150th Timeline Resized
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2006 Integrated Science Center Opened in November
Read memories of the ISC and other special places on campus. Photo: The new science building project progress in September 2004.
1989 Carol Harter Inaugurated as President
President Edward Jakubauskas left Geneseo in 1988 to become president of the much-larger Central Michigan University, and Carol Harter was named to succeed him, serving until 1995. Harter, who held a doctorate from SUNY Binghamton, came to SUNY Geneseo from Ohio University, where she had served as vice president. Under Harter’s leadership, Geneseo enjoyed a positive brand reputation, increased applications from academically talented students, a more research-oriented faculty, larger annual fund donations, and ongoing growth plans. Harter found ways to recognize and reward outstanding faculty. She balanced budget shortfalls by finding savings in the form of energy conservation measures and retirements to fund faculty and staff proposals reflecting Geneseo’s academic mission, initiate program reviews, and transform the College into a more diverse, highly selective public liberal arts institution.150150thanniversaryarchivearchivescarolcarol harterfilmharterhistoricalportraitportraitspresidentpresidentsscanscans
1955 Experimentalist Launched
First published in 1955, the Experimentalist shared literary works of students and was edited by the English department until the late 1990s. In 2003, students debuted the first issue of MiNT, which also features student works. The current magazine is funded by Student Activities.
1879 Class Gift
The senior class presented the school with its first class gift: a John Rogers’s sculpture, Hide and Seek: Whoop!
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1968 Alumni Association Became SUNY Charter Member
The alumni association became a charter member of the SUNY Alumni Association. The SUNY Geneseo Alumni Association (SGAA) is the official alumni association of Geneseo, serving past, present, and future alumni and fostering lifelong connections among alumni and the College through inclusive experiences, educational opportunities, and meaningful communication.
1871 William S. Milne Named Principal
Scotsman William S. Milne was appointed as the school’s first principal at 28 years old less than a month before opening. Having received his master’s and doctorate from the University of Rochester, Milne served as professor of ancient languages at Brockport State Normal School before his appointment at Geneseo. He served in this role until 1889.150150thanniversaryarchivearchivesfilmhistoricalmilneportraitportraitspresidentpresidentsscanscanswilliamwilliam milne
2011 Capital Campaign Launched
Geneseo launched the largest capital campaign in its history, Shaping Lives of Purpose, to bolster the college’s endowment and strengthen its program offerings to students.
2012 Village/College Compact Signed
SUNY Geneseo and the Village of Geneseo jointly signed a village/college compact on December 5, renewing a commitment to a high quality of life for all who live, work, and study in the village.chris dahlchristopher c dahlcollegecollege village compactcompactdahldick hathewayhathewaypresident christopher c dahlpresident dahlvillagevillage compact
2015 Bailey Hall Renovated
Bailey Hall reopened after renovation, creating a larger, more energy-efficient building with modern classrooms, offices, and laboratory space. The building houses four social science departments: anthropology, geography, psychology, and sociology.2013KWbaileybailey hall constructionbailey rainbowcampus rainbowfallfall 2013rainbowsunset rainbow
2013 Monroe Residence Hall Re-opened as a Model for Sustainability
After undergoing its first renovation since opening in 1961, Monroe Hall reopened to 170 students and staff as the most environmentally friendly residence hall. At the time, it was one of the most energy-efficient residence halls on campus and later became the first building on campus to receive the LEED Gold Certification. To reduce energy use, heating and cooling for the building is controlled by geothermal wells underground, and a rainwater harvesting system on the roof conserves water by channeling it for use in toilets. The entire project focused on sustainability to reduce environmental impact. It also supported the national agreement that then-president Christopher Dahl signed in 2007 calling for a reduction in the college’s overall impact on the environment and the integration of sustainability issues into education and campus culture.2014KWdormdormitoriesdormshallmonroemonroe hallresidence hallsspringspring 2014
2015 Bailey Hall Renovated
Bailey Hall reopened after renovation, creating a larger, more energy-efficient building with modern classrooms, offices, and laboratory space. The building houses four social science departments: anthropology, geography, psychology, and sociology.2014KWatriumbaileybailey hallbuildingfallfall 2014hallnewrenovation
1956 Wadsworth Auditorium Opened
The 1,000-seat Wadsworth Auditorium, built on the site of Old Main, was named in honor of all members of the Wadsworth family who played a role in the college’s history. The auditorium has been the college’s hub for performances, lectures, convocations, and many other events. Picture: Curtain call for the summer 2015 Finger Lakes Opera performance of Elixir of Love2015KWartartsdresselixirelixir of lovefallfall 2015fingerfinger lakes operaflolakesloveofoperaperformancerehearsalwadsworth auditorium
2015 Denise Battles Named President
The State University of New York Board of Trustees appointed Denise A. Battles as the new president of SUNY Geneseo. Battles, who holds a doctorate in geology from the University of California, Los Angeles, formerly served as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Interim President Carol S. Long led the College since Christopher Dahl retired in 2013.2015KWa.battlesceremonydenisedenise battleseventfallfall 2015inauguralinaugurationinductioninstallationmarshall lichtmannancypresidentpresident'spresidentialpresidentszimpher
1956 Wadsworth Auditorium Opened
The 1,000-seat Wadsworth Auditorium, built on the site of Old Main, was named in honor of all members of the Wadsworth family who played a role in the college’s history. The auditorium has been the college’s hub for performances, lectures, convocations, and many other events. Photo: President Denise A. Battles is formally initiated as the 13th President of SUNY Geneseo in October, 20152015KWa.battlesceremonydenisedenise battleseventfallfall 2015inauguralinaugurationinductioninstallationmarshall lichtmannancypresidentpresident'spresidentialpresidentszimpher
1888 Emmeline the Bear
An iconic feature of Geneseo village is Emmeline, the bear statue sitting atop a fountain on Main Street. Built by brothers William Austin and Herbert Wadsworth to honor their mother, the fountain originally served as a watering hole for thirsty horses. For much of the mid-20th century, the fountain served as a traffic control device, complete with signs and flashing lights. / Photo courtesy APOG
