GROW.THRIVE.LIVE. | SUNY Oneonta

Campaign Update

A Message from Campaign Co-Chairs, Pat '75 and Linda '76 McCann

When we spoke recently with President Cardelle, we were delighted to learn how closely the campaign aligns with his values: a belief in the transformative role of higher education, a commitment to equity, and a strong sense of optimism for the potential of future generations.

A great example of where all these intersect is experiential learning. Whether through internships, student employment, research and creative collaborations, study abroad, volunteer service, or service learning — this is where transformation occurs. As you may have read in the last issue of Reflections, by the time Oneonta students are seniors, nearly 75% have availed themselves of at least two such opportunities.

About 80% of Oneonta students have financial need — a percentage that continues to grow. Financial difficulties is the No. 1 reason students drop out of college. You can help prevent that. You can make the difference.

We’re fortunate to have had these opportunities too. (Pat attended an economics conference at SUNY Albany; Linda worked with a Head Start program and did student teaching.) You probably had similar experiences. You know how instrumental they were in helping you reach your potential.

The State University College at Oneonta Foundation supports experiential learning through resources such as the James ’75 and Mary Susan Ajello Internship Fund and the Caroline ’67 and David D’Antonio Student Travel for Excellence Fund. Additional support comes from unrestricted giving, a key focus of the campaign.

Grow. Thrive. Live. has seen the creation of over 100 new scholarships and funds. In making Oneonta affordable to students who are the first in their families to attend college, the campaign fosters equity.

Nowhere is the potential of future generations more evident than in Student Research & Creative Activity (SRCA) Day or students’ participation in the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition. These endeavors are made possible by the Student Grant Program for Research and Creative Activity, funded by the College at Oneonta Foundation and the Alumni Association.

Thank you for your support. It makes — and will continue to make — a world of difference.

MAKE A GIFT

Reaching our campaign goals will allow us to accelerate our pursuit of helping students and faculty achieve their academic and life goals.

ORIGINAL GOAL $25,000,000

AMOUNT RAISED
AS OF 8/1/2022
$28,025,031

PERCENTAGE OVER
GOAL REACHED
112%

Three New Campaign Goals

Fully endow our Student Emergency Fund with $1 million.

Over $895,455 raised to date

Establish twenty-five endowed scholarships or student support funds.

13 new funds since January 2022

Increase the unrestricted portion of our endowment.

Over $667,977 raised since January 2022

Impact Stories

Receiving this scholarship has helped me thrive in my college career by allowing me to focus on coursework and getting involved on campus without worrying about the financial burden. Thank you again for your support!"

Helen, Class of 2022

The financial assistance you provided will be of great help to me in paying my educational expenses, and it will allow me to concentrate more time on my studies. Thank you again for your generosity and support.”

Ricardo, Class of 2024

I shadowed a physician in the pediatrics department at Bassett Healthcare Center in Oneonta. Your support gave me the chance to gain first-hand experience in the medical field. This process has strengthened my desire to be a physician and help my community.”

Rabiatu, Class of 2021

I am greatly appreciative of this award! I lost my job when the business I was working for closed due to the pandemic. Support from the Student Emergency Fund alleviated the stress of trying to figure out how to afford food. I am extremely grateful to all the donors who have put a smile on my face.”

I am grateful for this support that I will use to purchase clothes and shoes that fit. The clothes will help me look presentable and comfortable while I stay in school. New shoes will be especially helpful since my current set of shoes have holes in them. Due to my shoe size and width, it was difficult to buy a new pair. I am forever grateful for this act of kindness, helping me dress for school and protect my feet.”

The Student Emergency Fund helped me in a time of need. I live independently with very little support from my family. Growing up in Brooklyn, my family had it rough and can’t afford to put me through school to pursue my dreams. With help from the Student Emergency Fund, my dreams are becoming a reality. I am deeply thankful for the help you have given me, and I promise it is not in vain.”

WAYS TO GIVE

Choose from many different giving opportunities

1889 SOCIETY

Carry on Oneonta’s rich tradition of alumni generosity

IMPACT OF YOUR GIVING

Learn how your gift can make a difference

Make Your Gift

Thank you for your generosity to SUNY Oneonta.
Your investment helps our college to provide students with
resources they need to reach their full potential.

MAKE A GIFT