Lovin' the Spirit
ALBANY, N.Y. (Oct. 23, 2017) — Thousands of students, alumni, fans and community members celebrated the University at Albany during Homecoming Weekend. From theater to art, tailgating to cheering on the Great Danes in soccer and football, to a visit from Academy-award winning actress Octavia Spencer, the weekend had something for everyone.
On Saturday, the University Art Museum hosted a reception for its exhibition that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the museum.
Later that day, three individuals were inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame: Geir Gudmundsen, a celebrated football offensive lineman from 2001-04; Alyssa Lotmore, a cross country and track star from 2003-07; and Jamar Wilson, the all-time leading scorer in UAlbany’s men’s basketball history, who played from 2002-07. Also inducted was the entire 2005-06 mens basketball team, which earned the program’s first Division I America East Tournament.
SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson handled the coin toss prior to the football game against the University of Maine. The game was preceded by a tailgate party that had the whole community grilling and feasting in the parking lots.
On Friday night, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy held an alumni reception and awards ceremony, recognizing distinguished alumni for their contributions in the areas of political science, public administration, leadership and continuing professional development.
This year’s awardees were H. Curtis Spalding, MPA ’84 of Brown University’s Institute for Environment & Society; Gil Klinger, BA ’81, vice president of Business Development, Space and Intelligence for Raytheon; Kathleen Rooney, MPA ’85, county manager for Schenectady County; Joe Bonilla, BA ’11, managing partner for Relentless Awareness; Nantasha Williams, MPA ’14 , national organizer for the Women’s March on Washington; and Lewis Wiener, BA ’84, partner and co-chair of Global Financial Services Disputes and Investigations for Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP.
There were plenty of opportunities for alumni, students and families to catch up with each other, including a President’s breakfast and a Great Dane lunch reception.
Octavia Spencer’s appearance, part of the University at Albany Speaker Series was well received with a great turnout in the SEFCU arena Saturday night. The weekend ended with an Art Song Festival Sunday afternoon in the performing arts center.
Photos by Paul Miller
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A comprehensive public research university, the University at Albany-SUNY offers more than 120 undergraduate majors and minors and 125 master's, doctoral and graduate certificate programs. UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, education, public health,health sciences, criminal justice, emergency preparedness, engineering and applied sciences, informatics, public administration, social welfare and sociology, taught by an extensive roster of faculty experts. It also offers expanded academic and research opportunities for students through an affiliation with Albany Law School. With a curriculum enhanced by 600 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers.
