President’s Newsletter

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Dear Colleagues:

Last week, Mike Andriatch and I travelled to Florida to meet with donors and alumni in Fort Myers, Naples, Sarasota, and Venice. Our trip included making new connections and stewarding long-standing donors. It was nice to spend time with incredible people who give so much to Brockport. I also spent time this week calling recent donors and thanking them for their support of Igniting Excellence: The Campaign for Brockport. We are making steady progress towards our ultimate fundraising goal of $40M.

Our legislative advocacy began in earnest this week. On Tuesday Director of Foundation and Governmental Relations Erica Linden and I met virtually with Assemblyman Hawley, and today we had a meeting with Assemblymember Lunsford, with further visits, both in person and online, scheduled in the coming weeks. Erica and I are the two registered lobbyists for SUNY Brockport and the only individuals who are allowed to advocate on behalf of the University in an official capacity. SUNY’s priorities include operating aid to cover the costs of collective bargaining agreements, expanding the SUNY Reconnect program that offers free community college for adult learners, expansion of the ASAP and ACE programs (which Brockport will benefit from next academic year, should the funding come through), expansion of the Empire State Service Corps, and funding for emergency aid for students. In addition, SUNY is advocating for increased capital dollars, funding for the SUNY hospitals and community colleges, and restoration of funds for areas that are slated for cuts.

Other regular meetings this week included Senate and one-to-ones with cabinet members. The monthly UUP labor management meeting took place this week as well, and we had a good discussion around areas of mutual interest. We are lucky to have such strong union leadership in UUP, and our dialogue is always open and frank. I am glad that they offer such good support for our UUP employees, as our CSEA leadership also does for CSEA employees.

Cabinet had a busy agenda at today’s meeting, with presentations by Keith Davis on global education and Chief Vasile on campus security programs, as well as a discussion around out of state tuition rate proposals and procurement guidelines.

I’m sending this newsletter earlier than normal, because the rest of this week, I will be traveling to Minnesota to visit my father, who lives in a VA home there. Both of my sisters will join me on this mini-vacation, and I look forward to a few days of family time. Thank you for understanding if it takes me a little while to respond to your emails upon my return.