Sue Faerman,
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education:
Sue Faerman, who teaches at the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, counts leadership effectiveness among her specializations. On the personal side, she also practices leadership – by supporting UAlbany.
Faerman, who came to the University as a doctoral student in 1980 and became a full-time staff member in early 1983, describes herself as “a very strong supporter of public higher education. I got my undergraduate degree at Stony Brook, so I am very connected to the idea of the value of public higher education.”
Over the years, Faerman, who joined the Department of Public Administration and Policy faculty in 1987, has made financial contributions to a number of University programs, including Initiatives for Women (IFW) and its Honoring Our Mothers Fund. “My feelings about education came from my mother, who was an elementary school teacher. She instilled in me the value of giving back and the importance of being part of the community.” Faerman’s donation, which honors her mom, Miriam, is enhancing educational and career opportunities for mothers who are UAlbany students or employees.
Faerman also contributed to the campaign for the Science Library several years ago. She observes: “The library is a central part of the campus; it serves everyone in the University community. I was happy to support the Science Library, especially given [now retired Dean and Director] Meredith Butler’s leadership.”
More recently, Faerman was among the first to donate to the Inaugural Scholarship Fund. When he took office as the University’s 17th president in February 2005, Kermit L. Hall declined to have an inauguration. Instead, he used the $100,000 earmarked for the celebration to seed the Inaugural Scholarship Fund; he and his wife, Phyllis, also made a personal commitment of $10,000. Hall had planned to raise $1 million for the fund by February 2006, but the example he and his wife set inspired a generous outpouring of support from the UAlbany community – including from Faerman – and the goal was surpassed by more than $500,000 last December.
“I think the president had exactly the right idea in creating the scholarship fund, and I wanted to be one of the contributors,” says Faerman. “It is really important for all of us to support our educational process. Those of us who can support the University should so that we can continue to offer quality programs to students.”
The success of a university depends upon the participation of many - including its faculty and staff. UAlbany’s strengths lie in the knowledge, commitment and generosity of those whose time and talents help define its programs and services. Faculty and staff members are encouraged to make financial investments in programs, departments, or other University areas that matter most to them.