Alfred State mourns the passing of Joe Petrick

Joe Petrick speaks at Commencement
Joe Petrick, Alfred State’s Director of Libraries and Chair of Faculty Senate recently passed away.

At a glance

“Joe was an important part of our Alfred State family. He was key leader and advocate for his colleagues and our students. He will be sorely missed but the legacy of his work will live on.” 

Dr. Steve Mauro

Big Blue Ox graphic

Alfred State College is mourning the passing of Director of Libraries Joseph Petrick. Petrick has worked in the Hinkle Library since 2000. 

Petrick began at Alfred State as an Assistant Librarian and was named the Director of Libraries in 2017.  

Joe Petrick’s full obituary

“Joe was an important part of our Alfred State family,” commented Dr. Steve Mauro. “He was key leader and advocate for his colleagues and our students. He will be sorely missed but the legacy of his work will live on.” 

On top of his duties in the library, Petrick was very active within the United University Professions (UUP) and Faculty Senate. He held numerous leadership positions within both organizations. 

Petrick served as an adjunct instructor, teaching classes in film, was an active member of countless campus and SUNY committees and was pivotal in all upgrades and improvements in the Hinkle Library over the years. 

Petrick earned his bachelor’s degree in Literature at Hobart, his master’s degree in Library Services from Clarion University, and his Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Buffalo. He earned the prestigious SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Librarianship in 2007, becoming one of only five people to ever receive the honor at ASC.  

Per his requests, there will be no calling hours. A celebration of his life will occur at a date to be announced. 

Alfred State will announce further ways the college community can celebrate his life. Today, the flags will be lowered to half-mast, and the Bell Tower will chime Amazing Grace in remembrance of him.