Syracuse's expo one of ten by SUNY, statewide
8 SUNY campuses in Central NY are showing how they're helping NY's economic revival
/ Photojournalist Craig McDowell
SUNY campuses are working harder at being part of the state's effort to revive New York's economy. Part of that effort, the SUNY Central New York Showcase, was in Syracuse on Monday morning.
The eight SUNY campuses each had several booths at the Sheraton hotel in Syracuse, showing their most innovative programs, and how those programs can help jumpstart the economy.
SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher tells us 'We said we could be an economic engine for New York's economic recovery, and we know that we enhance the quality of life of New Yorkers, so let's show it!"
The Sheraton University ballroom was packed with booths, showing off how New York wine can be marketed, dancing tabletop robots demonstrating human-computer interactions, test tube displays showing how basic scientific research is taught, and how local programs teach global skills.
The specifics of the 'Power of SUNY' strategic plan focus on improving global understanding, creating vibrant communities, building an energy-smart NY, promoting healthier communities, strengthening the educational pipeline and encouraging entrepreneurism. Zimpher says that despite the bottom-line goals, the basic, classic educational values are still being taught as the foundations for the more targeted programs, and that students will find there's a place for them to do well at a SUNY school.
Syracuse's session was one of 10 statewide, aimed at showcasing SUNY schools including Cayuga Community College, SUNY Cortland, Empire State College, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, Onondaga Community College, SUNY Oswego, Tompkins Cortland Community College and SUNY Upstate Medical University participated.
If there was a disappointment, it was that not too many members of the public came to see; most of the people in attendance were college administrators. But, Zimpher says the positives include that there were lots of pictures and videos being produced that will turn into marketing ventures for the individual campuses.
