Good morning, everyone! What a truly special occasion it is to gather today for our 11th Annual Scholars Brunch during this vibrant Founder’s Weekend.
It is a weekend where our Laker green-and-gold spirit shines brightest, a time when we celebrate the enduring legacy of this remarkable institution. I am deeply honored to see so many of you here, united by a shared commitment to education and the future of SUNY Oswego.
First, to our incredible student scholarship recipients, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your hard work in classes and your active involvement in campus activities are not only shaping your own futures but are also advancing society by expanding knowledge and contributing your talents to the world.
You represent the very best of SUNY Oswego, embodying the spirit of discovery and dedication that our founder, Edward Austin Sheldon, envisioned 164 years ago. He was committed to educating students as individuals, helping them connect to classroom lessons through hands-on learning that activated their minds.
Today, we continue to deliver on that “Oswego promise” to provide access to education that ignites passion, cultivates minds, and transforms lives.
For those of you who have had the privilege of meeting your benefactors today, I hope you recognize the profound significance of your scholarship, extending far beyond its financial impact.
Many of these privately funded scholarships were established in memory of, or in honor of another person, or in celebration of another Laker’s experience here at SUNY Oswego. We hope you’ve learned more about what motivated their generosity and what they hope you gain from your own Oswego journey.
These individuals are not just sharing financial support; they want you to succeed here and in your life after graduation.
And now, to our extraordinary donors and benefactors, thank you. Thank you for caring so deeply about our Laker family and for being an integral part of us.
You are playing a critical role in helping our students achieve their dreams. You have willingly shared your resources, often without knowing the specific recipient or their unique situation.
Today, we hope you’ve not only met your recipients but have also witnessed the tangible impact your support has made on their educational experiences.
You have truly opened a door for these students to cross that threshold into higher education, changing their futures.
By sharing your support with SUNY Oswego, you affirm the vital role that higher education, and specifically SUNY Oswego, has played in your lives. Indeed, education transforms lives and ignites possibilities.
Many of you trace your own success back here to the shores of Lake Ontario, and you have returned to help others set sail for their adventures into the world.
As we begin to enact our new strategic plan, Transforming Lives, Igniting Possibilities, we are focusing on helping our students and our region: Grow, Connect, and Thrive.
We have a vision to build a more educated and prosperous region and graduate career-ready alumni with the necessary competencies and resilience to succeed in meaningful and fulfilling careers.
Research consistently shows that communities with higher educational attainment enjoy higher incomes, increased employment, better health, and greater civic engagement.
Everyone in this room has an important role to play in realizing this dream.
Your commitment, both as student scholars and benefactors, opens doors to social mobility, increased levels of community and civic engagement, and a more fulfilling and rewarding life for our graduates.
This is a return on investment that would make anyone proud. The impact of your philanthropy will continue to ripple through the lives of our students and communities.
Student scholars, go forth pursuing your studies and your dreams, knowing you have the unwavering support of this campus, our community partners, and generations of alumni working together to help you go far.
Thank you, once again, to our incredible students, our generous benefactors, and our entire Laker family. Your dedication lights the way to new possibilities.
Go Lakers!
—President Nwosu