MVCC dedicates theater to Schafer

UTICA — Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) will dedicate its new campus theater on Thursday to the college’s longest-serving president, Michael Schafer.

In naming the Dr. Michael I. Schafer Theater, MVCC recognizes how Schafer’s vision led to the creation of the signature performance and gathering space, as well as his impact on MVCC students, the college, and the community during his tenure.

MVCC will ceremonially celebrate Schafer’s achievements at the ceremony starting at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 6 with a reception. The formal dedication ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m.

Schafer served as MVCC’s president from 1983 through 2007. His length of service remains one of the longest in the history of State University of New York community colleges, and his tenure is marked by significant transformations in MVCC’s campuses, academic offerings, and community partnerships.

In 2001, the college began a $21 million renovation of its Utica campus, including constructing its Information Technology Building, which houses the Schafer Theater. Other improvements during Schafer’s presidency include the opening of the Plumley Complex on the Rome campus, construction of the Science and Technology Building, and construction of a new residence hall in Utica. Overall, MVCC’s building square footage grew from 370,000 square feet to 610,000 square feet under his watch.

During that time, MVCC also introduced 20 new academic programs and undertook numerous partnerships including ones with the Utica City School District and Rome City School District.

Prior to his time at MVCC, Schafer served as dean of instruction at St. Louis Community College from 1980 to 1983.

Contact DeLore at tdelore@tmvbj.com