November 15, 2023

Top Stories

ESF Cross Country Teams Make USCAA History with Three-Peat Championships

ESF is the only school in United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) history to win three consecutive titles in the same sport for both women’s and men’s teams.

SUNY ESF, VA Medical Center provide unique nature experience for residents

ESF’s Therapeutic Horticulture Rooftop Garden program uses the connection between nature and health to benefit veterans at the Syracuse VA and Clear Path for Veterans

Governor Hochul Announces SUNY and University of Puerto Rico Agree to Five-Year Collaboration at SOMOS Signing

SUNY and the University of Puerto Rico will partner on student success strategies, research, mental health, sustainability, and other areas

A study from Dr. Yaqi You's group, “Microbial Responses to Biochar Soil Amendment and Influential Factors: A Three-Level Meta-Analysis,” quantitatively synthesizes molecular, population, and community-level soil microbial responses to biochar amendment. Published in Environmental Science & Technology, the study highlights the potential of purpose-driven biochar preparation and application toward sustainable agriculture.

Tune into the ESF Podcast!

Tune into the ESF Podcast!

In this season of Campus Conversations: The Podcast, we’re highlighting the faculty, students, and staff who make ESF mighty.

Season 5, Episode 1: Making Environmental Messages Stick

In addition to her role teaching at ESF, Dr. Benette Whitmore works to reach the next generation of environmental champions through storytelling.

Season 5, Episode 2: Advocating for Diversity in STEM

Meet Danushi Fernando, ESF’s Chief Diversity Officer, and hear her perspective on the importance of IDEA, as well as her ideas to help create a welcoming and inclusive community at ESF.

Season 5, Episode 3: Bridging Diversity and STEM in the Adirondacks

Paul Hai, Associate Director Adirondack Ecological Center, is committed to education and outreach – and making sure that diversity, equity, and inclusion are infused into both. Listen to see how he sees informal science education and experiential learning as cornerstones to making that happen.

Listen, follow, and rate the podcast!

What's Happening on Campus

The Passing of Dr. William Powell

It is with great sorrow we report the passing of Dr. William Powell on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023. 

Bill’s work to restore the American chestnut to the landscape will be his legacy. He was a dedicated researcher and educator remembered for his warm and generous spirit. He fostered an environment of teamwork and collaboration across the ESF campus and the greater research community to restore the American chestnut tree to the landscape. 

A memorial service will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18 at Grace Covenant Church, 5300 NY 31, Clay, NY. Burial will be private. A complete obituary is available at New Comer Funeral Home. Bill requested people dress casually: blue jeans, flannel shirts, and white socks are appropriate.

Our thoughts are with his family. 

Updates to Campus Blue Lights/Help Phones

ESF has a system of blue lights and help phones strategically located throughout campus to provide assistance to anyone in distress or needing access to a building. When an individual presses the button, they can communicate directly with the University Police Department (UPD) to notify the dispatcher of the emergency and an officer will be dispatched to respond.

Blue lights have a blue beacon positioned above each alarm station. Help phones are mounted to building walls, located in elevators, and can be found throughout campus buildings. Of ESF’s 25 blue lights, 14 are in working order; of the 52 help phones, 41 are in working order. Those blue light and help phones that are not working will be repaired; ESF this week procured comprehensive repair services for all of these devices. In the meantime, those not working will be marked with a sign and number you can dial on your mobile phone to reach UPD dispatch for immediate assistance: 315-470-6666

For the spring semester, ESF will launch a new public safety app, AppArmor, to enhance on- and off-campus security. AppArmor is currently used by Syracuse University and we look forward to rolling this application out over the winter break.  

Cultural Showcase Celebrates ESF International Education 

ESF celebrates its international student community and the internationalization of its programs, research, faculty, and students during International Education Week Nov. 13-17. ESF is honored to host more than 200 international students and scholars from over 40 countries. 

The week’s celebration includes ESF’s Cultural Showcase, which celebrates the College’s global diversity through food, performances, and country presentations.

Wednesday, Nov. 15 I 3-5:30 p.m. I Gateway Center

Join in the Friendsgiving Celebration at Moon Library 

Students who can’t travel home for break and all members of the ESF community are invited to the Sixth Annual Friendsgiving Dinner hosted by Moon Library staff and faculty. This event is free. Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

Monday, Nov. 20 I Noon I Moon Library

Staff and faculty support make this event possible. You can provide a monetary donation via the College Foundation: Friends of Moon Library or contact Nan Clark to coordinate food you wish to contribute. 

Robin Hood Oak Award Noms Open

Nominations are being accepted for the Robin Hood Oak Awards which honors students for outstanding service to the campus, the community, and their fellow students. Nominees must be ESF undergrads and December 2023 graduates.

Nominations are due by

Friday, Nov. 24 I  4:30 p.m.

Award categories are: 

Academic Excellence: exemplary academic achievement through research, internships, teaching assistant positions, or academic endeavors outside the classroom.

Community Service: exemplary community service outside of the college community.

ESF Spirit: exemplary demonstration of ESF school spirit within the College community.

Student Advocacy: exemplary demonstration of the drive to make change at ESF and the world. 

President's Awards for Student Excellence will be awarded to graduates for exemplary academic achievement and overall dedication to the ESF community. 

These awards are given to students graduating at the end of the Fall 2023 semester. There is no limit to the number of nominations faculty, staff and students can submit for the various awards.

Deck the Halls with a Tree from Heiberg Forest

Cut your own Christmas tree at the Heiberg Forest Christmas Tree Hill and celebrate the holidays with a little ESF in your home!

Trees will be sold on weekends beginning Dec. 2 and running through Dec. 17 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can bring their saw or borrow one from the Forest Properties staff. The Forest Properties elves will also wrap your tree and help load it in or on your vehicle. Maple syrup and wreaths will also be available for purchase.

Cut-your-own -trees (any species, any size) are $40 and wreaths are $20-$40, cash or check only. Heiberg Forest Christmas Tree Hill is located at 7393 Maple Ridge Rd. in Tully. 

ESF News will not be published the week of Nov. 20. The newsletter will return to your inboxes Wednesday, Nov. 29. We wish you a restful break.

Events

People can't come to your events if they don't know when they are! Remember to add them to the campus events calendar. And to find out what’s happening on campus this week visit the ESF Calendar and ESF Engage!



Download the CORQ app and stay up-to-date on all the events in Engage no matter where you are!

ESF News is the College's source for all ESF news, information, and events. This newsletter is issued on Wednesdays.The submission deadline is the end of day Monday the week of publication.