Making Headlines: Highlights from Across Campus and Beyond
Summer 2026 Issue
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Making Headlines: Highlights from Across Campus and Beyond
Every day, in classrooms, forests, labs, and communities near and far, the ESF community is turning bold ideas into action. Our students, faculty, staff, and alumni are restoring ecosystems, advancing sustainability, and finding new ways to improve our world. The stories below highlight the remarkable work happening across ESF, and the impact it’s having well-beyond our campus borders.
ESF Achieves Platinum STARS Rating
ESF earned a Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) Platinum
rating, the top sustainability rating from AASHE, placing it among four global institutions
under the new criteria. ESF led in academics, operations, and engagement, with strong
student participation, green building achievements, and major investment in sustainability,
reinforcing its leadership in higher education environmental performance and innovation.
The College is the only SUNY institution to achieve this rating.
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Rare Chestnut Bee Discovery
ESF pollinator ecologist Molly Jacobson ’21 collected two specimens of Andrena rehni, also known as the chestnut mining bee, from native American chestnut trees, marking
the first confirmed sighting of the species in Central New York and only the second
known population in the state.
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Cracking the Seneca Drums Mystery
The New York Times was among the national media outlets to cover Dr. Tim Morin, whose research on the
once-mysterious Seneca Drums was in the national spotlight. His research cracked the
mystery of this phenomenon that puzzled scientists for centuries. His work revealed
methane eruptions beneath Seneca Lake.
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Compost Comet Takes the Track
Dr. Jenny Frank B.S. ’15/MS ’18/Ph.D. ’22 and the Great Decay Speedsters participated
in the Red Bull Soapbox Race to highlight the importance of composting and sustainable
resource use. Their car was designed to raise awareness about composting and how people
use the planet’s resources.
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ESF Featured on Amazon Prime
ESF was featured in an episode of The College Tour, streaming on Prime Video. ESF
is the first SUNY to be highlighted on the program, giving viewers the inside scoop
on what it means to be a Mighty Oak.
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Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower Restored
ESF cut the ribbon on the restored Goodnow Mountain Fire Tower in the Adirondacks.
The restoration project included the installation of new galvanized metal steps, roof,
and landings that were airlifted to the mountaintop by helicopter. The project also
included repainting the tower and restoring the cabin at its base.
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ESF Internet Searches Leads to 1,000 Trees Planted
ESF students turned everyday web searches into climate action by adopting Ecosia,
a tree-planting search engine, planting more than 1,000 trees globally. Led by Oakie’s
Green Team, the initiative is expanding SUNY-wide, promoting sustainability through
technology, waste reduction programs, and student-led efforts to lower environmental
impact across campuses.
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To the Class of 2026: “Dare Mighty Things”
At ESF’s May 9 commencement, speakers urged graduates to “dare mighty things,” lead
with purpose, and embrace growth through challenges. Honorary degree recipient Basil
Seggos and student Isabella Uzcategui highlighted resilience and collaboration, while
President Joanie Mahoney emphasized values-driven leadership, celebrating the Class
of 2026’s achievements and commitment to environmental stewardship.
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