After Canton Fall 2010
Alumni Association & College Foundation Publication
www.canton.edu
New Hall of Fame Inductees
Roos House Hopping
Current Events Inspire Creativity
Champions Build Better Bridges
Heroes Play in the Gym Remembering College Legends After Canton 1
Schiffner Becomes Interim President u The State University of New York Board of Trustees recently appointed Dr. Carli Schiffner as Interim President of SUNY Canton. Dr. Schiffner is currently serving as the College’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She will begin in her new role on Sept. 1, following the retirement of SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy on Aug. 31. “I’m pleased for both Carli and SUNY Canton,” said President Kennedy. “She will do a wonderful job keeping everyone focused on the mission of the College and the importance of student success
and satisfaction. I’d also like to thank SUNY Chairman McCall and Chancellor Zimpher for selecting someone from within our SUNY Canton family to help lead us forward during these exciting times for the College.” Dr. Schiffner joined the SUNY Canton community in 2003 as a faculty member teaching history. She then served as President Kennedy’s Chief of Staff. After serving as the Dean of Arts and Science at Yakima Valley Community College from July 2007 through June 2011, she returned to Canton as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “I’m honored to accept these new responsibilities, and I look forward to continuing the incredible progress the College has made under the direction of Dr. Kennedy,” Schiffner said. “It’s SUNY Canton an exciting time Patrick Massaro ’03 and SUNY Potsin the history of dam recently hired SUNY Canton, with their first shared position between the two Colrecord-setting numleges. Fittingly, the new hire is a veteran and bers in applications an alumnus of both colleges. and enrollment Patrick Massaro ’03 is a unique fit for the as well as new newly created position of Veterans and Military facilities and new Services Coordinator. He will be stepping in majors. I’m looking to continue the military friendly initiatives and forward to working veterans’ outreach programs at both colleges. with our campus “Filling this position was a significant step community and in the goal of greater shared services for our SUNY to ensure colleges. We learned a lot about the search we continue in the process and what we need to do in the next positive direction few years to more efficiently use our resourcwe’re headed.” es,” Dr. Kennedy said. She received her Massaro is uniquely qualified to tackle the BA degree in hisjob. He’s a North Country native who served tory from Gonzaga in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2006 to 2010, University in 1996; including one tour of duty in Iraq. He now holds her Masters degree the rank of Captain in the U.S. Marine Rein Cultural and serves. Most recently, Massaro completed his Intellectual History Master of Science degree in sports administrafrom Drew Univertion while working as the director of hockey sity in 1998; and operations at Canisius College in Buffalo, N.Y. her Ph.D. in Ameri“This is a great opportunity for me to give can, Asian, and back to both colleges and to those who have Women’s History served and to the families of those who have from Washington served,” Massaro said. State University in
Shared u Services Benefits Veterans
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Dr. Carli Schiffner
2004. She has been published in at least seven different magazines or journals. Dr. Kennedy will be taking on a newly created position of special assistant to the SUNY Chancellor on shared services. SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Canton recently hired a joint Chief Financial Officer who will eventually be overseeing operations at both colleges.
q Final Commencement
SUNY Canton President Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy and his wife Dine attended their 21st and final Commencement Ceremony. The President is scheduled to retire on August 31. Kennedy said, “I will always feel a sense of accomplishment when I see SUNY Canton students complete their education.”
After Canton
Steel Bridge Team Captures Championship q
The steel bridge team outscored all of its regional competitors by building the most efficient and economical bridge at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Upstate New York Student Conference Championships. The College hosted the bridge portion of the competition in the brand new Roos House Athletic Center. It was the 13th time in 17 years that SUNY Canton students have captured the regional title. “The students made all of the right choices from the beginning to make this bridge the winning entry,” said Robert
R. Blickwedehl, a College instructor and SUNY Canton ASCE student chapter advisor. “I look forward to seeing them compete against top colleges and universities in the nation once again this year.” The SUNY Canton team beat their rivals from École de Technologie Supérieure, Cornell University, Clarkson University, SUNY at Buffalo, Hudson Valley Community College, The United States Military Academy at West Point, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and
Rochester Institute of Technology. The team finished 8th out of 47 teams at the national championship held May 25 at Clemson University in South Carolina. “Our bridge team is a point of pride for the College,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “They are a terrific display on knowledge, hard work, and teamwork.”
q Powerful Photography
CA Showcases Area Growers & Venders u SUNY Canton’s Dining Services staff members know that food grown and produced locally tastes better and is healthier. Recently, the College Association, Inc., presented a Local Vendor Showcase to put diners in touch with the people responsible for growing and producing some of the raw ingredients that go into the food served on campus. Most of the menu items for the evening were grown, purchased or produced in the North Country. The College tries to buy as much local food as possible for freshness and quality but also to keep money local and help the area’s economy.
The recent Trayvon Martin tragedy led student Kevin L. Alexander to submit a powerful self-portrait to CNN’s iReport. “Incredible depth of field and very powerful image!” A CNN iReport staff member commented on Alexander’s post. “You’ve got the whole iReport desk clicking in admiration.” Alexander submitted the photo as part of his photojournalism assignment for digital photography as part of the College’s Graphic and Multimedia Design program. “The case hit me hard, and I felt compelled to create this image,” Alexander said. “I have three young sons who all wear hoodies. I don’t want this to happen to them.”
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Fire Sends Students Back to Old Campus A February fire in the Cook Hall science labs left the College’s senior leadership team strategizing on where to send students to finish the semester’s lab requirements. St. Lawrence University graciously extended an offer for students to use one of their science buildings to house displaced classes, particularly labs. The arrangement brought SUNY Canton students back to the College’s roots for the first time since the late 1960s when the campus moved to its current location. “There were several silver linings in the clouds on that unfortunate day,” Dr. Kennedy said. “No one was injured when the fire broke out, and we were lucky that the damage was limited to just one area of one building.” Within minutes, area fire departments were addressing the problem, and administrative leaders enacted their full emergency management plan, sending residence students home for a week. With classes
cancelled, the Emergency and Disaster Management Team worked with numerous government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security and SUNY to plan to resume “business as usual.” “We are very grateful to St. Lawrence University President William L. Fox for extending the use of three labs in Bewkes Hall,” Kennedy said. “I thank the entire St. Lawrence community for welcoming us to their campus. We also received support from SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University.” After the week recovery, Kennedy reopened the College with minimal interruptions to classes. Professors revised their courses
and offered special online projects during spring break. Cook Hall is being repaired, and new, renovated lab spaces are planned to reopen for the Fall 2012 semester. “The support we received from our faculty, staff, and alumni was tremendous,” Kennedy said. “I always knew that SUNY Canton was a special place. Everyone’s response in our time of need helped reaffirm and multiply my beliefs.”
College Foundation Grant Funds New Robots Lego Mindstorm NXT 2.0 Kits. “The Lego kits give the students a wonderful platform to develop a problem-solving machine designed to perform a specific task or series of tasks,” Instructor Robert McClellan ’75 said. “This is hands-on learning Alyssa M. Baker ’15 of Boonville and Darran S. Raglin ’15 of at its finest, and it’s Alexandria Bay construct and program a Lego Mindstorm robot. a lot of fun.” In McClellan’s class, groups of three Students are learning the latest in or four students huddled around one robotic technologies with new Legos. of the 12 kits to construct and program A SUNY Canton College Foundation their own small automaton. Their objecCampus Enhancement Award provided tive was to create a machine capable of partial support for the Canino School patrolling the classroom and adjoining of Engineering Technology to purchase
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hallways of the Nevaldine Technology Center. The process helps students learn decision-making skills and logical programming through Lego-specific software. The Lego Mindstorm kits are often used by researchers and the military in prototyping processes. The new robots totaled more than $5,000. Assistant Professor Daniel J. Miller ’83 and Associate Professor Matthew D. Bullwinkel filed the grant application with the Foundation and redesigned the Mechatronics course (MECH128) to include the new technology. Campus Enhancement Awards are funded by unrestricted donations to the College Foundation. This year the College reinvested approximately $20,000 in funding to aid in unique or innovative programs and educational opportunities.
After Canton
Hello fellow alumni!st edition of After Canton. Because you are taking
joying our late time you I hope that you are en gs about you. First, the I already know three thin e, zin ga ma rested this d rea the time to Secondly, you are inte enjoyable experience. d an ful ing an me a s Finally, you have a spent at Canton wa needs of its students. the et me to ing ng ntly cha in how Canton is consta Canton. with and support SUNY d cte more supportive desire to stay conne e more connected and com be to w ho ng eri nd an Some of you may be wo to tell you of just such in all of our lives. I’d like rt pa big a h suc yed ors ard of Direct of the College that pla ers to serve on the Bo looking for new memb tly ren cur are we opportunity mni Association. and events that will of the SUNY Canton Alu and carry out activities op vel de lp he to is s tive a lot of One of our main objec w this may sound like h SUNY Canton. I kno wit ct ne on rec to i mn friends from all encourage other alu et and spend time with me to t ge o als u’ll Yo ! lot of fun work, but it is really a tact the over the country. ing a part of, please con that you would enjoy be ing eth som like s nd If this sou .edu. email alumni@canton Office, 315-386-7127, SUNY Canton Alumni Sincerely, Dale Major ’70
q Young Alums Receive Shocking Publicity Three 2011 graduates were featured in a national magazine for redesigning and creating an innovative ATV part. Joel R. Landry of Malone, Kyle C. Szelestey of Salisbury Mills, and Brandon M. Trimboli of Norwood were featured in the March edition of ATV 4-Wheel Action magazine for their reverse-engineered prototype shock absorber. “Our scholars have limitless potential with their class projects, especially when coupled with the wisdom and experience of our faculty,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Kyle, Joel, and Brandon’s creativity is an inspiration to current students and alumni.” Greg Hall, the magazine’s technical
editor, wrote “How College Kids Made Their Own ATV Parts” following an interview with all three students. The two-page spread includes photos of the students in the SUNY Canton Mechanical Engineering Technology Lab with their prototype shock and computer renderings of their design. Hall offered readers an indepth description of the stateof-the-art Dimension printer the students used to create each individual piece of their prototype. The shock was selected as one of the top 10 finalist entries in a national competition sponsored by the printer’s manufacturer in 2010. Szelestey and Trimboli are continuing their studies at RIT. Landry started a career making CAD product designs, similar to the ones used to create the prototype shock.
Career Connections
The Career Services Office is looking to connect with all generations of graduates. “We have careers listed on our Jobs for Roos website for alumni of all ages,” said Career Services Director David Norenberg. “We can help with sample resumes, interviewing techniques, and practice interviews. We very much want job seekers to consider us a resource past graduation.” The office wants to link working professionals with current students as well. As part of the program, alumni have been coming back to campus to visit Norenberg and his team of interns. Pictured is Allison C. White ’12 photographing State Trooper Kim M. Briggs ’07. To see the office’s online resources, check out www. canton.edu/careerservices. Connect with the office by emailing careers@canton.edu.
SUNY Awards
The College’s Public Relations Department received two SUNY-wide awards. One for excellence in technical writing about the students featured in the ATV 4-Wheel Action article. The other was for the College’s 2011-12 television commercials, “Great Majors, Great Careers.” More at www.canton.edu
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Psyched About Applied Psych u The College will begin offering the much-anticipated Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology degree this coming fall. “Many of our two-year liberal arts students and graduates have expressed an interest in this degree,” said Professor Emeritus John T. Nixon, Ph.D., the lead faculty member for the new program. “We began planning and designing the program based on the interests of our students who wanted to pursue a career-driven four-year degree in human services fields.” According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs available after graduation from this major are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, and about 54 percent of jobs will be in healthcare and social assistance industries. The
new major helps address the immediate need for well-trained, professional applicants at area organizations. The College received letters of support expressing interest in hiring graduates from the program from area agencies including St. Lawrence NYSARC; United Helpers, Inc.; Cerebral Palsy of Northern New York; and area autism advocacy groups. “We need employees with a solid educational background in applied behavioral analysis,” said Daphne A. Pickert, the CEO and Executive Director
q Professor Featured in American Scientist
Professor Stephen F. Ledoux, Ph.D., published “Behaviorism at 100” in the January-February edition of American Scientist, the journal of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. To add to the honor and befitting the overall merit of his comprehensive research, the article appeared alongside a republished article from famous academic scholar B.F. Skinner, who was among the first to recognize behaviorism as its own natural science 50 years ago in the magazine’s centenary edition. Behaviorism, or the physiological philosophy that links physical action with behavior, influences many natural science fields, according to Ledoux. His article was published alongside his peer academics from Columbia, Duke, Princeton, Brown, Stanford, and Harvard, among others.
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of St. Lawrence NYSARC. “We are very grateful SUNY Canton will be able to provide graduates with those qualities.” To find out more or to seek admission into the program, contact the SUNY Canton Office of Admissions at 315.386.7123, or email admissions@ canton.edu.
SUNY Canton Online Highlighted in U.S. News and World Report q SUNY Canton’s online courses and degree programs are among the best in the nation according to rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The College was the highest ranked college or university in New York State in two categories in the publication’s first-ever Top Online Education Program Rankings. It was 34th nationally in Student Services and Technology. Online course offerings have become wildly popular. Approximately a dozen years ago, the College offered four online classes and had 99 enrollments. To meet current demands, there are close to 200 online courses serving more than 4,000 students during one academic year.
SUNY Canton offers one of the largest winter and summer class sessions in the State. Close to 75 percent of students who take classes during either session each year are from other institutions from across New York and the country. The College’s reputation in online learning is aided by the faculty’s extensive experience in providing a sophisticated online education. “Our faculty members embrace online education and value the flexibility of learning online,” said Director of Information Services and Online Learning Kyle Brown. “We select our faculty based on their ability to engage students in this relatively new learning environment, and they do incredible work.”
After Canton
HALL OF FAME
Twenty-five of the most prolific individuals and families from the College’s history were recently inducted into the SUNY Canton Hall of Fame. The ceremony marked the second of four formal celebrations designed to induct the first 100 members of the Hall of Fame. “The people who are selected for induction have made, and continue to make, significant contributions to mold our College into what it is and what it will become,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Our Hall of Fame inductees are the definitive role models for our current and future students. I thank them for letting us honor them, and I extend heartfelt congratulations on their induction into the Century Club of the SUNY Canton Hall of Fame.” Among those inducted were: • Dr. Adelord S. & Sylvia H. Blanchard • Catherine Newell • Joel M. Canino ’59 • John P. Ouderkirk • Mary Adele Chaney • Ronald M. O’Neill ’63 • D. Edgar Cloce ’59 • James M. Payson • Dr. Solomon Cook • Gerald Roselle • Henry and Macy Davis • Dr. Edwin Smith • William D. Demo ’57 • William Stalder • Dr. Robert Fraser • Jay F. Stone ’62 • Dr. Albert E. French • Josephine P. Swift • Walter Kingston • Dr. Rollo E. Wicks • Ernest C. Krag • Ronald L. ’59 & Blanche K. • Edson A. Martin ’06 Woodcock • Allan Newell • Glenn E. Wright The next class induction ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. July 20 at Dana Hall as part of SUNY Canton’s Alumni Weekend.
BROTHERS BLANCHARD - Allan and Barry Blanchard accepted the posthumously bestowed award honoring their parents, Dr. Adelord S. and Sylvia H. Blanchard.
CEREMONIAL STICK - When Dr. Kennedy first came to the College, Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Fraser gave him a hockey stick as a symbolic welcoming gesture. Dr. Kennedy returned the gesture to congratulate Dr. Fraser.
PRESIDENTIAL ACCOLADES - Josephine Swift was the Assistant to the President and the inaugural recipient of Dr. Kennedy’s Meritorious Service Award, a much-coveted and revered decoration.
CONTINUING CANINO LEGACY Joel M. “Miles” Canino ’13, the third generation of his family to attend the College, accepts for his grandfather, the late Joel M. Canino ’59. Miles said, “I know my grandfather cared deeply for this school, and after being here, I can see why.”
CHIEF OF EDUCATION Dr. Solomon Cook played a crucial role in his community as a Chief of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Council.
CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS RECOGNIZED – Blanche K. ’06 and Ronald L. Woodcock ’59 have been committed benefactors and co-chaired the Canton College Foundation’s largest fundraising campaign.
After Canton 7 7
Roos House is Hopping
Concert – The top 40 band Gym Class Heroes played to a crowded field house during the College’s spring concert, orchestrated by the Student Activities office.
Commencement – Nathaniel R. Pietropaolo, a 2012 Criminal Investigation graduate, walks toward the stage at SUNY Canton’s 104th Commencement Ceremony in the Roos House Field House.
Lacrosse Win – The newly formed varsity women’s lacrosse team celebrates their first win in the Roos House home locker room. The team beat SUNYIT 14-9 in a March 28 home game.
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SCUBA DIVING – Jaclyn L. Sedlacek ’13, a Criminal Investigation student and Julia B. Gilbert ’13, an Engineering Science major, try out SCUBA diving in the pool. Both play women’s soccer for the Kangaroos.
Youth Hockey – During winter break, the College hosted 16 youth teams in a hockey tournament. Dana M. Woods ’12 was in the thick of the excitement and After Canton snapped this photo.
The Suite life Life With two new buildings online for a full academic year, the College has become more active and vibrant than ever before. Here’s a glimpse inside the new t Roos House and Grasse River Suitesq.
PLAY TIME – Sports Management majors Andrew S. Gearsbeck ’14 and Sean R. Keller ’15 play video games in the common area of their suite.
LEARNING ON LOCATION – Students participate in a Sociology class in the Grasse River Suites classroom. u
STUDYING – Molly A. O’Connor ’15, a Finance major, and Lindsay R. Baker ’12, a Nursing major, study together in O’Connor’s single room.
MAKING MEALS – Shakeisha A. McLennan ’14, a Management major, and Janae C. Uribe ’12, an Early Childhood graduate, prepare a spaghetti dinner together in their kitchen.
After Canton
ONLINE COURSES – Bradley G. Miller ’14, a Criminal Investigation major, smiles at his roommates as he works online from his room.
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Meeting the Heroes q
One three-year-old Canton boy had his dream come true when a nationally known band made their tour stop at SUNY Canton. Oliver White, the son of Elizabeth and Michael R. White ’01, met the band members from Gym Class Heroes shortly before the band took the stage and wowed fans in SUNY Canton’s Roos House. The meeting followed a Facebook page campaign, with more than 1,200 “Likes.” Family members orchestrated a pre-concert introduction with the College and concert promoters from Amp Entertainment. “We were overjoyed to see this meeting happen because Michael is an alum, and the community has rallied around Oliver,” said David M. Gerlach, Vice President for Advancement. According to his parents, Oliver downloaded their songs on his iPad and became one of their biggest fans, and youngest. He asked the band’s lead singer, MC Travis “Schleprok” McCoy, about his motorcycles and wanted to hear them play their signature songs, which include Cookie Jar, Cupid’s Chokehold, Stereo Hearts, and The Queen and I.
News from the Roos SUNY Canton Athletics expanded dramatically this past year with the addition of four new teams: men’s golf, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s lacrosse. The newest additions had successful seasons with full rosters and wins against established teams. The College now offers 13 varsity sports and will add women’s ice hockey next year. In just the past two years, the number of female student-athletes has grown from 45 to 92, and the overall number of student-athletes has exploded from 127 to 251. That number could reach over 300 in the next year. “We’re extremely pleased with the dramatic growth of nearly all our programs over the past couple of years,” said Athletic Director Randy B. Sieminski. “It’s involved a lot of hard work from coaches and staff, but the results have certainly made the efforts worthwhile. Our new athletic facilities and outdoor fields have been a positive influence in those efforts as well. It’s exciting to think about our future and where we’re headed.”
ALUMNI GAMES – Men’s Head Soccer Coach Mark Howlett invited current and former soccer players for a friendly match on the turf field. Numerous alumni and former coaches participated in the event.
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After Canton
q Class Notes Thank you to all of the alumni who updated us on their lives for this edition of Class Notes. Please be sure to be included in our next After Canton by emailing us at alumni@canton.edu. Retired Distinguished Service Professor Marie C. Regan, Potsdam, was recently appointed to the North Country Power Alliance Electric Board. She was also re-elected, for the third time, as Supervisor of the Town of Potsdam.
ATI (1941-1965) Leland F. Kerr ’43, Harlington, Tex., and his wife recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with their daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. George C. Ranous ’47, Oswego, was married in 1947, has five children, 13 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. He retired in 1985 as the Superintendent of Oswego Steam Station. Jay V. Borst ’50, Greene, retired from NYS DGS-Design and Construction group where he worked for 30 years. He has been married for 63 years, and he and his wife still live in the original house they bought in 1950. Elizabeth E. Heimermann ’50, Franklin, Tenn., authored “The All Natural Farmer’s Diet & Cookbook,” published in 2003. Robert A. Paradise ’50, Bradenton, Fla., is enjoying retirement after 35 years at General Motors. He lives six months in Bradenton and the others in Rochester. Nancy (Forrest) Lange ’51, Naples, Fla., is a local high school mentor and enjoys being with her family. Her husband, Carl W. Lange ’51, passed away on January 30, 2010. Robert G. Parker, Jr., ’55, Baltimore, M.D., retired from the health care administration field in 2001 and now works with a local sheriff’s office as a security officer and finger printer.
(Rocker) Defio, Dean and LuAnn (Lallier) Honeywell, Joe and Connie (Jasek) Parisian, and Lou and Evelyn (Oberst) Harmin. Charles M. ’58 & Sandra J. (Mallory) ’58 Barrows, Otego, are enjoying their two granddaughters. Michelle is 20 and currently attending SUNY Cortland and Mallory is less than a year old. Joseph H. DeMatties ’58, Queensbury, retired from the NYS Environmental Conservation as Senior Forester after 46 years of service. He has been married for 52 years and has four children, 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Ronald ’60 and Joan (Loope) ’61 Sleight, Port Ewen, are enjoying their family and family trips since Ron’s semi-retirement in December 2011. They have a son, Jim, daughter, Lara, and granddaughter, Madison, who “are the lights of our lives.” Their memories of their years at Canton (then ATI) give them much joy. “A special “hello” to our classmates, teachers, and everyone we knew!” Angelo “Ang” Pallaria ’61, Palm Harbor, Fla., says, “Wintering in Florida is making my skin look like dried prunes as Bobbie (Desidoro) Sapp claims! Even so, it’s fun not facing all that snow. Tough job Bobbie, but someone had to do it! Hello to my good friend Gus Giannavola in Rochester!” Merrily (Norton) Ross ’61, Rio Rancho, N.M., retired from Los Alamos National Laboratory in 1996. She enjoys gardening, baking, and reading and is now the grandmother of three boys and two girls. Robert R. Balzano ’62, Prescott, Ariz., He and his wife own and operate DHB Management Services. It is a Homeowner Association Management Company created four years ago. They currently have 10 clients. Lowell C. Newvine ’62, Hannibal, is semi-retired. He is practicing in engineering contract work for former employer Novelis.
David M. Gibson ’63, West Henrietta, retired from New York State Tax and Finance. He enjoys traveling to Las Vegas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. He is looking forward to his 50th reunion next year!
Senator Patty Ritchie in Watertown. Their son John operates the Peck Homestead Farm and is a Jefferson County Legislator. The farm, which he operated, has been in the family for 200 years.
Earl Henderson ’63, Chester, N.J., is thankful for Accounting 101 and Mrs. Chadwick, who changed his career path. Earl sold his professional practice and is now semi-retired enjoying his grandchildren. H. Gary Lukenheimer ’63, Gloversville, is married with four children, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
ATC (1965-1987) Donald J. Daniels ’65, Queensbury, has kept busy! He is the owner of 12 restaurants, has been the district manager for a gasoline company for the past 10 years, 15 convenience stores, and many other endeavors. Linden T. Snyder ’65, Colton, and his wife are both retired. They spend most of their time in Texas. Vincent J. O’Brien ’66, The Villages, Fla., is enjoying his retirement from Eastman Kodak after working there for 43 years. Alan S. ’67 & Carol C. (Cook) ’68 Parkinson, Locust Grove, Va., completed their first snowbird trip to South Carolina and Florida in April 2010. They stayed at 10 different state parks for four and a half months.
p Joseph Coppola ’68, Morrisville, just retired from SUNY Morrisville. Ronald D. Reid ’69, Port Charlotte, Fla., retired from Massena Central School in 2004 and is spending seven months a year in Port Charlotte and five months on Black Lake. His daughter Karen was married last summer at Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay.
p Alexander “Lex” Sleeman ’69, Fairport, and Glen J. Johnson ’76, Rochester, are bagpipers with the Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums, a ceremonial police bagpipe band from the town of Gates, a suburb of Rochester.
John Peck ’67, Carthage, and his wife, Helen, have two sons and three grandsons. Their son Brian is the office operations manager for State
Barbara (Megan) Jahn ’56, Orlando, Fla., retired in 2009. She stays busy by volunteering for local organizations. u Louis Harmin ’57, Crystal River, Fla., sent in a photo from a mini-reunion in June 2011. Those in attendance included hosts Nick and Loey
p Marc V. Mero ’70, Rouses Point, has been passionate about music since his days in Canton. He and classmates Craig Austin and Glen Dalton formed “Pure Jam” and were
After Canton 11
“Captain” J. Hoock ’71, West Henrietta, feels time has flown since his time on campus. “The progression of education, career, marriage, family, grandchildren, and now retirement all started with the best two years of my life while attending Canton.” Steven enjoyed successful careers at Eastman Kodak and ITT Space Systems Division. “Canton taught me to lead and lead people with positive actions and deeds, realizing that human beings are our only unlimited resources.” Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and coaching youth sports for his three children. He’s taken great pride in watching them all have great college experiences and begin their careers. “Now my joys are three gorgeous grandchildren, my wife Peggy, our shih-tzu puppy Grizz-Lee, and our land and cabin in the Southern Tier.” He is grateful for the many lessons learned during his time at Canton and looks forward to learning more about fellow alumni and the continued success of the College. “Become all one is capable of being!” popular in Dorm C, in town, and with the campus fraternities. He fondly recalls heading downstate to Woodstock with his college buddies. “The years 1969 and 1970 were two of the most fantastic years of my life, and Canton ATC was a big part of that,” he writes. “Looking back and thinking about all the great times – these are the memories that make old people (like me) smile.” His musical talents live on through The Four Fathers, his current band, who are pictured (Marc is back row, center). Albert Buse ’71, East Granby, Conn., tried retirement after selling his business, but got bored! He is now working as a Reset Specialist with Acosta Sales and Marketing. He looks forward to going to work and letting someone else have all the headaches! He and his wife, Barbara, have lots of fun with their three grandchildren, Bella (8), Elijah (8), and Natalie (2.) Albert went to his 40th reunion and hooked up with an old friend, Terry “Hawk” Ryan. He really likes the new additions to campus. “The new athletic center is aces!” Francis “Frank” Mathews ’72, Radford, Va., has three sons who are all in computer majors and currently working in their respective fields. Frank retired early and helped his wife get a job in Radford as an adjunct professor. David J. Radley ’72, Sackets Harbor, spends the winters in Mount Dora, Fla. In the summer, Dave works for NYS
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Parks - Westcott Beach in Sackets Harbor. He and his wife Brenda have two granddaughters, Emma and Quinn. David P. Ramsey ’72, Sprakers, recently hit his 33-year anniversary at SUNY Cobleskill. He is very active in the LIONS organization having held offices all the way up to District Governor overseeing 48 clubs. “My college experience showed me I had an interest in my community.” He is an active volunteer firefighter and EMT and comes up North two or three times a year to visit family and usually takes a spin around Cornell Drive. Robert S. Duquette ’73, Peru, recently served as State President of the New York Association of Mortgage Brokers. Other family members who attended SUNY Canton include, his wife, Cynthia (Lobdell) Duquette ’75, his sister, Beverly (Duquette) Sokol ’78, and his daughter, Kimberly (Duquette) Wills ’07. Frederick “Fred” J. Carranti ’73, Manlius, and Jeffrey Buckingham ’74, headed up the annual ZAP Reunion which was held at Best Western in Canton. Susanne (Bessette) Smith ’73, Canton, retired in July 2011 and is now enjoying family, children, and remodeling her family’s home. Helen (Hyde) McElroy ’74, Johnson, Vt., received her MBA in Healthcare
Administration in May 2010 from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Ariz., with highest honors. William E. Ada II ’76, Syracuse, got married on August 30, 2002. Wanda (Young) Bourque ’76, Monmouth Junction, N.J., has been married to Conrad Bourque for almost 35 years. They have two children, Dustin (22) and Nicole (17). Timothy G. Diullio ’76, Fort Pierce, Fla., went on to SUNY Brockport and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1978. Tim has been with Chevrolet for 27 years and is employed as sales and dealer programs manager for Bill Shultz Chevrolet, Inc. In addition to his sales manager duties, he is the dealership’s director of Chevrolet’s many national programs. His wife of 29 years, Eileen, is an art instructor for Lincoln Park Academy. She also has her own Pottery Studio in Fort Pierce and has work displayed in art galleries in Fort Pierce and Vero Beach. They have a daughter, Bethany, who completed her bachelor’s degree in education from Flager College in 2008 and is now teaching 4th grade, and a son, Andrew, who is baseball player at Lincoln Park Academy and will graduate in 2014. Among his favorite activities is playing with his first grandchild, Macy. He fondly recalls his time at ATC as President of the Smith Hall Association. He was invited to the President’s home for the annual Christmas party and got to hang out and chat with the president and the faculty for a night. He writes, “Kind of cool for a 19-yearold from Massena!” Sandy (Brault) Henson ’76, Huntsville, Ala., recently relocated with her husband for his job in aerospace. She has completed her training to start teaching at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Space Camp as a crew trainer. “After teaching at the elementary level in Littleton, Colo., for 13 years, this is the most exciting semi-retirement job I could imagine!” They also have weekend camp for families and one for corporate team building. She encourages everyone to look into it! Timothy R. Cameron ’77, Massena, celebrated the birth of his daughter, Abigail Jane Cameron, on November 17, 2010. Mark A. Curtis ’77, Alma, Colo., retired from the Florida Department of Corrections as a correctional probation senior supervisor and now works part-time for his partner’s company, Optimal IDM. Recently, Mark and his partner celebrated 30 years together and moved to Colorado on 50 acres
in a new lodge they had built. Last winter, Mark skied 100 days. Joanne M. Simon ’77, Elmhurst, has been working for Sony Music Entertainment for 30 years. She is the director of pensions & executive compensation. She enjoys going on cruises and is looking forward to her trip to Bermuda in July. Edward H. Smith ’77, Rodman, had much to celebrate in 2011. His son James married Nicole M. Bartholomew on February 12, 2011. James is a 2006 alumnus of Clarkson University, and Nicole is an alumna of Potsdam State Crane School of Music. Christopher D. Watson ’77, Bradley, Maine, is married with two children and is a certified crash reconstruction specialist with the State of Maine. Peter H. Baldaris ’78, Ogdensburg, graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 1980 and worked in commercial radio until 1990, when he began working at Northern Music & Video. He began his career at WalMart in 1994. Peter married Anne Marie (Spooner) Baltradis in 2004 and enjoys hydroplane racing, NASCAR, and photography. Robert J. Christy ’78, Canton, married Kathleen (Charleston) Christy ’96 on April 22, 2005. Kevin A. Lincoln ’78, Colton, and his wife have four children and four grandchildren. James A. Snyder ’80, Gaithersburg, Md., has been married for nearly 20 years with two step-children and two grandchildren. As a special treat for his 50th birthday, he drove 24 laps on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway through the Richard Petty Driving Experience. “It was awesome!” For his wife’s 50th, they are going to see Cher’s last show in Las Vegas. Karen M. Carver ’81, Oswego, has two children, Kristine and Samuel. She also has two wonderful grandchildren, Dakota (3) and Krystal Marie (15 mos.). Karen works at a family-owned business. Rena T. Chambers ’81, Winterhaven, Fla., is enjoying her retirement. q Dr. Susan E. (Kinnear) Segreti ’81, Liverpool, earned her DNP at Chatham University in May 2011. Susan is an advanced certified oncology nurse practitioner at Syracuse VA and an adjunct
After Canton
professor for Keuka College.
store at www.stgeorgesgrocery.com.
Christopher Steidl ’81, Flushing, retired from the New York City Department of Corrections after 20 years of service. Christopher is currently employed in the private security industry.
Peter J. Sullivan, Jr. ’86, Herndon, Va., attended Virginia Tech and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research after graduating from SUNY Canton. He and his wife Diane, have three children, Lauren (20), who attends Virginia Tech and is a varsity cheerleader, Peter (19), who attends Longwood University and plays varsity soccer, and Timothy (16), who attends Herndon High School and plays soccer.
Jean M. (LaBrosse) Addis ’82, Belmont, Calif., recently celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary in Hawaii on October 5, 2010. Russell T. Brombacher ’82, Old Forge, retired from the Town of Webb Police Department and has gone to Iraq on a State Department contract to train the Iraq National Police. He retired from the ARMY Reserve. Currently, Russell is between missions and working for the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department as well as the Herkimer County Sheriff’s Department, assigned to Marine Recreation Patrol. Robert C. Hastings, Jr. ’82, Alexandria, Va., was recently promoted to branch manager over the qualification of energetic devices for weapon systems and aircraft systems, such as ejection seat system and fire suppression and release system, for the NAVSEA/AAVAIR Commands. Jeffrey J. Lortie ’82, Copenhagen, married Tammy Wheeler on May 23, 1987. They have two sons. Joanne M. (Barney) Monnet ’83, Ogdensburg, has been with her current employer, DeFelsko for 10 years. Marie B. (Brongo) Thompson ’83, Lima, married Duane Thompson in 1989. Together they have a daughter Lauren (19) and a son Patrick (17). She works for the Honeoye Falls-Lima School District as a paraprofessional. Stuart and Helen (Claridge) Woodside ’84, Amherst, were married March 15, 1985, after graduation in May of 1984. Their daughter, Kateland, graduated from the College’s nursing program in May 2011. Laraine (Robinson) Lee ’85, Norfolk, married Michael Lee in May 2009 at Deer Valley Trails in St. Regis Falls. Welcoming music and processional for the wedding was performed by the same bagpiper who played at the graduation ceremony held earlier that day. Mike is a 22-year veteran of Fire Service, and bagpipes are frequently played at ceremonies. “We both love the pipes and there is some Scottish Heritage in my family, so it just seemed fitting.” Charles St. George, III ’85 and Ann Marie (Moll) ’85 St. George, Rushville, recently opened a pizza, deli, and ice cream grocery store. Check out the
SUNY Canton (1987-Present) Elizabeth A. (Mattice) Bouchard ’87 and Michael Bouchard ’95, Ogdensburg, are both appreciative of their SUNY Canton experiences. “Without Canton, we would not have the jobs we have or the ability to help people the way we do day after day.” Elizabeth is a Case Manager at Massena Memorial Hospital and will finish her BSN in April. Michael became a sergeant for the Ogdensburg Police Department and also teaches for the David Sullivan Police Academy. Their children Taylor (16), Ryan (14), and Dominick (13) are all honor students at Ogdensburg Free Academy. Kathy (Randall) Karlberg ’88, Tucson, Ariz., recently completed her MSN in Nursing from Grand Canyon University and currently teaches classes.
p John A. Brymer ’93, Wales, Wis., married Tracy Lussow on May 22, 2010. They have a baby girl, Lillian Mae, born September 2011. John recently took an area sales manager position with Medtronic in the EMT business unit. John played in the inaugural hockey game this year with fellow players—Jamie Huff, Jamie Dorey, Rich DiNicola, and Dave Meyer. Robert M. Cherubini ’93, Staten Island, is employed by All Boro Cremation Services as a funeral director. He is married to Megan Cherubini and they have two children, Graceyn and Emersyn. Sara J. (Hoadley) Nolet ’96, Edwards, Calif., has served seven years in the U.S. Air Force as an F-15
Avionics Technician in Eglin AFB, Fla. and then as a paralegal at Edwards AFB, Calif. Chad W. Green ’94 & ’99, Massena, served his funeral residency at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home in Fairport following his graduation. Upon completion of his residency in 2000, he was hired at the Donaldson Funeral Home, Inc. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Norwood, where he serves on the parish council and is a lecturer. His memberships also include the St. Lawrence County Funeral Directors Association, where he is currently an officer; the SUNY Canton Mortuary Science Advisory Committee, as well as the New York State Funeral Directors Association and its Continuing Education Committee. He is married to Catherine Peets. Michael D. Birchenough ’98, Fulton, was married in August 2011. They are expecting their first child in June 2012. Tessa (Geary) Chapman ’98, Fort Covington, is employed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as a Consumer Safety Officer. She is married with four children, Avery Savana (9), Emma Grace (6), Jacob Blue (4), and Kate Elizabeth (2). Joseph Litwin ’98, Baltimore, Md., has a new job as Branch Manager of United Products Distributors. He will soon be getting married. Julie A. Marciano ’98, Rochester, was married in October. William Blasko ’99, Morrisville, N.C., was recently promoted to IT Analyst at Duke Medical. He is getting married June 23, 2012, and is training Ninjutsu in the Martial Arts. Christopher R. Vance ’99, Syracuse, welcomed his second child in December. Gregory A. Donaldson ’00, Cicero, has been with Lockheed Martin since January of 2010 as an Electronics Technician in the underseas area. Wade M. Holtz ’00, Vermontville, was married to Erica Ratelle on August 13, 2011. They are expecting a baby in June 2012.
p Arion Vincent ’00 & ’02 and Roseanna (St. Louis) Vincent ’03, Plattsburgh, were married in June 2006 and had their first child, Andrew, in 2009. They bought their first home in 2011. Arion is a correction officer for NYS at Washington Correctional Facility, and Roseanna is a phlebotomist at Carthage Area Hospital. William J. Ott ’01, Ogdensburg, got married in 2007 and had his daughter the same year. Blake A. Starner ’02, Wurtsboro, recently received commendations and accolades in assignment as a police officer with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.
p Jamie A. Whalen ’03, Massena, shared a photo from a trip she and 25 other Delta Sigma Tau alumni took part in last summer. The group got together and headed for a Finger Lakes Wine Tour, which they do annually. Estelle B. Chisolm ’05, Los Angeles, Calif., recently returned to school to study accounting and finance. Warrick J. Coe ’08, Peoria, Ill., was married September 21, 2008. Rudolph F. Bender ’09, Philadelphia, Pa., graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Cara E. Kretschmer ’09, Syracuse, has worked two jobs as a licensed veterinary technician.
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JULY 20-22
EUNION 2012
CANTON
TOP TEN REASONS TO ATTEND ALUMNI WEEKEND 2012
1. Catch up with old friends and make new ones. 2. Meet College legends at the Hall of Fame Induction. 3. Wonderful lodging accommodations in the new Grasse River Suites. 4. See the evolving campus. 5. Three live bands. 6. Saranac Brewery samples. 7. Shoot hoops, skate the rink, or get a workout in at Roos House. 8. Take a 3.5-mile hike on the scenic wooded trails around campus. 9. Two major fraternity reunions. 10. Sergi’s pizza rolls and beverages at the Hoot Owl. The festivities start Friday, July 20. RSVP today, by email alumni@canton.edu, by phone (315) 386-7127 or (800) 811-6727.
Justin D. Kahn ’07 and Kristen M. (Bocek) Kahn – October 16, 2010
Ronald E. Sheppard ’95 and Jamie (Redmond) Sheppard – September 24, 2011 Shane T. Perkins and Jamie (Aldrich) Perkins ’96 – September 10, 2010 Thomas S. Joanette, Jr., and Jennifer M. (Brady) Joanette ’98 – July 22, 2011 John R. Matejcik ’99 and Rachael L. (Bullock) Matejcik ’02 – October 2, 2010
Michael S. Baxter ’08 and Kari A. (Martin) Baxter – June 11, 2011 Jason B. Harrington ’08 and Krystal M. (Catapano) Harrington – July 24, 2010 Colin LaPointe-Potter ’08 and Tammy (Liscum) LaPointe-Potter ’04 – October 20, 2011 Jason A. Kelly and Krista L. (Warren) Kelly ’09 – September 9, 2011
John E. Thompson, Jr. and Tracy Lynn (Stiles) Thompson ’02 – September 25, 2010
William D. Lowe and Nicole M. (Francis) Lowe ’10 – April 9, 2011
Christopher Aldrich and Staci (Redmond) Aldrich ’06 – July 10, 2010
Matthew J. Strader ’11 and Krista R. (Larock) Strader – June 11, 2011
David M. Adams ’06 and Christine T. (Williams) Adams ’07 – March 19, 2010
Michael A. Martin and Denise E. (Guild) Martin (current student) – June 4, 2011
Bobby Donahue, Jr., and Chantal M. Guild ’06 – August 27, 2011
q Milestone Anniversaries 25th Anniversary David P. and Elaine G. (Sibbitts) Noble ’85
50th Anniversaries Thomas M. and Joan Dalton, Friends Paul C. ’60 and Elaine Mason Francesco A. ’60 and Nancy J. Storino Richard L. ’61 and Alma L. Miller Neil ’66 and Alma (Roberts) Garner
q In Memory Barbara T. Barnett, Friend Gerald I. Bjork, Friend Mary L. Bucher, Friend Malcolm “Mac” J. Casselman, Sr., Friend Lois Margaret Caswell, Friend Sylvia J. (Burdick) Clinger, Friend Carl A. Eurto, Friend Phillip Gray, Friend Laura M. Anson Greenwood, Friend S. Farid-ul Haq, Friend W. Boyd Jones, Friend Mary Helen Leary, Friend Richard W. Miller, Friend Mary Overlease, Friend Jack Phillips, Friend Mary E. Waite, Friend Virginia (Dewey) Johnson ’31 Helen M. (Flanders) Farmer `35 Esther E. (Wallace) Houghtaling ’36 Dorothy (Atkin) Stevens ’36 Beryl V. Welch ’36 John N. Burns ’37 Jennie M. (Chase) Cooper ’37 Marguerite E. (Mahoney)
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Pratt ’37 Ruth C. (Crabbe) Overcash ’37 Virginia H. (Trow) Todd ’37 Doreen R. (Rood) Martin ’38 Robert M. Bickelhaupt ’39 Blanche Colvin ’39 Glenn Ensby ’39 Grace K. Metzgar ’39 Kathryn D. (Demick) Nearing ’39 Harold E. Ayers ’40 Donald F. Gilson ’40 Amelia Hand ’40 Keitha M. Hewlett ’40 Harry E. King ’40 Helen M. Miller ’40 Clinton S. Thompson ’40 Barbara A. Narrow ’41 Sara E. (Elliott) Payne ’41 Marion “Doris” (Davison) Smith ’41 John J. Calnon ’42 Mary E. (Brown) McVean ’42 Edward J. St. Pierre ’42 Clarence A. Hansen ’43 James W. Taylor ’43 Nadine (Longshore) Axtell ’44 Everett O. Flint ’44 Marjorie Heusler ’44
Harriet E. (Veley) Ketner ’44 Melissa E. (Widrick) Peters ’44 William A. Rocco ’47 Donald A. McDonald ’48 Leon H. Cowan ’49 John B. Dunckle ’49 Raymond Kozma ’49 John A. Donaghy ’50 Elwin Scott ’50 Edson Byrns ’51 R. Peter Heffering ’51 Carl W. Lange ’51 Frederick W. Ganter ’53 James R. Beaudette ’54 Edward D. Ferguson ’54 Bernard F. O’Neill ’54 Hollis C. Shelmidine ’54 Anthony A. Albanese ’55 Janet M. (Miller) Carey ’55 Charlotte E. (Law) Coughlin ’55 John W. Cullum, Jr. ’55 Raymond C. Rose ’55 Richard H. Smith ’55 Donald E. Vincent ’55 Roger E. Aiken ’56 William S. Blance ’56 Charles W. Buchanan ’56 Ellen S. (Wilson) Davis ’56 Francis F. Figary ’56
Michael O. McCusker ’56 Karen V. (Gibson) Skadsem ’56 Ruth V. (Van Iderstyne) Stokes ’56 Donald Craft ’57 Dale J. Bennett ’58 John R. Quackenbush ’58 Dale E. Jones ’59 Donald A. Jones ’59 Dr. William F. Peters ’59 Rose J. Woods ’59 Gerald L. Barry ’60 Joseph F. Campany ’60 John D. Compo ’60 Joan P. (Putnam) Folino ’60 Donald D. Moore ’61 Charles A. Powell ’61 W. Grant Thesier ’61 Michael Gilmore ’62 Keith G. Stewart ’62 Stephen G. Woods ’62 Robert G. Wright ’65 Thomas R. Storrin ’66 Gary Crowe ’67 Karon R. Lancto ’67 Carlton E. Morrow ’67 Gordon J. Hazel, Jr. ’68 John T. Monnet ’68 Lorna E. Wolfe ’68 Margaret “Peggy” C. Speegle ’68
Douglas A. Carter ’69 Paul D. Hale ’69 Bruce O’Shea ’70 Linda L. Pickering ’70 Dwight Wildermuth ’70 Michael B. Aldrich ’71 Ronald V. Bronson ’71 Timothy M. Kelley ’71 Theodore “Ted” J. Brue ’72 David A. Dewan ’72 Joseph A. Poirier ’72 Vance I. Smithers ’72 Gary J. Ross ’72 Lynn M. (Osterdale) Eggert ’73 Ann M. Jackman ’73 Howard A. Persha ’74 Joseph F. Batterson ’75 William J. Carroll, Sr. ’75 Joan M. Clark ’75 Rosalyn (Kelley) Doughty ’75 Paul T. Mayette ’75 Lawrence C. Sheridan ’75 Jean LaFave `76 John “Jack” A. Phinney ’76 Lawrence “Larry” A. O’Shea ’77 Anthony Darcangelo ’78 Frances Ann (Kelly) Pagano ’78 Dale A. Pasciak ’78
Robert J. Powell ’78 Robert L. Edwards ’79 Karl C. Harper ’79 Kevin F. Tierney ’79 Michael R. Griffin ’80 Marc S. Nellis ’82 Kathryn F. Latimer ’83 Leon W. Strader ’83 Sandra Spearance ’83 Kim L. (Davis) Schumann ’86 Denise (Newman) Paquette ’86 Susan E. King ’87 John D. Warriner ’87 Dean E. Green ’89 Jeffrey D. O’Brien ’89 Noel J. Lutes ’90 Ronda J. (Olinger) Murphy ’90 Lisa M. (Todd) Peacock ’91 Eleanor M. (Colbert) Burke ’92 Marsha Ann Aldous ’93 Bryan E. Bogardus ’94 Ronald Hollis LaSalle ’94 Kathleen L. Deugaw ’95 Julie Ann Reinke ’96 Sandy-Jane (Merrick) Ramsay ’00 Christopher J. Lowe ’07 Nicole M. Crump ’09 Linda Marie Stevens ’10 Cory A. Bercume ’11
After Canton
q Agricultural Legend R. Peter Heffering Inspired Dreams
Distinguished Alumnus and Honorary Doctorate Recipient R. Peter Heffering After a full life of living his boyhood dreams, Distinguished Alumnus R. Peter Heffering ’51 died March 3, 2012, in Boca Raton, Fla. Mr. Heffering’s contributions to the agricultural industry proved him a true master of his craft and demonstrated
the power and potential of a SUNY Canton education. After graduating with a degree in animal husbandry, he worked as a herdsman at the former Beacon Milling Company Research Farm in Central New York. He later established his own farm, Hanover Hill. Hanover Hill Holsteins produced 140 proven sires including the legendary Hanover Hill Starbuck, who died in 1998 and left behind 200,000 registered offspring on five continents. His Hanover Hill Holstein herd was one of the most famous in the world. In 1989, Mr. Heffering made his entrance into harness racing and enjoyed great success. His champions won the most coveted races in the sport, including the Little Brown Jug, North America Cup, Meadowlands Pace, Canadian Trotting Classic, Kentucky Futurity, Breeders Crown, and numerous Ontario Sires Stakes events. He was a member of both the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and Canadian Agriculture Hall
of Fame. He returned to his alma mater in 2003 to accept his Distinguished Alumnus award and serve as a Commencement speaker. He used his own success story to illustrate how his SUNY Canton education and his own initiative gave him the tools he needed to follow through on his boyhood dreams. At the end of his speech, the graduates sprung to their feet and gave Heffering a standing ovation. The following year, Mr. Heffering earned the first-ever honorary doctorate in Animal Science at SUNY Canton. He provided the financial support to create SUNY Canton’s Bridge to Success scholarships through the College Foundation. The scholarships are designed to help students who have no other monetary options attend college and pursue their own dreams. He frequently visited his scholarship recipients and fondly referred to them as “his other children.”
Remembering the Legacy of q Richard W. Miller Earlier this year, the SUNY Canton community paid respect to one of the most well-respected and generous SUNY Canton faculty members in College history. Distinguished Professor Emeritus and longstanding Foundation Board Member Richard W. Miller died Friday, January 6, 2012, at his West Main Street home in Canton. Mr. Miller began teaching at the Agricultural and Technical Institute on June 7, 1946. He was a professor and Department Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Technology Department. In 1975, he was named an Outstanding Educator in America, and the following year he won the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence
in Teaching. In 1982, he received the College Council’s Distinguished Faculty Award, and in 1990, the Council presented him with the Distinguished Citizen Award. He organized the SUNY Canton chapter of Tau Alpha Pi National Honor Society for Engineering Technology and was an esteemed advisor to the Alpha chapter of the Theta Gamma Fraternity. He retired in 1983. In 2003, Mr. Miller became the first donor in College history to make a million dollar donation to the SUNY Canton College Foundation. His unrestricted donation led the College to name the then newly constructed campus center in his honor. “I have had three loves of my life: The first, my wife Irene; the second, my family; and the third, this College,”
Mr. Miller said at the Richard W. Miller Campus Center Dedication and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. He followed his donation with an additional $50,000 gift in honor of his longstanding friendship with SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and his wife Dine in 2010. Combined with his annual scholarship, Mr. Miller donated more than $1.6 million to SUNY Canton. Many alumni and cur-
rent students knew Mr. Miller through his frequent involvement in campus activities following his retirement. In the past year, he was a guest of honor at the College’s Kingston Fireplace Dedication, Holiday Luncheon, Scholarship Luncheon, and Alumni Weekend Celebration, among others. He attended his 65th consecutive Commencement Ceremony in 2011.
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Non-Profit Org. US Postage
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Syracuse, NY 05401 Permit 19
Alumni/Development Office Canton College Foundation 34 Cornell Drive Canton, New York 13617
Weekend Highlights
• Half-Century Luncheon – Honoring the class of 1962. • Hall of Fame Induction – Recognizing noted and prominent SUNY Canton Alumni. • Party on the Plaza – Join your friends for music, food, and fun.
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• Celebrating Greeks –Alpha Theta Gamma and Delta Kappa Sigma are celebrating milestone anniversaries. • Campus Tours – See the College’s newest buildings, additions, and renovations. • Alumni Games – Play hard at Roos House or the athletic fields.
Keep in touch with your fellow graduates on Facebook! The Alumni Office has a special group for Reunion 2012: www.facebook.com/groups/cantonalumnireunion. You can also connect with the College at www.facebook.com/suny.canton.
After Canton