Newly-inaugurated Board of Trustees Chair Toby Bozzuto Jr. ’96 wrote to the Colgate University community with an update on the recent Trustees meetings that took place from Wednesday, Sept. 25, through Friday, Sept. 27. Bozzuto welcomed Christine Chao ’86 and Joe McGrath ’85 as newly-appointed Vice Chairs as well as Tal-ee E. Roberts ’01, Leslie F. Seidman ’84 and Gabriel T. Schwartz ’00 as new Board members.
During these meetings, University President Brian W. Casey gave updates on the Class of 2028 admission cycle, ongoing discussions with employee unions and a progress report on the first five years of Colgate’s Third-Century Plan. Key achievements include the grand opening of Bernstein Hall, additions and renovations to Olin Hall and the implementation of the Colgate Commitment, a financial accessibility initiative that eliminates federal loans from student aid packages.
Bozzuto also highlighted Casey’s new task force focused on reviewing the University’s institutional voice and the Statement on Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression.
“This work reflects Colgate’s commitment to upholding the principles of academic freedom while ensuring respectful discourse across our community,” Bozzuto wrote.
Looking to the future, Bozzuto shared the long-term goals discussed by the Board and President’s Cabinet during the Sept. 26 meeting. The Third-Century Plan priorities they outlined included increased financial aid, sustained investment in the four-year student experience and meaningful faculty support.
Board members also heard several key presentations from departments across the community.
Dean of Admission and Financial Aid Tara Bubble reported on national enrollment patterns at selective institutions like Colgate and concluded that the vast majority of college-bound students will need financial assistance. In response to this growing need, Bozzuto shared that the President’s cabinet is exploring ways to expand and optimize the aid budget.
Vice President and Dean of the College Paul J. McLoughlin, Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration JS Hope and Senior Associate Vice President and Campaign Director Kim Harris provided an overview of the ongoing construction on Broad Street. McLoughlin, Hope and Harris also presented a schedule for the first phase of the lower campus renovations and fifth residential commons. The Board also discussed ongoing projects, such as Peter’s Glen and the 18-22 Utica Street development in Hamilton.
The Board also touched on fundraising efforts. According to Bozzuto, the University continues to make notable progress in securing resources to support Colgate’s mission and enhance the student and academic experience. He was pleased to announce Colgate achieved a balanced budget last fiscal year — marking its 61st consecutive balanced budget — and received $12.7 million in donations.
Bozzuto expressed much enthusiasm about ongoing plans and gratitude to his fellow board and community members.
“I am extremely excited about the future of Colgate as these long-term endeavors are actualized. I want to thank the Board and the entire Colgate community for their support in fulfilling the mission of our institution and for their commitment to the goals of the Third-Century Plan,” Bozzuto said. “I would also like to express my deep gratitude to President Casey for his tremendous leadership, as well as to the Cabinet and the entire faculty and staff for their efforts.”
