DAY 1 – DECEMBER 2016
Dear Paul Smith’s Community,
November was quite a month, not just on campus but nationally. The election triggered some healthy dialogue about our national values and political perspectives. At the same time, it unleashed unfortunate incidents of discrimination and racism, again both nationally and on our campus. I will repeat what I said in last month’s Day 1 communication – our first priority is for every member of our community to feel safe. At Paul Smith’s we do not tolerate acts of violence or threats against others. We echo and support the message of inclusion in Governor Cuomo’s recent letter to the students of New York. In the past few months we have held a number of excellent sessions for the campus to address some of the climate issues here and nationally, and will continue to do so. We will also adjudicate all inappropriate acts swiftly, fairly and with great seriousness. As this year winds down, my hope is that 2017 is one of compassion, respect and dignity for all.
Below are some of the November updates. Another busy month!
- Brett McLeod had an article, “Tricks of the Trade: Make Your Own Choker Chain” published in the autumn issue of Northern Woodlands magazine.
- Celia Evans will have an article, “Familiar Forests Half Way Around the World,” published in Northern Woodlands magazine this quarter.
- Chef Kevin McCarthy and students Erin Ruthenberg and Stephen Desimone were featured at the annual Fred Tibbitts & Associates Fall Dinner at Battery Gardens in NYC. The PSC team prepared the small plates for the cocktail reception.
- Our culinary program and Sodexo are working on many levels to integrate activities. For example, many of our culinary students manned the Wellness Station on Fridays at the Lakeside Dining Hall as part of their capstone projects, and Sarah White – a recent baking program alum – is now creating fresh baked goods for Lakeside Dining.
- Kevin Hynes, Pathologist at the NY DEC, visited campus to speak about his work in researching wildlife diseases and practicing wildlife forensic science.
- PSC alum Luke Myers made a presentation about his work at the Lake Champlain Research Institute at SUNY Plattsburgh, monitoring zooplankton on Lake Champlain and documenting the aquatic insects of the Adirondacks.
- Janet Mihuc garnered a state-record entomological find with her identification of the Boreal Pine Looper – a rare inchworm moth – on campus near the Forestry cabin. Specimens of the moth are now at New York State Museum for inclusion in the insect collection.
- The new log loader arrived on campus!
- Katie Koestner of Take Back The Night Foundation shared her story of date rape and sexual assault to a large group of students and faculty/staff, with the reminder that we can each be part of the solution.
- Our annual drag show was a blast as students dressed up for a runway walk and shared their musical talents onstage to compete for prizes.
- The 5th annual Gazebo Lighting was a charming celebration of the winter season, with warm hospitality, delicious refreshments, and a display that communicates the many things we’re thankful for.
- The candlelight unity circle – a response to recent instances of discrimination – was a testament to our community’s continuing strength, trust, and solidarity.
- Our newly formed dance team, the Lady Bobcat Steppers, participated in a Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater workshop to learn traditional West African music and dance.
- The NCCC Massage Program collaborated with the Counseling Center to provide free massages to students.
- Terry Lindsay, Dain Lewis and Ellen Gooch attended the National Association of Student Affairs Administrators Regional Conference in Burlington, VT. Conference attendees participated in discussion related to campus sexual assault education and responding to bias-related issues.
- Student Affairs sponsored several events on campus following the recent national election: Town Hall Conversation, Candle Light Circle, Group Counseling Discussion, Bashing Stereotypes Forum.
- Installation of baskets for the nine-hole Disc Golf Course is complete! We are now marking trails and fairways, as well as mapping the course for easy navigation. This project, led by Ross Conover with the collaboration of faculty, staff, students and local neighbors, brings an exciting new pastime to our North Campus near the VIC and Osgood Farm.
- Our Adirondack Woodsmen’s team capped off a dominant fall with men’s and women’s overall championships in the East Coast Lumberjack Roundup at SUNY ESF.
- 42 athletes have been named to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association’s All-Academic Team for their success in the classroom this fall.
- The PSC Basketball Program hosted a High School Thanksgiving Classic that brought 80+ student-athletes to campus and attracted over 250 spectators as well.
- Several PSC students joined nearly 150 others who attended the Youth Climate Summit at The Wild Center. PSC faculty Bethany Garretson and Curt Stager presented.
- The Enrollment Team, with the help of faculty and staff, held the largest open house in 5 years. Over 135 prospective students and their families attended. In addition, the admissions team hosted our first virtual campus visit on 11/30.
- We earned the designation as a Military Friendly school for the 7th consecutive year.
- Giving Season is picking up steam. Well over 200 generous donors donated over $52,000 participated on Giving Tuesday alone (all of which will be matched by our very generous Coming Home donor)!
- 75 alumni and students, along with potential students and their families, attended a reception on the USS Intrepid Air and Space Museum as part of “HX: The Hotel Experience” in NYC.
- The Campus Sustainability Fund awarded $46,000 in grants for 4 new projects, including replacement of outside campus lights with low-emission LEDs, installation of a passive solar wood kiln, support for the Environmental Communications class to be held next semester, and the building of raised beds at Gould’s Community Garden.
- 60 TRiO-SSS students successfully completed the Thriving Certificate Course during the fall semester.
- Many thanks to the Facilities team for its work to ready the campus for winter and for stringing the beautiful lights that now adorn trees around campus. The lights add an extra warmth and beauty to campus this time of year.
- Despite the slow start to hunting season, Nick Georgelas landed an exceptional Adirondack whitetail – check out the image of this 200-lb, 16-point buck as reported in the Lake Placid News.
- Leaking from an underground oil tank near the center of campus was handled with skill and minimal disruption to our resident students – kudos to our facilities and housing teams for their rapid response!
UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE
- Dec 2 – 2nd annual Made@PSC show and sale at the VIC
- Dec 3 – Improv Comedy Night at the Bobcat Café
- Dec 4 – Counseling Center’s Women’s Retreat
- Dec 10 – Capstone Presentations
- Dec 10 – “A Deeper Sense” opening reception at the Heron Marsh Gallery (PSC VIC)
- Dec 10 – Winter Ball
- Dec 11 – Winter Celebration
- Dec 14 – Last day of classes!
I wish everyone the most joyous holiday season. Have a great break and see you in the new year!
Cathy S. Dove, President
