MyAU Homepage

Robert Condrate, emeritus professor of spectroscopy in the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, passed away on April 9 at the age of 88.

Bob served 33 years in the NYSCC glass engineering department before his retirement in 2000. He was appointed assistant professor of spectroscopy in 1967 and was elevated to associate professor in 1970 before becoming full professor in 1977.

Affectionately known as "Mr. Bubbles," Bob gained international recognition for his pioneering research on bubbles in glass. His work not only advanced the field but also captured the public's imagination, leading to a feature appearance on ABC's Good Morning America in 1991. Over the course of his distinguished career, he authored more than 250 scientific publications, co-authored two books, and delivered over 400 lectures at national and international venues. He was an active member of numerous professional organizations and took great pride in being named a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry.

One of three significant awards presented to Alfred University employees each spring-the Bob Condrate Lifelong Learner Award-recognizes employees who continually seek further education/professional development to enhance their growth; demonstrate a passion for gaining knowledge over a sustained period of time; and proactively share their knowledge and/or expertise with campus community. Bob exemplified lifelong learning by continuing his education in retirement, having taken more than 250 credit hours of coursework from the Alfred University.

A private memorial service will be held with family, and a public celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.

• Link: Full Obituary

Submitted by: Mark Whitehouse

The 2026 MostArts Festival presents Russian pianist Asiya Korepanova performing Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 and No. 2 with guest conductor, David Itkin and the International Festival Orchestra. For a complete listing of events and tickets, visit www.alfred.edu/MostArts

Submitted by: Lisa Lantz

ITS is pleased to highlight Canvas tools and features that can help faculty and students achieve their goals. This week's tip is:

Allow Multiple Submission Types for Online Assignments

When creating an online Assignment in Canvas, you have the ability to allow multiple submission types. These types include: file upload, text entry, and media recording (audio/ video). Providing options can allow students to choose how to participate based on personal strengths and preferences. It can also accommodate variety in technology and equity (internet quality/ device access). Instructions are included in the guide below.

• Link: Create an Online Assignment

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

On Monday, April 20 from 10:30am to 12:00pm, the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Task Force will be hosting UDL Drop-in Hours. Faculty may stop by to seek assistance with applying UDL principles in their courses. Universal Design for Learning is the practice of creating learning experiences appropriate for all students, regardless of learning differences or diversity factors. The goal of UDL is to remove barriers to learning.

Faculty who visit the drop-in hours may choose to focus on one of the following areas:
- Applying UDL principles to a syllabus
- Applying UDL principles to an assignment
- Applying UDL principles to a Canvas course
- Increasing the accessibility of electronic materials
- A self-directed UDL goal related to teaching and course delivery

UDL Drop-in Hours will be held in Scholes 218. If seeking assistance with a syllabus or assignment, please bring two paper copies. Please bring your laptop if seeking assistance with Canvas, digital accessibility, or another goal involving technology.

• Link: AU Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

Submitted by: Meghanne Freivald

Thursday evening, attend the Undergraduate Research Forum! Over 80 students will be presenting posters on their research. Come out and support the presenters and learn about the wide variety of projects they've been working on.

2026 Undergraduate Research Forum
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Joyce & Walton Wellness Center - McLane Annex
5:30 p.m - 7:30 p.m.

The Undergraduate Research Forum (URF) provides all Alfred University undergraduate students with an opportunity to showcase their scholarship and creative activity. Held each spring, the URF brings together an intellectual community of highly motivated students to share their work with faculty, staff, peers, and external audiences.

• Link: More info about the URF

Submitted by: Samantha Dannick

The Alfred University Office of Public Safety reminds motorists to park in designated parking areas throughout campus.
If you're unsure where parking is permitted, please refer to our Vehicle Regulations and Parking Map.
The university also asks that motorists avoid parking in front of dumpsters. Blocked dumpsters prevent the refuse collection company from emptying them and can cause service delays. Public Safety will continue to issue parking violations as needed.

Submitted by: Barbara Freeland

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Community Members,

You are invited to take part in a powerful and meaningful experience as a Human Book for our upcoming Human Library event, hosted by the President's Committee on Inclusivity at Alfred University.

Event Details:
Monday, April 20
11:20 AM - 1:10 PM
Herrick Memorial Library (Bookend & First Floor)
Snacks will be provided

Theme:
"Cautionary Tales: Building Empathy Through Lived Experience"

We are seeking volunteers willing to share personal stories that reflect moments when life didn't go as planned experiences that shaped who you are today.

These might include:
A time your life changed direction unexpectedly
Overcoming adversity or significant challenges
A choice you would approach differently now
Thinking you had everything figured out only to discover otherwise
As a Human Book, you'll engage in small-group conversations with participants who are eager to listen, learn, and grow through dialogue. Your story can help foster empathy, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful connections across our campus and community.

What to Expect:
A welcoming, respectful environment
Small-group conversations (15-20 minutes each)
The opportunity to set your own boundaries around what you share
Light preparation guidance provided in advance
You do not need to be an expert-just willing to share your authentic experience.

If you are interested in participating as a Human Book, please contact Angie Taylor at [email protected]
Thank you for considering this opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and understanding community.

Warm regards,
President's Committee on Inclusivity
Alfred University

• Link: https://youtu.be/Lzw1nenMe_o

Submitted by: Angie Taylor

The Department of Human Resources would like to share that Tamara Green, Human Resources Manager, will be leaving Alfred University, with her last day being April 24, 2026, as she moves forward into a new professional opportunity.

Tamara has been a valued part of the Alfred University community, and her contributions, dedication, and commitment to the work of Human Resources have been sincerely appreciated.

Those who would like to offer their well wishes are welcome to stop by the Human Resources Office on Friday, April 24 between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to say goodbye and wish Tamara success in the next step of her professional journey. If you are unable to stop by and would like to share a message, you are welcome to sign the ecard linked below.

The entire Human Resources extends its sincere thanks to Tamara for her service to Alfred University and wishes her continued success and happiness in the future.

• Link: Tamara Green's eCard

Submitted by: Christine Harris

The Inamori School of Engineering graduate student, Lenorah Stott will defend their MS/Glass Science thesis on Wednesday, April 22nd in Binns-Merrill Hall Room 106 as 11:30A.M.

Title of Thesis: STRUCTURE-PROPERTY CORRELATIONS IN THE BISMUTH-ZINC PYROBORATE GLASS SYSTEM

Copies of Lenorah's thesis will be on display in BINNS, 160 and McMahon in the CACT Office.

The current study of glasses of the compositional series 6xZnO-(2-2x)Bi2O3-3B2O3
(0 = x = 1) was designed to systematically explore the effects of ZnO replacement by Bi2O3 on
borate network speciation and connectivity while maintaining a constant oxygen to network former
ratio (O:B = 2.5). Nominally at this stoichiometry, pyroborate units (B2O5
4-) are expected as the
sole borate species-dimer polyanions which are crosslinked by more ionic bonds to Zn2+ and Bi3+
cations rather than forming a three-dimensional, covalent borate network. However, significant
structural variations are observed for each glass in this series when comparing infrared (IR) and
Raman spectra. Varying the intermediate oxides Zn2+ versus Bi3+ influences the speciation of
borate units, affecting boron coordination as well as number and distribution of non-bridging
oxygens (nbOs). In Bi2O3 rich glasses, the borate network is under-modified and tetrahedral borate
units are abundant while ZnO rich glasses demonstrate disproportionation of pyroborate into
trigonal orthoborate and metaborate units, which contain higher and lower numbers of nbOs,
respectively. Structural changes are correlated to variations in glass properties such as molar
volume, packing density, refractive index, and glass transition temperature (Tg). Glasses were
prepared in both platinum-gold and alumina crucibles and semi-quantitative compositional
analysis-using LA-ICP-MS-revealed the extent of crucible dissolution and subsequent changes
in speciation of the borate network and glass properties.

• Attachment: Stott Abstract

Submitted by: Eliza Sidenstecker

The Inamori School of Engineering graduate student, Jacob Kaspryk will defend his MS/Glass Science thesis on Wednesday, April 22nd in Binns-Merrill Hall Room 108 as 2:00P.M.

Title of Thesis: Ion-Exchange on K+-Na+, K+-Li+, Na+-Li+, Lime Silicate Glasses

Copies of Jacob's thesis will be on display in BINNS, 160 and McMahon in the CACT Office.

Three mixed-alkali lime silicate compositions, X2O-Y2O-10CaO-75SiO2 were investigated: with X-Y being alkali ions K-Na, K-Li, and Na-Li respectively, and the glasses treated by an ion-exchange with a variety of baths. The K-Na system was used to study a two-step ion-exchange for strengthening, the K-Li to look at the Na redistribution after a two-step ion-exchange, and the Na-Li for the opacification of glass surface through a lithium ion-exchange. The compositions were analyzed via differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy paired with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were also utilized. Exchange bath mediums varied from series to series. For the K-Na series: a 80Li2SO4-15K2SO4-5Na2SO4 (mol %) above Tg at 580 °C and 95KNO3-2NaNO3-3Diatomecious earth (wt%) below Tg at 430-510 °C were used; for the K-Li a NaNO3 below Tg at 450 °C and LiNO3 above Tg at 580 °C were used; for the Na-Li glass, LiNO3 at 340 and 500 °C was used. The K-Na series provided an exchange rate at 4 hr comparable to commercial SLS with the two-step exchange, (Li exchange, then K exchange). The depth of layer ranged between 3 and 43 µm, giving diffusion coefficients between 1.39 x 10-12 - 1.39x 10-10 cm2/s and activation energies of 178 to 342 kJ/mol. The temperature difference between the salt bath and Tg of the base glass along with the potassium content heavily influenced the rate of exchange. In the K-Li series, the resulting heat treatment demonstrated that Na ions introduced from the ion-exchange diffused both towards the bulk and surface of the glass. The potassium rich end member resulted in a glass ceramic after the Na exchange. The Na-Li glass could be transformed into an opaque sample due to the ion-exchange process. The formation of lithium disilicate (Li2SiO3) and metasilicate (Li2Si2O5) from the ion-exchange provided a crystalline phase to act as scattering centers in the surface of the glass. Microcracking on the surface also occurred which assisted in the scattering of light.

• Attachment: Kaspryk Abstract

Submitted by: Eliza Sidenstecker

The Space Materials Institute (SMI) at Alfred University will host a presentation, "What's Happening at NASA?", on Monday, April 20, from 4-5 p.m. in Room 357 of McMahon Engineering Building.

From SMI's invitation to the presentation: "The mission remains the same: establish a lasting lunar presence, prepare for Mars, and maintain U.S. leadership in space. What's different is the speed and strategy-focusing on deploying real capabilities quickly. This shift is fueling the commercial space economy and creating new opportunities across engineering, science, business, communications, and design. Join us to learn what's happening now-and what comes next."

The presentation will be offered in-person and via Zoom. Please email [email protected] to request the Zoom link.

• Attachment: Space Materials Institute NASA Talk

Submitted by: Carole Volpe

ITS would like to gather information on the utilization of cable television on campus. Please respond to this brief survey to let us know how you watch tv.

• Link: Cable Television Service on Campus

Submitted by: Robert Kuhn

ITS would like to learn about any issues you are experiencing with campus Wi-Fi. Please respond to this brief survey to let us know about this issue and where it is occurring.

• Link: Campus Wi-Fi Feedback

Submitted by: Robert Kuhn

Enjoy the music of Alfred's own Pop Ensemble!
Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30pm.
Miller Theater

Come listen to today's favorites and see our students shine.

• Attachment: Pop Ensemble

Submitted by: Carole Volpe

Looking for dynamic actors to portray characters in this funny and invigorating play



AUDITIONS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE!

NO ACTING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!



The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) is a wildly fast-paced comedy that takes on all 37 of Shakespeare's plays in a single, uproarious performance. Using only a handful of actors, minimal props, and maximum imagination, the show barrels through tragedies, comedies, and histories with physical comedy, pop-culture riffs, audience interaction, and gleeful theatrical chaos.

Rehearsal begins: September 2026 (exact date TBD)

AUDITION LOCATION:
Miller Performing Arts Center
Acting Studio - Room 211

DATE:
Wednesday, April 22, 6pm - 9pm



Seeking An Ensemble Cast

Versatile, high-energy actors, comfortable with rapid character changes, physical comedy, improvisation, and
direct audience interaction

AUDITION INFO:

Auditions will consist of improvisation, a movement workshop, and readings from the script.

If possible, please be prepared to stay for the entire audition.

Please be prepared to move and make bold choices!



IMPORTANT NOTE:

Please read the script before the auditions. Be prepared to answer questions about the play.



If you have further questions, feel free to email:

Kolton Bradley

[email protected]

• Attachment: Shakespeare Auditions Info
• Link: AU Connect Event

Submitted by: Arts Events

Friday, April 24, from 12:20 - 1:10 p.m. will be the final Women's and Gender Studies roundtable of the semester. Students from the "Women and Gender in Society" class will be presenting their final projects in the BookEnd Lounge (Herrick Library). The students and their projects are:
Parasat Bakhitbek: Taking Crimes Against Women Seriously
Rylee Bell: Running is a Feminist Issue
Owen Dalberth: Will America EVER Elect a Woman as President?
Jeshika Sharma: What is Culture and What is Misogyny? The Life of the Kumari (Living Goddess)

The roundtables are open to all willing to engage in a respectful and thoughtful conversation on the topic(s). Light refreshments will be available. Please come and hear what these students have to share.

Submitted by: Sandra Singer