Campus News and Welcome Back

Dear all,

Welcome back to the 2025–2026 academic year!

I hope everyone enjoyed some rest and relaxation this summer. For people returning to campus after time away, you may wonder about some campus projects. Here are updates regarding campus and its landscape that may be of interest.

The Dede Thompson Bartlett Center for Admission and Career Education

Much was accomplished over the summer; this new Maryann Thompson building is coming along! It should be operational by January, 2026. Also, the material from the former varsity tennis courts (which have been replaced by the Richard A. Cretella Tennis Center located next to Walker) will be fully removed and that area will become largely open green space. The four community courts behind Joss will remain. (Photo credit: Carlisle Stockton).

“Seed” sculpture

This was installed this summer near the Bennett Gate (on the way to the Juliet Building). It still has plantings to be added, which are planned for this fall. Watch your email for news about its formal opening with Rose B. Simpson on campus.

Library

The north entrance is being made more accessible, and the Learning, Teaching, and Research Center (and 24-hour room) are being substantially expanded. The first phase of work, which includes staff work areas, is complete, and the second phase of work is underway. All work will be completed by January 2026.

Sunset Lake

This body of water has become overrun with vegetation. The primary plant taking root in the lake is water chestnut, an invasive plant that is prevalent in our region including in the Hudson River. Water chestnut plants thrive in shallow, slow moving or stagnant water, and warm temperatures.

The College has applied for a permit from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to remove sediment from the lake, which will increase the depth of the water and reduce water chestnut growth. We will also be able to reinstall an aerator in the lake, which will improve the water quality overall. Sediment removal is planned for next summer assuming approval is granted; in the meantime, colder temperatures of fall and winter will stall the growth of the plants and provide time to investigate and develop responsible strategies for management of the water chestnut and other invasive aquatic plants on a regular basis.

Remembering our Mission

As the academic year begins, it is worth reading again Vassar’s mission, which is critically important in today’s world. Also, we are supported by our Land Acknowledgement and Statement of Academic Responsibility and Respect for Persons. These collective commitments inspire our work together. Here’s to a year full of learning, care for each other, and growth!

See you around campus soon,

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@ehowebradley