Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies Celebrate Transformation

PHSribboncut

At a glance

Alfred State recently celebrated two historic ribbon-cutting events during its annual Homecoming Weekend. Both ceremonies marked the completion of sizeable construction projects that are among the largest the college has seen since the 1960s.

Big Blue Ox graphic

Alfred State recently celebrated two historic ribbon-cutting events during its annual Homecoming Weekend. Both ceremonies marked the completion of sizeable construction projects that are among the largest the college has seen since the 1960s.

The first ribbon-cutting celebration marked the opening of the new Center for Organic and Sustainable Agriculture (COSA) at the College Farm. This facility is unlike any other of its kind and makes Alfred State one of only four colleges in the nation to provide organic and traditional instruction.

A separate event on the Alfred campus marked the completion of the newly renovated Physical and Health Sciences Building (PHS), previously Allied Health. This facility features state-of-the-art classrooms and science laboratories, one of which was dedicated to Alfred State alum Thomas M. Blackwell (Class of 1985). Blackwell was on hand for the event. The New Jersey resident works in New York City as Laboratory Director of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Both ceremonies were attended by leaders and local dignitaries including Alfred State President John M. Anderson, Dean Terry Tucker of the School of Arts and Sciences, State University of New York Trustee Eunice A. Lewin, NYS Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean), Congressman Tom Reed (R-29th District), and College Council Chair Patricia K. Fogarty. Retired professors Arthur Gaisser (biology) and Wallace “Pete” MacDonald (agriculture) were also on hand to share their special insights of the changes and direction that is underway for Alfred State going forward.

Physical Health Sciences Building (PHS) ribbon cutting

The celebration for the PHS building takes place with (from left) Professor Arthur Gaisser (retired), College Council Chair Pat Fogarty, Congressman Tom Reed, President John Anderson, NYS Senator Catharine Young, and Dean Terry Tucker.

Anderson and Reed

Congressman Reed presents President Anderson with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for the completion of both building projects.

Dedication of the Thomas M. Blackwell Lab

Professor Mark Amman with alum Thomas Blackwell (Class of 1985) and President Anderson at the dedication of the Thomas M. Blackwell Lab.

COSA ribbon cutting

From left, Tucker, Reed, SUNY Trustee Eunice Lewin, Anderson, Young, Fogarty, and Professor Wallace “Pete” MacDonald (retired) celebrate the ribbon-cutting at the COSA facility on the Alfred State farm.

SUNY Trustee Lewin

SUNY Trustee Lewin speaks at the COSA ribbon-cutting ceremony.