Thanks to the generosity of Alfred University alumnus Joseph Agati, students are enjoying stylish and comfortable new furniture gracing Scholes Library.
Agati, who earned two degrees from Alfred—a bachelor’s in ceramic engineering in 1973 and an M.F.A. in 1975—founded Agati Furniture in 1981. The Chicago business specializes in durable furniture built to endure heavy use in public-facing spaces like libraries, airports, schools, waiting rooms in healthcare facilities. The furniture, inspired by the arts and craft style popular in public libraries in the 1980s, combines comfort and contemporary style in its design.
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 19 pieces of furniture manufactured by Agati were delivered to Scholes Library and set up on the main floor common area and on the ground floor. It includes several chairs, some tables, a sofa, bench seating, and a unique “pod” chair with wrap-around sides that has device charging capabilities.
Brian Sullivan, dean of libraries, explained that Board of Trustees member Terry Michalske ’75, a friend of Agati’s and fellow ceramic engineering major, had met and were discussing Alfred. Agati said he wanted to do something to support his alma mater, specifically Scholes Library, which serves the New York State College of Ceramics engineering and art programs. Sullivan said Michalske connected Agati with Mark Zupan, university president, and Agati told him he had some furniture available.
“(Agati) had been thinking about Alfred for a while,” Sullivan said. “He called me out of the blue and we had a great conversation.”
Mechele Romanchock, director of libraries, recalled the day the furniture was delivered, saying it caught the attention of students.
“It was fun bringing (the furniture) into the library. The students were excited—they take care of things and want to have nice spaces,” Romanchock said, noting with a laugh that students “kept sitting on the furniture before we could get it set up.”
“The students were picking up on our vibe,” Sullivan added. “In a way it felt like Christmas.”
Romanchock said students were interested to learn that an alumnus had made the donation. “To see that someone who graduated so long ago, and was still thinking of us, really resonated with them.”
Sullivan and Romanchock expressed their appreciation for Facilities Services personnel—including carpenter Terry Stephens and custodian Tim Steffey—for helping unload and assemble the furniture.
