Published: September 11, 2008 12:00 am      

SUCO to induct new president

ONEONTA _ The State University College at Oneonta will begin its 120th anniversary celebration and formally induct its seventh president at 11 a.m. Friday in the Dewar Arena of the Alumni Field House.

Nancy Kleniewski began her tenure in July, succeeding Alan Donovan.

Patrick Brown, chairman of the College Council, will preside at the ceremonies, according to information from the college. Interim SUNY Chancellor John B. Clark and SUNY Board of Trustees Chairman Carl T. Hayden will attend, the college said, as will many presidents and delegates from colleges throughout the Northeast.

The program will begin with greetings by Hayden and Clark, as well as Student Association President Dean McGowan, College Senate Chairman Adam Ryburn, College Foundation board President Sheila Striffler and Alumni Association board member John Jermyn.

Former Oneonta Mayor David Brenner will offer a presentation on SUCO's history.

After a musical performance by the college's Concert Choir under the direction of Robert Barstow, Clark and Hayden will introduce Kleniewski and conduct the ceremonial induction.

Kleniewski will speak, the college said, and the Concert Choir will lead the audience in the alma mater before the recessional.

SUCO was founded in 1889 as the Oneonta Normal School with the mission of preparing teachers for the state's public schools.

A founding member of the SUNY system, the college has grown into a liberal arts college with a pre-professional focus, enrolling more than 5,900 students in 69 undergraduate majors, nine graduate programs, and several specialized certificate programs.