The Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview marked its 10th anniversary with a ceremony on May 31, officially naming the venue’s pavilion after State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry President Joanne M. Mahoney.
Mahoney, who has served as ESF president since 2018 and was previously Onondaga County Executive from 2008 to 2018, played a key role in bringing the amphitheater project to fruition. “Seeing this project come alive and embraced by the community reflects an extraordinary team effort, extensive ESF research on Onondaga Lake, and now hosts ESF commencement each year,” Mahoney said.
The amphitheater is located along Onondaga Lake’s shore on land that underwent significant environmental remediation following years of industrial contamination. The site’s transformation into a concert venue represents ongoing efforts to revitalize the area. For decades, scientists from ESF have led restoration work at Onondaga Lake aimed at improving water quality and restoring habitats for wildlife and recreation.
Since opening in 2016, The Amp has hosted hundreds of concerts with an estimated attendance of 1.5 million guests and generated about $170 million in economic impact for Central New York. Beginning in 2022, ESF has held its annual commencement ceremonies at the venue each May.
The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry manages numerous field stations across New York; operates within the SUNY framework as its environmental specialty college; promotes understanding of environmental resources through instruction, investigation, and community support; extends research programs statewide; provides research-driven solutions to environmental issues; and focuses on disciplines such as environmental science and forestry, according to the official website.
