April 15, 2021 message from President Kolison

April 15, 2021

Dear Big Blue Community: 

Happy Thursday. I hope your week has been good and that you have had time to go outside and enjoy some fresh air.

COVID-19 Cases
As of this writing, we have 15 active cases on campus. That is down from 19 last week.  While we aim for “zero,” I am encouraged that the number of positive cases are declining from a one-week high of 54 on April 1. I want to thank everyone for remaining cautious and taking steps to protect themselves and others.  Please remain attentive to COVID-19.  

Moderna Vaccination Clinic Friday
I encourage all students to schedule an appointment to receive their vaccine on campus this Friday. As of this writing, there are still dozens of appointment times available. Here is the registration link. You must be available for your second dose on May 14.  Students, if you live in the residence halls and you take your second dose of the vaccine on May 14, you do not have to leave campus until 48 hours later (May 16).  By then, we anticipate that you should be symptom-free in case you develop any symptoms.  

Vaccine Hesitancy 
I want to encourage everyone in our community who has not taken the vaccine to consider doing so.  In case you are wondering about the status of the SUNY Fredonia’s President when it comes to the vaccine given that he is encouraging others to get vaccinated, let me disclose to all of you that I took my second dosage of the Moderna vaccine on April 1, and I feel very fortunate and grateful for this protection.  As someone with a science background, it was an easy decision for me to make.  At the same time, I am very respectful of the decisions of others who may choose not to get vaccinated.  I am simply encouraging everyone to consider taking the vaccination against COVID-19.  I believe truly that this is the way that we will overcome this virus that has caused so much illness, death, sadness, disruptions, and uncertainties throughout the world.

Commencement Stage Walks Completed
More than half of the Class of 2021 participated in four days of in-person stage walks in King Concert Hall. Students were engaged and excited as they walked across the stage to receive the recognition they deserve. It was my pleasure to greet every undergraduate and graduate student who took part. It was inspiring to meet each student. We will incorporate the stage walks into a full Commencement video.  As you know, Commencement day is May 15.   We will publish the video at 10 a.m. on May 15. You will receive a formal invitation from me to attend the Commencement virtually.

A significant amount of planning and work are continuing to make this celebration of our graduates a very good one under the circumstances.  I extend sincere thanks and appreciation to members of the Commencement Committee and to all the staff who volunteered their time to make these stage walks possible for our SUNY Fredonia graduates.

Distinguished Professor Announcement
I am pleased to announce that Dr. James Davis, Professor of Musicology and Chair of the Music History Area in the Fredonia School of Music has been appointed as a State University of New York Distinguished Professor. An internationally renowned musicologist with an expertise in the music of the American Civil War, Dr. Davis is known for his meticulous on-site

archival research and his large body of groundbreaking published work, especially his two books with the University of Nebraska Press, a leading academic press for publications devoted to military history. 

The Distinguished Professorship is conferred upon individuals who have achieved national or international prominence and a distinguished reputation within a chosen field. The distinction is attained through significant contributions to the research literature or through artistic performance or achievement. Dr. Davis is the latest example of the tremendous faculty leading our students to academic success at Fredonia. It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Davis in person today to present a medal to him.  Please join me in extending congratulations to Dr. Davis!

Thank you for your interest in this update. Have a good-and safe-weekend!

Very truly yours,

Dr. K.
Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.
President and Professor