The Educational Opportunity Program dates back to the late 1960's when SUNY Chancellor Samuel Gould originally called for the campuses to start evaluating their existing programs to see if they meet the needs of all students. This was followed up through the creation of various committees to review such programs while also recommending future initiatives. As a result of the committee work, and through the efforts of Alan D. Willsey, (Institutional Planning), Project Opportunity was born in 1968.
Project Opportunity sought to achieve two main objectives in the beginning, (1) undertake an aggressive recruiting campaign for diverse students to attend Cortland, and (2) better understand how current operations and facilities will best serve such students. During the first year, the program faced numerous challenges such as lack of adequate space on campus and funding.
When Thomas Newkirk came to campus in 1969-1970, the program was still in the midst of these challenges. He proposed to change the name from Project Opportunity to the Educational Opportunity Program. Before becoming the director of EOP, Newkirk was a former educational consultant in New York City (Ralston, Cortland College an Illustrated History, 236). He was foundational in shaping the program in what it has become today and served Cortland for over 20-years. Maria Gonzalez was the first EOP graduate.
Thomas Newkirk (Center) sitting with President Richard Jones (right), 1978.
Photograph of the EOP reunion in 1980.
Photograph of Thomas Newkirk, 1980.
Thomas Newkirk (standing on the right) with two students, 1979.
Photograph of EOP students sitting with each other, 1979.
