SUNY Canton College Foundation Campus Enhancement Awards Focus on Student Programming and Campus Beautification

The SUNY Canton College Foundation Inc. recently provided nearly $30,000 in faculty, staff and student grants through the Campus Enhancement program.

“Campus Enhancement awards help SUNY Canton grow and aid in creating new and unique learning experiences,” said Vice President for Advancement Tracey Thompson. “They come in addition to scholarships and faculty development awards sponsored by the Canton College Foundation. We rely upon donations to fund the creative and innovative projects and are deeply grateful for all of the donors who make these programs possible.”

Several clubs sought funding for student programming. Most of the proposals emphasized fresh trends and bringing talented designers to campus from across the state. The African Student Union received funding to host a fashion show during the spring semester. Student group Sister 2 Sister designed an event to get students interested in hair and makeup styles. Cassidy Asiamah, a student leader from the Bronx, filed a proposal to bring streetwear designers to campus to create a pop-up shop.

Other student-focused initiatives included:

• $3,500 to continue funding the popular Living Writers Series.
• $3,000 allocated for college diversity initiatives.
• $1,000 for a Brother 2 Brother student club event.

Associate Professor Rajiv Narula, who teaches chemistry in the School of Science, Health and Criminal Justice filed a grant to enhance the college’s pollinator garden. Narula is an avid environmentalist and naturalist who oversees both the garden and the nearby Kenneth Theobald Botanical Nursery, which helps nurture saplings for replacing trees on campus. Narula also received $1,800 to put park benches near the Grasse River.

“I have always loved sitting by the water for mindfulness and relaxation,” Narula said. “I think we have a great waterfront on campus, and benches can help the community enjoy the space.”

Other campus enhancements funded this year include:

• $3,500 for the International Programs office to display flags from students’ countries of origin.
• $1,750 for the 2022 Engineers Week celebration.
• $1,850 to purchase a new 3D printer for the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.
• $1,200 to provide photography equipment for SUNY Canton Athletics.
• $900 for a new circuit board digital microscope for the Electrical Engineering Technology program.
• $550 to fund an annual entrepreneurial challenge offered through the college’s Management program.

The initiatives listed were examples of the 22 funded proposals that add significance to students’ learning experience and relevance to the college’s mission.

To support the College’s Campus Enhancement Awards, or to inquire about starting a scholarship opportunity, contact the SUNY Canton Foundation, foundation@canton.edu or call (315) 386-7127.