At a glance
The excitement was palpable as faculty, staff, administrators, friends, and special guests gathered recently on a perfect summer day to break ground for Alfred State College’s Dr. Terry Tucker, dean, School of Arts and Sciences at the college who served as emcee for the event, noted that “We are preparing our students for a very different future. The need for good stewardship of land, water, and soil, as well as savvy consumers who will want to know how and where their food products are produced will require agriculturists to be familiar and comfortable with the new technologies.” Additionally, Tucker noted, “The projected growth in population [9 billion people by 2050] will increase the demand for food by nearly 70%. It will be imperative for farmers to know how to use the same amount of land, probably less water, and possibly a less favorable climate for food production to meet the increased demand. And that’s what COSA is all about: we’re creating a new generation of problem solvers and innovative entrepreneurs whose influence will reach beyond Western New York.” Principals involved in the project include AES Agricultural Engineering Services, LLS, Auburn, NY; Baker Construction, Alfred; and Spoleto Construction, Rochester. Pictured here, l-r: Dave Spoleto, president, Spoleto Construction; Patricia K. Fogarty, chair, Alfred State College Council; Tucker; Dr. John M. Anderson, president, Alfred State College; Sen. Young; Eunice A. Lewin, trustee, State University of New York (SUNY); and Matthew A. Morgan, deputy commissioner, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.
View pictures of the COSA groundbreaking event.