SUNY Forms Legislative Alumni Caucus ¿ Senator Robach and Assemblyman Hoyt Tapped as Co-Chairs

Albany – The State University of New York, in concert with state Senator Joseph Robach, SUNY Brockport classes of 1980/82, and Member of Assembly Sam Hoyt, Buffalo State College class of 1992, have formed the SUNY Legislative Alumni Caucus - bringing together the 51 current members of the state legislature who are alumni of the State University.  Senator Robach and Assemblyman Hoyt are the Caucus co-chairs.

The purpose of the caucus is to create a cohesiveness between SUNY alumni legislators and the University to reconnect them with their alma mater, and the University as a whole, to continue the dialogue that began when they were students, with the goal of providing a better understanding of role SUNY plays in public higher education through its educational offerings, research, and cultural and community interactions.

“The outstanding education I received at SUNY Brockport prepared me to meet the challenges I face everyday as a state Legislator,” said Sen. Robach.  “A SUNY Legislative Alumni Caucus will help to focus attention on the important role of public higher education in preparing our students for the demands of the global economy and to address many other issues such as enhancing SUNY’s impact on the state economy.  I am very happy to be able to play a part in leading the SUNY Alumni Caucus.”

“The number of SUNY alumni in the Legislature has increased from five in the early 1960’s to more than 50 today,” said Member of Assembly Hoyt.  “Strengthening the voice of SUNY in the Legislature will help our campuses achieve their educational, research and public service missions.  As a proud alumnus of Buffalo State College, I am pleased to help lead this important initiative.”

The caucus will provide a forum for our legislators to discuss issues that are relevant and timely in affecting higher education and educational programming.  The inaugural event for the Caucus was held Monday, Jan. 28, at the state Capitol and was hosted by Carl T. Hayden, chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees and the Interim SUNY Chancellor Dr. John B. Clark.

“SUNY greatly appreciates the support of our alumni in the state Legislature,” said Chairman Hayden.  “More formal and consistent dialog with our Legislative Alumni Caucus means a greater understanding of all that our campuses do in terms of educating our students and conducting the research that will advance the state economy. I thank Senator Robach and Assemblyman Hoyt for leading our Caucus.”

"I want to thank all of the Caucus members for joining with us and offer special appreciation to Sen. Robach and Assemblyman Hoyt for their commitment to lead the SUNY Legislative Alumni Caucus", said Chancellor Clark.  "Bringing together the 51 alumni Legislators is long overdue and we are pleased to have formed what we believe is the first in the nation legislative caucus dedicated to a specific higher educational institution."

“Our conversations with SUNY Alumni in the Legislature made clear the need for forming the Caucus to bring together legislators with a common thread,” said Michael Trunzo, Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for University Relations.   “With better communications, the University can be more responsive to their needs and concerns, and more efficiently convey our ideas and initiatives for enhancing the education we provide our students and the impact SUNY has on the local communities and their economies.

For additional information, please view the member listing: SUNY Legislative Alumni Caucus.

About the State University of New York

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive university system in the United States, educating more than 427,000 students in 7,669 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses. 

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