County’s Leaders Look Ahead, Part 3

OTSEGO COUNTY—Iron String Press reached out to Otsego County’s movers and shakers to find out what they are most looking forward to accomplishing in the months ahead. The series concludes this week with updates from Glimmerglass Festival, Hartwick College and Springbrook.

Hartwick College

As the interim president of Hartwick, I am eager and enthusiastic about the numerous possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead for the college.

First and foremost, I am committed to continuing the momentum at Hartwick by fostering a vibrant and inclusive academic community. We will work toward enhancing the overall student experience, ensuring that our students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success in their personal and professional endeavors.

Establishing Hartwick’s leadership among residential colleges is a key objective. We aim to create an environment where academic success, health and well-being, and personal and professional development skills become a journey of shared success.

Celebrating the incredible work of our faculty and staff is another priority. Our dedicated educators play a vital role in shaping the future of our students. Recognizing and valuing their contributions is integral to maintaining a positive and collaborative campus culture.

Lastly, I look forward to engaging with the Hartwick College community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni and our broader network of supporters. Open communication and collaboration will be critical as we work together to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education and ensure the continued success of Hartwick College.

Interim President James H. Mullen Jr.

Glimmerglass Festival

The Glimmerglass Festival is in full swing preparing for our 2024 season, opening on July 22. The season, titled “Identity & Illusion,” will explore the many masks we wear and the roles we play in our daily lives, both onstage and off. I am particularly excited for this summer, as it is the first season I have planned in its entirety. “Identity & Illusion” promises a thrilling experience of myth, mystery and even a little mayhem. It will also immerse you in the productions as never before, as we unveil our new outdoor stage and artist-curated concert series, Lyrics on the Lawn. We are also well into preparations for Glimmerglass Festival’s 50th season in 2025. This once-in-a-generation anniversary will offer an opportunity for the whole community to celebrate one of its greatest cultural treasures and to explore the festival’s extraordinary journey from its first performances in the local high school to internationally acclaimed artistic powerhouse. We can’t wait to see you this summer!

Artistic and General Director Rob Ainsley

Springbrook

Two thousand twenty-four promises to be another year full of opportunities for growth, connections with the community and collaborative partnerships for Springbrook. Today, we continue the work we started yesterday by expanding on programs and services for Springbrook’s dedicated employees and continuing support for people with developmental disabilities.

In the new year, Springbrook will expand opportunities for employee growth through continuing partnerships with SUNY Oneonta and Hartwick College. Direct support professionals will have the opportunity to gain credentials through the SUNY Microcredentials for New York State’s DSPs program. At the same time, we will expand opportunities for employees working across all professional fields at Springbrook.

We also expect to complete the renovations of the Ford on Main, which will provide 24 housing units for people with developmental disabilities and a Supported Employment Service Hub. This new workspace will have employment specialists on site and expand a much-needed service for people seeking employment. Employment services have successfully placed people with developmental disabilities in paid entry-level positions, meeting employers’ needs in retail, food service, custodial, and more across 150+ regional businesses.

I wish all our partners and community members a successful 2024 for the best year yet!

Chief Executive Officer Patricia Kennedy