Business Officer has published an article about Alfred State's outdoor learning laboratory for soil remediation. Read the article online.

Cherry Hill, NJ – June 2013 – The Fluid Power Educational Foundation (FPEF) Board of Trustees awarded Eric Haase, mechanical engineering technology (BS), Buffalo, NY, a $2,000 scholarship.

“A minimum GPA, an essay, and three letters of recommendation were required from from each applicant. The Board of Trustees is pleased to award this scholarship to a student of Mr. Haase’s caliber,” said Jimmy Simpson, CFPAI, FPEF Chair. “Our goal is to help young people enrolled in high schools, technical colleges, and engineering schools pursue their interests in fluid power.”

The FPEF awarded eighteen (18) scholarships totaling $36,000 for the 2013 school year to students pursuing fluid power technology fields of study.

The Fluid Power Educational Foundation is a non-profit foundation committed to stimulate, advance, and support the science of hydraulic and pneumatic technology through educational initiatives at all levels. The FPEF is wholly supported by fluid power industry firms, associations, and individuals which enables FPEF to bring fluid power to students of all grade levels. For more information visit www.fpef.org or call (856) 424-8998.

Todd Larsen, Alfred-Almond Central School alumnus (‘83) and son of John and Barbara Larsen, returns to premiere a new solo theater production: The In-Between, before its Hollywood, CA, and New York City performances beginning in the fall. This will be Todd's first return performance to his hometown in over 25 years.

The In-Between is a cleverly woven tour de force performance of acting, movement, and visual images in which Todd shares his creative journey from Alfred, NY, to his adventures in Hollywood, CA. "Aspects of the production are based on my life," Todd says, “but it is truly about each one of us, and our gifts of creativity. It's everyone's story and how we must realize our dreams and pursue them. It's about the quest to find the 'magic moments' in life, when the dynamic potential between ourselves and possibilities touch."

Todd first began acting in his parents' productions at Alfred State, where they directed the drama department from 1965-1993. Along with his acting at Alfred-Almond CS, he began studying mime and movement. He produced several productions locally at the colleges and high schools and has gone on to be awarded as one of the top movement theater creators in the United States. He currently resides in Hollywood, CA, working as an actor and entrepreneur. Highlights of his film and stage career include working with Dom DeLuise, Carol Burnet, Charlie Sheen, Dean Cain, and John Cleese. Todd's work has been reviewed by the NY and LA Times as a "performer not to be missed" and as a "...solo Cirque Du Soleil meets Chekov.”

This premiere performance takes place on Friday, July 26, 2013, at 8 p.m. in the Orvis Activities Center Cappadonia Auditorium on the Alfred State campus. It is a provocative, funny, unique theatrical experience in which Todd plays over 30 characters, real and imagined. The "creative spark" that began this theatrical creation came when he first saw pictures of the Sistine Chapel, and imagined what it would be like to sit down and chat with its creator. “I get to do that! That's why I fell in love with the theater and creativity," he says. "This is going to be quite a moment in my life," Todd adds. "It's incredible to return to my hometown and share this new production; especially on the stage at Alfred State."

The performance is free and open to the public with an option to donate to a new Alfred State scholarship. Todd has created the Barbara and John Larsen Scholarship to honor his parents’ dedication for over three decades to the Alfred State theater, college, and students. It will honor and assist Alfred State students who have shown excellence in the theater. Any questions regarding the show or scholarship can be directed to Janna Buckwalter at buckwajb@alfredstate.edu.

Students from Alfred State designed, built, and operated a solar-powered home for the 2013 Solar Decathlon in China.

From July 15 - Aug. 18, 2013, students from, Alfred State, Alfred University, and Guilin University of Technology in China (dubbed Team Alfred), came together in Datong, China, to build a home of the future—one that showcases some of the biggest innovations in renewable energy and sustainable design.

“It has been a life changing experience, full of challenges,” says Jacob Grisewood, of Belmont, NY. A 2013 graduate of Alfred State’s building construction program currently pursuing a technology management degree, he and two other Alfred State students made the trip to China to compete in the 2013 Solar Decathlon China not only for the experience of building the home, but of being immersed in collaborative working environment with other cultures. “It has given me the opportunity to learn on an international level,” Jacob says.

Team Alfred designed their home to go beyond what previous decathlon homes had done, combining cutting-edge engineering with traditional Chinese architecture, and they succeeded, walking away with a first-place award in energy balance and an incredible hands-on work experience. “This project was a big step in the right direction,” Jacob says. “I hope that it will inspire people to integrate renewable energy sources into their everyday lives.”

More than 20 other teams representing colleges and universities in 13 countries gathered for the competition in Datong, striving to create the most energy-efficient, aesthetic, affordable solar-powered homes imaginable. The competition, co-hosted by the China National Energy Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy, was designed to create tangible, fully functioning demonstration homes in an effort to show the world the power of solar-driven energy efficiency. Students had to design, construct, and oversee operation of a concept solar-powered home utilizing current technologies, and they had to do it all while working as a team. “I’m very thankful for this amazing opportunity that Alfred State has given me,” Jacob says. “They have invested in me as a person and I feel honored having been a part of it.”

Join the discussion on solar energy and design at Team Alfred’s Facebook page.

On Thursday, August 22, 2013, 10 Alfred State students—Pernell Celestine, Migdalia Colon, Izamar Rivera, Roain Saunders, Miracalle Taylor, Miho Iba, Fuzuki Koshizawa, Yohei Koyama, Kento Matsuda, and Chihiro Takaki—left Alfred in the wee hours and travelled more than 90 miles to hear President Obama’s speech on college affordability.

Along with five faculty and staff, the students heard President Obama speak on issues that affect them—college loan debt and the importance of making higher education available to everyone. After Friday’s speech at Binghamton University, President Obama will have visited four SUNY campuses during his two terms in office, the most of any public university system in the nation.

Read more about President Obama’s bus tour.

Just in time for the fall 2013 semester, Alfred State welcomes a crop of new faces to its ranks. New hires include:

Amie Acton, whojoins Alfred State as an instructional support assistant, holds a master’s degree in library science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania.

John Atwelljoins the Building Trades team as an instructional support assistant. He was formerly in the U.S. Navy in the construction field.

Lisa Boyle, the new instructional support assistant for Physical and Life Sciences, received her associate degree in medical record technology from Alfred State.

Alec Berenbaumcomes to Alfred State from Rochester Institute of Technology. He holds a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in computer science and will be teaching in the Computer and Information Technology department.

Ryan Bremser, of Hornell,joins Alfred State as the new head men’s and women’s swim coach. He has served as coach for the Southern Tier Saratoga YMCA, Guilderland YMCA, and Ridgewood Swim Club.

William Brownwill be working with Facilities Services as a cleaner at the farm, vet tech, and motorsports facilities.

Adrian Cogswell, of Bath, joins Alfred State as a web programmer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology: applications and software development.

Justin Cornelius is the new student affairs coordinator on the Wellsville campus. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY Buffalo and a master’s degree in education from Alfred University.

Heidi Dobson, of Hornell,joins Alfred State’s Student Records and Financial Services as a keyboard specialist. She is a graduate of Alfred State.

Jennifer Enke, of Alfred Station, joins the Athletics department as the new assistant athletic director and compliance coordinator. She holds a master’s degree in education from Alfred University and a bachelor’s degree in physical education and athletic training from Canisius College.

Lenny France, of Canisteo, joins Facilities Services as a plant utilities assistant.

Gerard Gingrasjoins Alfred State as the new athletic trainer. He holds a master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from the University of New Mexico.

Randy Glass will be working with Facilities Services as a cleaner on the Wellsville campus.

Dr. Rouyo Jin joins Alfred State as a visiting professor of Civil Engineering Technology. He holds a master’s degree and doctoral degree in construction engineering and management.

Leslie Kachurek, of Niagara Falls, is the new chief of police with University Police. He received master’s degrees in business administration, organizational management, and criminal justice from Southwest University.

Lori Kingholds a master’s degree in higher education from Kaplan University. She joins Residential Life as a residence hall director.

Amanda Kozub, of Cortland, joins Alfred State as assistant professor of Digital Media and Animation. She received a master’s degree in animation from Savannah College of Art and Design.

George Lynch II, a new instructor in Building Trades in the School of Applied Technology, received his associate degree in heavy equipment, truck, and diesel from Alfred State.

Jim Macklinjoins Alfred State’s School of Applied Technology as a welding lecturer in Computerized Design and Manufacturing.

Patricia Martirewill be working in Library Services as an instructional support assistant. She holds a master’s degree in library science from SUNY Buffalo.

Erica Matteson, a new lecturer in Physical and Life Sciences, holds a graduate certificate in healthcare management and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY IT.

Charles Music, of Bolivar, joins Alfred State’s Facilities Services as a cleaner in the new Student Leadership Center.

Eliza Ordwayis a new instructional support assistant on the Wellsville Campus. She holds a bachelor’s degree in recreational education.

Katie Orris the newest member of the Residential Life team and will serve as keyboard specialist. She holds a master’s degree in education school counseling and a bachelor’s degree in child and family studies.

Alexe Paskjoins the Athletics department at Alfred State as an athletic trainer. She received her master’s degree in athletic training from Daemen College.

Carol Pautz, of Knoxville, Pennsylvania,is a new cleaner with Facilities Services.

Mikenna Pierottiis the new public relations writer on the Marketing Communications team. She holds a master’s degree in English from West Virginia University and a bachelor’s degree in English and history from Alfred University.

Sean Ryanjoins Residential Life as a residence hall director. He received his bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications at St. Bonaventure University.

Mark Scharles, of Belfast,joins Facilities Services at Alfred State as a cleaner in E.J. Brown Hall.

Anthony Scott, of Laurel, Maryland, joins Alfred State’s Athletics department as a new assistant football coach and equipment manager. He received a master’s degree in recreation and sport science from Ohio University.

Paul Stewart, of Hornell, is the new cleaner in Physical and Health Sciences.

Dr. Alice Tarun, a new assistant professor of Physical and Life Sciences, received her doctorate in comparative biochemistry from the University of California.

Libby Tsibulsky joins Residential Life as a residence hall director. She holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Alfred University.

Gordon Walker, a new instructor in Automotive Trades in the School of Applied Technology, received his associate degree in heavy equipment, truck, and diesel from Alfred State.

Sara Weller, of Greenwood, is the new assistant director of Procurement and Payment Services. She received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from SUNY Brockport and an associate degree in accounting from Alfred State.

Marie White, of Wellsville, joins Facilities Services at Alfred State as a cleaner on the Wellsville campus.

The Alfred State community eagerly awaits the arrival of five presidential hopefuls slated to begin arriving the second week of September. The candidates for Alfred State President will be on campus between September 9, 2013, and September 24, 2013, touring the college community and meeting with stakeholder groups, including the College Council and boards, President’s Council, students, faculty, and staff. Each candidate’s name and resume will be publicly available two days prior to each visit.

The first candidate will be on campus September 9 and 10; the second candidate will be on campus September 12 and 13; the third candidate will be on campus September 16 and 17; the fourth candidate will be on campus September 19 and 20; and the final candidate will be on campus September 23 and 24.

Candidates will also be available to speak to the community during an open forum on the Alfred Campus in the new Student Leadership Center’s Large Event Space on the first day of each visit at 7 p.m. Keep checking alfredstate.edu for updates on the search.

Alfred State has cornered the market on student engagement this semester. The college recently kicked off its brand-new, yearlong Pioneer Cup competition, which pits residence halls against each other in a friendly (but fierce) fight to prove their superiority in terms of civic engagement, sustainability, and health and wellness.

“This exciting new program is a way to boost student participation in the many civic engagement, sustainability, and wellness activities we organize on campus,” says Julian Dautremont-Smith, Alfred State’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “It has the potential to really help build a culture of service, health, and environmental responsibility among students.”

Residents can earn points for their hall by participating in activities, programs, and events related to the competition themes. At the end of the school year, the residence hall with the most points will be named the Pioneer Cup Champion and will be awarded at least $1,500 that can go toward fun extras like taking a hall trip or buying a foosball table. All residents of the winning hall will also receive Pioneer Cup Champions T-shirts and recognition in an end-of-year ceremony.

To keep the momentum up throughout the year, Alfred State will also be raffling off prizes (many of which were donated by area businesses) each month to students who participate in Pioneer Cup activities. The more Pioneer Cup activities students complete, the better their chances of winning.

During the recent Welcome Week, students earned points for participating in a community service event, attending the Alfred Farmers Market, or purchasing something from the Mega Sale, which offered usable clothing, furniture, and other items donated by students during move out at the end of the spring semester. There will be a wide variety of other point-scoring opportunities on campus throughout the year, including donating blood, being part of an athletics team, or holding executive office in a student organization.

Although many colleges hold some kind of residence hall competition, the Pioneer Cup is unique. It is held all year long and has a broad focus on civic engagement, sustainability, and health and wellness. “The variety of point scoring opportunities ensures that every student can help their hall in some way,” says Jonathan Hilsher, Alfred State’s Director of Civic Engagement.

The Pioneer Cup is a joint program of the Center for Civic Engagement, the Office of Sustainability, Health & Wellness Services, and Residential Life. More information about the scoring and prizes is posted on the Pioneer Cup website.

Dr. Earl Packard, a Hornell native and professor in the Alfred State Mathematics and Physics Department, was selected to participate in the College Board’s Annual AP Reading in calculus again this summer—it will be his 11th time serving in this capacity.

Each June, exceptional AP teachers and college faculty members from around the world gather in the United States to evaluate and score the free-response sections of the AP Exams.

AP Readers are high school and college educators who represent many of the finest academic institutions in the world. The AP Reading is a unique forum in which an academic dialogue between educators is both fostered and encouraged. “The Reading draws upon the talents of some of the finest teachers and professors that the world has to offer,” said Trevor Packer, senior vice president of AP and College Readiness at the College Board. “It fosters professionalism, allows for the exchange of ideas, and strengthens the commitment to students and to teaching. We are very grateful for the contributions of talented educators like Earl Packard.”

The Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) enables willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies—with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement or both—while still in high school. Through AP courses in 34 subjects, each culminating in a rigorous exam, students learn to think critically, construct solid arguments, and see many sides of an issue—skills that prepare them for college and beyond. Research indicates that students who score a 3 or higher on an AP Exam typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.

In 2012, more than 11,000 AP Readers evaluated more than 3.7 million AP Exams.

On August 14, 2013, WETD 90.7 FM moved their Main Studio to Alfred State's new $33 million Student Leadership Center after submitting a letter of notification to the Federal Communication Commission (FCC).

WETD Faculty Advisor Mark Amman was instrumental in the move. From blueprints to completion over a four-year period, he worked closely with architects, engineers, and the Alfred State administration in relocating WETD to its prime fourth-floor corner location. WETD now overlooks the common Park Space and new Ever Green Cafe below, and has a beautiful view of the quad, surrounding hills, and village of Alfred.

WETD’s new cherry wood broadcast tables and racks were handcrafted by Professor Amman, designed to allow the DJ easy access to key equipment. Professor Amman, WETD staff, and Alfred State IT technicians worked long hours to connect servers, phone lines, and more.

When turning on the 3500W transmitter on Thursday, however, it failed to start. Professor Amman approached local radio stations and engineers from across the country for help. One brought special tools to identify the issue, while another engineer traveled two hours from Jamestown to Alfred to meet Professor Amman with a small spare 150W transmitter so WETD could broadcast minimally. When turned on, the smaller transmitter was able to kick the larger 3500W transmitter into full power.

WETD Advisor Rick Herritt says, “It was an amazing opportunity to see the care and concern fellow broadcasters in our region—like WCKR (of Hornell, New York), the Family Life Network (of Bath, New York), and 89.1 The Point at SUNY Brockport—have for each other and for college radio stations like WETD. WETD thanks each broadcaster for their continued support and encouragement over the years.”

WETD is celebrating 40 years of broadcasting at Alfred State this year; the AM station WVAT preceded WETD by 10 years. Also, WETD was just accepted as Associate members of the Wellsville, New York, Chamber of Commerce to honor WETD's key volunteer efforts at community events and fund-raisers, such as the Main Street Festival and the Balloon Rally's Clambake. WETD has been awarded the Alfred State Student Senate's Community Service Award, now titled Civic Engagement Award, five out of the past eight years (out of more than 80 campus clubs and organizations). The station’s all-volunteer DJs focus on understanding and meeting the needs of their local communities, making WETD's leadership very proud of their students.

WETD 90.7 FM is an educational member of the New York State Broadcasters Association (NYSBA), as well as the College Broadcasters Inc. (CBI). WETD hopes to again bring a team of WETD DJs and Board Members to CBI's Conference this October in San Antonio, Texas.

The SLC's grand opening will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, September 27, 2013, during Alfred State Homecoming/Family Weekend. WETD DJs and alumni will be on hand to personally greet and give tours of the new WETD studios.

This month,Alfred Statewas selected to participate in a national initiative on civic learning and democratic engagement. The college has been named one of 70 colleges and universities in the nation as a Lead Institution by NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, the leading voice for the student affairs profession.

“Alfred State is pleased to be selected to participate in NASPA’s network of institutions dedicated to developing students’ sense of civic identity, as civic engagement is a core value of higher education,” says Director of Civic Engagement Jonathan Hilsher. “Being recognized as a national leader in this field reflects our institutional commitment to civic leadership, the quality of our current efforts, and our ongoing commitment to inspiring students to develop innovative solutions to community challenges and opportunities.”

Alfred State’s commitment to civic engagement is deeply embedded in the college’s unique approach to education through project-based learning experiences. By coupling real-world learning situations with a focus on meaningful civic engagement opportunities, Alfred State students are able to make significant contributions to communities around the world and are frequently among the first to lend their skills and knowledge to those in need, including communities devastated by Super Storm Sandy and Haitian communities recovering from the 2010 earthquake. Last year, more than 2,000 Alfred State students contributed more than 46,000 hours of service, civic leadership, and workforce-ready knowledge to communities in need.

As a participating institution in NASPA’s initiative, Alfred State will continue to encourage students’ civic development through thoughtful community partnerships, engaging leadership opportunities, and democratic participation.

To learn more about NASPA’s Lead Initiative and view a complete listing of participating institutions, visit the NASPA website.

On August 15, 2013, the Alfred community welcomed Les Kachurek, a 23-year veteran of the City of Niagara Falls Police Department, as the new chief of police for the University Police Department, which coordinates law enforcement on the Alfred State campus. The department includes a chief of police, department secretary, three lieutenants, and eight sworn police officers.

Chief Kachurek will be overseeing all activities of the University Police Department, including planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, and budgeting in accordance with the department’s goals. He has served in a diverse array of roles in law enforcement, including administrative captain of the City of Niagara Falls Police Department, director of training and accreditation, commander of the city jail, project manager, and relief patrol division commander. He also served as an adjunct instructor at Niagara County Community College for 12 years.

"Les Kachurek brings great vision and experience to Alfred State as our new chief of police. His background in both education and state accreditation make him a wonderful fit to the existing culture of our accredited University Police Department," says Greg Sammons, Alfred State vice president of student affairs.

Chief Kachurek holds three master’s degrees—in criminal justice, organizational management, and business administration—and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Niagara County Law Enforcement Academy. He has received numerous medals and commendations, including the Superintendent’s Award, Combat Cross, Gallantry Star, and Meritorious Service Medal and has volunteered with or supported several community organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project, Niagara Hospice, Canine Helpers, and the Humane Society.

Alfred State is proud to announce the kickoff of a new Bachelor of Architecture program by its Department of Architecture and Design this fall. One of only eight BArch programs in the State of New York, it is the only degree of its kind in the SUNY system and the only one offered by a public university.

On April 30, 2013, the program was awarded ‘Eligibility for Candidacy’ by the National Architectural Accrediting Board and will seek to achieve full accreditation for the incoming cohort of freshmen in the shortest possible time—in 2018.

Alfred State’s BArch degree will build on the established strengths in architectural technology and civic engagement of its AAS and BS in architectural technology programs. But it will also strive to achieve a unique identity by integrating an active immersion in the liberal arts/humanities with three additional foci:

1. Vigorous training in design and the poetics of construction– aimed at buildings and environments that inspire and uplift their occupants, users, and the contexts they are part of, while manifesting the latent beauty of structural systems and building materials and an integration with nature;
2. Solid knowledge of sustainability, construction technology, and integrated project delivery– aimed at buildings that are well constructed and technically sound that marshal material resources economically and sustainably, and are healthy to occupy; and
3. Civic engagement and active involvement in urban renewal/social innovation projects– aimed at exploration and advocacy through dedicated urban design, historic preservation/adaptive reuse, and housing studios.

The program will also offer students the possibility of concentrations in things like business, interior design, construction management, or digital media and animation.

Alfred State’s 5-year BArch graduates will be well prepared for successful careers in architecture or related subfields such as sustainable architecture, urban design, interior architecture, adaptive reuse and historic preservation, building construction management, hospitality design, lighting and acoustical design, religious building design, and others, or to go on to graduate programs in architecture or related fields.

Visit the department’s website periodically as it will be redesigned and expanded during the coming months. For admissions questions and to apply, please contact Alfred State Admissions at 1-800-4-ALFRED or email admissions@alfredstate.edu.

Senior architectural technology student Kyle (Christian) Perry is already making a name for himself in the highly competitive design field. His work was featured at the 2013 National Convention of the American Institute of Architects in Denver, Colorado; he just recently returned from a semester-long study abroad experience in Sorrento, Italy, at the Sant’Anna Institute; and he has been working hard on his senior thesis—the design of a new infant care hospital in Honduras.

“The past four years here have given me the knowledge, experience, and training necessary to feel confident and able to succeed in my profession,” Kyle (Christian) says. “Not only does Alfred State offer personal one-on-one student/professor relationships, but it offers entry-level access to skills and software that prepare students for the real world. And we get hands-on experience and knowledge, which gives us a better understanding of the design process.”

Kyle (Christian) believes these experiences will give him an edge as he prepares for a career in the profession of architecture. When he meets first-year students, he advises them to “dream with no boundaries…We are the future of architecture. We have the opportunity to control how buildings will look, how cities will feel, and how lives will be lived.”

Read more about Kyle.

The newest member of Alfred State’s growing renewable energy family is currently catching the breeze above campus—a 100 kilowatt grid-tied wind turbine that will offset some of the college’s electricity usage. The turbine came online just a few weeks ago and is already producing clean, green energy.

“This community wind project is another example of sustainability at the college and highlights the progress of our Center for Renewable Energy,” says Craig Clark, interim vice president for academic affairs at Alfred State.

The wind project has been 14 months in the making—an initiative made possible through grants from both the Appalachian Regional Commission and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which together provided more than 50 percent of the funding.

“The project will not only produce energy for the campus but also expose students to another wind turbine on campus,” Clark says. In fact, one of the project’s main goals is to establish a small wind laboratory for students within already existing programs, offering them even more hands-on experience with green technologies. “This knowledge will increase industry demand for these graduates,” he says.

Alfred State already has several other smaller wind turbines on the Wellsville campus, as well as a zero energy demonstration home, active and passive solar technology, geothermal, and a host of other green technologies already in place in facilities like the new $33 million Student Leadership Center. And a second zero energy demonstration home—dubbed Pioneer Landing—is also in the works, with students getting involved in the design and building of the project.

In a world with rising energy costs, climate change, and dwindling resources, Alfred State is taking a proactive approach to the future of energy. “This wind turbine is an important step towards achieving Alfred State’s emissions reduction goals,” says Julian Dautremont-Smith, chief sustainability officer at Alfred State. The project will complement the college’s growing emphasis on sustainability and strengthen the region’s access to training and employment in green industries.

“Alfred State has been a leader in educating technical students since at least the 1940s and students in trades for more than 45 years. It’s what we’re known for,” Clark says. “There is a real lack of this type of skilled workforce in the region, and a lack of models to sell community wind. This project will allow Alfred State to continue training the highly skilled workers the industry requires and help meet national, state, and regional needs.”

Alfred State is moving on up in the U.S. News and World Report’s annual Best Colleges rankings—now 17 (up from 23) among top regional colleges and universities in the North. The college has also earned a fifth place ranking among top public schools in the North. 2014 marks the seventh consecutive year Alfred State has made the prestigious list, which includes 23 other SUNY campuses.

“Our focus on project-based learning and commitment to student leadership through civic engagement has clearly been acknowledged, as we have risen steadily in the rankings over the last five years,” says Alfred State Interim President Valerie Nixon.

U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges list is one of the most sought-after rankings among colleges and universities across the nation. This year, the criteria included things like graduation rate performance, academic reputation, faculty resources, and student SAT and ACT test scores.

“As we continue to work with Governor Cuomo to position SUNY and New York to lead in affordability, access, and quality, and President Obama puts these issues into focus nationally, we are proud to be recognized and ranked favorably by U.S. News & World Report,” says SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. “Congratulations to Alfred State and the many campuses representing SUNY on this list.”

Three Alfred State students set off for Colorado this week where they will be embarking on an epic eight-day 2,500-mile cross-country trivia game called The Fireball Run. This contest will see participants traveling from the forest Northwest to the desert Southwest all in an effort to help raise awareness about missing children. Their trip—from Sept. 22 to 29—starts in Longmont, Colorado, and ends in Riverside, California.

“There’s not only a common interest in helping the community among the contestants, but also a passion for racing and traveling,” says Canada native and 2013 Alfred State automotive graduate Ryan Dontoh. “This experience is going to open every door possible for me.”

The 2013 Fireball Run is an innovative adventurally that pits all stars and movie cars against each other in a battle of wits filmed and broadcasted live on the Web. To navigate the route and score points, teams must solve clues related to history, science, nature, theology, pop culture, and virtually any fact tied to their geographical location. And three Alfred State students—Olivia Barszczewski, Nicholas Bigelow, and Ryan Dontoh—were hand-selected to participate after helping restore Fireball Run Executive Producer JJ Sanchez’s 1978 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith II. They will be joined by Jim Gerbec, senior autobody repair instructor, in Alfred State’s iconic Chevrolet Volt.

“The connections we will make going on this trip will be phenomenal. And I’ve never been to any of these places, so I’m definitely excited,” says 2013 autobody repair student Nicholas Bigelow of Williamson. “Anything can happen.”

These Alfred State students will be rubbing elbows with professional racecar driver Shea Holbrook, professional wake boarder Tarah Mikacich, legendary Lamborghini Chief Test Driver Valentino Balboni, astronaut Jon McBride, as well as CEOs and entrepreneurs from across the country. And their Alfred State experience helped them get there.

Don’t miss the pulse-pounding competition. Watch live at www.fireballrun.com/live or catch the race in a town near you. For a full schedule and updates check out the Fireball Run website.

Alfred State has been designated an official military friendly school by top-rated publisher Victory Media and G.I. Jobs Magazine. Alfred State is one of just 36 SUNY schools awarded the honor.

“We are proud to support our serving men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” says Alfred State Interim President Valerie Nixon

According to Victory Media’s data-driven survey, Alfred State ranks in the top 15 percent of schools nationwide competing for the 8 million military members and veterans seeking higher education.

Alfred State President Emeritus Bill Rezak will return to campus to open this semester’s New Horizons Forum Fall Series with "An Arab-American Looks at the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict.”

A first generation American with Palestinian roots, Dr. Rezak was a featured speaker at the forum on the occasion of the publication of his book, The Arab and the Brit: The Last of the Welcome Immigrants published by Syracuse University Press. Forum director and SUNY Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus Joe Flynn noted “Bill’s book is an important contribution to current conversations surrounding immigration and foreign affairs in the Middle East. More than that, it is a deeply moving and personal family memoir at once richly historical and told in a compelling narrative style.” Rezak’s upcoming remarks will be drawn from family history as well as to his current research for a book in progress on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

William D. Rezak was president of Alfred State from 1993 until his retirement in 2003. Formerly dean of the School of Technology at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia, he spent 18 years as a mechanical engineer involved in the design and construction of power plants.

The forum will be held in the Small Events Room of the Student Leadership Center (SLC 310) on Wednesday, September 25, 2013, at 7 p.m. An open conversation will follow Rezak’s prepared remarks. The public is invited to attend free of charge.

The New Horizons Forum, sponsored by the School of Arts and Sciences, showcases current scholarly, creative, and public service work by faculty, students, administrators, professional staff, and invited guests. It is guided by a campus-wide advisory board of faculty, students, professional staff, and administrators working together to enrich the intellectual life of the institution.

Follow the forum.

The Department of Architecture and Design is proud to announce “Architecture is a noun,” an upcoming lecture by Tod Williams of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects on Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. in room 215 of the Engineering Technology Building on the Alfred campus.

Tod Williams has been in partnership with Billie Tsien since 1986. Their studio, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects in New York City, focuses on work for institutions such as museums, schools, and non-profits—organizations that value issues of aspiration and meaning, timelessness and beauty.

Their buildings are carefully made and useful in ways that speak to both efficiency and the spirit. A sense of rootedness, light, texture, detail, and most of all experience are at the heart of what they build. Parallel to their practice, Williams maintains an active teaching career and lectures worldwide.

Among their distinguished buildings are the American Folk Art Museum; the Asia Society Hong Kong Center; the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center; the Center for the Advancement of Public Action at Bennington College; the Cranbrook Natatorium; the Neurosciences Institute in La Jolla, California; the Phoenix Art Museum; the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago; and the new home for the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. Their long list of design awards includes the 2013 AIA Architecture Firm Award.

The Department of Architecture and Design gratefully acknowledges the lecture’s sponsorship by Joseph Venture and his firm ArtWalk Tile in Rochester, New York, a gallery style store with an inventory of luxury tile and hardwood displayed as fine works of art.