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SUNY Fredonia brings special connections

My column this week looks a bit different. I have decided to put “My Perspective” in poetic form because of the nature of the subject.

It was fifty-seven years ago that I interviewed for a the faculty position at SUNY Fredonia. I was offered and accepted the position.

Also later on my wife Elaine, our daughter Lisa, and our son son Mark and his wife … as well as several of our nieces and nephews…. enthusiastically attended Fredonia State The following is a brief poetic expression of my Fredonia experience.

SUNY FREDONIA

It was fifty-seven years ago and still counting…

Well over one-half century of SUNY Fredonia’s history to glean;

When “yours truly” first entered the halls of this College

At Old Main, which was then so much a part of the University scene.

Fredonia State has always been most highly regarded

As a major part of the University System of this State.

It stood for the best in all of its settings

Excellence in quality is its distinguishing trait..

Today, SUNY Fredonia maintains its luster even more so

Meeting the needs of students as its goal.

For the best in quality in teaching, research, and community service

Which stands so proudly, as the culture of its soul.

Fifty-seven years ago, when I first came to these hallways

Its wide variety of programs were rated “the very best.”

There was teacher education, the arts, and liberal studies

And new programs being developed with imaginative zest!

As Old Main then stood proudly on its legacy

And the campus saw amazing transformations…

The institution moved with energetic creative initiatives

Achieving highly acclaimed academic accreditations.

The student body grew in numbers and in majors,

As undergraduate and graduate programs did emerge.

A responsive State University took to heart its vital mission:

“To teach, to research, and to serve.”

My wife Elaine achieved her Masters from this campus

And our daughter Lisa, her BS in biology and pre-med was obtained.

And our son Mark, received the Administrative Advanced Certificate

Truly, high quality was their Fredonia experience attained.

In my memory, SUNY Fredonia remains so very special…

It has a place deep in our heart, that is for sure

For you see, fifty-seven years ago, I just knew

instinctively…

That the fondest of memories would so truly and lastingly endure.

— R. L. H.

Dr. Robert L. Heichberger is Emeritus Member of the College Council and Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus SUNY Fredonia

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