Cultivating the Ideas of Global Citizenship
Geneseo strives to educate globally aware citizens and foster a sense of civic responsibility here and abroad. By Denise A. Battles The phrase “It takes a village …” comes from a now well-known African proverb, but its meaning has morphed into an acknowledgment of the collective responsibility we all share for addressing humanity’s issues. At SUNY Geneseo, we cultivate the ideals of global citizenship and thinking...
Leading with Empathy, Vision and Compassion
Geneseo is motivating and mobilizing others to address the challenges that face our country and our world. By President Denise A. Battles Simply put, Geneseo is going through one of the most tumultuous times the College has faced in its nearly 150 years of existence. Thoughtful leadership of our beloved institution, however, does not rest on the shoulders of one individual — it takes a united community of deeply caring and committed...
Fostering a Love of Learning
A lifetime of inquiry builds our knowledge and inspires us to serve others. By President Denise A. Battles I am writing this message in early June, as the nation and world continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic and are engaged in a crucial conversation about systemic racism and the need for change. By the time of your reading, the particulars of that environment may have again altered, but there’s little doubt that these public health...
It’s Complicated
Geneseo’s liberal education prepares students to simplify complex problems. By President Denise A. Battles “Aaah, the good ol’ days!” While that expression harkens back to a supposedly less complicated time, it’s largely an illusion. Our society has always presented us with complex problems — and throughout Geneseo’s history, the College has striven to provide a liberal education essential to solving them. Today...
Blurring the Lines
Geneseo’s vision of integrative learning transforms lives. Among the most rewarding aspects of my presidency is the opportunity to see how Geneseo transforms lives. As I wonder at our students’ achievements, I find myself anticipating what their promising futures may hold. There is an enduring power that comes from a Geneseo liberal education, fueled by our mission to prepare students for an enriched life and success in the...
Keeping an Eye on the Future
Geneseo minds are solving today’s problems to create tomorrow’s opportunities. Familiar sayings are often variations of someone’s original words. On May 25, 1946, the New York Times reported that Albert Einstein sent a telegram to several hundred prominent Americans under the headline, “Scientist in plea for $200,000 to promote new type of essential thinking.” At the dawn of the atomic age, Einstein understood the inherent...
The Geneseo Gene
“Work hard, play hard.” Without question, those four words define the unparalleled drive that fuels the determination of Geneseo students to succeed and have fun. Not surprisingly, the mere mention of that maxim invites alumni to recall their academic achievements, social activities and extracurricular passions that helped shape them into who they are today. In a book published in 1827, “The Principles of Physical, Intellectual,...
Beyond the Red Pin.
The power of place thrives at Geneseo. Thanks to Danish inventor, designer and software developer Jens Rasmussen, finding places has never been easier. A searcher simply types in the name or GPS coordinates of any destination, and the ubiquitous red Google Maps pin that Jens designed (or a close variation) precisely marks the location. The pin, however, tells only part of the story. It doesn’t reveal the power of place, the impact...
Standing the Test of Time
Resilience and sustainability define Geneseo’s ability to endure Since its founding in 1871, thirteen persons have served SUNY Geneseo as president. I am both honored and humbled to lead the College as we work together to advance this storied institution to even greater heights of distinction. Upon my arrival, one of my first priorities was to launch a collaborative strategic planning endeavor to chart our direction and guide our...
Cultivating Community
Fostering inclusivity makes Geneseo stronger and better. On various occasions, I’ve heard people comment, “There must be something in the water!” to account for the strong sense of place that makes Geneseo so special. It’s almost magical how that feeling of belonging stirs passion among alumni and friends, drawing them close to the Valley across distance and time. I sensed that magic the first time I visited campus, and three years...
Scene Around the World
Where will you take your issue of the Geneseo Scene? Check out our Scene Around the World photo gallery and submit your own snapshot.