At a glance
Alfred State is all revved up about its newest facility that enables students to learn about motorcycle and power sports diagnosis and repair.
and Power Sports Technology Building along Route 244 in Alfred.
Alfred State is all revved up about its newest facility that enables students to learn about motorcycle and power sports diagnosis and repair.
The college recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new Motorcycle and Power Sports Technology Building, which houses a new program of the same name. The program is the first of its kind in the entire Northeast.
The brand-new building includes hands-on laboratories, where students work on all kinds of full-size functioning vehicles, from motorcycles to jet skis. The new facility is located in Alfred between the college farm and motorsports technology labs along Route 244.
Speaking first at the ceremony was Jeffrey Stevens, interim dean of the School of Applied Technology, who said he could think of no better location in which to teach this skilled trade.
“If you think about it, when you look at the commercials and you look at the fliers, you really don’t see a motorcycle riding down New York City with the skyscrapers, and you don’t see the snowmobiles coming across downtown Buffalo in the park. This is the ideal environment.”
Dr. Craig Clark, vice president for Economic Development, thanked Southern Tier West and the Appalachian Regional Commission for their support of the new program and facility. He also noted that the new program follows the same “Wellsville model” as the others that are within the Automotive Trades Department, in which students spend numerous hours each day performing hands-on work with vehicles.
“We have not only a great facility, but we’ve taken that Wellsville model and transplanted it up here (in Alfred) and we’re going to turn out some of the best technicians you’ll ever see,” he said.
The final speaker was Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan, who thanked everyone who was involved in the project, including Alfred State Controller Joe Greenthal, project manager Hady ElSayed, LaBella Associates, and faculty and staff.
“We’re excited that this building is here and that it represents a new program that has a great future,” he said.
Just prior to cutting the ribbon, Sullivan rode up to it on an Alta Redshift MX electric motorcycle that was provided by Motovate Performance.
The Associate in Occupational Studies degree in motorcycle and power sports technology trains graduates for careers such as a motorcycle technician, marine vehicle technician, small engine/lawn and garden equipment technician, service manager, and repair shop supervisor. Some graduates may also choose to be their own boss and own a maintenance and repair shop.
Training includes all aspects of motorcycle and small vehicle repair, working with gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, electrical/electronic systems, brake systems, steering systems, and suspension systems.