Golisano Makes Largest Gift in School History
Alfred State Vice President for Institutional Advancement Danielle White represents Alfred State as one of the 82 non-profit organizations that received a gift from Tom Golisano, '62.
9/17/2024
Supporting the Future
Alumni Magazine | Fall 2024
Over the last five months, Alfred State has been able to work with alumni and friends to create partnerships that will support current and future Pioneers. Read below how Tom Golisano, '62, Walter Sass, '78, and the Appalachian Regional Commission have joined the cause for Alfred State. There are even more partnerships highlighted in our Gifts in Action.
Tom Golisano, '62, announced $360 million in awards to 82 non-profit organizations, this included a gift of $5 million to his alma mater Alfred State College. This is the largest gift the college has ever received.
“Tom Golisano has built an amazing career after his time at Alfred State, and this gift is a game changer and will help so many future Pioneers,” commented Alfred State President Dr. Steve Mauro. “We are honored and beyond grateful that he thought so much of his alma mater to include us in this huge commitment to our area.”
“I'm thrilled to provide support to the Upstate New York Community, to the region where I built my life and my business,” said Mr. Golisano. “I know that there are many organizations doing great work and understand that running a nonprofit is not easy, facing both opportunities and challenges, like raising money. These awards are the result of relationships I've formed over the years. I am impressed with these organizations' dedication and innovation. I hope this unexpected, unrestricted funding helps them build on their successes and broaden their impact.”
Golisano earned a business administration degree from Alfred State and credits his accounting Professor Thomas Dunn for leading him on the path to becoming a successful entrepreneur. In 2009, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Golisano visited Alfred State in 2021 and spoke to business majors about his career path, and his book “Built Not Born”, and recalled his interaction with Dunn. “Professor Dunn was a master at educating us on how to understand financial statements.”
Alfred State Celebrates the Opening of the Walter Sass Surveying Lab
Dr. Steven Mauro and Walter Sass cut the ribbon to signify the opening of the Walter Sass Surveying Lab.
8/05/2024
Walter Sass, '78, has never forgotten the educational roots that started his path to success in the surveying world. Alfred State gathered with Sass and his family to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Walter Sass Surveying Lab that will help educate future generations of Pioneers.
After graduating from Alfred State, Sass moved to Houston, TX to pursue his career in the surveying field. He started working at Weisser Engineering & Surveying, and in 1987 Sass bought and took over the company.
“Walt's experience and degree from Alfred State undeniably laid the foundation for his remarkable success as a notable business owner and a Registered Professional Land Surveyor,” commented Vice President for Institutional Advancement Danielle White. “He is passionate about giving back to the institution that afforded him many opportunities and aims to ensure that future Pioneers have the necessary support to advance in the field.”
The new laboratory/classroom features new flooring, furniture, tables, and easy access to overhead power. Sass also donated a Leica High-Definition Laser Scanner, a high-end computer workstation for processing of scanner-point clouds and imaging processing, and Leica Cyclone software for laser scan data registration and processing.
Civil Engineering Technology Department Chair and Professor Richard Carlson knows the impact that the lab will have on Alfred State students. “The renovated lab improves the equipment and group-work environment in a technologically advanced and modern setting. The scanning equipment and software gives our students access to current industry technology.”
Sass continued, “I have seen so many advancements in this industry from the time I started but the basics have not changed so the bones that you get here are what our profession is based on. I am very impressed with what is going on here and very honored to be part of this college. We will continue to try to recruit Alfred State students and continue to be a friend to the college.”
“Thanks to Walter and his family, we at Alfred State have this advanced laboratory for teaching and training future surveyors and engineers,” commented Dr. Steven Mauro. “This lab, coupled with the phenomenal talent and passion our faculty brings to the discipline will make sure that every student who passes through these programs has every opportunity to be as great a success as Mr. Walter Sass.”
Taylor Sass, current President, and CEO of Weisser, summed up the families' thoughts, “You have no idea the ripple effect of my father's education. He has provided for so many and mentored so many. We owe it to Alfred State.”
Alfred State Receives $2 million Grant from Appalachian Regional Commission's POWER Initiative
Alfred State heavy equipment students work on a water main break simulation experience on the Wellsville campus. ASC is one of 65 projects funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative.
10/16/2024
Alfred State has been awarded $1,998,370 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to expand Truck & Diesel and Heavy Equipment Operations programs to create a pipeline of qualified workers in heavy equipment operations and maintenance. This new initiative will raise awareness of good-paying jobs and increase recruitment among middle and high school students across Allegany, Cattaraugus, and Chautauqua counties. Simultaneously, Alfred State will have increased capacity in their associate degree programs in Truck & Diesel and Heavy Equipment Operations and provide more hands-on learning including quick-to-earn microcredentials for both traditional students and existing workers looking to upskill in these areas.
This award is part of a recently announced $68.2 million award package supporting 65 projects in 188 coal-impacted counties through ARC's POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries.
Over the course of three years, it is anticipated that this program will assist one hundred students to graduate with an Associate of Occupational Studies degree in heavy equipment operation or truck and diesel technician, and over two thousand middle and high school students will learn about careers in the field, and nearly three-hundred workers will earn a microcredential.
“ARC's POWER initiative supports coal-impacted communities' preparation for the next phase of Appalachia's economy, while ensuring that residents have a say in the course of their own futures” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “The investments announced in this round of POWER will help train workers, advance new industries, and build upon the progress already being made toward a brighter future full of economic opportunity for our region.”
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission,” commented Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro. “This grant will allow us to expand the great work we are doing in these programs already. I am looking forward to adding skilled professionals to a much-needed career path.”
Dean of the School of Applied Technology Jeffrey Stevens was proud of the Alfred State team. “This group of students represented the college well. It is always amazing to be part of such a large competition with high school and college students competing and showing what they can do in such a wide variety of competitions and the students always shine as strong Pioneers. I look forward to this trip every year.”
Mauro continued, “I would like to thank ARC, Congressman Nick Langworthy, and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their support as we continue to supply workforce development to our region.”