Employees from across campus gathered in the Baldwin Gym on Thursday, August 26th to attend the Fall 2021 Faculty Staff Assembly. After almost a year and a half of virtual Faculty Staff Assemblies, the campus community was overwhelmingly pleased to gather in person to share breakfast with fellow colleagues and to learn about the plans and goals for the upcoming academic year. To-go breakfasts were available to share with employees who were unable to attend the assembly in person due to providing “Final Enrollment Days” student support. As in previous years, the assembly was also available via live stream.
Dr. Penny Haynes, Vice President for Academic Affairs, happily welcomed the attendees back to campus and kicked off the meeting with the traditional “Year in Review” montage. This video recap included highlights from the following:
- Fall 2020 Move-In Day
- SUNY Chancellor Visit
- Windsor “College Express”
- Opening of the Music Rehearsal Room
- Virtual Productions from the Theater Department
- Pool Testing – Medical Assisting Students
- Senator Schumer’s Vaccination Site Visit
- Esports Team Playoffs
- Articulation Agreement with Binghamton University’s School of Management
- Drive-Thru Gradation
- Lockheed Martin Award Recognition
- Employee Summer Celebration
- NYS Dental Association Award
Dr. Haynes took time to welcome SUNY Broome’s newest employees and to congratulate many current employees on their new professional roles within the campus.
New hires and employees with new roles include:
- Briana Alford – Staff Associate in Career, Transfer and Bachelor Partnership
- Jeffrey Anderson, Ph.D. – Associate Vice President and Dean – Liberal Arts and Business & Professional Studies
- Stephanie Balunas – Office Manager – STEM
- Gina Chase – Assistant Dean – Academic Services
- Emanuel Cordisco – Technical Assistant IIA – Information Technology Services
- Maralena Dropp – Secretary – Nursing
- Matthew Ebbers – Staff Associate for Video and Photography – Marketing and Communications
- Jaime Godoy – Fulbright Scholar – History/Philosophy/Social Science
- Brittany Johnson – Instructor – Nursing
- Leora Kenney – Instructor – Nursing
- Timothy Laméy – Assistant Professor – Physical Education & Sport Studies
- Erin Marulli – Staff Associate for Student Retention – Academic Services/Career, Transfer, and Bachelor Partnership
- Michele McKay – Associate Dean – Nursing
- Kimberly McLain, Ph.D. – Dean – Institutional Effectiveness
- Noreen Millen – Secretary – LAD and Library
- David Miller – Technical Assistant IIA – STEM
- Erika Olenik, Ph.D. – Staff Associate – STEM
- Krista Polizzi – Staff Assistant – Registrar
- Samantha Potter – Senior Staff Assistant – Registrar
- Laura Rackett – Secretary – Academic Advising
- Brittney Richardson – Staff Associate – Enrollment Management/Orientation
- Ryan Ross Smith – Assistant Professor – Music and Theater Arts
- Maja Szostak – Director – Admissions
- Evan Bigam – Director – Housing & Residential Life
- Kalis Nunes – Community Director – Housing
- Michelle Anderson – Assistant Controller – FSA in Finance
- Sherry Brown – Senior Account Clerk – Accounts Payable
- Cheryl Campbell – Senior Staff Assistant – Student Financial Services
- Colleen Culverwell – Human Resources Assistant – Human Resources
- Heidi Melzer – Senior Staff Assistant – Student Financial Services
- David Sedelmeyer – Assistant Director – Student Financial Services, Veterans & Military Affairs Office
- Lori Walling – Human Resources Assistant – Human Resources
- Christina Fedorick – Finance Director – BCC Foundation
Dr. Kevin Drumm, President of SUNY Broome, began his address by unveiling the 75th anniversary logo. He encouraged everyone on campus to use the diamond themed design throughout the year to highlight the College’s special anniversary.
Dr. Drumm reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe campus and assured the campus community that he would continue to share communication from SUNY regarding updated guidance on Covid-19 safety precautions.
He then provided an overview of the national trends in collegiate enrollment and made a call to action for assistance in making changes. “We are in for another challenging year, but we are in the same boat as many of our peers across the country. We have the ability to make the changes, but do we have the will to thrive as a post-Covid, 21st century college? I believe we do,” said Dr. Drumm
Both Dr. Drumm and Dr. Haynes highlighted the feedback that was received from the Middle States review team. SUNY Broome is tasked with simplifying our Shared Governance and by continuing to focus our efforts on student centered support. Dr. Haynes expressed her excitement about creating a sustainable action plan through collaboration. “It will take the entire campus to collaborate on our end goal of student success. Student retention is the key to our sustainability plan,” said Dr. Haynes.
Dr. Carol Ross-Scott, Vice President for Student Development & Chief Diversity Officer, expressed the importance of physical and mental wellness for both SUNY Broome’s students and employees, as we prepare for the semester. “The job of our team is to get our students ready to learn. We want them to be healthy and mentally prepared for the semester,” said Dr. Ross-Scott.
Tony Delousia, a SUNY Broome alum, performed Papageno’s aria from “The Magic Flute.”
Brenda Dawe, Associate Professor/Chairperson of Music and Theater Arts, introduced the featured musical performer, Richard Anthony “Tony” Delousia III. Tony, a SUNY Broome alum, performed Papageno’s aria from “The Magic Flute.” He was accompanied by Peter Sicilian. In addition to his role as a local music educator, Delousia spent his summer performing with the prestigious Brevard Music Center Summer Institute & Festival.
Other presenters included Brittney Richardson and Andrea Roma who represented Shared Governance. They announced that several positions are open within CA, CAI, and COI.
Dave Ligeikis specifically thanked the members of the facilities team for their hard work during the pandemic.
Dave Ligeikis, representing Campus Operations, provided a comprehensive recap of the tremendous work done by the facilities team. This recap included on-going initiatives and upcoming major projects.
Cathy Williams, Executive Director of the BCC Foundation, concluded the assembly by sharing encouraging news about the newly implemented Student Emergency Fund. In addition to this new fund, the Foundation saw an increase in charitable donations of more than $435,000 over the previous fiscal year. That increase took place despite the global pandemic.
Justine Dadamio and Maria Montemagno accepted the award for 1st prize in the staff cornhole tournament! Congratulations, Justine and Maria!
