The Sunny Side of Alfred

Alfred University's Admissions Office is looking to its talented students to create upbeat videos about "all things Alfred." The "Sunny Side of Alfred" contest is a follow-up to the first video contest featured by Admissions, launched in the fall of 2007, challenging students to create a video capturing what they love about AU or how AU has inspried them.

Prizes for the fall event included an Apple 8GB iPod Touch, an Apple 8GB iPod Nano with video, an RCA Small Wonder camcorder, and a $75 cash prize. Spring prizes feature an Alfred University Alfie Award, Sony miniDV camcorder, and iPod speakers and docking system.

AU Goes Green

Students from Green Alfred, a group of students who promote sustainability, have joined with members of the Student Dining Advisory Board and students from the interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Program to press for the elimination of trays in Alfred University dining halls. John Dietrich, director of dining services, says that simply by not offering trays, food and beverage waste can be reduced by between 30 and 50 percent. "At Alfred University, that equates to approximately 1,000 pounds of solid waste and 112 gallons of liquid waste on a weekly basis," he said. Read more about going 'trayless' at AU >>> .

AU Grads Know How to Succeed

Each August Alfred University's Career Development Center surveys graduates to find out what they are doing. This year's Destinations Report shows the following for our 2006 graduates:

• 69% of our undergrads were employed
• 31% of undergrads were pursuing graduate education
• 66% of graduate students were employed
• 32% of graduate students went on for further study

AU graduates found work with employers such as: Ralph Lauren, PPG Industries Inc., Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts, AVX Corp., New York City Police Department, General Electric, and the Archie Bray Foundation.

Top graduate school destinations included AU, American University, Cornell University, Georgia Technical Institute, University of Pittsburgh, University of Texas, Washington State, SUNY (State University of New York) Downstate Medical, and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.

View Destinations Reports >>> For more information regarding specific majors and other detailed information regarding the report, contact Mark McFadden, director of the Career Development Center at mcfaddenm@alfred.edu, or 607.871.2164.

It's All About Numbers

It is no secret that U.S. students and teachers lag behind other countries in mathematical skills. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, U.S. students were below the average in mathematics literacy among all students participating in the study.

Alfred University's new Numeracy Program is designed to call attention to the importance of mathematics and to provide certified teachers from all levels and disciplines with the skills and confidence to incorporate appropriate quantitative concepts into their teaching. The ultimate goal is to develop a population of students and adults who are able to understand and apply relevant mathematical content to their daily lives.

What's with the Walrus?

When Alfred University established its Honors Program about 20 years ago, we knew we didn't want it to be one of those stuffy, "overly impressed with ourselves" programs and so we may be the only one in the country with a seal that's really a walrus.

This fall's honors seminars continue a distinguished tradition of intellectual panache. From "Bullhorns, Breastplates and Brunhildes" to "Paris and Penguins" these courses offer students and faculty the opportunity to explore an eclectic array of topics in a convivial atmosphere.

Honors students not only learn together, they play together too. The year begins with an annual Death By Chocolate reception and is followed by special events, road trips, and of course, academic recognition. These are just a few of the many "real deals" in Alfred University's Honors Program. If you don't believe it just ask the Great Poobah.

World-class Industry Leaders, Innovative Programs, and Dynamic Global Brands

Denis Caysinger, Market Research Manager from Eastman Kodak Company and President of the Rochester American Marketing Association delivered the most recent in an on-going series of presentations sponsored by the marketing program in the College of Business. The speaker series, along with client-based community projects, attendance at professional conference, and international study tours is part of an overall effort to expose students to experts in the field and provide them with distinctive, hands-on instruction in a "real-world" setting.

October's speakers will include Alfred University alumni, Peter Cuneo, chairman of Marvel Entertainment and Jenn Ward, marketing manager at Yahoo!

Library Renovation Nears Completion

The Herrick Library renovation is on track to open its doors on August 21, 2007. The transformation of the library includes a 24 hour study space with adjacent vending machines, wireless technology throughout the building, a "learning commons" where students can collaborate on projects, and a coffee bar for study breaks.

The Information Technology Services area of the library will offer a digital media lab for students, faculty, and staff. Features will include a video production room complete with a green screen lighting kit and a professional quality camera, an audio production booth with professional audio recording equipment, and video/audio production workstations loaded with Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop and other audio and video production software.