In a Homecoming edition of his State of the University Address, President Harvey Stenger spoke to alumni about the current and upcoming projects underway at Binghamton University.
Stenger discussed the new additions to the University, such as the nearly-completed Innovation Technologies Complex (ITC) and the plans for the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, as well as sharing his goals for improvement and growth.
The ITC is home to both the START-UP suites and new engineering facilities. The suites hold businesses that are partnered with the University through START-UP NY, a program that allows businesses to operate tax-free for 10 years with the promise that they will help grow the local economy.
The engineering facilities are located in the SMART energy portion of the ITC, which offers classroom and research space for energy-related disciplines.
“When IBM decided that they were done and leaving the Southern Tier, people started to think, ‘What’s next?’” Stenger said.
Stenger said that these changes are part of an effort to expand the University’s horizons and create a more innovative atmosphere. While he said that changes would be costly, he added that the engineering and science faculty’s strong reputation would help ease the transition.
“We’re trying to transition from an undergraduate liberal arts university into a research university,” Stenger said.
Addressing the federal Title IX violation complaint that was issued to the University this past spring, Stenger said BU is working to address the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses and provide support for those involved.
“College is a complicated place and it can also be a dangerous place,” Stenger said. “What we’re trying to do on campus is to create a safe environment where victims can come, so we can move quickly through the student conduct process.”
But according to Randy Ehrenberg, member of the class of 1967, Stenger’s goals for the University are beneficial for both students and the school as a whole.
“I think President Stenger is right on target,” Ehrenberg said. “The campus is growing by leaps and bounds, it’s wonderful to see a plan that is there to help our students for now and into the future.”
Alumnus Mike Needle said the expansion of the University has created more opportunities for students since he graduated.
“The breadth of opportunity and depth of resources here is so much greater than when I was a student,” Needle said. “Binghamton is twice the place it was in 1981.”
With these programs and initiatives, Stenger said, the University is quickly becoming a model school.
“It seems so natural to be at Binghamton University,” Stenger said. “It’s certainly the best time to be here at Binghamton University and be the leader of what we think will become the premier public university of the 21st century.”