Annual Report 2010-2011 - (Page 12)

Year in Review J U LY The Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium reopened— under the leadership of its new director Kevin Williams, assistant professor of earth sciences and science education—with a series of successful summer shows. Audiences enjoyed new sound and energy-efficient lighting systems in the 60-seat facility. The planetarium had been closed since late 2009 for renovations relating to the construction of the new Science and Mathematics Complex on campus. United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference at the teaching pavilion at Buffalo State College’s Great Lakes Center Field Station on July 23. The senator renewed her call for swift action by the federal government to stop the spread of Asian carp, an invasive species that could threaten the ecology and economy of the Great Lakes region. Hearts for Haiti, Buffalo State’s student outreach initiative for those affected by the 2010 earthquake, raised more than $5,000 for the Haiti Relief Fund. The donations were distributed to the Children of Haiti Project (COHP), a coalition of international schools and education agencies providing facilities, nourishment, and basic medical necessities to children in this ravaged area. Carolyn Brunner, director of the International Graduate Programs for Educators Office, is a member of COHP’s executive committee and facilitated Buffalo State’s affiliation with the agency. As one of the host venues for the 2010 Empire State Games, Buffalo State welcomed amateur athletes, parents, and fans from across New York State to campus. Competitions in synchronized swimming (Kissinger Pool), judo (Houston Gym), wrestling (Ice Arena), and gymnastics (Sports Arena) were held on campus. Six current or former Buffalo State student-athletes competed in the games, and nearly 1,000 participants were housed in the university’s residence halls during the games. The Continuing Professional Studies Office offered science teachers in grades K through 12 the opportunity to enhance their teaching skills during the summer through the Professional Development Program for Science Teachers. The program was developed by Catherine Lange, assistant professor of earth sciences and science education, and Michele Parente, instructional support specialist for earth sciences and science education. Sessions were held on the Buffalo State campus, the Buffalo Museum of Science, Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, and other nearby locations. AUGUST The Art Conservation Department hosted an American Institute for Conservation pastel workshop on campus on August 6. The event, which attracted leading paper conservators from across the United States, focused on the history, materials, techniques, and tools of pastel painting. Judith Walsh, professor of paper conservation, served as the faculty host for the group. The Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) Board of Directors held a reception on August 18 for Buffalo State president Aaron Podolefsky, welcoming him to the community. Hosted by Roswell president Donald L. Trump, M.D., the event was attended by Candace Johnson, Ph.D., the institute’s deputy director, many RPCI and Buffalo State faculty members and administrators, and a number of community leaders. The 2010–2011 Great Performers Series at the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall brought several world-class artists to campus, including smooth jazz trumpeter Rick Braun; comedian Steven Wright; folk music legend Arlo Guthrie; Grammy-winning jazz singer Esperanza Spalding; comedian Josh Blue; guitar hero Al Di Meola; saxophonist Boney James; and a cappella singers Rockapella. Trained physicists from universities and companies across the United States, Mexico, and Canada spent three days on campus in August for an Advanced Laboratory Immersions workshop featuring Buffalo State Physics Department faculty members. Michael De Marco, chair and professor of physics, and Ram C. Rai, assistant professor of physics, joined David Van Baak, physics professor at Calvin College, and Jonathan F. Reichert, physics professor emeritus of the University at Buffalo and president and founder of Teachspin Inc., as workshop mentors. E. H. Butler Library unveiled its new QuietQuad lab and StudyQuad lounge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 31. The expanded facilities, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, feature comfortable lounge areas, quiet study spaces, additional computers and printers for student use, an assistive technology center, a presentation room, and a new, brightly lit, accessible entrance to StudyQuad on the south side of the library, across from Cleveland Hall. SEPTEMBER The Alumni Association recognized its 2010 Young Alumnus Achievement Award recipients at an oncampus reception in September. The award recognizes recent Buffalo State graduates for professional advancement, dedication to the community, and commitment to the university and its mission. The award was presented to Christopher Ciamaga, ’00 (Health and Wellness), National Hockey League referee; Erin Habes, ’03 (Fashion and Textile Technology), self-employed consultant and adjunct instructor, Buffalo State; Nicholas S. Laudico, ’01 (Public Communication), senior vice president, The Ruth Group; and Martha Meegan, ’92, ’06 (Communication, Public Relations Management), newsroom managing assignment editor, WIVB-TV. 12 B U F FA L O S TAT E C O L L E G E

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Annual Report 2010-2011

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