to focus on my work, especially this semester with everyone facing difficulties due to COVID-19. Your donation will allow me to improve and help me achieve my goals.”

An Adolescence Education major with a concentration in Spanish, Teresa is passionate about addressing challenges and inequalities faced by English Language Learner (ELL) students in the United States. After leaving her home in Mexico as a teenager and coming to the U.S., Teresa faced many obstacles. Learning English was a challenge, particularly because the school she transferred into could not adequately accommodate her needs. Because of this, Teresa aspires to work with ELL students in seventh through twelfth grade and help them transition smoothly into the U.S. education system. Teresa was also part of SUNY Oneonta’s College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), a unique educational program designed to meet the needs of students from migrant and seasonal farm working families in pursuing higher education.

Teresa is a resilient, determined student who has overcome many obstacles and achieved academic excellence against all odds. She is also a shining example of the impact that charitable donations to the College at Oneonta Foundation have on our students. Congratulations, Teresa, on receiving this well-deserved accolade.

Every year, SUNY Oneonta receives gifts through the estate plans of alumni, faculty, staff and friends who have thoughtfully planned for the College’s future. These gifts, no matter the amount, when added together have significant impact on our college and our students’ educational experience.

For Bette Stark-Harrold ’77, naming the State University College at Oneonta Foundation as a beneficiary of her retirement fund was an easy way to support an organization deeply important to her. “The Human Ecology faculty prepared me to be a great teacher. I recall Barbara Weigand, Frances Bliven, Florence White, Corinne Maxon, and Loraine Tyler with tremendous respect.” She continued, “All of these smart, highly-educated, and strong women left an indelible mark on my life. They made me believe in my chosen career as an educator, and in myself. These women made me strive to be dedicated to my students as they had been to me.”

Because of her familiarity with investing, Bette knew that adding The College at Oneonta Foundation as a beneficiary of her retirement fund was convenient, flexible, and would not require an attorney. A donor may name the College Foundation as a recipient of all or a portion of any account requiring a beneficiary designation. Bette directs her annual IRA Required Minimum Distributions using a Charitable IRA Rollover, a tax-wise and convenient way to fund her endowed scholarship. “I chose to take the next step in establishing a scholarship to make it a bit easier for the next generation of teachers. I would hope they could focus on their education and not worry about the financial burden of tuition.”

Additionally, because Bette documented her estate plan gift, her future support is included in our comprehensive campaign, Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta. Newly documented planned gifts established by donors who will be age 55 by the end of the campaign can be counted in helping us achieve our $25 million goal.

For more information about estate planning and our Campaign, please contact:

Jill S. Mirabito
Director of Gift Planning
(607) 436-3107
Jill.Mirabito@oneonta.edu
Gift Planning Website

You were elected to the College at Oneonta Foundation Board of Directors in June 2020. What were your motivations to get involved with the college in this way, and what do you hope to accomplish during your time on the board?

Prior to retiring as Senior VP & Chief Administrative Officer at Corning Incorporated at the end of 2018, I was fortunate enough to be invited to SUNY Oneonta to tour the campus and speak with students. I came away from the visit wowed by how much the campus had changed since 1985 and how energized, motivated, and driven the students were. On my drive home, I made my mind up that I wanted to contribute to the ongoing success of SUNY Oneonta and its students going forward.

What do you see as the biggest impact our comprehensive campaign, Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta will have on SUNY Oneonta students now and in the future?

As an alumna, I know the education I received at SUNY Oneonta enabled me to achieve a better life, but all too often cost blocks the way for today’s youth to access education. Today, over 80% of SUNY Oneonta students have financial need and the global pandemic has only exacerbated the need. Gifts to increase scholarship funding, the Unrestricted Endowment, and the Fund for Oneonta will help keep SUNY Oneonta affordable, accessible, and inclusive, providing today’s youth the same shot at success we enjoyed.

What is your favorite memory from your time as a student at SUNY Oneonta?

My favorite memories from my time at SUNY Oneonta are of sitting around on Sunday afternoons with my 5 suitemates and eating Kraft Macaroni and Cheese from the hotpot, catching up on each other’s weeks, celebrating our successes, commiserating in our losses, and encouraging each other to face and conquer the challenges ahead in the coming week. I will always cherish the support and sense of family I received from my suitemates.

Seventeen SUNY Oneonta science students received over $43,000 in support from the Student Grant Program – funded by the College at Oneonta Foundation and Alumni Association – for their hands-on summer re-search projects on topics ranging from hydrofracking to beetle mating habits.

Nicholas Baker, a biochemistry major from Schenevus, NY, said he loved having the opportunity to work in a lab five days a week, six hours a day. “I’ve learned so much and it’s giving me a lot of lab experience that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise,” he said, while titrating a beaker of chemicals extracted from Marcellus shale. “This research is actually really interesting and it affects the area, so it’s pretty important.”

In addition to Nicholas, the group included 14 students who were preparing for the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) synthetic biology competition in the fall and two additional individual research projects, all with the guidance of SUNY Oneonta faculty members.

Thirteen SUNY Oneonta political science students got an inside look at the presidential election process during a five-day trip to New Hampshire that culminated with the first-in-the-nation primary on February 11. The trip, supported by the Jay Jacobs ’77 Fund for Experiential Learning, was part of a semester-long course, POLS 216: Presidential Election Campaigns, taught by Associate Professor of Political Science Gina Keel.

While in New Hampshire, students attended candidate rallies, town hall meetings, and other events, witnessing firsthand the campaigning and media frenzy in the last days before the primary. This is Keel’s fourth time teaching the course and leading the trip.

The availability of emergency funding has never been more important for SUNY Oneonta students.

Thanks to the generosity of alumni, parents, and friends of the College, SUNY Oneonta has been able to help its students in their time of need with over $237,552 in donations to a pair of funds: the Student Success Scholarship and the Student Emergency Fund.

The SUNY Oneonta Student Success Scholarship provides tuition assistance to students who demonstrate a need for funding due to emergency or extenuating circumstances, like family or personal illness, financial struggles, and debt. By supporting this scholarship, you enable students to focus on their studies and complete their degrees despite these obstacles.

Fall 2019 Support

A student faced financial hardship due to the passing of her father in the Fall 2019 semester. After being awarded the Student Success Scholarship, she was able to complete the fall semester with a high GPA and return in the spring.

The Student Emergency Fund provides non-tuition grants for SUNY Oneonta students facing unforeseen financial hardships or emergency situations that threaten their ability to stay in college. Students can apply for the necessary funding to pay for those emergency expenses above and beyond tuition, such as food, rent, utilities, and medical expenses.

Spring 2020 Student Testimonial

“Thank you for helping me in a time of need. I currently live on my own off campus, with very little support from my family. Growing up in Brooklyn, my family had it rough and they can’t afford to put me through school to pursue my dreams. With help like this, my dreams gain the opportunity to become my reality. I am deeply thankful for the help you all have given me, and I promise it is not in vain. You are helping an inner-city kid help himself, and eventually help his family. I will forever be grateful for that. Please continue to support students, the way you’ve all supported me.”

Continued support for the Student Success Scholarship and Student Emergency Fund remains crucial to our students. You can join your fellow Red Dragons and support current Oneonta students in need by making a gift.

SUNY Oneonta has a long-standing history of benefiting from generous gifts by donors in their wills and estate plans. This year marks the 25th anniversary of SUNY Oneonta’s Netzer Planned Giving Society, established to honor these special people. Thoughtful alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends who remember SUNY Oneonta in their estate plans–including retirement plan beneficiary designations–are honored as Netzer Planned Giving Society members. The Society was named in honor of the late college President Royal Netzer and his wife, Clara, whose bequest in 1993 in support of campus beautification was one of the largest in the college’s history.

Throughout the society’s 25-year history, we have grown our community to 384 members and received a remarkable $11,900,000 from gifts through estate planning. This support is instrumental for many program areas benefiting our college and our students, including unrestricted endowment (used where the need or opportunity is greatest), endowed scholarships, and other campus programs important to these donors. Currently, the largest expenditures from unrestricted endowment are faculty development, student-faculty research, scholarships, and internship support. Importantly, these purposes align with the priority needs of our college and its students right now, but can be altered in the future as different needs arise.

The State University College at Oneonta Foundation (our legal name) and the campus community will be forever grateful to our Netzer Planned Giving Society members for their planning and their meaningful impacts.

If you are interested in learning how you can create your legacy through a gift in your will and estate plan, please contact Jill S. Mirabito, Director of Gift Planning. (607) 436-3107 or Jill.Mirabito@oneonta.edu.

Netzer Planned Giving Society Website

During a time of uncertainty, some members of the SUNY Oneonta community were impacted more than others.

With dining halls closed in spring 2020, Sodexo was forced to lay off over 100 full-time employees. These dedicated members of our community work tirelessly to serve us every day and ensure an exceptional dining experience.

Through the Supporting Sodexo Colleagues 2020 fund, the SUNY Oneonta community was able to return the favor. A campus-wide effort to support these individuals resulted in over $22,000 in donations throughout the month of April, including a $6,000 matching gift from Oneonta Auxiliary Services. Every contribution went toward purchasing gift cards at local grocery stores for the Sodexo employees who were laid off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sodexo’s mission of improving the quality of life for those they serve has been a staple of our college. Each gift made to this fund positively impacted the lives of these valued colleagues and their families.

Right now, the College at Oneonta Foundation has a vision of reaching a $100 million endowment value. What impact do you think achieving this goal will have on our college and students?

Reaching a $100 million endowment would be transformative for our college. Serving on the Foundation Board has given me a front row seat to the difference the Foundation makes in the programs the college offers and the lives it can change. Without the funding provided by the Foundation many of our students wouldn’t be able to attend college at all, and many more students would be left out of the enriching experiences that have become table stakes at competitive schools such as SUNY Oneonta. It can make the difference between a good education and a great one. The Foundation has been growing steadily over the years through generous donations and careful stewardship, making it one of the largest endowments in the SUNY system.

Two of the current fundraising priorities for our campaign, Grow. Thrive. Live. The Future of SUNY Oneonta, are raising unrestricted gifts in support of the Fund for Oneonta and our Unrestricted Endowment. What motivates you to give back to SUNY Oneonta with your unrestricted gifts?

Unrestricted gifts provide the college with the flexibility to allocate funding to where the needs are greatest. While restricted gifts play a crucial role, a significant amount of unrestricted funding can support a whole range of programs that meet the evolving needs of the students. We all know that priorities can change, so I like to contribute unrestricted funds to help the college adjust to those changes. I’m a big believer in supporting the institutions that have made a big difference in my life, and I’m incredibly proud of the great education that SUNY Oneonta provides to so many students. It is such a terrific value! I know how important my contributions are to the College and I trust that they are put to great use.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time as a student?

One of my best experiences at SUNY Oneonta was participating in the inaugural intercession program in Ireland led by Dr. Larkin and Dr. Casey during my senior year. We spent 3 weeks during winter break in Ireland, attending classes at Trinity College and the University College Dublin, seeing performances at the Abbey Theatre, and then traveling to the West Coast, (where our bus was pulled out of a ditch by local farmers due to a once-every-10-years snow storm!). It was a fantastic experience both academically and personally, and I even stayed on with a few of my friends for another 2 weeks of travel in Europe. That program capped off a great college experience and started my love of travel. Since then my career has brought me to 6 continents and I’ve lived on 3. This is exactly the type of formative college experience the Foundation makes possible for students who otherwise just would not have them.

It's no secret that the 2019-20 academic year was one-of-a-kind. Our entire community faced unprecedented challenges and the unmet financial need of our students grew to a record high.

Thankfully, long-term generosity from the Red Dragon family resulted in $3.71 million being awarded by the College at Oneonta Foundation. This value marks an all-time high for SUNY Oneonta student and faculty support through charitable giving.

• Scholarships and Awards: $2,197,445
• Campus Programs: $804,998
• Fund for Oneonta: $456,936
  • Student Research, Networking & Career Development, Scholarships, Academic Achievement Awards, Alumni Programs & Events
• Internships and Fellowships: $95,468
• Faculty Development: $61,481
• Student/Faculty Research: $50,000
• Student and Faculty Travel: $46,527

Selfless contributions from alumni, parents, faculty, staff, foundations and corporations, and friends reinforce SUNY Oneonta's culture or care and offer an encouraging sign for the year ahead. Thank you for providing the support our students need to stay on track and our faculty rely on to enhance the Oneonta education inside and outside the classroom.

Sixty-four SUNY Oneonta students participated in faculty-led trips during the March 2019 spring break that took them across the world. Wherever the destination, trips broadened students' perspectives, increased student engagement, strengthened student-faculty research and creative activities, and promoted global connections. The following is a collection of their amazing experiences abroad.

South Africa

Four art students traveled to South Africa with Lecturer Pearlie Baluyut for a week of academic and cultural exchange with students at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, where Nelson Mandela once studied.

Working closely with Wits University students and a host faculty member, SUNY Oneonta students developed a greater understanding of identity politics, social justice and human rights through art and creative research through applied-service learning activities at the Witz University, Wits Art Museum, and Play Africa, a non-profit organization that serves families and children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Baluyut said the trip "provided the students with a critical and humbling view of a global landscape filled with lessons and opportunities."

"With first-hand knowledge and an unforgettable international experience, the American and South African students are in a better position to serve as advocates of mutual cooperation and catalysts of global exchange to ensure a kinder future for themselves and the generations to come," said Baluyut.

A standout moment was a trip to the Apartheid Museum, where students learned about the tragic and triumphant history of South Africa and its people through dynamic exhibitions featuring videos, photographs, paintings, and other objects. They also went on a behind-the-scene curatorial tour of Constitution Hill (the courts, prison cells, and art gallery).

Zimbabwe

In nearby Zimbabwe, two seniors, accompanied by Professor of Political Science Robert Compton, were busy learning the political development and political economy of the country and difficulties of non-governmental organizations operating under unstable socio-economic conditions.

The students met with a large array of groups including Parliament staff and elected national legislators, the Southern African Parliamentary Support Trust, the Clerk of Parliament, the National Association of NGO's, the University of Zimbabwe and the U.S. Embassy. At the opposition Movement for Democratic Change offices, the students saw the after-effects of riots at the offices, which included shattered windows and the charred markings of a fire bomb. Despite experiencing electoral conflict, violence and a declining peacetime economy, the students found that Zimbabweans were hospitable, friendly, and hopeful for the future.

The small group also visited Heroes Acre and Domboshawa Park; toured Mbare high-density suburbs; saw Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides; and enjoyed a sunset on a Zambezi River cruise. They also saw the Mbizi Game Reserve and the famous Hwange National Wildlife Reserve, where zebras, bushbucks, hippos, baboons, giraffes, elands, and elephants roam.

South Korea

Five students traveled to Seoul, South Korea, for a cultural immersion program called "The Philosophies of Peace" that explored philosophical, cultural, social, religious and historical aspects of the notion of peace.

Under the direction of philosophy Lecturer Dr. Danial Patrone, the students saw numerous museums, temples government offices, and markets. They developed a deeper understanding of Korean history, culture, and philosophy through attending contemporary theatre productions, traditional Korean dance performances, musical performances, religious rituals, and philosophy classes.

Highlights included studying Confucian temples; meeting with monks at a Buddhist temple; touring The Korean Demilitarized Zone; learning about the history and current political situation involving North and South Korea; and speaking with a North Korean defector about life in North Korea, her experiences defecting, and the prospects of a stable and lasting peace in the region.

"My trip to South Korea was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Anna Korniak, Class of 2020. "I enjoyed fully immersing myself in the culture, which helped me learn a lot about the country and about myself. The beautiful city of Seoul was captivating, and the experiences I had exploring the city I will never forget."

Students also visited Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) to meet with students and faculty, and attend philosophy classes with their Korean peers. In the evening, SKKU students hosted SUNY Oneonta students at a traditional Korean barbecue to learn more about each other and develop new friendships.

Columbia

Four education students traveled to Cali, Columbia with Assistant Professor Thor Gibbins. The students completed a field experience in bilingual schools- one an affluent foreign school and the other in a less-privileged area.

McKenzie Hyer, a Childhood Education major in the Class of 2019, said of the eye-opening trip, "We were able to compare education systems in the United States to those in Columbia. We saw how some schools are given more opportunities and resources than others, just as you can observe in the U.S. How that influences children in both societies is something I will continue to consider as I grow as an educator."

Puerto Rico

Eight students traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to continue Hurricane Maria cleanup efforts through Jewish Response to Disaster or "Nechama," a volunteer-driven global nonprofit organization. The students cleaned, swept, hammered, painted, worked on roofs, and more to help the area recover.

They were accompanied by Associate Professor of Biology Sean Robinson and Center for Social Responsibility and Community Director Linda Drake. They stayed with other NECHAMA volunteers, saw the lush flora and fauna of the island, went on some very muddy hikes, and did some sightseeing in Old San Juan.

Zachary Vaccaro '18 didn't let a battle with cancer keep him from achieving his goals. After completing his on-campus Mass Communications degree requirements, Zachary decided to put his education to work for a cause that hit close to home. During the fall 2018 semester, Zachary participated in a three-month internship at the American Cancer Society. He shared that, "As a cancer survivor, being able to be a part of this organization was overwhelming in a good way."

Completing a full-semester internship is a significant financial burden for any student. Fortunately, Zachary was able to receive funding through the Dewar Foundation Fund for Internship Support, a fund established to make internship experiences more accessible for SUNY Oneonta students. Simply put, Zachary shared that, "without this fund, I would not have been able to afford my internship at the American Cancer Society."

During his internship, Zachary worked in Philadelphia, New York City, and Atlanta on a variety of fundraising campaigns such as "Real Men Wear Pink" and "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer." Specifically, he gained experience working on video campaigns and social media outreach projects. Zachary was also fortunate enough to sit in on a video shoot for their "Society Talk" speaker series - all of which provided enhancements to his portfolio and resume.

Zachary now works for FXAV, an audio and visual company in New York City, in addition to his freelance video and event photography work. "My internship at the American Cancer Society opened up new doors in my life. Thank you to everyone who continues to support SUNY Oneonta students!"

"My internship at the American Cancer Society opened up new doors in my life. Thank you to everyone who continues to support SUNY Oneonta students!"

SUNY Oneonta's Science 1 building is now named the "Janet R. Perna Science Building" in recognition of distinguished alumna Janet Perna '70, who has made a gift commitment of $5 million to the State University College at Oneonta Foundation.

Half of Perna's gift will be allocated to our unrestricted endowment, providing funding that is flexible in nature and critical in supporting strategic initiatives designated by the College Foundation Board of Directors, including scholarships, student and faculty research, internship support, and faculty development. The other half will be restricted to the "Janet Perna '70 Women in Technology Scholarship."

The SUNY Board of Trustees made the naming of the Perna Science Building official in accordance with the State University of New York Naming Opportunities Policy and Procedure on March 22, 2018. SUNY Oneonta's College Council also approved the naming of this building at a special meeting.

"This will be the largest charitable gift ever made by a graduate of SUNY Oneonta," said former college President Nancy Kleniewski. "Janet, who distinguished herself as IBM Software Group's highest ranking female executive before retiring in 2006, is a very generous person, having already given a half-million dollars for scholarships to women in STEM disciplines. We are immensely grateful to her for this impressive gift."

"I am making this significant gift because I believe in the importance of a quality education to improving the overall socio-economic climate within the United States and worldwide," Perna said. "Like many students who attend SUNY Oneonta, I was the first in my family to graduate from college. This gift will make it possible for others to have the opportunity to realize their dreams and aspirations.

"My name is Mercedes Serrano '20, a Biology major with a concentration in Medicine and a minor in Women's and Gender Studies.

When I first visited campus, I noticed the Oneonta State Emergency Squad (OSES), the paramedic team on campus. OSES is the reason I decided to attend SUNY Oneonta. I felt my involvement in OSES could give me a closer look into the medical field and pave the way for my future.

However, I knew paying for college would be challenging. I come from a very low-income household; my mother left her professional job in the Dominican Republic to give my brother and me a better life. Without the College at Oneonta Foundation 20th Anniversary Scholarship, the pursuit of furthering my education would not be possible! This is the first time I ever received a scholarship and I feel proud. My scholarship makes me feel like I can accomplish anything.

I wouldn't have this opportunity without donors. Donor generosity makes an impact on students financially and personally, encouraging us to pursue our career goals. To all the donors who made my scholarship possible, thank you! I will not let your gift go in vain and will continue to work extremely hard toward my college degree."

For Dr. Tracey Allen, Interim Dean for the School of Sciences, exposing students to applicable field work and the wonders of science are priorities in the classroom. With funding made available through the Global Connectedness Fund, Dr. Allen and Dr. Devin Castednyk, Adjunct Associate Professor, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, led students in a global field course to Guatemala. Titled "Water and the Environment of Guatemala," students tested the water quality of Lake Atitlan and obtained a baseline reading of the arsenic levels in the surrounding area.

Biology major Constance Finnerty '19, and Environmental Sustainability major Casey McCurty '20, were among the students that participated in the field course. Their travels were funded entirely through the Global Connectedness Fund, without which neither student would have had this experience. Through their extensive testing and research, it was discovered that water in some areas was so contaminated with arsenic, that it far exceeded safe drinking water standards.

To ensure locals' awareness, the arsenic data was turned over to the affected Mayan Communities. Although the source of the arsenic had not been uncovered, the data and results obtained will allow for future research to take place and aid in addressing this health issue.

Philanthropic support of student-faculty research enables our students to travel abroad and make an impact that will change lives.

James McAteer '08 participated in the campus to career program, Backpacks to Briefcases, when he attended SUNY Oneonta. Over the years, he has participated as an alum to give current students industry-specific advice. Watch as James recaps this year's event and discusses how the program affected him as a student as well as an alum. This program (and many others) is funded by generous gifts from alumni & friends to the Fund For Oneonta.