UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute will host its inaugural College of Business Week from
September 15–19, 2025. As the first in a new series showcasing SUNY Poly’s colleges and academic
strengths, the program will feature lectures, panels, and events highlighting the college’s
partnerships with alumni, industry leaders, government officials, and the regional business
community.
The week will feature keynote presentations from distinguished leaders and culminate in a ribbon-
cutting ceremony for the new NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence, located in Donovan Hall.
“We are thrilled to showcase the many ways SUNY Poly’s College of Business connects students
with alumni and industry partners,” said Dr. Rafael Romero, Interim Dean of the College of Business.
“College of Business Week is a chance to celebrate innovation, leadership, and community impact
while offering our students valuable insights and opportunities for their future careers.”
Featured Events
• Leadership with Purpose: Alicia Dicks, President and CEO, Community Foundation of
Herkimer and Oneida Counties
Wednesday, September 17, 6 p.m.
Alicia Dicks will discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading a major community-
focused nonprofit, offering insights into effective leadership, collaboration, and community
impact.
• Workplace Culture – A Foundation for a Thriving Company: Kevin Owens, President and
CEO of NYSTEC
Thursday, September 18, 6 p.m.
Kevin Owens will share leadership lessons drawn from his experience guiding NYSTEC,
emphasizing workplace culture, organizational growth, and innovation.
• Ribbon Cutting: SUNY Poly’s NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence
Friday, September 19, 2 p.m.
This special ceremony will celebrate the opening of the NYSTEC Business Center of
Excellence, which will serve as a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary
education. The center will integrate cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence,
business ethics, and financial market innovation, made possible by the generous support of
numerous donors.
A Full Week of Engagement
Beyond the highlighted events, College of Business Week will include lectures on ethics, finance,
entrepreneurship, leadership, and interactive panels featuring alumni, government officials, and
industry professionals. These sessions will provide SUNY Poly students, faculty, and the broader
community with opportunities to engage directly with leaders across multiple sectors.
All events are free to attend with RSVP required. A full schedule of lectures, panels, and activities
can be found on SUNY Poly’s website.
College of Business Week is part of a broader year-long initiative. Throughout the 2025–26
academic year, SUNY Poly will also spotlight its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering,
College of Health Sciences, and Office of Research, ensuring that each division has the opportunity
to highlight its impact, partnerships, and contributions.
####################
About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)
SUNY Polytechnic Institute, located in Utica, N.Y., is a vibrant and inclusive community where
students, faculty, and staff are empowered through a forward-looking STEAM education and
dynamic campus experience. As New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly fosters
innovation and interdisciplinary learning across its four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business,
Engineering, and Health Sciences—preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly evolving global
landscape.
Guided by a bold vision for societal impact, SUNY Poly advances use-inspired research and
transformative collaborations that drive economic development, technological progress, and
humanitarian solutions—locally in the Mohawk Valley and globally across diverse communities. For
more info, visit http://www.sunypoly.edu.
