Dr. Brenner Celebrates

SUNY Presidents, Values

By LIBBY CUDMORE • allotsego.com

ONEONTA – “This isn’t your grandparent’s college, or even your parents,” said Dr. David Brenner, the retired associate director of academic affairs at SUNY Oneonta.

But one thing has remained across generations — the college’s commitment to values.

Brenner was on hand to discuss these values and the history of the college at a luncheon celebrating “Red Day,” the 125th anniversary of SUNY Oneonta’s founding as a Normal School on Sept. 4, 1889.  “I see the possibilities full of promise,” said principal James A. Milne at the dedication.  “Today we dedicate, tomorrow we change possibility into reality.”

Milne was president until 1898, when Percy Bugbee was appointed.  In one of his final speeches, Milne told the gathered faculty, “Institutions are greater than men.  This institution is greater than any man or set of men.”