Senate Resolution No. 2317

BY: Senator WEBB

COMMEMORATING the 80th Anniversary of Binghamton
University in 2026

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those institutions of commitment and high achievement whose
purpose and endeavor have been dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in
the education of the citizens of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Binghamton University, named a
top-ranked "Public Ivy" school by Forbes, in 2026; and

WHEREAS, In 1946, Binghamton University was first established as
Triple Cities College to serve the needs of local veterans returning
from service in World War II; originally located in Endicott, New York,
five miles west of the present campus, the fledgling school was a branch
of Syracuse University; and

WHEREAS, Four years later, the College was incorporated into the
State University of New York (SUNY) and renamed Harpur College in honor
of Robert Harpur, a Colonial teacher, patriot, and pioneer who helped
settle the area west of Binghamton; and

WHEREAS, In 1961, the campus moved across the Susquehanna River to
Vestal; growing enrollment and a reputation for excellence soon led to
the selection of Harpur College as one of four doctorate-granting
University Centers in the SUNY system; and

WHEREAS, In 1965, the campus was formally designated the State
University of New York at Binghamton, and in 1992, Binghamton University
was adopted; since its inception, the University has had five different
names, 18 different logos, and two mascots; and

WHEREAS, Binghamton University is dedicated to higher education, one
that combines an international reputation for graduate education,
research, scholarship, and creative endeavor with the best undergraduate
programs available at any public university; the University's staff and
students pursue their goals with determination, striving for
intellectual and personal growth, especially in the face of adversity;
and

WHEREAS, The vision of Binghamton University is to design a
distinctly global educational experience and foster an inclusive campus
community that infuses all aspects of college life with an international
perspective; the values of the campus are unity, identity, and
excellence; and

WHEREAS, Binghamton University's official motto is, "From breadth
through depth to perspective"; this motto reflects the University's
educational philosophy, emphasizing a progression in learning: Breadth -
exposure to a wide range of experiences, disciplines, and viewpoints;
Depth - focused study and exploration within chosen areas of interest;

and Perspective - gaining a broader, more nuanced understanding of the
world and oneself; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Binghamton University's games have
featured several different mascots, including Harpo the Mexican Burro
and Baxter the Bearcat; and

WHEREAS, Binghamton University has been recognized with seven
national awards for innovation in international education; the
University enjoys an ever-increasing national recognition for academic
quality, innovative research and scholarship, and educational value; it
is ranked by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher
Education as an R1 ("very high research") institution, one of only 146
in the Nation; and

WHEREAS, The names of the centers of excellence at Binghamton
University are: Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC); Center
for Energy-Smart Electronic Systems (ES2); Center for Advanced
Microelectronics Manufacturing (CAMM); Center for Autonomous Solar Power
(CASP); North East Center for Chemical Energy Storage (NECCES); Center
for Heterogeneous Integration Research in Packaging (CHIRP); and
Binghamton Biofilm Research Center (BBRC); and

WHEREAS, Binghamton University is committed to collaborative
transdisciplinary research, inspirational artistic endeavors, and
high-impact educational experiences within an environment that advances
the following principles: diversity, equity, and inclusion;
international perspectives; and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, Students from more than 100 countries choose the University
because it is one of few American universities that emphasize meaningful
cultural and intellectual exchange; its educational outreach and service
initiatives continue to support local communities; and

WHEREAS, Throughout its 80-year history, 160,000 students have
graduated from Binghamton University; the University is a world-class
institution which offers students a broad, interdisciplinary education
with an international perspective and one of the most vibrant research
programs in the Nation; and

WHEREAS, As an impactful way of honoring the legacy of Binghamton
University and all that is to come, a grand celebration of its 80th
Anniversary of educational excellence will take place in October 2026,
including Homecoming Weekend at the beginning of the month; thousands of
alumni are invited to reconnect; and

WHEREAS, Binghamton University has remained steadfast in its mission
to work continuously and in partnership with the community to ensure
that all students develop and demonstrate the knowledge, skills,
abilities, and character needed to live useful, productive, and
rewarding lives; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Binghamton University, noting the
propriety of its goals, the constancy of its commitment, and the
significance of its accomplishments in preparing the students of today
and leaders of tomorrow; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted Binghamton University.