Sometimes in life, it’s the simplest moments we remember the most. Whether it’s the laughs shared over a slice of pizza during lunch, class trips with some of your closest friends, or the feeling of cheering on your brother as he makes history as a member of the State Champion Spartans football team – certain memories that will last us a lifetime. For Sarah Kane, it’s hard to not look back at her time in Spartan Country with a smile.
The 2005 grad was a member of the swim team from 9th to 12th grade, a stat girl/manager for wrestling and boys lacrosse from 10th to 12th grade, and a member of band for four years. She was also involved in student council – starting as the secretary of her freshman class and later serving as Vice President. All of this while co-chairing the Homecoming committee and spearheading the return of the ‘Reversal Game’ during Homecoming week – a tradition that continues to this day.
“When I think of memories, I first think of friends, and the memories made going off campus for lunch (usually at Tonys), Or homecoming week events, from the volleyball tournament to football game decorating for the dance, and the reversal game. I had a blast on my senior trip to Baltimore and Dorney Park. I also remember Graduation fondly, being on the football field, looking up at the school, being eager for the future but surrounded by joy on that day,” said Kane.
Kane’s early experiences of leadership and community became the foundation of who she is today. As Binghamton University’s Budget Director, she oversees a team of three, working closely with financial representatives from each division on all budgetary matters to support the campus mission and strategic plan. She's also a campus liaison with the SUNY System Administration, and provides guidance to campus leaders. 20 years after graduating from Maine-Endwell, she still remembers the turning point in her academic life.
“The elective business classes I took starting my freshman year really helped lead me to a Business Admin major and the role I am in now. Those classes, along with student council, were the foundation of me discovering my skillsets of wanting to be in a leadership role. I was organized, and enjoyed the topics of those classes which gave me a head start in college,” said Kane.
And she hasn’t forgotten the important people who made a difference along the way.
“I spent almost all of my free time in the business classroom because Mrs. Osovski was not only the accounting and keyboarding teacher, but student council advisor. She was the teacher I did the Senior swap with,” said Kane.
After graduating in 2005, Kane attended SUNY Oswego, majoring in Business Administration. She spent time as a Resident Assistant for two-and-a-half years, and even had the opportunity to study abroad in London for six weeks, completing an internship at King College Hospital. Her expertise as a “stat girl” at Maine-Endwell would also carry over – working with the men’s lacrosse team.
After graduating, her eyes were set on Binghamton University. She’d eagerly take the first job she was offered, working in financial aid, and later started exploring civil service jobs, leading her to a brand-new field - Broome County Government – a position she’d hold for five-an-a-half years in various accounting roles. During that time, she continued to apply for jobs at Binghamton, but realized most positions required a master’s degree. She was up for the challenge.
“I went back to school, completing an online MBA program through SUNY Oswego in 2015. Shortly before I graduated with my MBA, I started a new position at Ithaca College, working in their budget office,” said Kane.
It was within Ithaca’s budget office where Kane truly found what she loved.
“Being in an environment that encourages learning, supports ambition and growing. I loved learning about how a college budget came together, like a puzzle where you have to figure out how it all fits together. After almost 2 years in that role, I received an unexpected phone call for the Deputy Director of Budget position, returning to Broome County. I loved IC, but it was closer to home, and an opportunity I couldn't turn down. I learned a lot in that position, but BU was always on my radar, and I kept applying,” said Kane.
Finally, in 2018, that phone call came. Kane was offered a position in the Watson College Dean’s Office, an opportunity she gladly accepted. After a few years there, she transitioned to a new division, and in January of 2023, stepped into her current role as Budget Director.
“I love working in higher-ed. The energy from students is refreshing, and working at BU, where it’s always growing (new buildings, new programs) is both challenging and exciting. Professional development is not only supported, but encouraged, and there is always something to learn from others,” said Kane.
For current M-E students still finding their paths, Kane’s advice is simple but powerful: stay open.
“My advice to students would be to find what you enjoy and pursue that, lean into what you are naturally good at, and be open to new opportunities. When I graduated high school, I thought I wanted to own a bed and breakfast/inn like Lorelei Gilmore on Gilmore girls, or be a sports manager. Never did I imagine I would be the Budget Director at BU. But one job lead to another. I worked hard, and it was noticed. I said yes to unexpected opportunities,” said Kane.
What started with a willingness to learn, has led to a mission of lifting others – providing new opportunities the students of the future, just as her teachers once did for her.