Alumni Quad at the University at Albany: A History

The University at Albany (UAlbany), a public research university and one of the four "university centers" of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1844. Throughout its existence, the university has undergone several transformations, including changes in name and location, reflecting its evolving mission and growth. This article delves into the history of the Alumni Quad, a significant part of UAlbany's downtown campus, while also exploring related aspects of the university's history and student life.

From Normal School to University Center

The institution began its journey as the New York State Normal School in 1844, established by a vote of the State Legislature. David Perkins Page served as its first principal. Over the years, it transitioned through several names, including the New York State Normal College (1890-1914) and the New York State College for Teachers (1914-1959). In 1948, the State University of New York system was created, with the College for Teachers and other state teacher-training schools forming its foundation.

In 1959, the institution was renamed SUNY College of Education at Albany, followed by State University College at Albany in 1961. Finally, in 1962, it achieved the status of a doctoral-degree granting university center and became known as the State University of New York at Albany, or UAlbany.

The Downtown Campus and Alumni Quad

In 1909, a new campus was constructed on a 4.5-acre site between Washington and Western avenues. This location is now known as UAlbany's Downtown Campus. The first three buildings on this campus were Draper, Husted, and Hawley halls, built after a fire destroyed the previous location on Willett Street. Later additions included Richardson Hall, Page Hall, and The Milne School in 1929, as well as additions to Draper and Richardson halls in the 1960s. Husted Hall underwent major renovations in 2009.

Alumni Quad is a vital part of the Downtown Campus, serving as a residential complex for students. It houses international students, transfer students, and sophomore students. This quad is located approximately three miles away from the Uptown Campus. For new international and transfer students, living on Alumni Quad can be isolating as it can take 20 to 45 minutes to get to uptown campus. Many spend the semester just going to uptown campus for class, and then going back to their room on Alumni.

Student Life on Alumni Quad

Life on Alumni Quad can be markedly different from the experiences of students residing on the Uptown Campus. Students living on Alumni quad often do not know about the various organizations and clubs they can get involved at this school, this is especially true for many of the international and transfer students. The reason for this is that since it is the downtown campus, most international and transfer students are away from the uptown campus atmosphere.

May Day Celebrations

May Day is a significant event for students on Alumni Quad. On May 2nd, 2014, May Day occurred in the courtyard of Alumni Quad. Food was catered from Sodexo dining services, and students enjoyed popcorn and cotton candy. There were activities such as a water slide, and dunk tank. The basement of Sayles Hall was transformed into a casino setting with card games, roulette, and dealers at each station. There was also a photo booth. May Day created a atmosphere of enjoyment, and brightness so students could interact with others through all these activities, without judgment of someone else. Students were able to take time away from academic work, and de-stress before finals week.

Resident Assistants

Resident Assistants (RAs) play a crucial role in building community among residents in their section. Grimes is on duty, and answering a call from the duty phone. Every night there are three RA’s on duty. The purpose of the duty phone is to only receive and make calls from and to the Director on Duty (DOD), the other RA’s on duty, and the Quad Information Center (QIC). RA’s have to go on rounds at least once when they are on duty. This involves walking through all the floors, and buildings on Alumni Quad. The purpose is to make sure nothing wrong is happening, and to address any concerns that arise. RA’s on rounds have to occasionally post new fliers throughout each hall. Fliers are usually about upcoming events, programs, initiatives, helpful tips to students, and more.

Student Organizations: The Muslim Students Association (MSA)

The Muslim Students Association (MSA) is a student organization that promotes awareness of Islam on campus through events, programs, and social gatherings. The organization is open to all students. The MSA begins each semester with many social events for people to interact with each other such as game nights, movie nights and more. The MSA also has many informative programs that discuss various topics regarding Islam. Community service is a major importance for the MSA, which is why the organization is involved in many community service initiatives.

Kwaesi Laguer is a transfer student, living his first year at the University at Albany on Alumni quad. Laguer has taken steps to become very involved with MSA. Laguer had no intentions of joining the MSA entering this academic year, but after attending the general mass meeting in September he was interested. This has led him to attend many events throughout the year, whether it has been social, informative or community service initiatives.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Winter Memories

The winter season at UAlbany holds special memories for many alumni. Some recall the challenges of walking to classes from the dorms in the early years of the Uptown Campus, with the wind and snow roaring through the quadrangles. Others remember the impromptu snowball fights that erupted after major snowstorms, bringing students together in moments of laughter and camaraderie.

One alumnus shared a poignant memory of the night John Lennon was killed in December 1980. The stillness on Indian Quad and the shared grief among students created a special bond during that difficult time. Another alumnus fondly remembers walking through the snow-covered campus, appreciating its beauty and tranquility.

Some alumni recall "borrowing" trays from the dining halls and sliding down the hill behind the football field, a tradition that made them feel like kids again. Others remember the overwhelming amount of snow that greeted them upon returning from winter break, transforming the campus into a winter wonderland.

One alumnus shared a particularly vivid memory of walking out of a final exam in history, feeling relieved and free. The large snowflakes falling in the darkness created a moment of peace and reflection.

Paranormal Experiences

Alumni Quad is not without its share of spooky stories. According to Renee Mallett's book "Ghosts of NY's Capital District," paranormal events have been reported in the dorm halls. For example, female ghosts covered in white are said to walk aimlessly in Pierce Hall.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

One student, Chika Ndukwe, recounted a chilling experience in the downtown dormitories, where she heard screams and thuds in the hallway at night, followed by someone speaking in an empty room.

The Uptown Campus: Expansion and Development

In 1962, Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller broke ground for the current Uptown Campus on the former site of the Albany Country Club. The new campus' first dormitory opened in 1964, and the first classes were held on the academic podium in the fall of 1966. The Uptown Campus was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone.

The Uptown Campus has continued to grow and evolve over the years. New residence halls, Empire Commons and Liberty Terrace, opened in 2002 and 2012, respectively. A new School of Business building was completed in 2013, and the Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurship Complex (ETEC) was unveiled in the fall of 2021.

The Uptown Campus also features a variety of athletic facilities, including Bob Ford Field, a football stadium that opened in 2013, and Broadview Arena, a multi-purpose arena for basketball and track events.

Academic Programs and Schools

UAlbany offers a wide range of academic programs through its various schools and colleges.

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest academic division at the university, comprising 21 departments. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines.

Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy

The Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy provides educational preparation for academic and public service careers. It offers degree programs ranging from bachelor's level study in political science and public policy to doctoral programs in political science and public administration.

Massry School of Business

UAlbany's Massry School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in both business and accounting. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Digital Forensics B.S. and a Financial Market Regulation program.

School of Criminal Justice

UAlbany's School of Criminal Justice offers programs in criminal justice on the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. The school focuses on crime and societal reactions to crime, including the political, economic, and cultural patterns that influence policy choices on the response to crime.

UAlbany Journalism

UAlbany Journalism is currently a good program for aspiring journalists, and Katie Nowak Roberts and Brian Fitzgerald show that a career in journalism is conceivable for a graduate from UAlbany. Fitzgerald and Roberts are recent graduates from the University at Albany with journalism degrees. After UAlbany, Roberts attended the New School at Syracuse for her graduate degree in Journalism. She currently works at the Troy Record in Troy, New York. Fitzgerald began as a sports intern at the Albany Times Union after UAlbany.

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