Celebrating Incredible Achievements
Dear Students and Colleagues,
While it’s impossible to recognize all of the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, and staff, I’d like to take a moment to highlight just a few recent examples that capture the hard work, talent, and dedication of our University community.
- Four of our Honors Program students – Cammi Behonick ’29, Alex Papaleo ’29, Bu Paw ’28, and Alyssa Specchio ’29 – have had their work published in Frogpond, one of the world’s most competitive haiku journals. Just how competitive? Of the nearly 5,000 submissions the journal receives each year, no more than 200 are accepted for publication – roughly 4 percent. The students developed and submitted their work last semester as part of Adjunct Instructor of English James Knippen’s HON 359 course. Congratulations to these talented students and to Professor Knippen.
- Assistant Professor of Biochemistry Richard Tehan has been awarded a $300,000 subaward from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support Utica University’s participation in a five-year, multi-institutional research project. The project brings together five collaborating research labs, including those at the University of Utah, Oregon State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Cornell University, and Utica University. Utica’s role will focus on the collection, cultivation, and chemical analysis of fungal specimens. Professor Tehan’s work will also provide valuable research opportunities for students.
- Two of our faculty members, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Musco Millner and Adjunct Instructor of English Ron Klopfanstein, were recently honored with the New York State Senate Commendation Award. The award is the Senate’s highest honor recognizing individuals whose professional work and service have made a lasting impact on their communities.
- Finally, our Sodexo Campus Dining team recently received a regional award from Upstate Caring Partners in recognition of its longstanding commitment to the organization’s Building Abilities and Skills for Employment (BASE) program. Through this partnership, the team has helped individuals in our community with physical and intellectual disabilities develop valuable workplace skills by providing meaningful work opportunities in an inclusive, supportive environment.
I’m grateful for the many ways our students, faculty, and staff contribute to the University and the broader community. These examples are a reminder why Utica University is such a special place.
On another note, I hope you’ll join me this evening for the Veterans Day Concert featuring the Utica University Concert Band at 7:00 p.m. in the Strebel Student Center Auditorium. The performance will feature a variety of musical genres, patriotic selections, and the traditional Armed Forces Salute. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy our talented musicians and honor the men and women who have served our country.
Thank you for all you do to support one another at to strengthen our University community.
Sincerely,
Stephanie R. Nesbitt
President