SUNY chancellor needs to rethink presidency plan

To the Editor:

As an alumnus from 1949, a United States Marine World War II Veteran, and a native of Gouverneur, I am deeply disturbed by the recent events at SUNY Canton.

I have personally invested significantly support in SUNY Canton with two family namings, three charitable remainder trusts, and two scholarship funds.  

SUNY Canton changes people’s lives by giving students a chance at lucrative and meaningful careers.

My Canton education gave me the chance to make a good life for my family and now I help others have the same opportunity.

To expect that one president serve both schools is insane and beyond a reasonable person’s comprehension. 

Frankly, I am tired of Albany officials looking to sacrifice the good works of the North Country in order to protect their coffers. 

SUNY Chancellor Zimpher needs to rethink her “Shared Presidencies”. 

Her job is to make sure that every university has the same opportunity to thrive as the others. 

At our Canton College Foundation Board meeting on September 30, it was said that it seemed this shared services plan was particularly targeted at the Agricultural and Technology Colleges - the colleges that provide the “working people” with knowledge to have successful careers.

Other schools, like Potsdam, are more noted for their more refined majors like music appreciation, and would not be potentially hurt by this program.

I know that attempts to share services have been done in the past and have failed miserably for a variety of reasons. 

SUNY wants “savings” to go to student academics. 

At Canton, everything is about the student experience. There is not much fat to cut without cutting people. 

Losing people – faculty and staff– will have a tremendous impact on student academics. 

Dr. Kennedy’s salary is a small price to pay for keeping SUNY Canton independent.

SUNY is talking out of both sides of their mouth. 

They want “savings” and they want more funds spent on academics. They claim that SUNY Canton is only spending 39% of their budget on academics. 

I want to see the numbers and their sources! I have been involved for many years and I believe that 39% is fictitious number and should actually be in the 50s.  

Yes, Chancellor Zimpher, I am calling you a manipulator and stretching the truth to justify your pathetic and ill-conceived program.

SUNY Canton’s alumni and community need to stand together and take action against this outrageous mess.

John L. Halford, Sr. `49

Gouverneur