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AMHERST, N.Y. – In his spring State of the College Address, ������Ƶ College President Gary A. Olson cited the institution’s positive momentum, new initiatives, and growing national visibility and reputation.

“We are continuing to make substantial progress and are advancing ������Ƶ to a college of national distinction,” said Olson at the address delivered to the college community on March 30. “I thank each and every one of you for everything you do, every day, to make our great college a special place. Together, we will continue to build on the strength of our institution.”

Olson noted that ������Ƶ’s focus on developing its campus spaces to best serve students will include a complete renovation of the current Cyber Café to create the newly named The Den, a project that will be completed in the Wick Campus Center this summer.

“This new multipurpose space will feature nearly twice as many seats in a renovated recreation area that will provide great flexibility for the ������Ƶ community,” he said. “It will be a modern facility that will offer a rotating dining experience with more variety along with evening and weekend entertainment.”

Regarding the college’s comprehensive sexual assault prevention initiatives, Olson announced that through a partnership with Crisis Services of Buffalo, a campus-based sexual violence advocate is now available at the college two days per week.

“As a leader both regionally and nationally in campus sexual assault prevention efforts, we are pleased to work with Crisis Services to have an expert available on campus who can provide additional support to our students and help enhance ������Ƶ’s education and outreach activities,” said Olson, adding that the campus advocate position is being funded by a grant through Crisis Services.

He also announced plans to move the ������Ƶ Animation Program and the International Center for Excellence in Animation from the Tri-Main Center to the college’s Amherst campus, a move that will centralize all academic programs on to ������Ƶ’s Main Street location.

In another update, Olson noted that following a yearlong analysis ������Ƶ will transition to a tobacco-free campus effective at the start of the 2016-17 academic year.

“The new tobacco-free policy is an important step to providing a healthy campus environment and will contribute to the overall well-being of our entire college community,” said Olson.

During his address, Olson also praised recent accomplishments of several faculty and staff members as markers of ������Ƶ’s growth and strength, pointing out “an important part of the college’s visibility derives from the regional and national recognition that our faculty and staff achieve.”