President’s Message
Summer 2026 Issue
President’s Message
Dear Friends,
It is a pleasure to welcome you to this issue of the ESF Alumni Magazine and to share some encouraging news from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. ESF is moving forward with purpose, confidence, and momentum, and that progress is made possible by the continued engagement and support of our alumni community.
In recent months, the College has celebrated several wins that reflect our values and impact. ESF earned a Platinum rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS), administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). This recognition affirms our leadership in sustainability across academics, operations, research, and community engagement. ESF is the only SUNY institution to achieve a Platinum rating. Among nearly 400 institutions worldwide with a valid STARS rating, only four have reached this level, placing ESF in truly distinguished company.
We have also recently reached the close of our highly successful capital campaign. The generosity of alumni and friends who believe deeply in ESF’s mission is both humbling and inspiring. While you’ll find the full campaign results detailed later in this issue, I want to simply say thank you. Your support reinforces that the work being done at ESF — advancing research, educating future environmental leaders, and addressing the world’s most pressing challenges — is as vital today as it was when the College was founded in 1911.
At the same time, ESF continues its forward momentum through the implementation of our fiscal stability plan. This clear and thoughtful roadmap strengthens the College’s financial foundation and positions ESF for long-term success. We appreciate the support from SUNY with a shared commitment to transparency and accountability.
This spring we proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 along the shores of Onondaga Lake. Holding commencement at the Lakeview Amphitheater is a reminder of ESF’s enduring commitment to environmental stewardship and to the students who carry that mission forward.
Our faculty and researchers continue to push boundaries and expand knowledge in exciting ways, from groundbreaking discoveries in ecology and conservation to solving the scientific mysteries rooted in our region. Every day, their work contributes to healthier communities, stronger ecosystems, and a more sustainable future.
Sincerely,
Joanie Mahoney
President