50 ALUMNI MAGAZINE
SPRING 2018
President Dr. Zvi Szafran Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Douglas M. Scheidt
SUNY Canton Public Relations Director of Public Relations/Web Designer Travis G. Smith Videographer Morgan D. Elliot Senior Media Relations Manager Gregory E. Kie Public Relations Manager Lorette A. Murray Graphic Designer Matthew J. Mulkin '04 & '11 Secretary Ellen M. Prashaw
Canton College Foundation Vice President for Advancement Anne M. Sibley Director of Major Gifts/Senior Philanthropic Advisor Peggy Sue Levato Director of Financial Operations Keith R. Rosser Director of Planned Giving Geoffrey C.S. VanderWoude Associate Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Engagement Jamie L. Burgess '06 Gift Steward/Foundation Accountant Stephanie J. Fay Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Elizabeth F. (Irvine) Gravlin '02 & '08 Secretary Lisa St. Germain Assistant Director of Individual Giving Amanda Stopa Goldstein Assistant Director of Individual Giving Jordan A. Walker
College Council Grace Y. Burke • Timothy J. Currier • Cecily L. Morris Chloe Ann O'Neil • Ronald M. O'Neill '63, Chair Marie C. Regan • Joseph L. Rich • Thomas R. Sauter '81 Roger J. Sharlow • Rachel Nikki Zeitzman '18, Student Rep/Student Government Association President
College Foundation Board of Directors Bernard C. Regan '65, Chair • Christine D. Gray '93, Vice Chair Anne M. Sibley, Executive Director • Edward N. Coombs '86, Treasurer Karen M. Spellacy, Secretary • Chloe Ann O’Neil, Past Chair
Directors Dr. D. Anthony Beane • Tamara R. Bullock '01 • Joel W. Canino '87 Lisa E. Colbert '97 • Francis A. “Ike” Cook '93 • William D. Demo '57 Joan M. Eurto '82 • Daniel G. Fay • Kevin Fear '87 • Walter J. Haig '89 Sylvia M. Kingston '78 • Marti King MacArthur '74 & '78 Priscilla Leggette '01 & '04 • Dr. Kasheed Mohammed '60 Michael A. Noble '85 • Richard S. Patri '91 • Robert B. Raymo '58 Jon A. Richardson '67 • Laura E. Rozell '69 • Dr. Adrienne C. Rygel Dr. Zvi Szafran, ex officio • Carl W. Trainor '77 Rosella Todd Valentine '68 • Grace E. Jones-Vesper '88 Thomas V. Walsh '96 • Guilford D. White '68 Barbara R. Wilder '53 & '70 • Thomas P. Woodside '66 Katherine M. Wyckoff '77
Milestone Moment
Honorary Directors D. Edgar Cloce '59 • Thomas F. Coakley • Charles F. Goolden Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy • Dr. Earl W. MacArthur • Robert A. Noble, Jr. Jay F. Stone '62 • Ronald L. Woodcock '59
Alumni Association Board of Directors Kelly Obermayer '79, President • Anne Boulter '79, Vice President Cynthia L. Young '85, Secretary • William Blasko '99 Ann Marie Brewer '85 • Jamie Burgess '06 Jennie (Ramsay) Flanagan '90, '93, '06 Major General Fergal I. Foley '80 Elizabeth F. (Irvine) Gravlin '02 & '08 William T. Jones, J.D., M.S. • Caroline C. Kingsepp '09 Chris Kirkpatrick '11 • Peggy Sue Levato • John Maines '77 William A. Myers '86 • Arthur W. Rankin '55 • Lindalee Sawyer '83 Lawrence Vaughan '73 • Steven Wozniak '09 Grace E. Jones-Vesper '88 • Rachel Nikki Zeitzmann '18
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SUNY Canton’s senior-most faculty member, Daniel G. Fay, will celebrate his 50-year anniversary with the College this fall. As one of the most beloved professors in school history, he has taught generations of students and left an indelible mark on the campus and the community. In honor of his anniversary, the Canton College Foundation will be collecting memories, congratulatory messages, and donations in his honor via www.canton.edu/dannyfay or by calling (800) 811-6727.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Want to keep up with the life of a college president? Check out the Weekly Blab at zszafranblog.wordpress.com Dear Alumni and Friends, To me, spring signifies new beginnings. It’s a sentiment that perfectly characterizes the past year at SUNY Canton. As you’ll read on the following pages, we added new programs, unveiled a high-tech digital classroom, announced a varsity eSpor ts team, and joined a new athletic conference. If that weren’t enough, the campus also launched a “50 Years on the Hill” celebration that will culminate at Alumni Weekend in June. In addition to a gala event to honor our half-century on the hill, we are welcoming back the class of 1968–the first students to graduate from the “new” campus. As you may have heard, we’ve set a goal of 1,968 donors by this summer to commemorate this milestone. You can read about our progress on Page 4, as well as about my personal contribution to the campaign.
This edition also features two incredibly talented alumni who are investing their time and resources into SUNY Canton: Doug Zeif ’13 and Myrna Thomas ’79. I hope their stories inspire you to strengthen your relationship to the College in a meaningful way. In keeping with the theme of new beginnings, you may be wondering why you’re receiving the alumni magazine so early. After many years as a fall publication, After Canton will now be published annually in the spring. As always, we welcome your feedback and invite you to share your stories with us. With all of our recent achievements, SUNY Canton’s greatest asset continues to be our people–students, faculty, staff, community members, friends, and alumni. Working together gives us the ability to continue this incredible momentum into 2018 and beyond. Best Regards,
Zvi
ON THE COVER We spotted student athletes Cassidy M. Yetter ’19, Mackenzie Talbot ’19, and Gerald L. Abillar ’18 crossing the footbridge connecting the College to downtown Canton on one of the first snowy days of the year. Yetter is a Veterinary Technology student who plays softball, Talbot is a Veterinary Science Technology student who plays softball, and Abillar is a Homeland Security major who plays baseball.
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NEWS New High-Tech Majors Lead to High-Paying Jobs Now more than ever, the U.S. economy demands a workforce with high-tech skills, and SUNY Canton is meeting that need by offering two new majors this fall: a Bachelor of Science in Technological Communications and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. The programs were developed to offer graduates the opportunity to enter expanding, high-paying fields. Currently, the median annual income for technical writers is $69,000, and salaries for information security analysts are more than $90,000 per year. Experts predict employment rates for both areas will outpace average job growth until 2026. “The fields of cybersecurity and technological communications continue to grow as we adopt an omnipresent digital lifestyle,” said President Zvi Szafran. “SUNY Canton will now be the College to train new students for placement in these muchneeded areas.”
Cybersecurity will prepare graduates to assess security needs within computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance
of security devices. Technological Communications students will develop expertise in media and professional writing, digital graphic storytelling, and intercultural communication.
Digital Studio Lab a Game-Changer “Months of planning went into developing this high-tech learning space,” said Dean of the Canino School of Engineering Technology Michael J. Newtown ’84. “It enables students to learn in a collaborative environment that fosters creativity and innovation.”
The future of video game design was on display last fall when the College unveiled its new Digital Studio Lab. The state-of-the-art classroom in Nevaldine Hall was created for students in the Game Design and Development major, as well as those enrolled in the Graphic and Multimedia Design and Technological Communications programs. 3
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The lab features 26 high-speed computers, each furnished with two ultra-high-definition 4K monitors. An interactive smart board, five 55-inch flatscreen monitors, and next-generation virtual reality equipment enhance the learning experience. "The Digital Studio Lab is a unique area that allows students to work together and experiment with technology used in the industry,” said Game Design and Development student Thomas J. Nagle ’21.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house in October showcased the new lab to the community. Facultyled demonstrations gave guests a glimpse into the concepts taught in the classroom. “This was a perfect opportunity for prospective students to learn more about our new programs, as well as the technology used to create 3D, virtual reality, and interactive games,” Newtown said.
A Home Away from Home for Veterans Students like Randyl S. Chase ’18 find support and camaraderie in the Raymond G. Modell ’62 Veterans Lounge.
President Zvi Szafran and his wife, Jill, have given an incredible gift to the College in honor of SUNY Canton’s “50 Years on the Hill” milestone.
After being deployed twice and sustaining a career-changing back injury, Chase decided to continue his education and become a social worker. But, he found it difficult to connect with students who were fresh out of high school until he found his peers in the Veterans Lounge. “I retired from the Army in November 2015, and started school in January 2016,” Chase said. “I didn’t have much time for a personal transition.” Chase added that he is able to complete the majority of his work in the lounge without it cutting into his home or work life. “There are four of us now that are all in Applied Psychology, and we all work together,” he said. The room is located in Cook Hall and was named last fall in honor of Modell, who served in the U.S. Air Force and enrolled in the Electrical Engineering Technology program at SUNY Canton in 1960. Upon graduation in 1962, Modell went on to work for General Electric and Niagara Mohawk. He has contributed to the Canton College Foundation every year since 1982. His gift to name the lounge will enhance the College’s efforts
President’s Donation Inspires Giving
The Szafrans announced in October that they will match Canton Fund contributions from any alumnus who is a first-time donor.
SUNY Canton named its Veterans Lounge after Raymond Modell ’62, who is a U.S. Air Force veteran. to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for service members. “I think this lounge is a great resource for student veterans,” Modell said after unveiling a plaque outside of the space. “I know first-hand the problems of coming back to college after being away for a while.” An ardent supporter of higher education, he established the Modell Family Endowed Scholarship in 2000, which is awarded annually to a student in the Electrical Engineering Technology program. He is a member of the PaysonMartin Society and has included a gift to the College in his estate. Modell was inducted into the College’s Hall of Fame in 2012.
U.S. Army veteran and SUNY Canton student Randyl Chase ’18 studies in the Raymond G. Modell ’62 Veterans Lounge.
“Donor support has never been more important,” said President Szafran. “So Jill and I have pledged $5,000 a year for the next 5 years ($25,000 total) in hopes that it will encourage others to make an investment in SUNY Canton’s future.” As of Feb. 1, the President’s Challenge is already at 74 percent of its first-year goal. “The fact that we are so close to meeting President Szafran’s challenge only halfway through the year speaks volumes about the dedication of our alumni,” said Vice President for Advancement Anne M. Sibley. A second fundraising campaign in honor of the College’s half-century on the hill commemorates the class of 1968—the first to graduate from the “new” campus. The Foundation aims to reach a goal of 1,968 donors by June 30, 2018. At the time of publication we have reached 1,130 donors. “We know that our alumni will support this endeavor and show the world what a great place SUNY Canton is,” Sibley added.
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Funds raised from both campaigns will be used to grant scholarships, fund academic projects, host guest speakers, purchase equipment, sponsor faculty professional development, and more. To make a donation, visit www.canton.edu/gift or call (800) 811-6727.
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A Career of Compassionate Care This May, longtime Davis Health Center Director Patricia A. Todd ’81 & ’83 will be retiring after 30 years of service to SUNY Canton. Originally hired as a Staff Nurse in 1988, Todd was promoted to Director in 1994 and leads a team of nine professionals who are dedicated to the health and well-being of students. “Working in college health requires a special person who is able to be a clinician, adviser, mentor, friend, and confidant," said Courtney B. Bish, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. “Patty is all of these and more. Her warmth and compassionate demeanor make our students feel safe and cared for.” Looking back on her career, Todd said her most memorable moments include the ice storm of 1998, the Cook Hall fire, and receiving the Excellence in College Service Award in 2002. Threats of closure in the 1990s also left an indelible impression.
New Beginnings “At the time, it was scary to think that the College wouldn’t be here,” she said. “It makes you thankful and appreciative of what we have, so giving back to the Canton College Foundation makes sense.”
The Larkin family is paying tribute to the memory of SUNY Canton student Craig P. Larkin through the establishment of an endowed scholarship.
She currently supports 11 different i n i t i a t i ve s , i n c l u d i n g e n d o w e d scholarships, athletics, and the student Emergency Medical Service Squad. “Not only does Patty go above and beyond for students in her professional capacity as Health Center Director, she also gives generously to the Canton College Foundation,” said Canton College Foundation Director of Financial Operations Keith Rosser. “Whenever we launch a new initiative, Patty willingly steps up to make a contribution and encourages others do to so as well.” After retirement, she plans to spend more time with her family. “I have five grandkids, and they are growing up so fast.”
Craig P. Larkin Larkin passed away April 23, 2016, from complications of a heart attack at the age of 46. At the time of his death, he was enrolled in the Emergency Management and Homeland Security programs. Friends and family remember his love of fishing, hunting, photography, and storm chasing. They established the Craig Larkin New Beginnings Scholarship for students in the Emergency Management or Homeland Security programs. The first recipient of the award was Erwin E. Zahler III, who is studying online and works full-time for SUNY Canton’s Physical Plant. “It was an honor to be selected as the first recipient of the award,” Zahler said. “I also had the opportunity to meet and speak with Craig’s family at the scholarship luncheon, which was a special experience.” Those interested in making a contribution to the New Beginnings Scholarship can contact the Canton College Foundation at (800) 811-6727 or foundation@canton.edu.
Davis Health Center Director Patty Todd, who will be retiring in May after 30 years of service, gives a routine checkup to a very special patient in the center’s exam room.
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Little Kids, Big Future: New Degree Opens Doors in Child Care Field The next generation of early child care professionals now have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree in their chosen career path.
Alaijah Grant ’18 looks on while Fatima C. Kamara ’18 reads to Grady Boyer in the Early Childhood Literacy Center.
Beginning this fall, the College will offer a Bachelor of Business Administration in Early Childhood Care and Management. Students will take courses in child development, curriculum planning, program administration, leadership, and business management. The four-year program builds upon the College’s popular Associate of Science in Early Childhood Studies degree. Numerous graduates and students enrolled in the associate degree program have sought a fouryear option, according to Professor Maureen P. Maiocco, who is the lead faculty member for the Early Childhood Care and Management program and Social Sciences Department Chair. “Many public and private organizations and companies are seeking applicants
with a four-year degree in Early Childhood,” Maiocco said. “Positions include early childhood educators, childcare center directors, and program administrators.” The new program combines theory and practice for students seeking careers working with children from infancy to 5 years of age. It also has an emphasis on developing entrepreneurial skills.
“The recent focus on economic development and employment growth in New York will mean an increased demand for high-quality childcare options for working families,” Maiocco said. “The Bachelor of Business Administration in Early Childhood Care and Management will enhance the child care workforce and enrich the quality of care for young children and families.”
A 50-Year History Lesson After the article “Building SUNY Canton” was published in the previous edition of After Canton, several readers came forward with new trivia and updates about the College and its history. • SUNY Canton’s physical address at Cornell Drive is named for one of the College’s maintenance workers, Herbert Cornell. President Emeritus Earl W. MacArthur updated the College on this historical fact during the Scholarship Luncheon. President Emeritus Albert E. French said Cornell was exceptionally helpful in keeping the old campus up-to-date for the influx of students in the 1960s. • The granite that is so prevalent on campus was quarried in Westchester County, according to Robert R. Burns, the College’s former Facilities Project Coordinator. Burns said the contract
masons needed an example to keep the many retaining walls looking consistent. A master mason was commissioned to create a sample wall. College historians are almost certain that the master mason was Lloyd J. Kingston, who built many notable buildings in the area. Lloyd Kingston’s daughter, Sylvia M. Kingston ’78, is a College Foundation Board Member who donated the funding for a granite fireplace honoring her parents in the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center.
put us in good shape for the future,” Raymo said. “I’ve always been very proud of our College.”
• Robert B. Raymo ’58, who retired as Assistant to the President at SUNY Canton, said that the College’s time at the old campus influenced the modern development of the College. He said that the move helped the College rebrand itself as a modern option for students. “Our technological growth
Correction – In the article “50-Year Faculty” on Page 16 of the fall 2017 edition of After Canton, we erroneously reported that Professor Daniel G. Fay met his wife, Linda (Lahey) Fay, after she began working in the Nursing Department. Dan and Linda met in high school. AFTER CANTON
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ATHLETICS
Follow the Roo teams at rooathletics.com
Roo Athletics
@rooathletics
rooathletics
Roos in NACtion this Year Athletics has made another giant leap forward by being selected as the newest member of the North Atlantic Conference (NAC). The Roos will officially join the conference this summer and begin competing for conference championships and NCAA playoff bids this fall. Founded in 1997, the NAC is an affiliate of the NCAA Division III and sponsors 17 men’s and women’s sports. SUNY Canton joins a group of seven other member institutions including the University of Maine at Farmington, Johnson State College, Lyndon State College, and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. “It’s an honor to join this group of outstanding schools and athletic programs,” said Athletic Director Randy
B. Sieminski. “We look forward to regularly competing in the NAC a n d p rov i d i n g o u r student-athletes with the opportunities and benefits of belonging to such a strong, studentfocused conference.” The Roos will compete in the NAC in baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s golf, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer, and women’s volleyball. SUNY Canton’s Athletics Department has seen considerable growth in the past several years, adding six sports
since 2011 and more than doubling the number of student-athletes. In 2015, the College was approved for full membership status in Division III of the NCAA.
Northmen Night Caps Off ‘70 Gifts in 70 Days’ Campaign remarkable,” said Boak. “The funding was used to complete upgrades to our video system, host pre-season team-building activities, and boost our recruitment efforts."
The SUNY Canton men’s ice hockey team paid tribute to the program’s incredible six National Junior College Athletic Association championships in the 1970s by inviting former coaches, players, and their families back to the ice last fall for “Northmen Night.” A ceremony prior to the Roos season home-opener against SUNY Potsdam Nov. 3 honored those who were a part of the historic teams. Forty-five alumni returned to campus to celebrate with former Head Coach Terry L. Martin, who was at the helm of the ’74, ’75, ’76, ’78, 7
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and ’79 national championship squads. Karen M. O’Brien also attended on behalf of her father, Ronald J. O’Brien, who led the ’73 team to victory. The evening also closed out a successful fundraising campaign called “70 in 70,” organized by current Head Men’s Hockey Coach Alexander G. Boak. The drive met its goal of 70 donations in 70 days and raised $9,530 for the team’s booster organization. “The amount of support we received during our 70 in 70 campaign was truly
He added that Northmen Night was a way for the team to personally thank the donors for their support. “It was a great opportunity to meet former players and get them excited about the program.”
eSports: Virtual Athletes, Real Competition Intercollegiate video gaming competition has arrived at SUNY Canton. The College has joined the recent wave of competitive electronic sports (eSports) teams popping up across the country. The Roos began formal competition in January. More than 50 U.S. colleges have established varsity gaming squads over the past three years. SUNY Canton is the first in New York State to join the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), the most prominent nationally recognized organization of its kind. “The timing of our eSports program corresponds perfectly with our newly announced majors in Game Design and Development as well as Cybersecurity,” said Michael J. Newtown ’84, Dean of the Canino School of Engineering Technology. “Being able to offer opportunities in eSports will assist in recruiting efforts to attract top students to a wide variety of majors.” Plans for the eSports team include state-of-the-art computer stations for practice and competition located in a newly-designed gaming area in Nevaldine Hall.
SUNY Canton freshman and “Overwatch” team captain Emily Oeser practices for competition. eSports as a spectator event is experiencing unparalleled growth in popularity. According to Newzoo, a market research firm specializing in digital gaming, 22 percent of American male millennials watch eSports, which is essentially on par with viewership numbers for baseball and hockey. Women are also increasingly becoming interested in gaming: statistics indicate 38 percent of eSports fans are female.
Freshman Emily A. Oeser from Canajoharie has decided to pursue a degree in Game Design and Development and join the eSports team. “After originally considering a musical career, I’ve decided instead to enroll in the Game Design and Development major,” said Oeser. “Being able to represent SUNY Canton and compete against other schools will be a fantastic experience. I can’t wait.”
Hope After Hurricane Maria SUNY Canton student-athletes from Puerto Rico were devastated to watch as Hurricane Maria destroyed the island last year. With no way to return, they wanted to find a way to help. Soccer forward Maurizio M. Paniconi-Pagan ’18 led an effort along with four other student-athletes from Puerto Rico to organize a donation drive on campus.
Puerto Rican student-athletes Maurizio M. Paniconi-Pagan ’18, Erdous Lebron-Otero ’18, Wilson G. Matos-Ramos ’18, Roberto “Bobby” A. Clemente-Igartua ’19, and Luis A. Torres-Rivera ’22.
Hundreds of emergency supplies were collected, including water, batteries, diapers, flashlights, and hygiene products. Donations were delivered to Syracuse and flown to Puerto Rico in October as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Empire State Relief and Recovery Effort. A representative from the Governor’s Office said it was one of the largest donations they had received from a single organization. AFTER CANTON
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Tastemaker Douglas G. Zeif ’13 was running a multimillion-dollar consulting firm when he decided to finish his college degree. Instead of retiring at the height of his career, the principal of Next! Hospitality Advisors and Founder and President of The Concept Gurus enrolled in the College’s online Management program to complete an education that he had originally set aside 30 years ago. He said he selected SUNY Canton for its established hands-on learning curriculum. “The most boring college credit is earned by just sitting in a classroom,” Zeif said. “The best college credit is earned through applied learning.” Zeif’s resume reads like a fairy-tale American success story. He began his food service career as a grill cook at the age of 14 and held restaurant jobs throughout high school and his first years of college. He worked his way through the levels of management and became very adept at helping premier hospitality businesses become better. A pinnacle experience was a position as Senior Vice President for the Cheesecake Factory, where he helped develop the restaurant’s universal appeal and was responsible for overseeing the company’s explosive growth and development of its product line. Given Zeif's extensive experience at the most senior levels, SUNY Canton Professor Charles R. Fenner, Ph.D.,
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encouraged him to put a portfolio together for consideration for life experience credit which is an alternative way for students to receive college credit. “It doesn’t matter if a student runs a multimillion-dollar consulting firm or is just beginning entrepreneurship, we will create the best path for success,” Fenner said. When it came time for Zeif to complete a capstone project in his senior year, he chose to design a plan to improve the food and beverage operations at the Boca Raton Resort in Florida.
“I like to share how I built my career and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ve had to learn a lot of lessons the hard way.” “I used operational management techniques to increase revenue through improved catering and banqueting package deals,” he said. “We reviewed and implemented a human resource allocation strategy so staffing levels rivaled that of other premier resorts in the area.” Business simulations are a part of the senior year of study in the Management program. Beyond just an assignment, Zeif was able to use his project as a successful plan of action for the
business, which resulted in $3.4 million in savings and revenue generation for the resort. Alongside his pupil, Fenner presented the research findings at the Academy of Business Research conference later the following year, putting the finishing touches on Zeif’s academic experience at SUNY Canton. The prominent hospitality advisor is now working as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Canton and participated in the College's Excellence in Leadership Lecture series last fall, where he shared some of his successes and stumbles. “I like to share how I built my career and the lessons I’ve learned along the way,” Zeif said during a lunch meeting at Chaney Dining Center. “I’ve had to learn a lot of lessons the hard way.” Not every business he was involved with was immediately successful, Zeif explained. Some of the decisions he made were based on a choice between two equally bad options. But his diverse experiences appeal to students, such as helping a restaurant in France earn a second Michelin Star or helping Hilton Hotels rebrand and adapt to changing markets. “I think it’s really important that people learn from their mistakes,” he said. “The road of life has many twists and turns in it. I hope that I can help students make a right or left when they need to on the map to what makes them happy.”
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LIFESAVER Figuratively speaking, Myrna F. (Schaber) Thomas’s ’79 career has been a matter of life and death. After working as a mortician for several years post-graduation, she switched gears to work in an environmental lab, eventually landing in the pharmaceutical field. Along the way, she conducted research for some of the biggest names in the industry and helped develop a revolutionary vaccine that has saved millions of lives. While at Praxis Biologics (which was later acquired by Wyeth), she played a key role in developing the “Prevnar 13” vaccine, which protects against the pneumococcus bacterium–a leading cause of pneumonia and other severe illnesses. It was approved by the FDA in 2001 and is now considered the gold standard immunization for infants, the elderly, and high-risk adults. Forbes Magazine called it “one of the greatest pharmaceutical innovations of the past two decades.” As the current Vice President for Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs for Accupac Inc., she recognizes that her journey from mortician to quality assurance has been a “long and winding road.” She credits SUNY Canton
“SUNY Canton provided me with my first exposure to academia and encouraged me to ask questions–not only in class, but in life.” with providing the strong foundation upon which all of her success was built. Not only did the academic rigor of the Mortuary Science associate program prepare her for bachelor’s and master’s degree work, but she said the extracurricular activities she took advantage of laid the groundwork for future professional opportunities. “Canton allowed me to get involved in a lot of different areas: I served on the Student Senate, was a freshman orientation leader, joined Alpha Chi Omicron, and was elected President of the Mortuary Science Association. It was a well-rounded experience that put me on a path that led me to where I am today.”
“I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to find ways to give back, and I am honored to support a scholarship,” she said. “SUNY Canton provided me with my first exposure to academia and encouraged me to ask questions–not only in class, but in life. Playing a small role in helping other students build the road to their future by sharing my success continues the circle of giving SUNY Canton started with me.” When she returned to campus last fall to speak as part of the Excellence in Leadership Lecture series, Thomas said she was eager to share advice and experiences. In fact, she’s been thinking about the possibility of teaching high school math or science upon retirement. “I enjoy mentoring people and would love to work with students at that age,” she said. “I’d like to let them know that their entire future is ahead of them, and they have the opportunity to pursue many different avenues, regardless of where they start.”
She is giving back to her alma mater in the form of an endowed scholarship, which will be awarded to an entering or continuing student who demonstrates a financial need.
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CLASS NOTES Thank you to those who sent an update for this edition of Class Notes. If you would like to be included in the next edition of After Canton, send us an email at alumni@canton.edu. All submissions are edited for length before publishing.
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Robert Green ’50, Fulton, was recognized by the New York State Assembly for his volunteer community service efforts in the City of Fulton and Oswego County. New York State Assemblyman Will Barclay presented Bob with a resolution recognizing his accomplishments last August. Harry L. Dunbar ’55, Baldwinsville, has been married to his wife, Marilyn, for 57 years. He enjoys golf, bowling, and was State Champion in horseshoes.
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Joan E. (Barkley) Donaldson ’60, Zephyrhills, Fla., retired from the food service industry and is an active volunteer at her church. Gary C. Lanphear ’60, Albany, has two great-grandsons and a grandson that is an attorney in Florida. Phyllis T. (Theobald) Lawrence ’68, Canton, and her husband, Ted ’67, are both retired. They keep busy volunteering and following their grandchildren’s sporting activities. Phyllis is looking forward to seeing all her classmates at their 50th reunion in June 2018. James W. Locker ’69, Boalsburg, Pa., was recently approved by State College Borough Council for another sevenyear term on the State College Police Civil Service Commission. In April 2017, James received the XYZ Award from the Borough for serving 32 years on the Commission. 13
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70s
Albert Buse ’71, Rehoboth Beach, Del., says hello to all his classmates and welcomes anyone who visits southern Delaware to stop in for a visit. John W. Whitbeck, Jr. ’71, Greene, worked at Southern Tier Insulations Inc. for 30 years as a Project Manager/ Part Owner. He retired in July 2014 and has since enjoyed traveling, spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, and hunting.
00s
Tammy M. (Liscum) ’04 and Colin E. LaPointe-Potter ’12, Indianapolis, Ind., were married Oct. 20, 2011, in Clearwater Beach, Fla. The couple relocated to Indiana in 2013. Tammy is employed at the National Collegiate Athletic Association as an Assistant Coordinator in the Office of Legal Affairs, and Colin is employed by the Indianapolis Airport Authority as a field technician. q
Deborah (Meade) Richter ’72, Lancaster, has been a Diabetes Educator Dietitian at Catholic Health for 15 years. She said that Canton ATC gave her a great start. David L. Kleps ’76, Old Forge, has been working at Gaetano Construction in Utica for 38 years and the manager of the company’s Butler Buildings Division since 1982. David will become President of a new company, C2C Construction Solutions LLC, in 2018. The company specializes in design-build projects in Central New York. David has been a Board Member of the New York State Associated General Contractors of America for 15 years. Cynthia L. (Cady) Baker ’77, Hamilton, was recently promoted to Head Animal Technician at Colgate University. She supervises all animal lab-related procedures on campus. Erwin A. Smith ’77, Rodman, is a farmer and recently transitioned from a dairy farm to a crop farm.
80s
MG Fergal I. Foley '80, Hopewell Junction, has been selected as Vice Chairman of the Board for the newly established Hudson Valley Regional Community Health Center. Susan C. (Thomas) Smeby ’82, Potsdam, retired June 30, 2017, from Barstow Motors after serving 30 years as the company’s Business Manager.
IN MEMORY Friends Larry D. LaParr Monica R. (Seaman) Shene
Alumni Donald B. Hammond ’41 Merle J. Fiske ’50 Daniel J. Hayes ’53 Leo J. Beaudet ’53 John W. Fluno ’57 Marcia F. (Carr) Bertrand ’58 Lois M. (Dominy) Ensby ’58 Hugh W. McElheran ’58 Sara J. (Sherburne) Eckl ’60 Kenneth N. Goodwin ’60 Virginia A. (Tetro) Fitzgerald ’61 Raymond E. Kentfield ’61 James W. Dufrane ’62 Michael A. Benedict ’70 Nancy A. (O’Brian) Merkley ’78 Allen F. Erwin ’81 Eric W. Collins ’99
Why I Give “I give because of the opportunities the College offered me while I was a student, as well as after graduation. Knowing that my support will allow others to have a similar experience at SUNY Canton is very important to me.” Samuel J. Johnson ’11 Residence Hall Director, SUNY Canton
“I have wonderful memories of Canton College, and several of my family members are alumni. I continue to financially support SUNY Canton so future students are afforded the same positive experiences and opportunities as they follow their dreams and passions.” Tina Calkins Covey ’82 Real Estate Broker/Owner, RE/MAX North Country Calkins Professionals
Ways to Give Annual giving allows you to support the College through yearly contributions to the Canton Fund.
These gifts are the key to attracting diverse, highly qualified students and keeping the College competitive.
Planned giving allows you to leave a legacy at SUNY Canton. Bequests, charitable remainder trusts,
retained life estates, and beneficiary designation gifts are just a few ways to make an impact.The Payson-Martin Society is an honorary society for alumni and friends who have made plans for the College through trust, estate, or future gifts.
Scholarship gifts are an investment in tomorrow’s leaders and ensure that SUNY Canton remains
an affordable option for talented students. Sponsors can name their award in honor or memory of someone and can build a connection with student recipients. To learn more, call us at (800) 811-6727 or visit us online at www.canton.edu/foundation.
You shop. Amazon gives. Did you know Amazon will donate 0.5% of the cost of your purchases to the Canton College Foundation through the AmazonSmile program when you designate us as your preferred charitable organization? Visit smile.amazon.com or contact the Alumni Office at (800) 811-6727 to learn more. AFTER CANTON
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Alumni/Development Office Canton College Foundation 34 Cornell Drive Canton, New York 13617
June 1-3 50
As we celebrate the half-century anniversary of our campus, there’s never been a better time to come home to SUNY Canton! Join us for an exciting weekend of activities, including: • A “50 Years on the Hill” celebration gala and ceremony • The class of 1968 half-century luncheon • Canton Fest -- music, food, and fun! This is your golden opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new memories. Find all the details at canton.edu/alumni. See you in June!