President’s Circle Celebration broadcast online

11/05/2020 

The 2020 SUNY Cortland President’s Circle Celebration was broadcast online on Thursday, Oct. 29.

A recording of the event is available on Cortland.edu.

SUNY Cortland President Erik J. Bitterbaum spoke about how the university is moving forward through the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted Cortland’s new academic majors, recent construction and renovation projects and the progress of The Campaign for Cortland, “All In: Building on Success.”

Kiara Reyes, a junior biology major from Port Chester, N.Y., spoke about receiving a Student Emergency Fund grant earlier this year. A member of the Biology Club, the Pre-Med Club and SUNY Cortland Emergency Medical Services, Reyes plans to become a physician assistant in dermatology. The grant allowed her access to technology during remote learning.

Kate Jensen, a sophomore physical education major from Prattsburgh, N.Y., talked about the impact of donor-funded scholarships. A recipient of the Janice L. Atwood ’73 and Judith A. Rasmussen U.S. Armed Services Scholarship, the Iris Stedner Scholarship and the Robert E. Vogel ’54 Physical Education Scholarship, among others, Jensen noted the impact of scholarships on her college experience. She is a member of the Honors Program and has participated in College Singers and varsity track and field. Jensen hopes to become a certified physical education teacher and a strength and conditioning coach.

Johanna Ames, chair of the Cortland College Foundation, spoke on the foundation’s fundraising accomplishments of the past year. More than $1.4 million was raised in 2019-20 to support scholarships and $336,844 has been donated in support of the Student Emergency Fund. A new fund, the Cortland Fund for Equity and Inclusion, has raised more than $17,000 in 2020 to support diversity initiatives on campus. Ames also highlighted a record-setting 2020 Cortland Challenge, which raised $252,272 and The Campaign for Cortland, which is nearing its $25 million goal.

The SUNY Cortland President’s Circle honors those who have made an annual gift of $1,000 or more. Members of the President’s Circle enjoy invitations to exclusive events and a special listing on the Cortland College Foundation’s annual Honor Roll of Donors.