January 17, 2022 message from President Kolison

January 14, 2022

Dear Fredonia community:

On Monday, January 17, 2022, the nation will recognize and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  As I think about the day, I am drawn to Dr. King’s speech in 1957 delivered in Montgomery, Alabama where he told the audience, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?' " About 65 years later, this question is even more important. It is a question that can be expanded upon to include how we see each other, how we talk with each other, and how we treat each other. I can imagine that each of us can see or find answers to these questions.  

Here at SUNY Fredonia, I see answers in the work of our students when they take the time to go out into the neighborhood to rake leaves off the lawns of neighbors.  I see answers when I receive letters from community members sharing with me how they benefited from activities performed by groups from SUNY Fredonia.  I see answers in our collective work to enhance social mobility of first generation students and students from low income backgrounds.  I see answers in the generosity of our donors who give to help students achieve their dreams of a high quality college education.  I see answers in the volunteerism of our faculty and staff at the COVID-19 pool testing hall.  I see answers as I walk across this campus and I overhear students greet each other.  Thank you for those answers.

Yes, Dr. King’s question from 65 years ago should continue to provoke and inspire positive answers from each of us in our ways.  Hence, it is my hope that SUNY Fredonia will always be a place where we will generate new and more positive answers to Dr. King’s question - “what are you doing for others?”

Thank you, students, faculty, staff, and community members, for everything you are doing for others. Have a wonderful Martin Luther King Day!

Very truly yours,

Dr. K

Stephen H. Kolison, Jr., Ph.D.

President and Professor