Ribbon Cutting

Today we officially celebrated the generous gift of our new library building with a ribbon cutting ceremony. B Thomas Golisano, after whom the building is named, donated $5 million dollars - a goodly portion of the $11.5 million dollar campaign to raise this edifice.

Mr. Golisano founded Paychex, a local company. Their website reads as follows:

"Paychex, Inc. is a recognized leader in the payroll and human resource industry, serving approximately 561,000 businesses nationwide. With president and chief executive officer Jonathan J. Judge at the helm, the Paychex commitment to customers remains as strong today as it was when the company was founded by B. Thomas Golisano in 1971."

http://www.paychex.com/company/aboutus.aspx (9/10/2007).



Mr. Golisano was obviously touched by the outpouring of thanks, and mentioned that without his many employees his gift would not have been possible.

We began with a short chapel service where the students were offered the opportunity to express their thanks. They did so by filling the chapel to capacity and applauding, granting a standing ovation to Mr. Golisano's remarks.

The college chaplain, Tom Kilburn opened with a call to worship.

The Chorale sang a Hanson piece titled "Song of Thanksgiving" under the direction of our new choral director, Stephen Caracciolo (nicely performed a cappella piece fresh out of the starting gate!).

President Martin welcomed everyone and told a bit about the process and the people involved.

Mr. Golisano responded, then, after a Prayer of Thanksgiving by President Martin, we all filed out of the cultural life center to the front of the library where chairs and an awning had been set up, and a long red ribbon blocked the entrance stairs.

For the Grand Opening Celebration, President Martin welcomed additional honored guests and donors including a number of area politicians. The press was there with cameras - I am sure we will make the evening news - and the local paper, the Democrat and Chronicle, ran a whole insert dedicated to the new facility.

Other brief speakers included the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Student Association President ( who presented Mr. Golisano with a life time pass for free coffee at the Cafe), a Monroe County Executive, the Provost of RWC and the Vice President for Advancement. Mr. Golisano addressed the group with generous comments and a few jokes.

Then the platform party stepped up to the ribbon and held on while Mr. Golisano cut it. Applause was long and heartfelt. Attendees streamed into the building for a look see. We had set up powerpoints in digital frames so people could wander through the place and be aware of all the great features. There were also guided tours. Most were interested in the LEED aspect (Leadership in Energy and Engineering Design) where we use the geothermal heating and cooling (still working a few bugs out of that), the lights that dim in daylight and brighten at night, use of natural lighting, all those conservation features that monitor environmental impact.

Overall though, the reaction upon entering was a jow dropping "Wow!" and I heartily amen that. Even though I know about all the little glitches and quirks, I love this building. Its comfortable. Students feel at home in it and make it their own. Best of all is the openness. You can find what you want and things are laid out well with plenty of space.

I suppose that's true of all new buildings, and after time, they get crammed with more than they should, they age, they sag. But its wonderful to live in a good one for once and be able to really help people connect with their research needs.