UTICA, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) is proud to kick off its 60th anniversary year in 2026, marking six decades of academic excellence, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley and beyond. Since its founding in 1966 as Upper Division College at Utica/Herkimer/Rome, SUNY Poly has grown and evolved to meet the needs of students, industry, and the region, while staying rooted in hands-on learning, workforce readiness, athletics, and community impact.
Over the decades, SUNY Poly has expanded its academic programs and physical footprint, including the development of the Marcy campus in the 1980s and continued investment in facilities that strengthened the student experience. In 2014, SUNY Polytechnic Institute was officially formed, reflecting a bold step forward in strengthening its academic and innovation mission. Today, SUNY Poly now operates as a single-campus institution in Utica, comprised of four colleges—Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Health Sciences—serving approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. “For 60 years, SUNY Poly has helped shape lives and strengthen the Mohawk Valley through education, opportunity, and innovation,” said Winston Soboyejo, the seventh president of SUNY
Poly. “This anniversary is both a celebration of our legacy and a call to continue building the
future—together with our students, our partners, and our community.”
Elevating Impact
As a polytechnic institution, SUNY Poly offers a robust mix of professional, technical, and liberal arts programs that combine theory with practice, delivering hands-on experiences that prepare students to be workforce-ready on day one. In recent years, SUNY Poly has expanded its K–12 outreach and strengthened industry partnerships that support talent pipelines and applied research.
Recent milestones include the creation of 14 research centers; celebration of SUNY Poly’s inaugural Wolfspeed Endowed Chairs, supporting academic excellence and innovation; formation of collaborative agreements with Griffiss Institute, and Assured Information Security (AIS); establishment of the MV Biotech Collective with the Masonic Medical Research Institute (MMRI) and Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS); and the launch of the NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence, further advancing engagement with industry and regional economic development.
The yearlong 60th anniversary celebration will include a series of events recognizing SUNY Poly’s past, present, and future, culminating in a signature Anniversary Gala on September 19, 2026. The celebration officially begins later this month, with a special legacy panel discussion featuring John Swann, author of From the Mills to Marcy, retired SUNY Poly professor John Marsh, and President Soboyejo. The kickoff event will take place on January 21 in the Student Center Multi-Purpose Room at 4 p.m. and you can RSVP by clicking here.
Perspectives from Public Leaders “New York is attracting top companies in advanced manufacturing, AI, quantum computing and healthcare, and SUNY Poly has played a leading role in ensuring the best and brightest students are ready to take on these jobs of the future,” said NYS Governor Kathy Hochul. “Congratulations on providing 60 years of excellence as we look forward to many more decades of quality education in the Mohawk Valley.”
“As a graduate and former adjunct faculty member of SUNY Poly, I am excited to congratulate the college on their 60-year anniversary,” said NYS Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon. “I want to thank the current and former leadership, faculty, and staff for their steadfast commitment to supporting many students through their academic journeys.”
“Congratulations to SUNY Polytechnic Institute on its 60th anniversary,” said NYS Senator Joseph Griffo. “Over the past six decades, SUNY Poly has become a leader in learning, research and innovation and remains an important part of the Mohawk Valley and New York State. I am excited to watch as the school’s tremendous legacy and exceptional reputation continues to grow stronger for many more years to come.” “SUNY Poly has been a cornerstone of the Mohawk Valley for six decades, educating generations of students while driving innovation, workforce development and economic growth across our region,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “From its early days to its role today
as New York State’s premier public polytechnic, SUNY Poly has consistently adapted to meet the needs of students and industry alike. As the university celebrates this milestone, we recognize its lasting impact on our community and look forward to the next chapter of leadership, discovery and opportunity it will deliver for Oneida County and New York State.”
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. Founded in 1966, SUNY Poly is currently celebrating its 60th anniversary, marking six decades of impact, innovation, and service to the Mohawk Valley and beyond. 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.
