Courtesy Empire State College
SUNY Empire State College has completed what it calls a Resilience Garden, celebrating the compassion and courage of the college community during the COVID-19 pandemic and honoring all New Yorkers impacted by COVID-19.
Last fall, college staff and administration planted dozens of Asiatic lilies at the entrance of 113 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs. The lilies were donated to the college by Lisa Johnson, a project coordinator at SUNY Empire.
The unveiling was attended by local dignitaries state Sen. Daphne Jordan, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. SUNY Empire student Elaine Caruso-Roberts and Interim Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Interim Executive Director of the Empire State College Foundation Sue Epstein, Ph.D., also spoke at the ceremony.
The dedication coincided with the reopening of SUNY Empire’s physical locations and the return of its faculty and staff throughout New York state. During the pandemic, SUNY Empire moved to a fully online model to serve its students and keep their goal of earning a college degree within reach. The college is now poised to resume its online, in-person, and hybrid learning model for the fall term.
SUNY Empire Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea said, “In March 2020, we sent our students, faculty, and staff home due to the increasing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, we didn’t know how long we’d be apart or how we’d be impacted. This garden is a beautiful and lasting symbol that represents the resilience of our college community and communities across New York state. We look forward to welcoming back our students, faculty, and staff, which will add vibrancy to cities and towns across the state and help revitalize communities emerging from the pandemic.”
Woerner, of Round Lake said, “Even at the height of the pandemic, SUNY Empire continued to enable its students to pursue their education. Now, as their employees return to work, the college has made time to recognize the spirit of optimism that enables New Yorkers to persevere. It comes at the perfect moment, as we begin our recovery from the pandemic.”
Shimkus said planting of the garden “has not only enhanced the beauty of our community but also called to mind the strength and resolve that is in the heart of all New Yorkers.”