Associate Vice President of Student and Faculty Development Kathleen Casey meets with Physical and Life Sciences Department Chair and Associate Professor Kathryn Link.
Alfred State College (ASC) students, graduates, faculty, staff, and community members are looking forward to the inauguration of Steven Mauro, PhD, as the thirteenth president on October 20. One person with an interesting perspective fits each one of these categories.
Along with holding the title of Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Kathleen Casey earned an associate degree in Individual Studies when Alfred State only offered two-year degrees. She then attended Alfred University and University at Buffalo where she achieved a PhD. Casey joined the ASC faculty 29 years ago and raised her family in the area. Like many longtime community residents, alumni, and staff, Dr. Casey remembers a great number of successes throughout the school’s history and sees how Alfred State continues to be a regional leader.
“I’m proud to be a Pioneer with the rich legacy we have at Alfred State and even more excited about what we are poised to achieve in the future,” said Associate Vice President of Student and Faculty Development Kathleen Casey. “Our new President is already making a difference. We are excited about continuing to develop great programs and partnerships, employ outstanding faculty, and support the success of our determined students. I am fortunate to be a part of Alfred State’s rich legacy.”
Dr. Mauro is making this inauguration a celebration of Pioneer Pride, Purpose, and Promise. His theme focuses on the college’s history, current stories of student success, and momentum for the future. The spotlight will shine on the entire community through art, food, and music. Artists were invited to submit themed murals in a contest and are invited to be part of the reception; local farmers and Culinary Arts students are assisting with the reception menu for a Taste of Western New York; and music will include performances by a faculty quartet, ASC Voices student singers, and the Alumni Jazz Choir.
Along with dignitaries and delegates attending, inaugural speakers have an interesting perspective on Alfred State and will contribute to the celebration:
- Invocation/ Benediction: Cyan Corwine – Student Success Center and Civic Wellbeing
- Emcee: Jim Grillo – SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor and US Marines Veteran
- Pioneer Pride: Chuck Neal – ASC Alumni, MVP in golf and bowling, and Accounting Professor
- Pioneer Purpose: Soumya Konar – Senior in Computer Science and Student Senate Chair
- Medallion: Pat Fogarty – College Council Chair
- Investiture: Deborah Stanley, JD – Interim Chancellor of SUNY
- Pioneer Promise: Steven Mauro, PhD – Alfred State’s Thirteenth President
The inauguration ceremony will be at 2 p.m. on Oct. 20 in Orvis Activities Center followed by a Pioneer Walk showcasing faculty and student success along the path to an inaugural reception at the Student Leadership Center. Further details are at AlfredState.edu/Inauguration.
