Empire State University welcomes students at Fall Student Conference  

(ALBANY, NY — NOVEMBER 8, 2024) Empire State University welcomed students to Albany, New York for the 2024 Fall Student Conference on November 1-2, 2024. The conference brought in-person programming on artificial intelligence, resources for student success, and an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to meet face-to-face.  

President Lisa Vollendorf and Provost Rai Kathuria kicked off the conference by participating in a fireside chat detailing their journey to higher education administration and their passion for the future of Empire State University.  

President Lisa Vollendorf explained her path from Spanish language professor to leadership roles in the academic senate, dean, and provost at previous institutions to now president at Empire State University.  

“I like building, I like listening, and I like learning,” Vollendorf said. “I also know what I’m not good at, and I know to surround myself with people who have skills that are different. That piece is important as one transitions through jobs or careers—the ability to learn from people around us and hire people who truly bring diversity to a whole group.”  

Provost Rai Kathuria detailed a different transition: from scientific research to leading the Office of Academic Affairs. 

“When I came to higher education, my motivation was fixing the problems in front of me,” Kathuria said. “That drove me to administration and one thing led to another, so I think the takeaway here is to be open to change, take chances and opportunities that are beyond you.” 

Keynote Address: Future Proofing Your Education 

Claire Brady, president of Glass Half Full Consulting, presented the keynote address titled “Future Proofing Your Education: AI Skills for College & Beyond.” Brady is nationally recognized for her work adopting artificial intelligence and specializes in helping organizations using artificial intelligence to boost efficiency and create more meaningful human connections.  

Brady’s presentation discussed AI’s role in personalizing learning and fostering critical thinking, particularly in educational and professional settings.  

“Students are here at the cusp of an amazing time and this kind of transformation that’s happening in our workforce isn’t just happening to you, it’s happening with you and through you,” Brady said. “So, you have an ability to have a voice and have impact on global issues.”  

Student Awards 

Several students were recognized at the Empire State University Art Awards. Caleb Rubright, a visual arts student, was awarded first place for “Wild Horses.” Leighanne Jaronczyk, who is working toward a master’s degree in educational technology and learning design, took second place for “Must Have Been the Roses,” and Scotia Craver took third place for “Ab Ovo.”  

The semi-annual Blue Bird Award was also given out to Jennifer Edwards, Jason Fishner, Jessica Nivens, Sarah Gregory, and Alyx Arslanian.  

Inside the Bodega 

To create an immersive experience for this year’s student conference, Empire State University’s marketing team created a bodega from scratch, using Spanish-language, interactive products, free giveaways, and other interactive tools to engage with students and bring together parts of New York’s culture.  

“A bodega is what really brings a neighborhood together and brings people together, and it’s a place where you can find comfort when you need something,” Douglas Gruse, director of marketing, said. “So, for us, let’s celebrate that with our students and bring in lots of elements of fun.”  

The bodega includes standard products you might find mixed with SUNY Empire’s values of hard work, flexibility, and student success.  

Colleen Craven, graphic designer, said the team found inspiration from their own neighborhoods and then blended it with the university’s brand and colors to create a community hub for SUNY Empire.  

“It really feels like an Empire State University bodega to bring in what we’ve already done with something completely new, fresh, and exciting,” Craven said.  

Photos from the event can be found on MediaValet.