Geneseo celebrates new school year and outstanding faculty, staff
President Christopher C. Dahl addresses Geneseo's newest family members during the New Student Convocation Aug. 26 in Wadsworth Auditorium. The convocation ceremony celebrates the upcoming year. Earlier in the day, the president recognized faculty and staff who recently won awards. /PHOTO BY KEITH WALTERS '11
The college welcomed 998 new freshmen to campus this week as students moved into their residence hall rooms, attended Weeks of Welcome activities and student convocation, and met their professors for the first time in class.
"We continue to see new students with strong academic credentials and well-rounded backgrounds," said Kris Shay, director of admissions.
The academic profile confirms the observation: The mean high school average for the class is 94; the mean SAT score (composite of critical reading and math) is 1333. For the past several years, Geneseo's average has been about 300 points higher than the national composite average for all U.S. college students taking the test.
"These students are not only academically strong but bring backgrounds as government leaders, talented athletes and accomplished writers and performers," says Shay. "We are so fortunate on this campus to see such diversity."
First-time students are joined by a strong class of transfer students and 45 international students from 15 countries.
During student convocation Aug. 26, Dori Farthing, assistant professor of geological sciences, addressed "It Is My Great Pleasure to Recommend ...," providing valuable advice to new students about the importance of starting early in their college careers to nurture the letters of recommendations they will need to succeed.
"Think about each professor or staff member as a potential recommender, and also remember that recommendation letters are bigger than grades," said Farthing.
She also recommended that students make sure recommenders are aware of their work outside of the classroom.
"Don't be merely a biology major or an English major," said Farthing. "Be a global citizen-volunteer and seek service opportunities here. Also be a scholar of the liberal arts. These experiences enhance your classwork and enhance your soul."
At the opening faculty convocation Aug. 25, President Christopher C. Dahl recognized recent 2012 award recipients:
- SUNY Board of Trustees Distinguished Professorship Honors
Beth McCoy, Distinguished Teaching Professor of English
Linda House, Distinguished Teaching Professor of Communicative Disorders and Sciences - SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching
Alice Rutkowski, associate professor of English
Shuo Chen, associate professor of economics - Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service
Kenneth D. Kallio, associate professor of psychology - Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities
Anthony J. Macula, professor of mathematics - Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service
Calvin J. Gantt, director of Access Opportunity Programs - Rebecca Lewis, assistant provost for international programs
- Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Classified Service
Donna Gerould, agency program aide in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation - President's Award for Excellence in Academic Advising
Paul Pacheco, associate professor of anthropology - President's Award for Excellence in Research and Creativity
Michael Oberg, professor of history - President's Award for Outstanding Professional Service
Charles Matthews, director of the college union and activities - Drs. Carol and Michael Harter Endowment for Faculty Mentoring Award
Edward Pogozelski, associate professor of physics - Joseph M. O'Brien Award for Excellence in Part-Time Teaching
Elizabeth Falk, lecturer in the School of Education - Art Hatton Award for Excellence in College Advancement
Ronald Herzman, Distinguished Teaching Professor of English
Andrea Klein, director of scheduling, events and conference services