SUNY Chancellor Discusses Economic Development at Student Research Day in SUNY Oneonta

Event Also Marks $4 Million Raised to Promote STEM Disciplines

Oneonta – State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher today joined more than 400 students, faculty and community members for Student Research Day at SUNY Oneonta, where she discussed the importance of research and SUNY’s role in economic development.

Today’s event was also a celebration of the college’s Fund for Science and Technology, which has, since established in 2007, raised $4 million for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines and was the college's first campaign to focus on a particular academic area.

“It’s easy to see why participation in this event has tripled over the last five years,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “The hundreds of student research projects on display today, and the culmination of an ambitious fund raising campaign for the STEM disciples truly reflect SUNY Oneonta’s commitment to its students and surrounding community. Congratulations to all of today’s participants.”

SUNY Oneonta President Nancy Kleniewski said, “The increasing popularity of Student Research Day demonstrates the college's commitment to teaching and learning and we are thankful that Chancellor Zimpher was able to join us and discuss our role in research and economic development. Today’s event is a point of pride for the college."

Chancellor Zimpher stressed the importance of research at the college and discussed the role that all SUNY colleges and universities play in the revitalization of New York’s economy.

SUNY is embedded in every community in New York State – 93 percent of New Yorkers live within 15 miles of a SUNY campus and virtually 100 percent live within 30 miles. In many communities, SUNY is also the region’s largest employer.

Today’s discussion is one of many Chancellor Zimpher has conducted across New York State in the past year as SUNY implements its Strategic Plan and forges partnerships with community groups, businesses and economic development organizations. To date, she has discussed SUNY’s role in economic development at the Crain’s Breakfast Forum in New York City; with the Business Council of New York State, Economic Development Council of New York State, New York Council of Mayors and the New York State Association of Counties. She’s also talked with various business associations, chambers of commerce, and other interested groups in Albany, Clinton, Fulton, Montgomery, Orange, Rensselaer, Rockland, Ulster, and Warren counties, as well as in the cities of Syracuse and Rochester, and in the Hudson Valley.

As part of today’s event, nearly 200 SUNY Oneonta students filled the Hunt Union Ballroom to display their research projects. Learn more about SUNY Oneonta's 2011 Student Research Day at http://www.oneonta.edu/a/srd/.

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 467,000 students in more than 7,500 degree and certificate programs on 64 campuses with more than 2.5 million alumni around the globe. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunity, visit www.suny.edu 

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