Thank You and Congratulations, President Stanley!
I join the special tribute to President Deborah Stanley, on the occasion of her retirement as president of SUNY Oswego. She has been a tireless and competent leader who placed Oswego on a leading position in the SUNY system, and projected it beyond. I fondly remember my years at Oswego and appreciate how Deborah brought many of us, alumni, back to campus to enhance its prestige. Deborah enthusiastically organized and participated in the launching of two of my books, when I was ambassador of Chile to the United Nations. I was thankful of such gestures on her part. Oswego was an important part of my life. Deborah contributed significantly to the development of that academic and human experience for students, faculty and administrative personnel. Best wishes on the new challenges she might face. – Heraldo Muñoz ’72, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Chile (2014-2018) and former Presidential candidate 2021
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Deborah Stanley…”An Unequalled Visionary,” “A Consummate Leader,” “An Ardent Educator,” “A Supportive Mentor,” and “A Trusted Friend!” I was so fortunate to have worked as deputy to the president during the early years of Deborah’s presidency. The vision she had for the college then has been brilliantly executed and reflectivity expanded into accomplishments that will stand the test of time. Countless students have been impacted by her devotion to excellence and her perseverance to make SUNY Oswego “second to none.” On a personal note, I will always be grateful for the opportunities she afforded me during my years at the college. She guided me, challenged me and opened doors that let me become an integral part of my alma mater … a school that I love! Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement, Deborah. You have been a vital and vibrant player in SUNY Oswego’s history and your legacy will be reflected far into the college’s future! – Carolyn Rush ’68, former deputy to the president at SUNY Oswego
My relationship with President Stanley has always been rooted in optimism. I first met her when I ran for Student Association President. One of the greatest lessons she taught me is that I don’t ever need to hold any official position in order to make change. One year I did my first campus-wide leadership presentation for the ALANA conference. I was nervous not knowing who would show up to the presentation. I was just hoping at least a few students would show up. Not only did my peers show up, to my surprise, President Stanley and her leadership team came to my presentation. It was such a meaningful experience, as I know there were a lot of events and places she could have been, but she made an intention to show up for me. As a 20-year-old college student, that level of support was tremendous—to be seen and appreciated that way. Fast forward to my senior year, I was one of several students who was asked to join the president on the cover of the OSWEGO Alumni Magazine to culminate our Inspiring Horizons campaign for the college. I remember being seated next to the president at the bottom right corner and after the shoot she said, “You probably never thought you would be doing this your freshman year,” with a smile. It was such an honor to be on that cover and share in that experience. It’s by far one of my most treasured highlights of my time at Oswego, while a student and after.
Deborah Stanley has been a singular force in my life—at times a mentor, friend, confidant and advocate both for me, personally, and the work of restoring Central New York to its global economic relevance. Her voice has a power that is both rare and immediately recognizable. That she wields it so diplomatically is a testament to her humility and grace. Decades from now, Deborah’s imprint on our community will be rightfully acknowledged as indelible.
When I officially graduated before leaving campus, I met with President Stanley. I was anxious and unsure of the path ahead, but remained optimistic about my prospects. President Stanley encouraged my pursuits, reminding me that I made it past the hard part and to not be fearful. She reminded me to embrace the challenges and move through them as life will always run its course. I’ve followed that advice ever since. I wish her the absolute best in her next journey forward.
– Robert Simpson, (pictured on right) president of the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CEO)
– Cameron Jones ’09, manager of development and integrated strategy/race and culture at ABC News
