James and Carol at the Kula Ecopark in Fiji where James taught
during the
summer of 2010. Working with the Office of International
Education and
American Universities International Programs,
James started courses in Fiji
and Australia in 2009 with the theme
of Sustaining Human Societies and the
Natural Environment.
Giving Back to Enrich the Future
For James and Carol Haynes, giving back is a family tradition — James’ father created an endowed fund to support research at the university where he spent his career. When the time came for James and Carol to consider their own estate planning, creating an endowed fund to support graduate research was an obvious choice.
James, professor and chair of the Department of Environmental Science and Biology, has invested 33 years of teaching and research in the College and is grateful for the support he received throughout his career. “Brockport gave me the freedom to explore new ideas and interests. They never said no to new ways of teaching and learning and research opportunities.” This included working with others to start an undergraduate major and a masters program in environmental science and biology.
Today both the undergraduate and graduate programs in environmental science are thriving. Each year both undergraduates and graduates engage in research, measuring the impact of 21st century life on the environment and providing important insights. But James believes that with increased financial support, his students could do more. “We never have enough financial support for graduate students, which makes it difficult to be competitive at a national level.”
Carol, a Brockport alum and retired teacher, echoes his sentiments. “James and his colleagues have built an impressive program and we want to do whatever we can to enhance that success.
When it came time for structuring their will, James and Carol made sure that their family was taken care of first. Then, they included a provision for a $100,000 gift to the College that will provide vital research funding for graduate student thesis projects. “We wanted to step up and inspire others to give,” they said of their decision.Brockport Foundation
350 New Campus Drive
The College at Brockport
Brockport, NY 14420
Learn about some of the scholarships and awards that have been made possible through the generosity of alumni and friends like you.
Mornings with the Professors began Tuesday February 12!
Collaborative Training Dinner
5 pm - 7 pm
Faculty Staff Convocation
8:30 am - 10:30 am
Collaborative Training
1 pm - 5:30 pm
Red Cross Blood Drive
11 am - 4 pm
