Dear PSC community,
It was great welcoming returning and new students, faculty and staff back to campus in time for the start of classes on January 18. Even though it was a short month for the campus, we have no shortage of activities to report:
- Adirondack Woodsmen’s School was featured in two media outlets, with an article in The New Yorker and a great video posted on “New Learning Times” a project of Teacher’s College at Columbia University Teachers College.
- Students in Celia Evans’s International Winter Ecology course had an amazing experience in the sub-zero temps of Russia.
- Curt Stager’s essay “What the Muck of Walden Pond Tells Us About Our Planet” was published in the NY Times.
- Jack Gallagher traveled to Sri Lanka as part of the delegation for the Youth Climate Summit (pictured above).
- The library has completed its strategic plan with the goal of aligning its mission and vision with that of the college.
- The Adirondack Watershed Institute Stewardship Program, one of the most highly visible aspects of PSC’s engagement with the ecology, communities, and state agencies of the Adirondack region; and one of our best opportunities for high-impact student work experiences, published their annual report.
- The Culinary and Baking students and faculty are in full swing and very busy with the openings of the AP Smith’s Bakery and St. Regis Café. Please enjoy these wonderful venues!
- Janet Mihuc’s article “Recent records of Hyalophora columbia (S.I. Smith, 1865) (Saturniidae) in New York State” was published in the winter newsletter of News of the Lepidopterists Society.
- Annie Rochon received a Lake Champlain Grant, under the theme “From Warfare to Workplace” to fund student research into the lyrics of French-Canadian and Franco-American songs, and research how popular songs reflect the historical and cultural events of the North Country from before French Canadian immigration until today.
- Artist in Residence Glenn McClure is engaging PSC faculty and staff in the creation of a folk music opera that explores the quiet heroism of Adirondack abolitionists and farmers to secure the vote for free blacks in the 1850s. The opera will tell the story of this moment in Adirondack History leveraging local folk music and local musicians with national singers. While working with PSC’s Helen Demong completing the libretto for the opera and creating a draft of the musical score, Glenn will also be teaching our course in Adirondack History.
- We developed a new course for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification, offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings and various Saturdays this semester. There is a nationwide shortage of trained EMTs, so this credential will provide students with jobs. Kudos to Brandon Blair for persevering to make this happen.
- 130 faculty, staff and students attended our Student Activities event celebrating and honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin King, Jr.
- Freshman Basketball player Rich Duvivier received YSCC Conference Player of the Week.
- A variety of training activities were conducted to keep our campus safe.
- 21 resident assistants participated in Clery and Title IX training.
- Theresa Leclerc and Holly Parker attended a week long Campus Sexual Assault Seminar at the New York State Police Academy in Albany, NY.
- All Campus Safety staff participated in a 10-hour training course, which focused on blood-borne pathogens, CPR for the professional rescuer, AED administration, emergency oxygen administration, basic first aid, Narcan (Naloxone) administration, mental health first aid, and OSHA.
- New Officers attended the 16 Hour on the Job Training for New York State Security Guards.
- All Campus Safety Officers attended Sexual Assault Response Training.
- Prospective students and their families gathered with alumni at Lucas Confectionaries in Troy, NY for a Compass Club event. More than 50 people attended, including 8 high school seniors and their parents.
- Alumni gathered at Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ at an event hosted by alum Allan Janoff. Though the weather prevented some from attending, five potential students and their parents joined to meet with alumni and members of the advancement and admissions teams.
- Governor Cuomo announced a set of budget proposals that would channel additional state funding only to students who attend state schools, and perhaps remove financial aid from students who attend private colleges such as Paul Smith’s College. . Thank you to all who have contacted our state legislators and others you know at the state level. It is critically important that the elected officials know how important financial aid from the state is to our students. We are strongly recommending that the state modify this budget proposal to increase TAP funding for all eligible students. We encourage individuals who agree to contact their elected officials right away.
- Winter Carnival is almost here. Congratulations to Ice Carnival Princess Desiree Stump! The college looks forward to hosting visiting alumni – as well as students, faculty and staff – at the annual Alumni Reception.
Upcoming Events of Note
- February 2- 5: Empire State Winter Games
- February 3 – 10: Winter Carnival
- February 10: Gala Parade
- February 11: Alumni Reception (12-4pm, Left Bank Café)
- February 3 – March 25: “Shedding Light on the Working Landscape” art exhibit
- February 3: Art + Poetry talk
- February 23: Music and storytelling with Celia Evans and Bill Torrey
- February 5: Superbowl Extravaganza
- February 10: Natural Science Seminar: Nina Schoch, DVM
- February 14: New York Student Aid Alliance Advocacy Day
- February 14: Women in Science – Challenges, Opportunities, and Trends
- February 24 – 26: International Snowshoe Championships
- February 26: Oscar Party
- Every Thursday: Capstone Dinners @ the Palm
- Every Other Friday: Themed Dinners @ the Palm
- February 10 and 24
- March 10 and 24
- April 14 and 28
Best,
Cathy
