Post written by: Sandra Wohlleber

Dr. Richard Peagler’s time as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs is quickly coming to an end as our new VPSA, Greg Sharer, will arrive in early June. What better opportunity to take a few moments and reflect on the almost two years that Dr. Peagler has graciously held the additional VP responsibilities. Assessment is such a large part of our lives, what could be more fitting than surveying select individuals for their feedback . . .

What strengths did Dr. Peagler bring to this position?
*Excellent listening skills, compassion, and patience
*Focus on and belief in our students, and a sense of humor
*His knowledge about the College, the community, and the Division employees
* A wealth of experience from his years as the Director of the Counseling Center and Student Development Center

What positive contributions has Dr. Peagler made to the College and/or the student body?
*Leadership in establishing a viable Threat Assessment Team in the wake of the tragic event at Virginia Tech
*Continuing the important town/gown relations of the former VPSA and nurturing the excellent working relationship that the College enjoys with the City of Cortland
*Being readily accessible to the students and advocating on their behalf
*Advocating for the creation of the Student Affairs Faculty Connection Award

What impact did Dr. Peagler have on you since he has been interim VPSA?
*He has helped me grow as a leader, as an intellectual thinker and as a person.
*He has been an excellent role model for me and has offered important professional guidance.
*He has been an excellent supervisor — always accessible and always willing to listen.
*He has provided me with a welcome role model through his positive advice, positive outlook and the demonstration that he is a man of integrity as well as being accessible to all students.

What is your favorite memory of Interim VP Peagler?
*His infectious laugh . . . All I have to do is hear that laugh and I can’t help but smile.

If you could offer Dr. Peagler one final piece of advice as he transitions back into his position as Director of Counseling and Student Development, what would it be?
*Enjoy getting back to the work you love!
*Never change! You are awesome and have everyone’s best interest at heart!
*Enjoy the view from Corey Union while you can . . .

The Student Affairs Connections Committee, indeed the entire Student Affairs Division, says “Thank you” . . . thank you for your continued support of our collective mission and for providing us with your insights, your vision, and your positivity during this time of transition.

Post written by: Cynthia Lake

On May 7th, Midnight Breakfast raised over $1,000 for the Cortland Chapter of the American Red Cross. Faculty and staff volunteers cooked and served up something hot for a record-breaking 1,102 hungry SUNY Cortland students, the largest crowd in Midnight Breakfast history.
And that’s a lot of pots and pans to clean!

Many thanks go out to all the volunteers and to the sponsors of the event for providing a delicious way for the SUNY Cortland community to connect. The Student Affairs Connections Committee hopes that you will join us and volunteer in December ‘08! See you then!

Post written by: Michele Baran

“The time I spent @ Cortland were the best years of my life. I received a great education & was provided with numerous opportunities. The life experiences & friendships are invaluable.”

2006 Graduate Response from Grad Survey

“Positive Connections” is a series of short features highlighting examples of ways students have felt connected to SUNY Cortland. Many of the posts will come directly from recent graduates, though any source is welcome!

Post written by: Lisa Allen

The Student Affairs Faculty Connection Award is a newly created award designed to recognize a faculty member for establishing and maintaining significant connections with students outside of the classroom. Nominees were drawn from SUNY Cortland faculty serving in full-time teaching positions during the 2007-2008 academic year. We received many nominations that highlighted what great things faculty members are doing to connect with their students outside of the classroom.

The Student Affairs Connections Committee is pleased to announce that Dr. Caroline Kaltefleiter was selected to receive the award this year. Dr. Kaltefleiter is currently serving as the Women’s Studies Co-Coordinator. She is the formal advisor to POWER (Planet of Women for Equality and Respect) and an informal advisor to WSUC-FM and Cortland Students for Peace.

Based on the nominations Dr. Kaltefleiter received, it is obvious that she goes above and beyond what is expected of her to establish excellent relationships with students, participates in student life outside of the classroom, and strives to make success happen in the lives of everyone that comes in contact with her.

The nominations speak for themselves as they describe how “Dr. K. goes beyond what is needed…looks for opportunities to further facilitate the student experience outside of the classroom…extends herself as a mentor and a friend.” One nominator wrote that “without the guidance of Dr. K. it is unlikely that my experience here at Cortland could have been as incredible as it was.” Another stated that “Dr. Kaltefleiter is someone that does more than teaches her course material, she aims to inspire her students to try and make a difference in society.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. K. for all of her hard work inside and outside of the classroom.

Contributing to this post was Amber Ingalls ‘10, a member of the Student Affairs Connections Committee.

Post written by: Cynthia LakeSUNY Cortland faculty and staff members, along with President Bitterbaum, will gather on Wednesday, May 7th, to serve hot breakfast to our students in Neubig Dining Hall from 10:30 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.Midnight Breakfast is a wonderful service tradition that allows the campus community to connect and have an “eggscellent time” while providing a delicious study break. If you are a faculty or staff member that would like to help out, or would like more information, please contact Mike Pitaro at pitarom@cortland.edu.We hope to see you in the kitchen!

Post written by: Michele Baran

“I had the most amazing far years of my life at Cortland. It helped me to be the person I am today.”

2006 Graduate Response from Grad Survey

“Positive Connections” is a series of short features highlighting examples of ways students have felt connected to SUNY Cortland. Many of the posts will come directly from recent graduates, though any source is welcome!