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Black-capped Chickadee, by Janie Ferguson

Bill and Rhonda Goodrich’s $1 million gift helps Alfred State unleash potential

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VIDEO: See the latest big gift to the “Unleashing Potential” campaign

From Alfred State College,

 Alfred State alumni and friends gathered at the Genesee Valley Club to learn more about the college’s largest comprehensive campaign in school history and to salute the impact that Bill, ’84, and Rhonda Goodrich’s gift of $1 million will make on the institution.

Photo Gallery from the Event

The comprehensive campaign, Unleashing Potential, has raised $33.7 million of the $40 million goal thanks to support from individuals like the Goodrichs. Bill graduated from Alfred State with a Construction Engineering Technology degree and joined LeChase Construction Services in 1985. He has risen through the ranks to become President, CEO, and to his current title of Chairman & CEO.

“The Goodrich’s gift stands as a testament to a strong work ethic and a lifelong respect for learning,” commented Vice President for Institutional Advancement Danielle White. “It also reflects the deep alignment of values between Alfred State alumni and LeChase – values that have elevated the firm’s reputation as a leader across the eastern United States. More importantly, the gift represents an investment in the future, ensuring that future generations of students have the opportunity to buildtheir own life journey.”

“We are so honored and proud to support Alfred State and unleash potential,” Bill Goodrich proclaimed as he stood with his wife, Rhonda at the event. “Alfred State built a strong foundation and prepared us for where we are today. The programs are top notch in both the skilled trades and the management side. LeChase Construction has consistently recruited and hired Alfred State graduates, and they are ready to hit the ground running when they start.”

During his remarks, Bill reflected not only on the impact that Alfred State had on his own life but on his company. He highlighted that LeChase has ninety employees, past and present, who have graduated from the college. Graduates span seven decades and represent majors on both the Wellsville and Alfred campuses.

Alfred State President Dr. Steven Mauro added, “The Goodrich’s gift of $1 million will support the construction management and skilled trades programs. I could not be more grateful for this incredible gift, their belief in the college, and unwavering support in our future.”

Bill concluded, “We believe in Alfred State. The gift is for the construction industry, split between programs on the Wellsville and Alfred campuses. It will provide simulators, equipment, hands-on opportunities to the skilled trades, and endowed scholarships to promote and recruit students to the Alfred campus.”

Previously, Bill has been honored with Alfred State’s President’s Medallion (2010) and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the State University of New York (2014).

Prior to the announcement of the major gift, Dr. Mauro highlighted the four pillars of the comprehensive campaign aimed at continuing Alfred State’s ability to provide a top-ranked, affordable education:

  • Amplify Affordability for All
  • Energize Our Caring Community
  • Ignite Career Readiness
  • Power the Pioneer Fund

Mauro continued, “Alfred State is a launching pad for the next generation of leaders, innovators, and citizens. With continued support and partnerships, we will not just sustain our success – we will multiply it.”

The evening, which included hands-on interactive displays showing the work done in the classrooms and labs around campus, concluded with the unveiling of the current progress of the campaign. Currently, the campaign has reached 85% of the goal.

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