Celebrating 50 Years at SUNY Empire State College
In 1971, SUNY Empire State College began as a bold reimagining of the higher education experience. A “non-campus institution,” as former SUNY Chancellor Ernest Boyer described it, “that would not depend on the rigidity of the calendar or class schedule but on the creativity of the students.”
That college is SUNY Empire.
For the past five decades, SUNY Empire has transformed the face of student-centered, accessible, equitable education, ushering in a world of possibilities for busy adult learners.
From mail-in correspondence and satellite feeds, to internet-based and blended coursework, SUNY Empire has been – and remains – at the forefront of distance and online education. Since its inception, SUNY Empire has awarded more than 89,000 degrees to students of all ages and backgrounds around the state, the country, and the globe.
SUNY Empire continues its tradition of Leading the Way, offering the ability to pursue advanced degrees to those who otherwise might not have the access, means, or opportunity.
And with ever-expanding degree programs, technologies, and course terms, we’re looking forward to the next 50 years.
Here's the scoop: SUNY Empire State College and Stewart’s Shops teamed up to celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary with a dedicated ice cream flavor, SUNY Empire Blue-Ha-Ha.
We usually don’t play flav-o-rites when it comes to ice cream, but we’re making an exception for this one: richer roast coffee ice cream with espresso-flavored chocolate flakes — renamed in honor of our mascot, Blue! (Perfect for late-night studying.)
Blue Ha-Ha will be available at cone counters at these Saratoga Springs Stewart’s Shops from April 26 to August 29, 2021:
- 402 Lake Avenue
- 15 Maple Dell
- 521 Broadway
- 30 Church Street
- 8 Circular Street
- 86 West Avenue
Get yours today! (And tomorrow. And the next day.)
50 Years. 50 Stories.
Celebrating SUNY Empire’s Golden Anniversary
In 50 short years, SUNY Empire State College helped pioneer and shape distance and online education, not just in New York state, but across the country and around the world. But it’s the people behind that half-century-long effort who deserve the spotlight – the administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and political figures who built the college from the ground up.
Throughout our 50th anniversary, SUNY Empire will tell the stories of 50 people who have made extraordinary contributions to the college – shaping our past, present, and future.
And we invite you to be part of the process! Submit your nomination for an individual who made significant contributions to SUNY Empire, represents a particular era in our history, or graduated and went on to change the world in important ways.
Our 50th anniversary committee will review all submissions and round out our list with those that best reflect the spirit and mission of our college.
Thank you, in advance, for your support.
All Fields Are Required*
50th Anniversary Trivia
How well do you know the history of SUNY Empire State College?
Take our 10-question quiz and test your knowledge…
SUNY Empire Logo History
Our dedication to distance learning never changes, but our look certainly has!
1971 - 1983
1983 - 1987
1987 - 1990
1990 - 1996
1996 - 1999
1999 - 2003
2003 - 2014
2014 - 2017
2017 - 2019
2019 - Present
Mask Up for Student Success
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary, but it's also affecting some of our students and their dreams of pursuing a degree. When you purchase a Blue the Bluebird or SUNY Empire logo mask, all proceeds directly benefit our students impacted by the pandemic.
Support our students while showing your school spirit!
