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Dear Alumni and Friends - A letter from President Horvath
As this issue’s cover illustrates, this is one of the most exciting and change-filled semesters in Fredonia’s history, as students, faculty, and alumni have returned to see a very different campus on several fronts.
Simply ‘Fredonia’ - Campus unveils new name, visual identity
In June, the university announced a new name and visual identity. Going forward, it will be known as, “The State University of New York at Fredonia,” although in most contexts, it will be referred to simply as, “Fredonia.” The change comes in response to growing feedback, coupled with a yearlong research effort led by faculty, staff, student and alumni representatives from across the university, which revealed a degree of inconsistency, and even some confusion, among certain target audiences.
The evolution continues!
Students returning to campus this fall will notice an immediate, unmistakable, transformational change to Fredonia’s campus. In the southeast corner, a brand new, 92,000-square-foot, three-story structure shines in the summer sun. The new Fredonia Science Center, surrounded by a stunning courtyard and connected to Houghton Hall, now hugs the Science Quad. It will vastly improve the teaching, learning and research opportunities within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines.
Bill Nye 'The Science Guy' to speak on campus this fall
As part of the semester-long celebration of the opening of its new Science Center, Fredonia will welcome world-renowned scientist, engineer, comedian, author and inventor Bill Nye “The Science Guy” to campus this fall. He will appear Thursday, Sept. 18, at 3:30 p.m. in King Concert Hall as the keynote speaker for the campus’ annual Convocation Series.
Knappenberger makes history at Grammys
On a frigid January morning, America learned what Chautauqua County has known for years: Kent Knappenberger, a music teacher and choral director in Westfield, N.Y., is as good as there is. Of course, it’s no secret in Western New York that the State University of New York at Fredonia — where Knappenberger earned his undergraduate degree in 1987 — turns out outstanding music educators. But now, a Fredonian was being honored by The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation, and introduced on the “CBS This Morning” show, as the first-ever Music Educator of the Year.
Criminal Justice major lets potential, not past, define him
Most kids dream about what they want to be when they grow up, but few follow through to turn that dream into a reality. Paul Overturf, a junior Criminal Justice major, has wanted a career in law enforcement since he was in first grade. He recalls a moment of distress as a young boy when a police officer made him feel safe. From then on, Mr. Overturf vowed that he would make it his mission to help others feel the same sense of protection.
Professional Education Unit fosters high-quality educators, strong collaboration with regional P-12 schools
The College of Education–Professional Education Unit (COE-PEU) at Fredonia is continuously developing and enhancing its programs, experiences and opportunities to ensure that teacher education remains vibrant and continues to be a valuable career choice. The College of Education collaborates with Fredonia’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and College of Visual and Performing Arts as the COE-PEU to offer a variety of undergraduate and graduate educator preparation programs in Early Childhood, Childhood, Adolescence Education, Speech, Music and Education Leadership. Faculty members in the COE-PEU have demonstrated commitment to their programs, research and students.
New art gallery director arrives, Marion Fellow prepares new book
The spotlight this fall in the College of Visual and Performing Arts shines on a new art gallery director and creation of a limited edition book by the 2014 Marion Fellow. Barbara Räcker, a director or curator of seven art galleries across the United States — including two in Western New York — becomes the visionary force, leader and overseer of the Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery. She previously served as a gallery director and permanent art collection curator at Indiana State University.
Fall Events and Performances
Events and performances scheduled for the Fall of 2014 at Fredonia.
Social Work majors work to improve lives — including their own
The Social Work department at Fredonia has been steadily expanding. In the fall of 2007, the entering cohort consisted of 18 students. By the fall of 2013, that number had nearly tripled, soaring to 53.