College Headlines | Alfred State

Alfred State is No. 1 SUNY and No. 9 among all Northern Regional Colleges

Students walk down the spine of campus by the Bell Tower. — Dr. Mauro celebrates with students and Big Blue the mascot as US News again ranks Alfred State the #1 SUNY regional college.

Alfred State College (ASC) remains the No. 1 ranked SUNY and in the top 9 for all public and private Northern Regional Colleges in the latest 2022-23 US News & World Report rankings.

The US News definition of a regional college is one that focuses on undergraduate education with less than 50 percent of the degrees in liberal arts. This makes for a more career-focused graduate. This is the 16th straight year ASC is highly ranked by the publication.

On top of being the No. 1 ranked SUNY, US News recognizes ASC as the No. 6 Top Public School in the publication's 11-state northern region. Alfred State is No. 4 in the same category among public and private colleges located in New York.

ASC President Dr. Steven Mauro believes the rankings reflect the remarkable work done at the college. “We accomplish great things at Alfred State and these rankings show that. We are not only high in the SUNY and regional rankings, but we have high marks for value, least debt, social mobility, and for veterans. Our hands-on quality education is preparing our students to enter the work force with in-demand skills.”

Alfred State is large enough to offer a vibrant college experience and a wide variety of over 80 different majors. While at the same time, ASC provides a tight-knit and caring community to help students succeed with a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1. US News reports 62.8-percent of all classes on campus have fewer than 20 students.

In the north, US News is very selective in only awarding a numeric ranking to 45 northern regional colleges for the 2023 list. Alfred State earned Top 10 honors in 15 categories including:

US News & World Report’s Best Colleges list is one of the most sought-after rankings among colleges and universities across the nation. The rankings include data from more than 1,400 colleges with schools ranked in 17 areas related to academic excellence.

At 40-percent, Student Outcomes have the largest influence on US News rankings. Expert Opinions from peer institutions and Faculty Resources both account for 20-percent of the score. Financial Resources for the school provide 10-percent. Student Excellence accounts for 7-percent and Alumni Giving makes up the final 3-percent of the score.

Gamma Theta Gamma celebrates 100 years of brotherhood

David Gagnon with Nate Hayes at the Gamma Theta Gamma celebration.

Members of Gamma Theta Gamma took a walk down memory lane as they returned to campus to celebrate 100 years of brotherhood. A full weekend of activities connected brothers from seven different decades.

Delayed two years due to the COVID pandemic, brothers traveled from near and far to be part of the celebration. The weekend featured tours of campus, a barbecue at the TG house, meet-ups at Alex’s and GJ’s, and a formal celebration.

View pictures from the celebration

Chair of the anniversary celebration, Joe Bithorn ‘13, was excited to help organize and host the event. “Although Covid delayed our celebration two years, it was an honor and a privilege to be able to celebrate with my brothers from over seven different decades. More importantly, having the support from college in this event meant a lot. It showed that it was not just a celebration for the brothers, it was a celebration of the Alfred State community.”

“The goal of the weekend was to give our brothers the full Alfred experience. From the Friday meet and greet at the TG house, Saturday morning breakfast in the Allegheny Room, tours on campus, beer tastings up at Mackenzie South, the banquet dinner up at CDH, and the late-night beverages at GJ's and Alex's, I believe everyone who attended this weekend left Alfred feeling re-invigorated with the bonds of brotherhood.”

At the formal celebration in Central Dining Hall, Bithorn served as emcee. Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro gave the group gathered an update on the college and Bithorn highlighted several members of the fraternity. Towards the end of the ceremony, the fraternity honored David Gagnon '79 and '84 with the Alumni of the Year award (Read more about Gagnon in the latest alumni magazine).

Bithorn reflected on the success and longevity of Gamma Theta Gamma. “The founders of our fraternity put a lot of thought into what type of brotherhood we would grow to be. Gamma Theta Gamma is fortunate to have had many strong leaders keep our ship afloat and stay true to our basic principles and ideals that makes our brotherhood unique. As someone who is invested in the success and sustainability of the fraternity and its members, it is an amazing feeling to know that those founders who first developed our organization created something that has lasted the test of time.”

Bithorn and his brothers are already looking forward to future celebrations.

Picture-Perfect weekend as Alfred State celebrates Homecoming

Alfred Voices performs the National Anthem at the football game.

A perfect fall weekend was the backdrop to a successful Homecoming/Family Weekend at Alfred State College (ASC). Sunshine, the picturesque valley, and tons of activities highlighted the weekend.

Festivities started Thursday evening immediately following the inauguration of ASC's thirteenth president Dr. Steven Mauro. Students worked up an appetite for the Blue & Gold Dinner at the Terrace with roller skating. At the Blue & Gold Dinner, students enjoyed a special buffet, participated in trivia for prizes, and were entered into a raffle sponsored by ACES featuring a grand prize of a new bicycle.

Friday featured food trucks, a bonfire, and bubble soccer before the popular Alfred's Got Talent show in the Cappadonia Auditorium. Ten acts, featuring singers, bands, and dancers, took the stage to the delight of the audience.

With the valley in full fall colors, Saturday started with the annual open wrestling practice and the Gary Moore Alumni 5k. The Alfred State Rock Band entertained in the tailgate tent, a car show was held, and the annual Greek Chili Cook-off took place. Dr. Mauro and his family were introduced to the crowd and participated in the coin toss before Alfred Voices sang the national anthem. Following a close back-and-forth football game, a post-game barbecue was held.

Hypnotist Robert Channing performed, the volleyball swept a pair of matches to run their winning streak to twelve matches, and the Fierce Flag Football event was a success.

Sunday featured a family brunch in the Central Dining Hall.

Homecoming co-chair Brooke Scianna was pleased with the weekend. “We had a great weekend with unreal weather. The weekend was full of events that brought smiles to the faces of all that joined us. It was a picture-perfect event, and I am already excited for what next year will bring.”

Construction going strong at Alfred State

Excavation is underway on Alfred State's loop road to replace, update, and expand underground infrastructure throughout the entire campus.

Restoration of the bell tower at Alfred State College (ASC) along with the rebuilding and upgrading of the college's underground infrastructure are just some of the extensive construction projects currently underway.

Securing materials and labor needed for construction was slowed during the pandemic, but this summer Alfred State began moving full steam ahead with improvements across campus. The infrastructure project will improve the delivery of water, electricity, communications, and drainage. Many of those systems are buried along Upper and Lower College Drives that form a loop road around the campus. As part of the project, ASC will then benefit from a widened road and new sidewalks.

“Many communities across America currently face a great need for aging underground infrastructure to be replaced,” said Alfred State President Steven Mauro, PhD. “We're fortunate to have this construction underway to further modernize our systems and networks to meet the needs of the future. Another major project that's in the final design phase is a rebuilding of the Agriculture Science building. With another academic building being rebuilt, the loop road widened, new infrastructure, and enhanced landscaping, we're sculpting an even more impressive campus that is ever-more beautiful and high functioning.”

Construction sometimes leads to growing pains, but Alfred State is working hard to minimize any inconveniences on current community members. For example, ASC has a policy of replacing any trees impacted through construction by planting an equal number and engaging landscape architects to enhance landscape designs. Mauro has added his wife Mellissa to a college beautification committee charged with continually improving the aesthetics of the scenic campus. The addition of the First Lady further shows the college's commitment to making today's projects pay off for future generations.

The many campus improvements are only possible through a combination of funding sources including the SUNY Construction Fund, planned funding from the college, and generous contributions from donors and grants. Altogether, these projects represent approximately $100 million in improvements being undertaken at Alfred State.

“Students, faculty, and staff are reaping the benefits of many of our construction projects already this fall,” said Alfred State Vice President of Finance and Administration Tim Sortore. “This week we begin installing the newly refurbished bells in our bell tower in time for Dr. Mauro's inauguration. More amenities completed include a new entrance plaza for the Student Leadership Center, addition of a dance and yoga studio in Pioneer Center, plus construction of outdoor relaxation zones for students to find a quiet spot to study.”

University Police are hosting the first event at the newly built entry to the Student Leadership Center (SLC) next to UPD's headquarters. For National Coffee with a Cop Day on October 5, officers are inviting the campus to enjoy not only coffee but also free walking tacos. This gives everyone the opportunity to meet socially and develop stronger relations with ASC officers who are here to serve the community. The new SLC entry plaza is an ideal location for events with the large indoor Hands-on Project Room available in case of inclement weather.

Students are also enjoying the new MacKenzie Commons, and renovated wings of the residence hall at both MacKenzie East and South. Reconstruction of the massive MacKenzie Complex is more than halfway completed with crews now focused on residences in MacKenzie North where construction is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2023.

The road widening and infrastructure project started this summer when a small section of the loop road closed just north of the main entrance. Larger sections of the road will be rebuilt when school is out of session to minimize disruptions with a scheduled completion date for the entire loop road by January 2025.

More project information is available online at AlfredState.edu/Construction-News.

Otis Eastern-IUOE-ASC Partnership

Bryan Abel, Casey Joyce, Craig Clark, Paul McCormick, and Charlie Joyce celebrate the partnership between Alfred State, Otis Eastern, and IUOE.

A twenty-year partnership between Alfred State College (ASC), Otis Eastern, and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) was celebrated on the Wellsville campus. The partnership has provided scholarships of over a $1,000,000 to students.

Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Craig Clark emceed the celebration. “In the early 2000s, I took Charlie Joyce through the shops. He asked what Otis Eastern can do to help. I mentioned that we would like to help the students. Charlie and his company have always helped students and always helped the community. It was not too long after that they decided to work with IUOE and get some scholarships for students. We have now given scholarships through the union to forty-nine students.”

“It has been a great experience. It has made a real difference in people’s lives. It has been a great feeder system and we are excited to continue the relationship.”

The celebration included current students in Alfred State’s heavy equipment operations and truck & diesel programs along with a handful of alumni of Alfred State and this scholarship program.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Otis Eastern Casey Joyce knows the impact the program has had. “It is an important program and a successful program for the past twenty years. We are going to keep it going for the next twenty and a long time after that.”

Students that are accepted into either the heavy equipment operations or the heavy equipment truck and diesel operations can apply through the IUOE to be part of the scholarship program. If approved, students join the union and commit to working in the union after graduation for a designated amount of time to receive a scholarship that includes tuition, room & board, and tools.

IUOE Pipeline Training Director Bryan Abel knows the importance of the program. “We have no plans of stopping and we have plans to expand. It is for the betterment for the infrastructure of the United States. It is vitally important to the United States and Canada. We need to keep moving forward with it.”

Plaques were presented to both Otis Eastern and IUOE to signify the accomplishments of the partnership.

“You can’t say thank you enough to these partnership leaders. The benefits to grow and strengthen student supports through industry leaders such as the IUOE and Otis Eastern are a win for everyone involved.” stated School of Applied Technology Dean Jeff Stevens.

Alfred State assists Remote Area Medical Clinic in Belmont

Alfred State assistant Nursing professor Tara Histed works at the event in 2021.

Alfred State students and faculty will be involved in the Remote Area Medical (RAM) free clinic at Genesee Valley Central School on September 24-25.

At RAM pop-up clinics, patients can receive free medical, dental and vision care. Dental care includes cleanings, fillings, extractions, and X-rays. Patients can receive eye exams, glaucoma testing, eyeglass prescriptions, and brand-new frames which will be made on-site in their mobile vision lab. Patients have access to a variety of medical services, lab work, mental health counseling, women's health, and much more.

All services are free, and no insurance or ID is required. Doors open at 6 a.m. and the parking lot opens at midnight.

Physical & Life Sciences Lecturer Jennifer Ross serves as the recruitment chair of the event and knows how important the event is to the local community. “Last year, the first clinic in Belmont, was successful. I have introduced this opportunity to all my classes and worked with Tara Histed to collaborate with the nursing department. Alfred State is planning to send approximately 140 students and faculty to volunteer.”

“This clinic is a worthy cause that is in our own backyard. This clinic allows vital services to be provided free to our community.”

Ross and Histed, an assistant nursing professor, are two of a handful of Alfred State employees involved in the event. Assistant Vice President of Health & Wellbeing, Jonathan Hilsher, Associate Director of Admissions John Lewis, and Instructional Support Technician Amy Werner are also key members of the team.

The committee is still recruiting volunteers for general support, parking lot attendants, and set-up/tear-down. To become a volunteer for the free clinic visit: https://www.ramusa.org/ to register.

Alfred State Golf Tournament a Success

The winning team of Gary Harwood, Kandi Geibel, and Brent Geibel"

For the eighth year in a row, golfers came together to have fun and support Alfred State College by playing in the school’s annual Pioneers Drive for the Development Fund golf tournament.

Presented by Mach Architecture, this year’s tournament took place June 17 at the Wellsville Country Club. A total of 36 teams competed and raised more than $33,000 in cash and gifts in kind. Proceeds from the event will help fund student scholarships, athletics, and other needs of the college.

Alfred State Director of Development Jason Sciotti was incredibly pleased with the event. “What a wonderful day! The relationships built on this day are amazing and that is why every year this event gets bigger and better. We had 36 teams join us as we celebrated Alfred State and our students! We were excited to offer over 90 door prizes at this year’s tournament and would like to say thanks to our amazing donors and sponsors.

“The highlight of the day was having new college president Dr. Steven Mauro in attendance for his first look at this awesome event.”

The team of Kandi Geibel, Brent Geibel, and Gary Harwood shot a 61 to win the tournament title. Mike Armstrong, Ryan Fulton, and Dan Martin finished second with a 62 and the team of Jay Wilder, Bob Healy, Cathy Healy, and Erkie Kailbourne was third with a 63.

The top three teams took home $500, $300, and $200, respectively. In addition, the tournament featured many silent auction items, several skills prizes, and day ended with a barbecue on the deck of the Wellsville Country Club.

New in 2022, the longest drive on hole #7 was sponsored by 1994 graduate and CEO of BuildingPoint Northeast Steve Montgomery. Montgomery and his colleague used survey laser rangefinders to measure the longest drives of the day.

Event sponsors ($2,500) this year included Pepsi Co.; Manning & Napier; Otis Eastern; Pathfinder Engineers & Architects.; Corning, Inc.; and Laborers No. 621. Eagle sponsors ($1,000) included IBEW Local No. 86, Elderwood of Hornell, Stark Technologies Group, BuildingPoint Northeast, Trimble.

Contest sponsors ($500) were LaBella Associates, LeChase Construction, Decorator’s Choice, BulidingPoint Northeast, Trimble, PEKO Precision, M/E Engineering, and Perks Auto Care. Additionally, the event featured 26 hole sponsors ($150).

The 2023 tournament is slated to return to the Wellsville Country Club on June 16.

Zielinski shares Entrepreneurship Spirit with Current Students

Reuben Zielinski ’82 talks to current Alfred State students following his presentation on campus about the entrepreneurship spirit.

Alfred State alum Reuben Zielinski ’82 returned to campus and shared his story of entrepreneurship to current students from the School of Architecture, Management & Engineering Technology (SAMET).

Zielinski, an electrical engineering technology major during his time at Alfred State, and his colleague Joel Trusty founded Redux. Redux uses a patented technique to remove moisture from personal electronic devices with a vacuum drying process that reduces the evaporating point of water so that all moisture is removed quicky, completely and at a safe temperature. Nearly three million customers have subscriptions to Redux drying service that can effectively be used for wet cell phones, hearing instruments, cameras, tablets, and MP3 player. Read more about Zielinski and his contributions to Alfred State.

In his visit, Zielinski spoke to current students about his education path, how the idea for Redux was conceived, shared the patent and design process of his product, discussed marketing strategies, and took questions from the students. He also offered to help any student that wanted to start their own business or work on patents.

John Williams, Dean of SAMET, was excited to have Reuben back on campus. “We are grateful to have Reuben share his passion and insights with students. His knowledge and experience with the development of intellectual property and starting a business is so useful for our entrepreneurial students looking to follow in Reuben’s footsteps and apply what they are learning to a real-world challenge. We can’t thank Reuben enough and look forward to working with him in the future.”

Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Economic Development Dr. Craig Clark encouraged students to start thinking and exploring ideas for the 2023 Allegany County Startup Collegiate Competition that will be held at Alfred State on April 1, 2023. The Eco Guys from Alfred State won the 2022 competition.