Message from Dr. Belinda S. Miles: Viking Excellence! – March 24, 2023
March 24, 2023
Colleagues,
On Monday, we welcomed students and faculty – and spring – back to campus following the semester break. The campus is buzzing with activity, and we’re prepared to push forward toward the finish line – helping students to prepare for exams, complete projects, and complete their studies in May. We’re also assisting continuing students and those on target to complete in August to enroll for summer classes. We have four sessions this summer with classes for the 10-week and first 5-week sessions starting on May 18. Please encourage students, especially those so close to completion, to register early so that they have the classes they need to earn their degree or certificate.
Student Excellence
I had the pleasure of attending a few wonderful student events this week where students were engaged, enthusiastic, and simply enjoying each other’s company. This speaks directly to our efforts to create a culture of belongingness and connection for students, staff, and our community.
- Student-Veterans Event: Travis Melby, Student Support Services Coordinator & VA Certifying Official, reports that SUNY WCC had the privilege of being the first college in New York State to host the Veterans Affairs (VA) new outreach program. Representatives from the VA were available to speak to student-veterans about benefits, services, and more. I toured the VA’s mobile medical unit bus where PACT Act screenings and more were available. Kudos to Mr. Melby for bringing critical information and services to our students.
- WEB and Black Student Union (BSU) event: A “Celebration of Black Voices and Culture” provided an opportunity to gather and enjoy activities celebrating Black culture and our intersecting identities. Kudos to students Bee Mulligan and Briana Herring for organizing a fun, interactive and learning experience for our students.
- GLOW event: I enjoyed listening to student performers who enthusiastically lifted their voices during a rousing karaoke session! It was inspiring to hear songs of joy, resilience, friendship, and love from such a talented and spirited group.
Faculty Excellence
Please join me in congratulating the following faculty members who earned tenure earlier this month.
- Scott Putorti (Testing and Assessment)
- Leonore Rodrigues (Counseling and director, Viking Roads)
- Sue Tural Clark (Heath Information Technology)
We greatly value their contributions to their disciplines, to the college, and to elevating the student experience. Thank you to those who mentor and guide junior faculty members through the tenure process.
Staff Excellence
I continue to hear accolades for the program created by Staff Council for Staff Professional Development Day last week. Please join me in congratulating our two Staff Excellence Award honorees, Alex Catti (Student Affairs) and Kat Peruyera (Creative Communications), who both offered heartfelt greetings during the staff luncheon. Also, I gratefully acknowledge the work of the Staff Professional Development Day committee, led by Nikki Rutledge, for creating learning and networking opportunities for staff. I was delighted to spend this time with staff, and it was evident how appreciative they were to be together once again for this special program.
Advocacy
This afternoon I joined faculty, staff, students, and guests at a press conference to spotlight the State’s executive budget’s impact on community colleges and the critical need for greater state investment in our institutions. We were joined by a number of our state and local legislators who support our work, mission, and students. Professor Jim Werner, President of WCCF, did an outstanding job articulating the needs of community colleges and the impact our graduates make in the community over time. Thanks to all who participated in this critical outreach and advocacy.
Programs and celebrations like these exemplify the vitality of our campus community. We build minds, futures, community, belongingness, connection, student scholars, engaged employees, and more! As poet Christina Rossetti notes: “Spring is when life’s alive in everything.”
Dr. Belinda S. Miles
President