The Daily Bulletin Archive

From the Interim President
As we get in gear for the fall 2009 semester, I want to offer a warm welcome back to those of you who have been away for the summer, an equally warm welcome to those of you who are new to Buffalo State, and sincere thanks to those who have been working so hard all summer long to keep the college moving forward. I hope this finds you energized and ready for another outstanding academic year!

We have now in our midst some 14 new full-time faculty members, as well as many professional and classified staff who have joined us over the past year. As of today, we’re expecting approximately 1,550 new first-year students and nearly 1,300 transfer students, as well as 500 new graduate students. Total enrollment should exceed 11,450.

Those of you who are returning to Buffalo State after a summer away will notice many improvements across campus—and some projects still under way. After a summer of resurfacing and rerouting, the reconstruction of Rockwell Road was completed ahead of schedule, and the street is now open for traffic and parking. The renovation of the Student Union Quad continues; much necessary work was completed this summer, and the project will continue next summer. We expect to see movement on the technology building and the new residence hall in the coming months. Finally, the site for the new science and math complex has been prepared, and we have scheduled a groundbreaking ceremony for Friday, September 25.

The ceremonial start of the 2009–2010 session will take place on Thursday, September 17, at noon in Rockwell Hall with our 2009 Academic Convocation. This year’s speaker will be Gene Nichol, professor of law and director of the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity at the University of North Carolina, who will deliver the Bonnie and Vern L. Bullough Academic Convocation Address. Academic Convocation is a terrific opportunity for us to gather as a community, celebrate the start of another academic year, and recognize our colleagues with President’s and Chancellor’s awards. I hope to see you there.

And I hope you will join me in endeavoring to make the year ahead a great one for Buffalo State. Though the college is now in a period of transition, the things that make this such a rewarding place to study and work remain strong:

• We are a student-centered institution, with a deep and abiding commitment to giving our students rich and meaningful learning experiences and tools for personal and professional success.
• We are a welcoming and supportive community, with many great traditions that celebrate our shared membership in the wonderful Buffalo State College family.
• Our mission, vision, and core values such as quality teaching and learning, respect for diversity, and joy of discovery will remain the guiding principles of our institution, and are key to the implementation of our new strategic plan.

As interim president, I intend to steward these guiding principles and keep Buffalo State College moving forward. Let’s work together to keep growing, keep improving, keep making Buffalo State the best place it can be.

Have a great semester!

Yours sincerely,

Dennis K. Ponton
Interim President