Dear Members of the SUNY Oswego Community–
As we settle into the rhythms of a new semester, I feel hopeful and grateful for the journey we're sharing. The beginning of a new academic year is always special, bringing excitement for fresh starts, the promise of discovery, and the energy of our students, faculty, and staff as they return to campus. This season gives us the chance to reflect on our achievements and look confidently toward the future our Laker community is shaping.
Over the past year, our community of students, faculty, and staff has continued to demonstrate the strength, resilience, and creativity that define SUNY Oswego. Together, we achieved a 75.4% first-year retention rate, a notable improvement that highlights our collective commitment to student success. The expansion of our ACE program, made possible by our joint efforts, has had a significant impact. We still serve the largest ACE cohort in the SUNY system, supporting 410 students with tutoring and additional resources, including essentials like textbooks, groceries, and transportation. These investments reaffirm a core truth—when students have the resources they need, they persist, grow, and thrive.
Affordability remains a key part of our mission. Thanks to record-breaking fundraising efforts, we secured over $7 million in support, enabling us to award nearly 1,000 scholarships. Each scholarship represents an opportunity, a dream supported, and a life changed. This demonstrates the generosity of our community, and with new programs like the Shineman Oswego Scholars, we are ensuring that talented local students view SUNY Oswego not just as an option, but as their ultimate destination for higher education.
Our impact continues to reach well beyond campus. Partnerships with regional leaders are preparing us for the opportunities that Micron's historic investment will bring to Central New York. Our Regional Center for STEM Excellence is already making a difference for teachers and students across the county, while paid internships—up 41% last year—are providing more students with career-defining experiences. These connections reinforce what we know to be true: when SUNY Oswego grows, our community and region grow as well.
Equally important, we are cultivating a campus culture where every student feels a sense of belonging. New living-learning communities, expanded equity and inclusion programs, and the Being Bold dialogue series are creating spaces where students can be recognized, supported, and celebrated. Meanwhile, our faculty are thriving as scholars and mentors—advancing research, producing creative works, and engaging in global collaborations within our classrooms. Additionally, with sustainability initiatives like our new geothermal energy project, SUNY Oswego demonstrates how a university can lead in climate action while practicing responsible stewardship.
Looking ahead, I am especially excited to invite you to one of the most transformative moments in our history: the official opening of Hewitt Hall next month. This beautiful, state-of-the-art facility for arts, media, design, and communication will serve as a hub of creativity and innovation for generations to come. Hewitt Hall is more than just a building; it is a bold investment in our students, our community, and the power of education to shape the future. I encourage each of you to join in this celebration, which marks a new chapter for SUNY Oswego.
I also encourage you to join us for SUNY Oswego’s Annual Founder’s Weekend, happening September 25–28. As we celebrate 164 years of our university’s history and honor the vision of our founder, Edward Austin Sheldon, this special weekend brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university. From scholarly presentations, alumni gatherings, University Council, advisory and foundation board meetings, to the ALANA Conference and Psi Phi Gamma’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, there are many opportunities for everyone to engage, connect, and celebrate Oswego’s legacy and impact. I invite every member of our campus community to participate in this tradition that honors our history and confidently looks toward our future.
As we start this semester, let us build on the progress we've made and the momentum that is growing. Together, we will expand opportunities for students, foster stronger connections with our region, and ensure that every member of our community achieves success. I look forward to all we will achieve in the coming months—and to celebrating our shared accomplishments as one Laker family.
Details about my internal and external activities in furtherance of SUNY Oswego’s mission and strategic priorities are available online.
Remain well,
Peter O. Nwosu
President