At a glance
“We’re excited that we have been of service to our student customers for all these years,” said Stephen Schnorr, ACES executive director. “We’ve been around so long that that we are looking for the grandchildren of some of our first customers to come to Alfred State.”
Good value and good customer service keep companies in business. Great value and great customer service keep you in business even longer. That’s the case for an Alfred company that’s celebrating its 65th year of service in 2011. Auxiliary Campus Enterprises and Services, Inc. (ACES), a not-for-profit company that supports the mission of Alfred State College, plans a year-long celebration of its big milestone.
“We’re excited that we have been of service to our student customers for all these years,” said Stephen Schnorr, ACES executive director. “We’ve been around so long that that we are looking for the grandchildren of some of our first customers to come to Alfred State.”
ACES provides Lake Lodge in Alfred Station.
As a partner of Alfred State, ACES provided over $650,000 in culinary program among others.
“We think like an entrepreneurial organization despite our longevity,” Schnorr said. “Our goal is to continue to innovate so that we can provide the best possible service and support to our customers.”
Some of ACES’ innovations include:
- In 2010, ACES partnered with the College in renovating Central Dining Hall from a traditional cafeteria to a state-of-the-art display cooking dining facility called The Terrace.
- ACES was the first dining services organization in the SUNY system to establish a Friendly’s Café on campus.
- Three years ago ACES began an off-campus merchant program that allows students to use a college debit account with select local retailers.
- New services provided by the Campus Store help students select the best priced option for their text book investment. Students can buy new or used, rent a book, or opt for a less expensive digital version from the store.
- Last year, ACES produced a nationally recognized orientation video that helped incoming freshmen adjust to life at college.
While fulfilling its important mission to Alfred State, ACES has also bolstered the local economy for 65 years.
“Since our founding, ACES has employed over 92 full-time employees each year. Every semester during the school year, we also employ over 200 students,” explained David Sengstock, ACES human resources director. “Our employees are critical to our success and this anniversary milestone reflects the excellent service that they provide year after year.”
Anniversary celebration activities will include a current and former employee recognition event; student give-aways; an anniversary reception for faculty, staff, and students; and the kick-off of a scholarship fund for student employees.