Statement from Chancellor King and SUNY Board of Trustees on Independence Day
July 4, 2025
"At the founding of the United States, the concept of a nation governed by its citizens was revolutionary. The founders of our nation studied their history, knew their political science and philosophy, and wanted to bring that knowledge into the real world as a grand experiment in self-governance. Since the United States of America was brought forth nearly 250 years ago, our country has served as an example and inspiration for countless other people around the world in their quest for freedom and democracy.
"When we learn about the founding of America, we appreciate that our nation started as, and continues to be, a work in progress. We know that our history has been one of expanding the circle of opportunity and democracy in fits and starts across the generations. Each of us, as proud citizens of this free republic, has a sacred duty to this nation and to the values that it was founded under – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
"At SUNY, we know that through education, empowerment is possible. We appreciate the fact that the application of knowledge can lead to incredible opportunities and world-changing results. One of the foundations of our nation is the need for civil discourse and civic engagement, which requires an involved and informed citizenry. SUNY values our responsibility to help ensure that New Yorkers, and all of our students, are equipped with the education and experience needed to participate in our democracy and civil society. Those simple yet profound facts are foundational to the United States of America, and they are some of the many values we celebrate on our Independence Day."
About the State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the country’s oldest school of maritime, the state's only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.16 billion in fiscal year 2024, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit suny.edu.
Share this:
Holly Liapis
518-320-1311
Email the Office of Communications
