WE are R2G Utica…
Firstly, there are the individuals and entities we credit with forming R2G Utica beginning in 2010. These R2G CORE FOUNDERS include all those who optimistically joined from the Utica community and Cornell University to bring R2G into being and to move it forward. The WE of R2G also includes the university FACULTY, STUDENTS, CIVIC FELLOWS and researchers from Cornell and other area colleges and the many community PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS and CITIZENS who’ve been working alongside and with one another to accomplish R2G’s collective community-derived and -driven actions.
R2G’s URBAN STUDIO is home base to our changing team of talented people–STAFF, CONSULTANTS, AmeriCorps VISTAS– responsible for facilitating and advancing R2G’s activities while cultivating new and on-going connections in the community and to and from Cornell and Utica. Our full- and part-time staff and consultants are paid with grant monies. Cornell faculty and others, are part of the team and contribute their expertise in-kind. Since 2015, AmeriCorps Vistas have spent a year, post-graduation, working with the R2G team on such topics as place-based design, food systems, community gardens and poverty alleviation.
Lead Partners 2014-2019
From 2014-2019, several long-term lead partners–namely Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Oneida County, the Community Foundation, City of Utica and Cornell University– helped staff and fund the R2G Urban Studio at City Hall with CCE Oneida acting as our non-profit fiscal sponsor.
Moving Ahead
In 2018, R2G began a new chapter and incorporated as its own non-profit entity, fiscally sponsored by the Community Foundation. Then, in Fall of 2019 we moved out of City Hall and relocated to MVCC’s thINCubator where we are now happy to be among many exciting innovators and entrepreneurs. As we celebrate our 10-year anniversary in 2020, R2G plans to continue evolving and adapting. We will be realizing ongoing projects and activating new ones and our BOARD, which includes several of our longtime founders, will be expanding to welcome several new and energetic individuals to be part of the WE that is R2G.
CORE Founders
In its inaugural year R2G Utica’s Founders- dubbed the R2G CORE- met continuously. They charted R2G’s course and emerged initial projects and actions in collaboration with R2G’s Cornell University partners. To this day, many remain actively involved. Because of their work and dedication R2G Utica has continued to progress and evolve.
Board of Directors
Diane Shoemaker, President- R2G Urban Studio 2014-2019; Pam Jardieu, Secretary- Founder R2G Core; Lynne Mishalanie, Treasurer- Founder R2G Core; Dana Crisino, Director- AICP, Oneida County Planning; Chris Sagaas, Director- Executive Director, Utica Public Library; Jamina Lilley- Director; West Side Community Leader; Caroline Williams, Ex-Officio- R2G Urban Studio 2014-2017; Ron Bunce, Ex-Officio- Founder R2G Core; Paula Horrigan, Ex-Officio- Founder, Emerita Professor, Cornell University Partner
Partnering Organizations
Dozens and dozens of partner organizations have been part of R2G since 2010 and include national, state, county and city-level governmental entities and agencies, non-profit organizations and groups, local universities and businesses, to name a few. By working together we have strengthened our effectiveness and relevance and created outcomes and impacts we’d have never produced alone.
Citizens & Groups
Hundreds of local citizens have played an ongoing role in spearheading and participating in R2G projects by providing their knowledge, voices, visions and ideas for how to green and enhance the livability and quality of life in their neighborhoods, public spaces and daily lives. R2G continues to be inspired and motivated by the many local people demonstrating such a commitment to action and change.
Together, Utica’s highly engaged local leaders and citizens have worked over the years with one another, Cornell University faculty and students and the R2G Urban Studio team to co-create and advance placemaking and community development actions benefiting the community. Together they’ve created a record of lasting positive impacts and demonstrated that democratic community participation and imagination matters to Uticans and the place, Utica, they value and call home.
R2G Civic Fellows
Since 2010, upwards of 60 university students have served as R2G Civic Fellows engaging in R2G Projects working with Utica community partners during the summet and academic years. While most have come from Cornell, students from Hamilton, Colgate, Utica College, MW Pratt and Empire College have been among the cohorts of Fellows working with and contributing to R2G Utica throughout the years.
Cornell R2G Students
Since 2010 nearly 170 Cornell students, largely from landscape architecture and planning, have been major contributors to R2G Utica through their engagement in community projects with local citizens. R2G-focused courses, research and mentoring at Cornell have enabled students to bring their ideas and expertise into Utica and to, in turn, directly learn and grow from the community. Students have been part of the R2G Utica Capstone Studio, R2G thesis and exit projects, and design and research projects. Many have gone on to lives in practice or to further their educations having benefited from the experience and role they’ve played in R2G.