The Class of 2029 arrives for New Student Convocation (SUNY Geneseo/Matt Burkhartt)
Students, faculty, and staff marked the beginning of Fall 2025 at two campus convocations this week.
New Student Convocation on August 21 officially started the 2025–26 academic year at Geneseo. The event included a keynote address by Hanna Brant, associate professor of political science and international relations, who encouraged students to find their community.
“The fact that Geneseo has belonging as one of our key values demonstrates our commitment to helping you feel like you belong here. Because you do,” Brant said. Resist any tendency toward imposter syndrome, she added. “You bring an important contribution to every space you are a part of, and your voice and perspective should be heard.”
Alumni speaker Amy Bishop-Wycisk ’15 (English major, German minor), a literary agent with Trellis Literary Management, reminded students that they get out of college what they put into it. “So say yes to things,” she said. “Take the leap. Go to office hours. Do the study abroad trip. Get to know your professors. Rush the sorority or fraternity. Join the club. Try out for the musical. Form your community. Throw your arms around these four years and hang on tight.”
Student Association President Lucas Pastwik ’27, a political science major from Eden, NY, spoke of the importance of resilience. “Each fracture, each late-night doubt, each unexpected personal twist has added [to your] character, depth, and resilience,” he said. “And remember, resilience doesn’t mean doing it alone. The Geneseo community and the Student Association have your back.”
Geneseo’s Opening Convocation for faculty and staff on August 22 celebrated the following 2025 award recipients:
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Adjunct Teaching
Tomomi Tewksbury
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service
Erin Burger
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Faculty Service
Kristina Hannam
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Librarianship
Alana Nuth
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service
George Gagnier
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
Sedar Ngoma
Chancellor’s Horizon Award for Faculty Research and Scholarship
Hanna Brant
Distinguished Teaching Professor
Scott Giorgis
Faculty Career Achievement Award
Avan Jassawalla
Faculty promotions and appointments announced at Opening Convocation:
Hanna Brant, continuing appointment in political science and international relations
Sarah Brookes, promotion to associate professor of communication
Dori Farthing, promotion to professor of geological, environmental, and planetary sciences
Mackenzie Gerringer, continuing appointment in biology
Jennifer Guzmán, promotion to professor of anthropology
Aaron Heap, promotion to professor of mathematics
Andrew Herman, promotion to professor of communication
Varuni Jamburuthugoda, promotion to associate professor of biology
James Kernan, promotion to professor of geography and sustainability studies
, promotion to librarian
Jani Lewis, promotion to professor of biology
Amanda Lewis-Nang’ea, promotion to associate professor of history with continuing appointment
Ling Ma, promotion to associate professor of history with continuing appointment
Kathleen Mapes, promotion to professor of history
Alla Myzelev, promotion to professor of art history
Olaocha Nwabara, promotion to associate professor of English and creative writing with continuing appointment
Jason Ozubko, promotion to professor of psychology
Amanda Roth, promotion to professor of philosophy and gender, sexuality, and women’s studies
Michael Webb, promotion to associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry
Staff promotions and appointments announced at Opening Convocation:
Cindy Cole, promotion in Procurement and Property Control Services
Jennifer Kenyon, permanent appointment in International Student and Scholar Services
Rebecca Leathersich, permanent appointment in Milne Library
Faeeza Masood, promotion in Student Health and Counseling
Gerald Meade, promotion in Computing and Information Technology
Nicholas Palumbo, permanent appointment in Student Life
Paige Piccola, promotion in Computing and Information Technology
Leah Root, promotion in Milne Library