Viking Pride
September 20, 2024
Colleagues,
Yesterday we celebrated Constitution Day, a day set aside each year to remind “We the People” of the rights we are guaranteed as citizens of the United States, and just how fragile our system of government can become if not guarded. Constitution Day is also a reminder that it is the job of each of us as responsible citizens to know our rights – to question these rights – and to protect these rights. Special thanks to Professor Gelaine Williams and the 2024 Planning Committee, faculty, and staff who collaborated to create relevant programming designed around the theme, The Constitution and Voting Rights, which exposed us to new perspectives and ideas.
Our celebration of Latin American Heritage Month (LAHM) started last Monday with Alguito Para Todos/A Little Something for Everyone, and I believe that as you scroll through the website event calendar, there truly is something for everyone at SUNY WCC. I hope to see you at one or more events as our LAHM celebration continues. Kudos to faculty and staff who have scheduled events celebrating the achievements and contributions of our Latin American community and all members of our diverse college community.
Special thanks to Faculty Senate Presiding Officer Kamil Hamaoui for convening Faculty Convocation 2024 and inviting the college community to celebrate the start of the academic year and the achievements of our colleagues. We also welcomed new employees, each of whom will be valuable contributors in pursuing the college’s mission. Please also join me in congratulating the following recipients of SUNY Chancellor Awards:
- Excellence in Librarianship: Prof. Yvonne Rode
- Excellence in Faculty Service: Prof. Heidi Baez and Prof. Carla Dubose-Simons
- Excellence in Teaching: Prof. Daniel Gromulat and Prof. Rodeena Stephens
- Excellence in Professional Service: Dr. Carmen Martinez-Lopez; Mr. Tiago Machado; and Ms. Amy Mozingo
- Excellence in Classified Service: Mr. Anthony Reda
We also congratulate the recipients of the faculty excellence awards:
- Faculty Excellence for Teaching: Dr. Jody Reifenberg
- Faculty Excellence for Service: Prof. Chad Thompson
- Adjunct Faculty Excellence: Prof. Gerald Katzban and Prof. Donnie Simmons
We also thank the WCC Foundation for supporting our new faculty endowed chairs:
- Prof. Tom Curanovic: Joseph and Sophia Abeles Faculty Endowed Chair in Alternative Energy Technology
- Prof. Chad Thompson: Joseph and Sophia Abeles Faculty Endowed Chair in Biology
- Prof. Diana Berman: Joseph and Sophia Abeles Faculty Endowed Chair in Early Childhood Education
- Eric Luther: Frederick Sessions Beebe Faculty Endowed Chair in Journalism
- Prof. Sofia Rafi and Prof. Lizette Martinez (Co-chairs): Joseph and Sophia Abeles Faculty Endowed Chair in Nutrition and Dietetics
- Prof. Sara Fozard and Prof. Peter Grumm (Co-chairs): Harvey Picker Faculty Endowed Chair in Radiation Technology
While our enrollment is up slightly, there is still work to be done. We must remain focused on enrolling students each semester since many operations and programs are dependent upon resources derived from FTEs. There is still time for students to enroll in the 12-week session (classes starting 9/24) and the second 7.5-week session (classes starting 10/28). Thank you for helping students to enroll in these sessions, especially those on target to complete in December.
Finally, please plan to attend the Town Hall meeting on Thursday, September 26 starting at 4:00 pm in the Davis Auditorium of the Gateway Building for important updates you on Middle States reporting, our next five-year Strategic Plan, college finances, and more.
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President