SUNY ESF Alumni Association

Two ESF alumni are making headlines for their incredible work to protect critical habitat for the endangered Indiana bat, and their efforts were recently featured on Syracuse.com.

The Indiana bat, one of nine bat species found in New York, relies on a major hibernaculum near White Lake in DeWitt, NY. Thanks to the leadership of Dan Kwasnowski ’03, executive director of The Wetland Trust, and founder Jim Curatolo ’71, the White Lake parcel has now been permanently preserved. Their work ensures this vulnerable species is protected and that the land will remain undeveloped for generations to come.

As Curatolo shared in the article, he hopes the preserved site will also become an outdoor research laboratory for ESF students and faculty - a living classroom rooted in conservation.

Read more about this win for the Indiana bat and the land it calls home here: https://www.syracuse.com/micron/2026/06/the-unlikely-story-of-how-a-tiny-bat-forever-linked-micron-with-destiny-usas-founder.html

We're so excited for our annual Golf Tournament on June 26, 2026! A huge thank you to these generous sponsors for their support. All proceeds go directly to student scholarships and career development programs at ESF. 👏⛳️💚

-Dinner Sponsor:
-Cocktail Reception Sponsor: John View
-Lunch Sponsors: , , & Akshar Security Services
-Beverage Cart Sponsors: ESF Office of the President &
-Snack Bag Sponsors: & Tim and Jeanne Creamer in honor of George Creamer '42
-Putting Contest Sponsors: &
-Hit the Green Sponsor: Landscapes East

ESF’s athletic history is filled with leaders, record‑setters, and community champions. Now’s your chance to help us honor them. 🌲⚽️🏀

The ESF Athletics Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for former student‑athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, staff, and supporters who brought excellence and distinction to ESF athletics.

Inductees will be celebrated during Homecoming Weekend on September 25. Submit a nomination and help us recognize the people who built the foundation of ESF athletics!

https://www.esfathletics.com/information/AHOF

HUGE sustainability news from ESF! SUNY ESF has officially earned a STARS Platinum rating, the highest possible recognition in higher‑ed sustainability, and we’re one of only four institutions in the entire world to achieve this under AASHE’s new, more rigorous STARS 3.0 framework.

This puts ESF in truly elite company and reaffirms what our community already knows: sustainability isn’t just something we teach...it’s who we are. From academics and research to operations and student engagement, this rating reflects the deep, campuswide commitment that defines ESF.

A world‑class accomplishment from a world‑leading sustainability campus. 🌍💚🌱

More info. here: https://buff.ly/1Bo5psQ

Donnella Monk ’21 graduated from SUNY ESF with Honors in Environmental Studies (Policy, Planning & Law), motivated by a deep commitment to environmental justice and community-centered change. As a student, she helped launch Beth’s Bounty Food Pantry, participated in the Honors Program, and led advocacy efforts around racial equity and inclusion through campus initiatives and the Black Student Union.

Following graduation, Donnella remained in Syracuse with her husband, also an ESF alum, where they are raising their two daughters and co-founded a company focused on sustainable practices and environmental resources for the community. She previously served as an Environmental Review Certifying Officer for the City of Syracuse, applying her ESF training to real-world policy and development projects.

Donnella is now pursuing a law degree while running an eco-conscious parenting blog that provides sustainability guidance for low-income families and elevates conversations around Black maternal health. "ESF really gave me a strong interdisciplinary foundation and a sense of purpose. It prepared me not just academically, but also as someone committed to advocating for more sustainable and equitable communities," she said. "Today, I continue that work through environmental review, community engagement, and policy-focused discussions aimed at addressing environmental injustice."

Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with the alumni community! 💚

A toast to the ESF Class of 2026! Happy graduation day! Today we celebrate your accomplishments, your impact, and the journey ahead. Congratulations on this achievement and welcome to the ESF alumni family. 🎓

From ESF to environmental leadership at DEC. Alumna Kristine Ellsworth ’15 joins the latest episode of “DEC Does What?!” to talk about her work managing New York State’s food scraps and yard waste programs.

The episode, “The Dirt on Composting,” dives into how composting supports climate goals, reduces waste, and strengthens local ecosystems.

Check it out: dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/4/dec-does-what-podcast-episode-33-now-available-the-dirt-on-composting

Big things are happening in the fight to restore the American chestnut, and one of our own is leading the charge. 🌱 Alum Andrew Newhouse ’05 and the SUNY ESF team are closer than ever to bringing this iconic tree back to our forests. We love seeing alumni shaping the future of environmental science!

Read the story: https://ow.ly/2ga250YVyzO

Our biggest Day of Giving yet and it’s all thanks to YOU! 🎉 With 312 generous donors contributing $55,062, plus matching funds from our 1911 Society challenge donors and the ESF Alumni Association, we raised a grand total of $85,773! Our ESF community came together in an extraordinary way to support our students, programs, and mission.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps create meaningful opportunities and makes a lasting difference for current and future ESF students. Thank you for your generosity and for believing in the power of ESF. 💚