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SUNY Fredonia’s Class of 1959 dedicated its 50th anniversary gift, as two residential-sized wind generators were installed at the Mackie Memorial College Lodge in Brocton.
The wind generators will reduce the lodge’s steep electric costs by 50 percent, and the green energy they provide fulfills the Class of 1959’s goal of setting a “green” example for future generations to follow.
A ceremony was held June 7 at the college lodge, celebrating the vision of the Class of 1959. Speakers included SUNY Fredonia Vice President for University Advancement David Tiffany; Special Programs Director Katie Thies of the Faculty Student Association (FSA); FSA Director of Support Services Ronald Wasik; Class of 1959 President and Reunion Committee Chair Edward Buseck; Reunion Committee Members Clare (Casella) Krug and Diane (Nitsch) Coville; and SUNY Fredonia Senior Director of Development Karen West.
A bronze plaque will be displayed thanking the Class of 1959 for providing the vision and acting as the driving force for the project. All donors are also listed on a framed certificate which will be displayed in the main room of the lodge.
Despite the Class of 1959’s relatively small size, it generated one of the most successful 50-year class fundraising efforts in recent memory. Those efforts remain ongoing, as many continue to donate generously to the passionate vision of setting a green example to benefit not only SUNY Fredonia, but the environment as a whole. The dedication this class
demonstrated led the Class of 1960 to vote to add its support to the project as well, as part of its own 50th anniversary gift.
“The Class of 1959 wind generators can also serve as an educational tool, for students as well as the community,” said Mr. Buseck. “Serving in this role as a leader in the county, we will inspire people to think about green power for their own uses.”
The Class of 1959’s Wind Generator Project began as part of its 50-year reunion planning in the fall of 2008. Its members agreed their installation would greatly benefit the college lodge, a place that holds countless memories for 1959 alumni. The generators were approved by the Town of Portland in early 2010, installed by September, and were producing power by October.
“On behalf of FSA, I wish to acknowledge the Class of 1959 for embarking on a
new journey in a long-standing relationship between FSA and the alumni of SUNY Fredonia,” said Ms. Thies. “Throughout the years, alumni, students, faculty and staff have participated in enhancing this outstanding resource. FSA is most excited to further its sustainable efforts with the addition of the two new wind generators initiated by your gift.”
“We want to leave this planet to our children with the same lifestyle that we were fortunate to have,” added Mrs. Coville.
“For this to happen, our children are going to have to rely on new resources. Our gift shows the students of SUNY Fredonia that we are interested in using resources responsibly, and that they need to find new resources and technology for preserving this green earth of ours.”
