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This article is about the city of Binghamton, New York. For the adjacent town of Binghamton, see Binghamton (town), New York. For the 2009 Binghamton shootings, see Binghamton shootings. For other uses, see Binghamton (disambiguation).
Binghamton is a city located in the Southern Tier of New York in the United States. "The Parlor City"[2] and the "Home of the Square Deal", it is the county seat of Broome County and the principal city and cultural center of the Greater Binghamton region. The population of the city, according to the 2000 census, is 47,380.[1] A small city in upstate New York located near the New York - Pennsylvania border, approximately 60 miles south of Syracuse. Binghamton is situated in a bowl shaped valley at the confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers and is home to Binghamton University of the State University of New York system. After a mild turn-of-the-century presence as a manufacturing center of shoes and cigar materials, Binghamton suffered a precipitous decline in fortunes beginning with the loss of its core manufacturing base in the years following the war and consummating in the closing of its high-tech industries in the late 1980's and early 1990's. From a post-war population high of about 80,000, Binghamton has now shed nearly half of its population. Binghamton was the home of Rod Serling, host of the 1960's now cult-status television series "The Twilight Zone". The city and region suffered a devastating flood in the summer of 2006. After years of misfortune, mismanagement and neglect, Binghamton has apparently instituted an audacious program modeling such cities as Camden NJ, Youngstown OH and Gary IN as examples of what it strives to become. This policy is achieving its goals with great success.The city of Binghamton is located at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers. The city is at the crossroads of Interstates 81 and 88, as well as New York State Route 17 (also known as The Southern Tier Expressway and the future Interstate 86). The Binghamton Metropolitan Area includes approximately 252,000 residents in all of Broome and Tioga (NY) counties.[3] Binghamton is part of the "Triple Cities", along with Endicott and Johnson City (which are actually villages). The region is collectively referred to as Greater Binghamton. In 2007, Binghamton was named the ninth-greenest city in the U.S. by Country Home magazine.[4] Greater Binghamton is home to Binghamton University, a driving force in the community as an academic, athletic, and arts center. Binghamton has the largest public observatory, the Kopernik Space Center, in the northeastern United States. The region is further recognized as the birthplace of the IBM Corporation, Dick's Sporting Goods, Endicott Johnson Corporation, Raymond Corporation and the Link Trainer flight simulator. The city's American Civic Association is the location of the April 3, 2009 shootings, known as the Binghamton shootings, which left 14 dead.[5] [edit] History The city was named after William Bingham, a wealthy Philadelphian who bought the surrounding land in 1792. Before that, the first known people of European descent to come to the area were the troops of Gen. John Sullivan in 1779, during the American Revolutionary War. The community was first settled around 1802 and was known as "Chenango Point." Binghamton was first incorporated in 1834 as a village of the Town of Binghamton. Binghamton became a city in 1867. Abel Bennett, who made a fortune as owner of the Pennsylvania Coal Company, was the city's first mayor. His farm property on the city's west side (in an area bordered by Riverside Drive on the south, Beethoven Street on the west, Seminary Avenue on the north, and portions of Chestnut Street and St. John Avenue to the east) is known as the Abel Bennett Tract. On Feb. 19, 2008, this historic district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.[6] [edit] Later development Binghamton was nicknamed the “Parlor City” for its neat streets and attractive homes, including many stately mansions. Strangely enough, many of those stately mansions are now funeral parlors. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, many immigrants moved to the area, finding an abundance of jobs, leading them to call it the “Valley of Opportunity.” Greater Binghamton is noted as being the birthplace of the Link flight simulator as well as IBM. Until the Cold War ended, the area never experienced an economic downfall, due in part to its defense-heavy industries. The population peaked at around 85,000 in 1950, but the 2000 population is 47,380. Along with the start of IBM, the original Dick's Sporting Goods started out as a fishing store in the East Side of the City of Binghamton. [edit] Geography Binghamton, New York is a small city in Upstate New York, nestled snuggly between the Finger Lakes Region (to the west) and the Catskill Mountains (to the east). It lies right at the confluence of two rivers (the Chenango and the Susquehanna) and the junction of three major highways (I-81, I-88, and Route 17, soon to be I-86)--making it easily accessible to places like New York City, Syracuse, Albany, and Buffalo.[7] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.6 km² (11.0 sq mi). 27.0 km² (10.4 sq mi) of it is land and 1.6 km² (0.6 sq mi) of it (5.43%) is water. The north branch of the Susquehanna River passes through downtown Binghamton. This branch rises in eastern New York and receives a number of tributaries above Binghamton, most notably the Chenango, which joins from the north just outside of the business district. Major floods occurred in the city during 1865, 1936 and 2006. In 1935 the Chenango suffered a flash flood, which was damaging, but less severe once it joined the larger Susquehanna. So much water came from the Chenango, that the Susquehanna flowed backwards for some distance above the confluence. In 1972 the remnants of Hurricane Agnes flooded the entire Susquehanna basin downstream from Binghamton, but the damage in the city was minor. In 2006, the Susquehanna flooded again in Binghamton causing massive amounts of damage in the city and the entire metropolitan area. The Exchange Street and Washington Street bridges were flooded and the height of the river surpassed the flood walls on North Shore Drive, Court Street, and Conklin Ave. The damage was extensive enough to force large scale evacuations, including that of Lourdes Hospital which was unable to pump water out of its basement fast enough. [edit] ClimateBinghamton has a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warmer, wet summers. Snowfall is significant, with an annual total of 82.4 inches. Binghamton is not as greatly affected by the lake-effect snows as the cities in the north (Syracuse) and closer to the Great Lakes, but persistent snow bands from the lakes do occasionally result in moderate snows. Binghamton receives significant snows at times during the year from Nor'easter storms as well. Summers in Binghamton are typified by warmer, less humid days with occasional temperature spikes into the upper 80s and lower 90s. Higher temperatures have occurred, but are very uncommon. As with most cities in upstate New York, precipitation in Binghamton is spread evenly throughout the year; there is no "dry season."
[edit] Cityscape Chenango Point's incorporation as a village and eventually as the City of Binghamton, united various communities located on both shores of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers. The majority of the city's population and development lies along the rolling terrain nearest the riverbanks with sparse development in the hills that define the city limits. Currently, Binghamton encompasses seven neighborhoods; Center City, the Westside, the Southside, the Eastside, the Northside, the First Ward and Ely Park. Binghamton is known for its bicycling and walking clubs, facilities, and trails. The Downtown and Northside River Walk is an urban trail starting at the Confluence and travels up the Chenango river, past Off Track Betting ( a horse betting shop), The Martin Luther King, Jr. Promenade, Noyes Island with its large power station, and ending at Cheri A. Lindsey Park. [edit] Architecture[edit] Neighborhoods
Downtown Binghamton, also known as "Center City," is the Southern Tier's regional administrative, business, entertainment and transportation center. Every first Friday of the month, a trolley travels around Washington Street at different cafes and shops as artists showcase different pieces and may include auctions.
The Westside lies immediately across the Chenango River, west of Downtown. Its northern boundary is the Norfolk Southern rail tracks and the First Ward, its southern boundary is formed by the Susquehanna River while its western boundary lies along Floral Avenue and Margaret Street adjacent to Johnson City. The Westside contains the vast majority of Binghamton's residents and its character ranges from urban to suburban. The neighborhood's "main drag" is Main Street which carries NY-17C through the city. Main Street runs from the Court Street Bridge through the Westside into Johnson City. Its stretch is lined with various forms of retail consisting of several large supermarkets, pharmacies, bank branches, pubs, restaurants, auto shops and a few strip malls. Several specialty "Mom and Pop" shops are scattered along the route as well. Other important streets in the neighborhood are Riverside Drive (which follows the Susquehanna River in a roughly east-west fashion along the southern edge of the Westside), Front Street (which runs north and south along the eastern edge of the Westside from the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers to the Court Street Bridge where it then carries US-11 north along part of the Chenango River and eventually runs parallel to I-81), Leroy Street, Grand Boulevard and Floral Avenue. Apart from commercial Main Street and some industrial buildings one block north, along the Norfolk Southern tracks, the Westside is primarily a residential neighborhood. The housing stock ranges from small to large, detached, single and double-family houses to attached row-houses and large apartment buildings. Generally, the section of the neighborhood south of Seminary Avenue towards Riverside Drive and the Susquehanna River is inhabited by middle to upper-class residents, while the area north of Seminary Avenue towards Main Street and the rail tracks is inhabited by working-class residents and students from the neighboring colleges. It contains West Middle School and Binghamton High School, which is noted for Helen Foley Theater, named by Rod Serling for his drama teacher. A carousel in the middle of Recreation Park once had a carving of Rod Serling's name that has since been painted over. Serling depicts a similar scenario in "The Twilight Zone: Walking Distance," which shows a young child is carving his name into a carousel modeled after the one in Recreation Park.
The Southside straddles the south bank of the Susquehanna River. It is home to Binghamton General Hospital (an affiliate of United Health Services). It is home to a few strip malls with eateries and convenience stores and the Crowley Food's Corporation. The Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, the 5th oldest zoo in the country, is also located on the Southside. The Southside is connected to downtown Binghamton by the State Street Bridge, Exchange Street Bridge, Tompkins Street Bridge and the historic pedestrian and cyclist only South Washington Street Bridge.
The Eastside lies east of the downtown area along the north bank of the Susquehanna River. The neighborhood is largely residential with commercial corridors along both Robinson and Court streets. Pockets of industry lie scattered along is western and southern boundaries. The Eastside is also known as home to the Greater Binghamton Health Center which is the region's state administered mental health and hygiene facility.
The Northside is located just north of downtown across the Norfolk Southern rail tracks. The Village of Port Dickinson and the Town of Dickinson lie to its north, the town of town of Fenton lies to its east while the Chenango River creates its western boundary. The Northside is a light commercial, industrial and working-class residential section of the city. It contains portions of the Martin Luther King, Jr.-Chenango River Promenade as Cheri Lindsey Park, which is known for its vert ramps and bowls. Chenango Street serves as the area's "main drag" and runs north-south through the neighborhood. The neighborhood is characterized by urban blight, apart from the river promenade, a lack of investment in infrastructure and services is evident. Furthermore, it is the only Binghamton neighborhood without convenient or direct access to a traditional supermarket.
The First Ward is largely a residential neighborhood best known for the antique shops that line Clinton Street. The neighborhood stretches west from Chenango River to the Johnson City border and lies between the Norfolk Southern tracks to the south and Route 17 to the north.
Ely Park is Binghamton's northern most neighborhood and is best known for its municipal golf course. It lies on portions of Mount Prospect and of the other hills north of the West Side and First Ward. A government subsidized housing project known simply as the Ely Park Apartments is located there. Ely Park houses are a haven for many Eastern European immigrants just arriving in the area. [edit] DemographicsAs of the census[1] of 2000, there were 47,380 people, 21,089 households, and 10,417 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,752.3/km² (4,539.2/sq mi). There were 23,971 housing units at an average density of 886.5/km² (2,296.5/sq mi). The racial makeup of the city was 83.18% White, 8.41% Black or African American, 0.26% Native American, 3.33% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.71% from other races, and 3.07% from two or more races. 3.90% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 21,091 households out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.6% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.6% were non-families. 40.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.96. In the city the population was spread out with 21.5% under the age of 18, 13.2% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.6 males. The area surrounding Binghamton, referred to in marketing as "Greater Binghamton" - or the Binghamton MSA by the census bureau - is approximately 252,000 people. The Binghamton MSA is composed of all of Broome County and neighboring Tioga County. Alternatively defined, the number of people living in an approximately 40-mile radius of the city is approximately 300,000. This count includes Broome, Tioga, and portions of Cortland, Delaware and Chenango Counties in New York and portions of Susquehanna and Bradford counties in Pennsylvania. The median income for a household in the city was $25,665, and the median income for a family was $36,137. Males had a median income of $28,774 versus $23,014 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,067. About 16.5% of families and 23.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.4% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over. [edit] Government  Since its incorporation as a city in 1867, Binghamton has been a municipality with a "strong" mayor-council form of government. The city government, originally housed in the old Municipal Building on Collier Street (now the Grand Royale Hotel), is now located at the Binghamton City Hall which occupies the west-wing of Government Plaza on the corner of State and Hawley streets. The mayor and councilors are elected to four-year terms and are limited to serving only two. The Binghamton City Council is a unicameral body consisting of seven Council members whose districts are defined by geographic population boundaries. [edit] ExecutiveThe current mayor of Binghamton is Matthew T. Ryan (D). The mayor oversees the following city departments:[8]
[edit] LegislativeThe current 7-member City Council comprises:
The Binghamton City Council meets for business meetings every first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 PM in the Council Chamber and for work sessions every first and third Wednesday of the month at 6 PM in the Work Room.[9] [edit] Neighborhood Assemblies ProgramThe Binghamton Neighborhood Assemblies Program created nine public forum assemblies in which city residents play a lead role in "restoring the pride" in Binghamton by sharing their concerns, hopes and needs and then working in conjunction with city government and community partners to implement positive change.[10] [edit] SafetyPublic safety in Binghamton is the primary responsibility of the 148-officer Binghamton Police Department[11] and the 132-officer Binghamton Fire Department.[12] The Binghamton Fire Department is composed of 134 paid uniformed firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. [edit] 2009 Civic Association shootingsMain article: Binghamton shootings Binghamton received worldwide attention on April 3, 2009, when 41-year-old Jiverly Wong killed 13 people and wounded 4 others, before killing himself, in a shooting at the American Civic Association (ACA)at 131 Front Street.[13] The ACA assists immigrants and refugees, according to its website.[14] [edit] Economy     The nearby suburb of Vestal has many strip malls along a five-mile stretch of the Vestal Parkway (NY 434). Johnson City has the region’s largest indoor mall, the Oakdale Mall. Other area shopping centers include Boscov's department store (corner of Court St. and Water St.), Court St., Washington St.and State St. all in downtown Binghamton Binghamton's employment base is skewed towards technology businesses, particularly the defense industry. Education and health care are also significant employers in the region. Current major employers in the Greater Binghamton area include:
[edit] Culture and arts influenceThe Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park is the fifth-oldest zoo in the nation. The area’s Kopernik Space Center observatory is the largest public observatory in the northeast United States. The Roberson Museum and Science Center, Located at the heart of Binghamton, is home to the Binghamton Visitor's Center, the Link Planetarium, and a number of exhibits detailing the culture and history of the Greater Binghamton Area and the Southern Tier of New York. The Binghamton area is the home of the regional dish known as the spiedie, celebrated at the annual Spiedie Fest and Balloon Rally, held at Otsiningo Park. The region has, in the last several years, developed a growing and pervasive arts scene. These include a large cluster of art galleries[15] and shops centered in the downtown Binghamton area, and has given rise to an event, the First Friday Art Walk, sponsored by a local arts association, the Gorgeous Washington Street Association. These events have been drawing large crowds downtown since 2003. Artists of local prominence that display or have galleries include Anthony Brunelli, a renowned photorealist painter who calls Binghamton home; Orazio Salati, who owns a gallery and exhibits many works; and Marla Olmstead, a local child who achieved fame in the art world for her abstract art. Dov Treiman lives, works, and exhibits at his home in Berkshire, in the Greater Binghamton region. [edit] Education[edit] Primary and secondary education
[edit] Higher education[edit] Binghamton UniversityBinghamton University, Binghamton University From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search Binghamton University Motto From breadth through depth to perspective Established 1946 Type Public Endowment $67.8 million (as of June 2008)[1] President Lois B. DeFleur Undergraduates 11,515 Postgraduates 2,920 Location Vestal, NY, USA Campus Suburban, 887 acres (3.6 km²) Colors Green, Black and White Nickname The Bearcats Mascot Baxter The Bearcat Athletics NCAA Division I Basketball, Soccer, Lacrosse, Baseball Affiliations State University of New York Website Binghamton.edu Overlooking center of campus.Binghamton University is one of the four university centers in New York State's system of post-secondary public education. Since its establishment in 1946, it has undergone a number of changes in name and location. Today, the research university's main campus is located in Vestal, New York, and the school has recently opened a center nearby in downtown Binghamton. Binghamton has grown from a small liberal arts college to a large doctoral-granting institution, presently consists of six colleges and schools and is now home to nearly 15,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Contents [hide] 1 History 1.1 Thomas J. Watson 2 Organization 2.1 Colleges and schools 2.2 Law school 2.3 Residential communities 2.4 Community themes 3 Academics 4 Research and endowment 5 Campus 5.1 Facilities and places[19] 5.1.1 Libraries 5.1.2 Anderson Center for the Performing Arts 5.1.3 University Art Museums 5.1.4 Events Center 5.1.5 Other athletic facilities 5.1.6 Nature Preserve 5.1.7 Science Complex 5.1.8 Academic Complex 5.1.9 University Union 5.1.10 Innovative Technologies Complex 5.2 Current and future construction 6 Rankings and statistics 6.1 Rankings 6.2 Admissions and finance 7 Athletics 8 Transportation 9 Student Association and organizations 9.1 Press and radio 9.1.1 Binghamton Television 9.1.2 Pipe Dream student newspaper 9.1.3 Prospect Magazine 9.1.4 Binghamton Review 9.1.5 Free Press 9.1.6 WHRW 9.2 Harpur's Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service 10 Economic Impact 11 Controversies 11.1 WHRW Radio's news department 11.2 Antoun murder 12 Alumni 12.1 Alumni Association 12.2 Notable alumni 12.3 Alma Mater 13 References 14 External links
In 1951, the college began a move to its current location in Vestal, New York. The 387-acre (1.57 km2) site was purchased from a local farmer, anticipating future growth for the school. Colonial Hall, the original building of the former campus, stands today as the Village of Endicott Visitor's Center. After Harpur was selected as one of the four university centers of SUNY in 1965, it was renamed State University of New York at Binghamton. As other schools were added, Harpur College retained its name as the liberal arts college core, and largest component, of Binghamton. In 1992, the university adopted the name Binghamton University as its popular, short-form name. Harpur College is still the largest of Binghamton's constituent schools, with more than 60% of the school's undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a Harpur degree program. [edit] Thomas J. Watson Thomas J. Watson is an important figure in Binghamton's fabric. Having founded IBM in Broome County, Watson viewed the region as an area of great potential. In the early 1940s he collaborated with a group of local leaders to initiate the creation of Triple Cities College (of Syracuse University), which would later become Harpur College and then finally Binghamton. He donated land at and around the original IBM site in Endicott, NY, where the school called home for just a few years. The campus broke ground at its current location in Vestal, NY, in 1954. In 1967, the School of Advanced Technology was established—the precursor to the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science that was founded in 1983. [edit] Organization Binghamton's president is Lois B. DeFleur, who has served as president since 1990. There are five divisions: Academic Affairs, Administration, External Affairs, Research, and Student Affairs, each of which is managed by a vice president. Binghamton is part of the State University of New York system and is one of four university centers of the SUNY system. The University is governed by the Board of Trustees of the SUNY system. The Binghamton University Council also exists to oversee certain aspects of the school's governance such as student conduct, budget, and physical facilities. Nine of the ten members are appointed by the governor of New York, with the remaining member elected by the student body.[2] [edit] Colleges and schools Binghamton comprises the following colleges and schools: Harpur College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest of Binghamton's schools. It is home to more than 7,000 undergraduates and more than 1,200 graduate students in 29 departments and 12 interdisciplinary degree programs in the fine arts, humanities, natural and social sciences, and mathematics. Harpur's newly appointed (in July 2008) dean is Donald Nieman. The College of Community and Public Affairs offers an undergraduate major in human development as well as graduate programs in social work and public administration. It was formed in July 2006 after a reorganization of its predecessor, the School of Education and Human Development.[3] Patricia Ingraham is the current dean. The Decker School of Nursing was established in 1969.[4] The school offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in nursing. The school's current dean is Joyce Ferrario and it is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The School of Education was formed in July 2006 as part of the same reorganization that created the College of Community and Public Affairs. It offers master’s of science and doctoral degrees and is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).[5] SOE's newly appointed (in July 2008) dean is S.G. Grant. The School of Management is one of the nation's top 40 business schools (top 15 among public schools) and the most selective school on the Binghamton campus.[citation needed] It offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in management, finance, information science, marketing, and accounting. Upinder Dhillon oversees the school as dean and Koffman Scholar of Finance. It is accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The accounting program is currently ranked as the #2 accounting program in the country as rated by BusinessWeek. The Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science is one of the fastest growing schools on campus.[citation needed] It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer engineering, bioengineering, industrial engineering, materials science, and computer science. Its current dean is Hari Srihari. All of the school's departments have been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. [edit] Law school The University has officially announced plans to launch a law school. This initiative is in its earliest stages though an external review has been completed and the University is moving forward with its proposal. The administration has been working with SUNY, the governor, the American Bar Association (ABA), and other important organizations, regarding required accreditation, which the school expects by the time the first class graduates. No decision on where the school will be located has been made.[6][7] [edit] Residential communities Mountainview CollegeResidence halls at Binghamton are grouped into seven communities. The apartment communities used to house graduate students, but now house undergraduates. Of the residential colleges, Dickinson Community and Newing College feature corridor-style double-occupancy rooms, while College-in-the-Woods mixes suites and double- and triple-occupancy rooms, and Hinman College and Mountainview College (the newest of the communities) consist of suites, exclusively. Susquehanna Community and Hillside Community contain only apartments. The newly completed Bingham Hall is the first of the new buildings in the East Campus building project. Newing and Dickinson communities are being taken down and new buildings are being erected in their stead, along with a new collegiate center and dining facility. This entire project is slated to be completed in 2013.[8] [edit] Community themes Dickinson Community: Named for Daniel S. Dickinson, a mid-19th century U.S. Senator from surrounding area, important as the "Defender of the Constitution" in pre-Civil War era. Buildings are named after other prominent local figures, including founders of the university. Hinman College: Named for New York State Senator Harvey D. Hinman. Buildings are named after former New York State governors. Newing College: Named for Stuart Newing a local automobile dealer who was active in the effort to have SUNY purchase Triple Cities College. Buildings are named for Southern Tier towns and counties. The buildings of this community and Dickinson Community, are currently being replaced with new buildings that will be located in the area where Newing currently is located. The first building, Bingham Hall, was completed for the Fall 2009 semester and work on the remainder of the new Newing and also the new student center/dining hall, are in the early stages of construction. College-In-The-Woods: Named for its location in a wooded area of the campus. Buildings are named after tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy. The community is popularly referred to as simply CIW. Mountainview College: The four individual residential halls – Cascade, Hunter, Marcy, and Windham – were named after peaks in the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains and each house up to 300 students. Mountainview is the most recent, fully new community to open at Binghamton as of June, 2009. It was completed between 2003 and 2004.[9] Susquehanna Community: Buildings are named for tributaries of the Susquehanna River, which flows through the city of Binghamton. Hillside Community: Named for its location at the highest part of the Binghamton campus. Halls are named for New York State parks. The 16 apartment buildings are ordered in alphabetical order clockwise. [edit] Academics Binghamton offers more than 80 academic undergraduate majors and more than 30 graduate majors. There also exist interdisciplinary programs that allow individualized degree programs at both the undergraduate and graduate level. There are also several combined-degree programs which allow students to complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years.The school offers several early assurance programs which guarantee acceptance to graduate/professional schools outside of Binghamton, such as SUNY Upstate Medical School. Binghamton is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The university requires students to have completed twelve general education requirements in order to graduate, with some exceptions[10] depending on the school. These include courses in aesthetics, global inter-dependencies, humanities, laboratory science, language and communication, mathematics, physical activity and wellness, social science, and U.S. pluralism.[11] Individual schools within the university have additional requirements.[12] Students in Harpur College must complete a minimum of 126 credits to graduate. Most classes at Binghamton are worth four semester credits, rather than the more usual three. The typical undergraduate's course load thus consists of four courses (for 16 credits) rather than the usual five (for 15 credits). Eighty-four percent of undergraduate students at Binghamton are residents of New York State, with more than 60% from the greater New York City area and the remainder from all corners of the State. The remaining 16 percent of the undergraduate student body is made up of residents of other states in the U.S. (7.5 percent) and international students (8.5 percent) from around the world.[13][14] Binghamton employs close to 600 full-time faculty, 93% of whom have PhDs or equivalents in their fields.[15] [edit] Research and endowment The university is designated as an advanced research institute, thus a number of research opportunities exist for both undergraduate and graduate students. There are more than thirty organized research centers that have been developed in order to facilitate interdisciplinary and specialized research.[16] The office of the vice president for research publishes an annual magazine that highlights research happening at the university. The university received more than $30 million in outside research grants in fiscal year 2007.[17] The University has an endowment of approximately $68.9 million as of January, 2008. The endowment and fundraising campaigns are managed by the Binghamton Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation established to further the mission of Binghamton.[18] [edit] Campus Binghamton's New Downtown Campus in July 2007 The Couper Administration BuildingBinghamton has grown to include roughly 120 buildings, some of which were recent additions from a $2.2 billion SUNY capital plan. New facilities include a housing complex, academic facilities, an indoor multipurpose Events Center to accommodate the University's commencement exercises, Bearcat athletic events and other activities, an addition to the student union and the partially completed Innovative Technologies Complex (ITC). Another significant addition is the new $29 million University Downtown Center in downtown Binghamton which opened for the fall 2007 semester. It houses the newly formed College of Community and Public Affairs. Most recently, the 2007 soccer season saw the debut of a new outdoor soccer and lacrosse stadium, and construction on a $66-million engineering and science building at the ITC is well underway. A unique feature of the main campus is that it is shaped like a brain. The primary road on campus creates a closed loop to form the cerebrum and cerebellum, and the main entrance road creates the spinal cord which leads up to a traffic circle (representing the medulla). The main road is thus frequently referred to as The Brain. The connector road, which goes behind the Mountain View and CIW communities, is closed for a portion of the year (from late fall to spring). The campus is spread over 930 acres (3.6 km²) just south of the Susquehanna River. It features a 190-acre (0.8 km²) Nature Preserve, which contains forest and wetland areas and includes a six-acre (24,000 m²) pond, named Harpur Pond, that adjoins the campus. [edit] Facilities and places[19] [edit] Libraries The Glenn G. Bartle Library, named after the University’s first president, contains collections in the humanities, social sciences, government documents and collections in mathematical and computer sciences. Additionally, Bartle Library houses the Fine Arts Collection (focusing on works relating to art, music, theater and cinema) and Special Collections (containing the Max Reinhardt Collection, as well as the Edwin A. Link and Marion Clayton Link Archives). The Science Library contains materials in all science and engineering disciplines, as well as a map collection. The University Downtown Center (UDC) Library and Information Commons opened in August 2007 and supports the departments of social work, human development and public administration. The libraries offer a number of services including research consultation and assistance, a laptop lending program, customized instruction sessions, and three information commons located in the Bartle, Science and UDC libraries. The libraries offer access to various online databases to facilitate research for students and faculty.[20] The entire campus is also served by a wireless Internet network which all students, staff, and faculty have access to, which is funded in part by mandatory student technology fees. The computing services center supports Windows, Macintosh, and Linux systems, both in public computer labs and for students personal computers. [edit] Anderson Center for the Performing Arts This theater complex has three main stages: Watters Theater, seating 550; the Chamber Hall, seating 450; and the Osterhout Concert Theater, seating 1,200. The concert theater has the ability to become an open-air venue, with its movable, floor-to-ceiling glass windows that open up to a grassy hill. The Anderson Center has hosted world-class performers such as the Russian Symphony and Ballet, the Prague National Symphony and the Shakespearian Theater Company. In March 2006, an overflow house, filling all of the Anderson Center's theaters, was present to hear guest speaker Noam Chomsky. [edit] University Art Museums The University's art collection is housed more than one location, but all within the Fine Arts Building. The building's main-level gallery hosts various artifacts which belong to the Permanent Collection, though typically showcases student work on a rotating basis. The Permanent Collection in the basement level of the building showcases ancient art from Egypt, China and other locales. Lastly, the Elsie B. Rosefsky Gallery, just off the Grand Corridor, displays special exhibits and portfolios. [edit] Events Center Main article: Binghamton University Events Center The Events Center is the area's largest venue for athletics, concerts, fairs and more. Home court to the Binghamton Bearcats basketball teams, the facility seats about 5,300 people for games. For concerts, commencement and other larger events, the Events Center can hold up to 10,000 people. Home site for the America East Conference Men's Basketball Championships in 2005, 2006, and 2008, the court hosted the women's championships for 2007. It's also held intercollegiate indoor track meeets, tennis matches and wrestling match. Its construction cost $33.1M and opened in 2004. [edit] Other athletic facilities Besides the Event Center, the north end of campus houses the East and West Gym for student recreation and varsity athletic purposes. Other varsity facilities include and baseball field, softball field, the Bearcat Sports Complex (a soccer and lacrosse stadium) and an outdoor track. Other student recreation features are a series of playing fields used for soccer, football, rugby and ultimate frisbee. [edit] Nature Preserve University Nature Preserve, Vestal, NYThe university's Nature Preserve is a 190-acre (0.77 km2) plot of land on the southern end of campus. Students have actively worked to make sure the space remains untouched. The preserve features approximately 10 miles of maintained paths, a large lake, marsh areas, vernal pools, tall hills and even a hill-top meadow. A popular hang-out spot is the long wooden boardwalk constructed across one of the marshes, overlooking the lake. [edit] Science Complex The Science Complex is a five-building complex (soon to be seven) including four instructional and office buildings, a greenhouse[21] and the science library. Buildings are named sequentially as Sciences 1 through 4. Construction began in spring 2009 on a new Science 5 building. [edit] Academic Complex Academic A, School of ManagementThe Academic Complex is a two-building complex which opened in 1999. Academic A houses the School of Management and Undergraduate Admissions. Academic B houses the Decker School of Nursing and the School of Education. [edit] University Union Clock Tower, University UnionThe University Union is divided into two sections, sometimes referred to as the Old Union and the New Union, sometimes referred to as Union East and West respectively, yet called "University Union (UU)" and "University Uninion West (UUW)" by the University itself. The Union houses many student organizations, a food co-op, the food court, Susquehanna Room dining area, a number of meeting spaces, many new classrooms, the University Bookstore and a branch of M&T Bank. [edit] Innovative Technologies Complex More commonly known as the ITC, the Innovative Technologies Complex is a new development intended to advance venture capital research in both the support of the university's activities as well as supporting local high technology industry. Currently the complex is a single building, formerly belonging to NYSEG adjacent to the main campus, which has been extensively renovated. Construction is underway on a second building on the site for engineering and science facilities. Early talks indicated plans for a 6-building complex at its completion. Buildings are named sequentially according to the Greek Alphabet. [edit] Current and future construction Currently, Binghamton is executing and planning several projects to facilitate the growth of the university in terms of population, research capacity and quality.[22] The east campus housing project will reconstruct the Newing and Dickinson residential communities; construction began in late spring 2008 with the construction of one new building in Newing.[23] At completion, East Campus will consist of two entirely new housing communities and a student center/dining hall. The Innovative Technologies Complex, currently consisting of just one building, will eventually consist of six buildings at completion. The entire complex is dedicated primarily to venture capital research in the areas of science and engineering. The second building is currently under construction. A fifth science building began construction in spring 2009 to expand the existing science complex on the main campus. The new facility will host the biology and psychology departments. Once completed, renovations will begin to the existing buildings Science 3 and Science 4.[24][citation needed] The Old Union underwent major construction and is now open with minor finishing touches still being applied. Various pathway, bridge, pipeline and other infrastructure work is taking place. Projects, such as paths and bridges are creating increased access to expanding portions of campus, aesthetic contributions and other are simply require repair. [edit] Rankings and statistics [edit] Rankings According to the 2009 BusinessWeek rankings, the School of Management was ranked 18th among Public Schools in the nation and has the second best accounting program. The school is in the top 4 Business Schools in New York State, along with NYU, Columbia University and Cornell University.[25] The accounting program is top 10 in CPA examination scores and with the finance concentration is the 3rd largest feeder to the Big Four accounting firms. According to Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, Binghamton was ranked the #1 best value for 2009. In Spring 2008, Forbes Magazine ranked Binghamton 16th among all public schools and 57th among all schools public and private.[26] The fall 2008 America's Best Colleges ranked by Forbes.com placed Binghamton at #119 overall.[27] In the most recent Forbes ranking, the school dropped to 202. Binghamton is listed on Greene's Guide to Colleges as one of the Public Ivies. Fiske Guide to Colleges has labeled Binghamton as "The Premier Public University in the Northeast," a statement that has become prominent in the university's marketing efforts. Binghamton has the second highest four-year graduation rate among peer public schools. Binghamton is ranked 82nd among all 4-year schools in US News America's Best Colleges and Universities as of 2010. [edit] Admissions and finance Binghamton has a middle 50 percent SAT Score (Math + Verbal): 1200–1380, 1275 average (the national average is 1017), a four-year graduation rate: 70 percent (third highest among all public schools according to the National Education Trust), an acceptance rate of 32%.[28][29][30] For the Fall 2006 Semester, Binghamton received over 22,000 applications for 2,200 spots, and for the Fall 2007, they received over 25,000 applications for 2,300 spots. The Fall 2008 application pool rolled in over 30,000 applicants and Fall 2009 already reported a 50% increase. Binghamton was also recently ranked #1 in the Northeast and #4 nationally for top starting salaries. The average debt at graduation is $14,734, and the school is in the Top 15 Lowest debt-load in the country.[30] [edit] Athletics Main article: Binghamton Bearcats Binghamton has been a member of the NCAA since near its inception to the SUNY system. Originally a Division III school, President DeFleur spearheaded an aggressive campaign to become a Division I school. In 1999, Binghamton completed that transition faster than any other school in history;[citation needed] this was not without controversy, however, due to the perceived cost to the university. Today, they are a member of the America East Conference. Alongside the transition to Division I, a $33.1 million Events Center for basketball, track and tennis was constructed. In 2007, a $3.6 million stadium with turf fields for soccer and lacrosse, were completed. Binghamton's mascot is now the Bearcat; the team was known as the Colonials before the transition to Division I. On March 14, 2009, Binghamton University's Men's Basketball Team won the America East championship, securing their first bid in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. In the first round of their debute in East Regional NCAA championships to Duke Blue Devils. In May 2009, the men's baseball team played in the NCAA Tournament for the first time. The Bearcats placed third at the regional, becoming the first America East team to win an NCAA game in four years and just the third AE team in 14 years to win a game. After their 2009 successes, Binghamton Basketball has been under scrutiny and has had problems off the court. Five players, including top players Tiki Maybin and DJ Rivera, were released from the team due to off-court problems. Along with the player's problems, the new head coach, Kevin Broadus, was sidelined and is on a paid leave of absence due to recruiting controversies. Lastly, the Binghamton University AD (Athletic Director) resigned after learning about the investigations regarding Tiki Mayben. [edit] Transportation Bus transportation on campus and in local neighborhoods with a high density of students is provided by the student managed and driven Off Campus College Transport (OCCT). OCCT is entirely student run and is free for all students; it is supported by the student activity and transportation fees, paid as part of tuition, and by funds and resources provided by the university. OCCT is managed by the Student Association. Additionally, all students are able to ride the Broome County Transit buses for free.[31] Additionally outside services such as College Express and ESCAPE Student Bus Service provide transportation to student between the Binghamton Campus and the NY metropolitan area on weekends and University breaks. [edit] Student Association and organizations The Student Association at Binghamton University,[32] also known as the SA, bills itself as "an all encompassing organization of which every undergraduate student is a member," and functions as Binghamton's student government.[33] The Student Association is an independent non-profit organization and is one of the only student governments in the nation to operate with complete autonomy from its associated university. The Student Association retains the sole right to charter and recognize groups on campus, other than social fraternities and sororities. Currently, the SA recognizes approximately 180 student organizations. [edit] Press and radio [edit] Binghamton Television Binghamton Television[34] is a closed-circuit television station, which provides student programming to the campus community. Types of programming include TV shows, commercials, and event coverage such as lectures, meetings, and athletics. BTV was founded in April 1989 after it was renamed from Harpur Television Workshop. [edit] Pipe Dream student newspaper Main article: Pipe Dream (newspaper) Founded in 1946 as Colonial News, the name was changed to Pipe Dream in 1971. This paper publishes twice-weekly issues which are free and distributed across campus. [edit] Prospect Magazine Prospect is a left-leaning political action magazine focusing on campus and national events. [edit] Binghamton Review Founded in 1987, Binghamton Review is the conservative/libertarian magazine at Binghamton. [edit] Free Press Founded in 2006, The Free Press is arguably the more left-leaning of the student papers at Binghamton. It is published bi-weekly with a variety of content from op-ed to entertainment focusing on topics of interest to the student body. [edit] WHRW Main article: WHRW WHRW, an FM radio station staffed by students and community members, is a free-format college and community FM radio station. WHRW was started in 1966 by Joseph Bress, the station's first general manager. He was succeeded by David Cooper, '67, who was responsible for derailing the political career of Binghamton's mayor, Joseph Esworthy. On the "Open Line" call-in radio show, Mayor Esworthy agreed with the legalization of marijuana in a response to a question by Cooper. The Evening Press picked up the story the next day, and subsequently he lost his re-election bid. In addition, there are several smaller newspapers and magazines published by various student groups. [edit] Harpur's Ferry Student Volunteer Ambulance Service Main article: Harpur's Ferry Formed in 1973, Harpur's Ferry provides EMS care for the Binghamton University Campus and all off-campus students. [edit] Economic Impact According to a 2009 report from the University’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning, University faculty, staff, students and visitors spent more than $463 million in the 2007–08 fiscal year, creating an economic impact of about $750 million in Broome County over $1 billion in New York State alone.[35] The University’s Office of Institutional Research and Planning, also found that: For every dollar the state invests in the University, about $6 is returned to Greater Binghamton and $8 to New York State.[citation needed] The presence of the University supports 11,000 full-time jobs in New York State, nearly 10,000 of which are in Broome County. The University employs about 8 percent of residents in the Greater Binghamton area. From the year 2000, the University's economic impact has increased by about 12 percent and is expected to continue growing substantially. [edit] Controversies The neutrality of this section is disputed. Please see the discussion on the talk page. Please do not remove this message until the dispute is resolved. (March 2009) [edit] WHRW Radio's news department The student radio station WHRW's news department did a series of reports on information security issues. In March 2009, a WHRW reporter accessed an area at the Student Accounts office where sensitive information was stored.[36] One of the doors to the area had been left unlocked and taped open.[37] Photographs of documents (with personal information redacted) were posted on the station's web site.[38][39][40][41] Robert Glass, director of the WHRW News Department, was advised by University administrators to "seek personal legal counsel immediately" in connection to the matter as criminal charges may be brought.[36][37] In late April, the University's administration announced that no charges would be brought against Glass, although stricter policies relating to the station's reporting of future security incidents would be drawn up. [edit] Antoun murder On December 4, 2009, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology Richard T. Antoun was stabbed to death in his office in one of the university's science buildings. A graduate student working on his PhD, Abdulsalam Al-Zahrani, stabbed the professor four times in his chest with a 6-inch kitchen knife, causing him a collapsed lung along with other serious injuries, from which Antoun died. Al-Zahrani was apprehended at the scene, arraigned, and charged with second-degree murder. [edit] Alumni [edit] Alumni Association The Binghamton University Alumni Association is nearly as old as the University itself. The Harpur College Alumni Association elected its first officers in 1951, following the first Commencement. As Harpur College grew and became a part of the State University of New York, the Alumni Association grew and today serves as the umbrella organization for a number of alumni groups and activities. The University's Office of Alumni and Parent Relations supports the Alumni Association, working on behalf of its board of directors, an all-volunteer policy-setting body. The Association represents more than 100,000 alumni, and is a non-dues paying organization. All graduates automatically become members and are entitled to the quality services and activities provided by the association. Among other events on and off campus, the Alumni Association sponsors the University's annual Homecoming weekend. [edit] Broome Community CollegeBroome Community College, also a part of the SUNY system, is located in nearby Dickinson. [edit] Upstate Medical UniversityA clinical campus of Upstate Medical University was established for third and fourth year medical students in 1979. Students spend their first two years of medical school in Syracuse, New York and then complete their training in Binghamton. [edit] Davis CollegeDavis College (formerly Practical Bible College) is located just outside the city limits in the suburb of Johnson City. [edit] Other InstitutionsBinghamton is also home to branches of Ridley Lowell, Elmira Business Institute, and Empire College. [edit] MediaThe Greater Binghamton metro area is served by the following media outlets:
[edit] SportsThe area is home to the Eastern League's Binghamton Mets (AA affiliate of the New York Mets). The B-Mets have sent stars like José Reyes, David Wright, Preston Wilson, Pat Strange, Prentice Redman, Eric Cammack, Jason Tyner, Jason Roach, and Jay Payton to the majors. Several hockey teams have played in Broome County over the years, most recently the Binghamton Senators, who currently serve as the AHL affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. The B-Sens won division titles on 2003 and 2005, reaching the AHL conference finals in 2003. They play their home games at Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena. Division I College Sports are played at Binghamton University (a member of the America East Conference). Division III College Sports are played at Broome Community College. Bobby Gonzalez, head coach of Seton Hall's men's basketball team was born here, and still has family in the area. Alongside Bobby Gonalez, King Rice, a McDonald's All-American, and 2 year starter at UNC, is currently an assistant coach for Vanderbilt's men's basketball team, called Binghamton home. Binghamton is also home to two semi-pro football teams, the Broome County Dragons (members of the Empire Football League) and the Southern Tier Green Machine (members of the North American Football League). The area is also home to an annual Professional Tennis Challenger, the Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger, part of the USTA pro circuit (Known as the Frito-Lay Tennis Challenger in years past). Tennis greats such as Lleyton Hewitt, James Blake and more recently Andy Murray found their start with this tournament, using it as a spring board to the U.S. Open (tennis).[17] The B.C. Open was an official PGA Tour event that was held annually from 1971 to 2006 at Endicott's En-Joie Golf Course. (Note that the 2006 B.C. Open had to be played in Verona, N.Y. due to extensive damage during the June 2006 Flooding of the Susquehanna River.) Beginning in 2007, the area will host a PGA Champion's Tour event, the Dick's Sporting Goods Open. The event will replace the B.C. Open and continue to be played at En-Joie Golf Course in Endicott. Since 1978 a round of the American Motorcyclist Association's Motocross Championship has been held at the nearby Broome-Tioga Sports Center. This round of the series has recently been moved to Texas and is no longer hosted by the Broome-Tioga Sports Center. They also host the New York State Motocross Championships each fall and many other semi-pro events throughout the season. Two world famous amateur sports tournaments are held in Binghamton. The Stop DWI Holiday Classic - a nationally recognized high school basketball tournament - calls the city home during the Christmas season, amassing about 16 of the nations best teams from places such as Orlando, NYC, Philadelphia, Kentucky, Cincinnati, and other large metropolitan areas. The World Youth Classic is an American Legion youth baseball tournament featuring world-class Legion baseball teams. Held in July, it features teams from Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, New York, Georgia, and New England. As many as 32 teams may play per year. [edit] Transportation[edit] AirportThe area is served by two airports. A medium-sized regional airport, Greater Binghamton Airport and a general aviation airport, the Tri-Cities Airport. Greater Binghamton Airport serves destinations which include Philadelphia (US Airways), Dulles Airport serving Washington, D.C. (United) and Detroit (Northwest Airlines). [edit] Public transitIntercity bus service is available from downtown Binghamton via Greyhound (with destinations including Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Scranton, Toronto, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New York City.) Shortline/Coach USA also serves the region, with daily departures to Olean, Albany, Oneonta, Elmira, Waverly, Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Utica, Atlantic City, Monticello and New York City. Megabus began service to Buffalo Airport and Toronto in June 2008, but discontinued it in December 2008. Public transportation in Binghamton and outlying areas is served by B.C. Transit, a service of the Broome County Department of Transportation. Students at Binghamton University are also served by OCCT (Off-Campus College Transport). [edit] RailroadsBinghamton is served by four railroads: Norfolk Southern Railway serves Binghamton with its Southern Tier Main Line (former Erie, Erie-Lackawanna,and Conrail mainline); Canadian Pacific Railway serves Binghamton with its Delaware & Hudson subsidiary Montreal PQ-Harrisburg PA Main Line (former Delaware and Hudson Railway); the New York, Susquehanna & Western Railway serves Binghamton as part of its Binghamton to Syracuse and Binghamton to Utica lines and the Central New York Railroad (owned by the NYS&W) serves Binghamton with its Binghamton-Port Jervis NY Main Line (former Erie and Conrail line). Binghamton has no railroad passenger service. The last scheduled service, New York (Hoboken) to Chicago services operated by the Erie Lackawanna Railroad, was discontinued in January 1970, by order of the United States Interstate Commerce Commission in order to promote automobile and aviation use. New York Senator Chuck Schumer is pushing for passenger rail service between Binghamton and New York City via Scranton and the Lackawanna Cutoff.[citation needed] [edit] River crossingsTwo large rivers, the Susquehanna, and its tributary, the Chenango, cut through the city and metropolitan area. This necessitates spans across these rivers to connect the city's various neighborhoods. [edit] Chenango River crossingsTraveling north from the Chenango's confluence with the Susquehanna, are six bridges, these include; the Veteran's Memorial Bridge (Riverside Drive Bridge), Court Street Bridge, Clinton Street Bridge, the Norfolk Southern Rail Bridge, the I-81/NY-7 bridge and the Bevier Street Bridge. [edit] Susquehanna River crossingsWashington St. Bridge (pedestrian only), State St. Bridge (Route 434 connect), Exchange St. Bridge, Tompkins St. Bridge, Railroad Bridge (not sure what rail line) [edit] Important regional highways and roadsTwo Interstate Highways run through the area:
FUTURE
One US Highway runs through the area:
[edit] Points of interest
[edit] Notable residentsMain article: List of people from Binghamton, New York  Famous people who resided in Binghamton include:
[edit] Binghamton On The Screen
[edit] Trivia
[edit] Binghamton in Books
[edit] Sister citiesBinghamton has two sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International: [edit] See also[edit] References
[edit] Further reading
[edit] External links
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