SUNY Canton News

SUNY Canton is mourning the loss of the founder of the College’s air conditioning engineering technology program.

Professor Emeritus Harry E. King, Class of 1940, taught at SUNY Canton for 37 years and remained active with the College as part of the Alumni Board of Directors until passing away early on Monday, July 26, 2010. He was 90 years old.

“Harry King was one of the College’s biggest supporters and advocates for nearly 70 years,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “We’re lucky to have his legacy live on in so many of us. He touched the lives of everyone around him and we are grateful for the impression he left on our community as a student, professor, mentor and friend.”

Mr. King, who grew up in Redwood, N.Y., graduated in 1940 from the College with a degree in technical electricity. During the next six years, he worked for the George H. Hyde Plumbing and Contracting Co. in Ogdensburg and married Wilda “Willie” Barton King in 1943. Mrs. King, who also worked for a time at SUNY Canton, predeceased her husband in August 2008 just after the couple celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary.

He returned to his alma mater in 1946 and started what was then the heating, ventilation and air conditioning program (HVAC).  One of the most profound ways Mr. King influenced SUNY Canton was teaching, developing a wonderfully crafted air conditioning program that prepared students for successful careers in the field.

“After his family, I think his greatest love was teaching young people,” said Ronald L. Woodcock, who served as co-chair of SUNY Canton’s Centennial Campaign and was a 1959 graduate of Mr. King’s program. “He took trips to Syracuse with students to show us job opportunities, set up job interviews and see interesting HVAC projects.  He exposed his students to the real world of the heating and air conditioning industry, and we are thankful for his dedication in helping all of us achieve much during our lives.”

That sentiment was evident in 2008 when alumni, family and friends of Mr. King came together early in the year and raised enough funds to name the new air conditioning laboratory after him.

“The efforts of nearly 200 people coming forward and raising over $150,000 to name the laboratory after Mr. King is perhaps the greatest tribute I know that expresses how Harry influenced so many lives,” said SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “It illustrates the impact he had on all of us and the Harry E. King Air Conditioning Engineering Technology Laboratory now serves as a constant reminder of his continued generosity and passion for SUNY Canton.”

Mr. King was honored by SUNY Canton several times throughout his life, including being named Distinguished Alumnus in 1979 and Distinguished Faculty two years later.

The year of his retirement, 1983, was commemorated by the campus and the students with the yearbook being named in his honor. Alumni also honored his retirement by establishing ‘The Harry E. King Scholarship’ that same year in recognition of his long devotion to the College and to his caring interest in the many students he taught throughout his tenure.

In 2003, SUNY Canton recognized Mr. King’s continued dedication and commitment to the College by naming the annual Honors Convocation after him.

A long time resident of Canton, Mr. King was also an active member in the local community. He served as a volunteer board member for United Helpers Nursing Home for 25 years. Earlier in July, he was awarded Emeritus status by the organization in Ogdensburg and celebrated for his outstanding commitment to its mission and vision.

His family remains in the Canton area, including his three daughters and two sons-in-law, Barbara King, JoAnne and James Danehy ’65, and Martha ’74 & ’78 and Peter MacArthur, as well as four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, at the First Presbyterian Church of Canton with Rev. Michael P. Catanzaro officiating. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton, where a Masonic Service will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:45 p.m. Burial will be held privately in the Redwood Cemetery.

Those desiring may send memorial contributions to: Harry E. King Scholarship, SUNY Canton College Foundation, Canton, NY or to the First Presbyterian Church of Canton, 17 Park Street, Canton, NY or United Helpers Maplewood Campus, State Street, Canton, NY 13617.

Mr. King’s full obituary can be found at: http://northcountrynow.com/obituaries/harry-e-king-90-canton.

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A World War II Veteran who stepped forward as the first donor for SUNY Canton’s new athletic and convocation facility is slated to receive the 2010 Distinguished Alumnus award.

John L. Halford (class of 1949) will receive the prestigious honor at the 102^nd Commencement Ceremony, to be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 22, in an outdoor ceremony adjacent to the Richard W. Miller Campus Center.

“John has been an extraordinary supporter of SUNY Canton and his hometown of Gouverneur,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “His commitment and dedication to our country and this College makes us proud in so many ways. His support and generosity toward his alma mater have been remarkable. We are proud to honor him with this award as a small token of our appreciation for his wonderful and productive involvement with us and his lifetime of exceptional achievements.”

Halford and his wife Nelta recently made a donation in support of the Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center, which has been nicknamed Roos House. His donation secured the naming rights to an elevated seating and viewing area overlooking the new rink. Through their pledge, the exclusive area will be forever named the “Halford Alumni Suite.”

The Roos House seating area will be the second location on campus honored with the Halford name. In 2005, they pledged further support to the College Foundation, which led to the creation of the Halford Lobby on the entry level of the Faculty Office Building. They have also created an equipment endowment for the air conditioning technology programs and sponsor nine students annually through two scholarships.

“John has been a devoted SUNY Canton Alumnus for decades,” said Marti King MacArthur of the class of 1974 and 1978 and the 2007 recipient of the Distinguished Alumna award. “He has diligently supported and encouraged students and is committed to the value of a SUNY Canton education. He’s also an active community member.”

Through his endowments, Halford strives to help students realize their dreams and create chances where none previously existed. “College is all about opportunities in life,” he said. “I hope that through my scholarships I can help students see all the possibilities that lay ahead.”

At the age of 17, Halford entered the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country during World War II. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Gouverneur, finished high school, and went on to SUNY Canton (then called the Agricultural and Technical Institute) to study air conditioning technology. He then moved to Long Island and worked for Brookhaven National Laboratory as a technology specialist. He later became Suffolk County maintenance supervisor of buildings and grounds.

“John is one of the most impressive individuals I have ever met,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “He fought for our country in World War II. He achieved tremendous success in his professional life. And throughout his entire life and even now, he is a complete gentleman who assists others whenever possible, particularly the young people of Gouverneur and Northern New York.”

He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Gouverneur and a Mason of more than 50 years. He is a supporter of the E.J. Noble Hospital, Hermon-DeKalb Senior Citizens Center, and the Gouverneur Senior Citizens Center. He also volunteers for the Richville Library.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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• SUNY Canton Scholarship Honors Joseph and Dine Kennedy’s Service

10. Next Stop, Hollywood

Several SUNY Canton students were the stars of a media event promoting the DVD release of the movie Max Payne. Students and faculty from the Criminal Investigation staged a murder mystery scenario in New York City that stumped international television, magazine, and web-based journalists. » More

9. Roos House Breaks Ground

Many have been enthusiastically watching the rapid progress of the College’s new Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center. The “Roos House” is going up in leaps and bounds, alongside a complete renovation of Nevaldine Technology Center. The College also plans to add a new residence hall on campus in the near future. » More

8. Strong Awards

Assistant Professor Robert Strong, PhD., won a competitive William Randolph Hearst Foundation Research Fellowship and the Chancellor’s Award for Scholarship and Creative Activities for his book-in-progress “Bright Advent.” The award-winning author and poet penned a lyric history of King Phillip’s War including key events that led to the creation of America. » More

7. Nursing Options

Over the past year, SUNY Canton added a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a one-year Practical Nursing program. These programs were created to help meet the demand for more advanced trained nurses amidst a nation-wide professional health care shortage, and have built a full ladder curriculum for students to spend one, two, or four-years learning what they love. » More

6. Winterterm Becomes a Hot Item

Approximately 800 students took courses during the 2009-2010 Winterterm session. Enrollment increased nearly 60 percent from last year and is now five times as large as the 160 students who enrolled in the first Winterterm session four years ago. The semester between semesters has become a convenient and effective way for students to catch up or get ahead. » More

5. Coach Martin Keeps Winning

The American Hockey Coaches Association announced that former Hockey Coach Terry Martin was the 2009 recipient of the prestigious John “Snooks” Kelley Founders Award. Martin was the college’s head coach for 24 seasons (1974-1999), compiling a record of 527-211-29, including a 102-11-8 mark in his final four seasons. His teams won 12 national championship titles and were runner-ups five times. » More

4. SUNY Chancellor Visits

State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher visited SUNY Canton in July as part of her summer-long tour of the 64 colleges and universities within the SUNY System. After being met at the College’s entrance by our Roo mascot, the Chancellor was introduced to the evolution and extraordinary growth that has distinguished the College among its peer universities. » More

3. Best Bridge Builders in the Nation

The SUNY Canton American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Steel Bridge Team hit it big in Vegas on Labor Day weekend by building a better bridge than any other college in the nation. The team won the 2009 National Student Steel Bridge Competition by practicing strenuously and beat the odds that favored larger universities with bigger names (and higher tuition.) » More

2. Centennial Campaign Clocks in at $11 Million

The largest and most comprehensive fundraising campaign in SUNY Canton’s 100-year history was successfully concluded after raising $11 million for scholarships and overall college enhancements. To honor Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs Ronald L. ’59 and Blanche K. ‘06 Woodcock, the alumni and foundation boards procured a landmark clock which now adorns the Roselle Academic Courtyard. » More

1. Enrollment Tops the Charts

SUNY Canton smashed its all-time high enrollment record during the Fall 2009 Semester with more than 3,300 students. There was a 20 percent increase in first-year, full-time students, and a 10 percent increase in overall enrollment from the previous year. The expansion has led to increased selectivity in the College’s signature career-driven programs. » More

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College adds Courtyard Clock to Honor Campaign Co-Chairs

Ronald & Blanche Woodcock pose in front of the newest addition to the Roselle Academic Plaza: The Woodcock Centennial Clock.

The largest and most comprehensive fundraising campaign in SUNY Canton’s 100-year history was successfully concluded at the recent Scholarship Luncheon celebration.

“We’ve reached a high-water mark in the history of the College,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Every donation from $2 to $2 million has helped us reach this point and has made a difference in the lives of our students.”

The SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign was launched in 2003 with the goal of raising $10 million by 2010. Campaign Co-Chairs Ronald L. (class of ’59) and Blanche K. (honorary alumna, class of ‘06) Woodcock announced the campaign’s ended after raising a grand total of just over $11.3 million. The College’s previous campaign raised about $1 million.

“Much of our fundraising efforts will be used for scholarships,” Ronald said. “When people give to SUNY Canton, they give to help students get the best education possible in order to start a career. Education is a worthy investment because it supports students and their families while benefitting the North Country as a whole.”

Ronald Woodcock received a scholarship in 1957 while he was enrolled in the College’s Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program, which has since become the Air Conditioning Engineering Technology program. Recognizing the importance of scholarships, and seeing the benefit to the students at the Scholarship Luncheon, he and his wife endowed their own scholarship to help students in the engineering technology fields.  Their leadership and generosity have led the College to name the Alumni House and a wing of conference suites in their honor.

“We had a series of key donations that helped us reach our goal ahead of schedule,” Blanche noted. “The $1 million donation made by Professor Emeritus Richard W. Miller, and the two donations totaling $3 million from Ronald’s classmate Joel Canino (class of ’59) really set the campaign in motion.”

The late Professor Emeritus Herman W. Kalberer also helped the campaign’s early momentum with an $803,000 estate gift. The College’s Foundation also received substantial gifts, each of about $1 million, from the estate of the late Alumna Elaine Claxton Pidgeon (class of ’39), and from an anonymous donor.

“The SUNY Canton Foundation helps ensure that each donor’s life and legacy is remembered and cherished for all times,” Blanche said. “In a very real way, our deceased benefactors will live forever through our memories and their scholarships.”

Bernard Creighton Regan (class of ‘65) donated the funding to create a flag station at the college’s entrance on State Route 68, in addition to financing four scholarships for students from Massena Central High School. John L. Halford (class of ’49) and his wife Nelta, provide similar scholarships for college students from Governeur.

The six-year fundraising project was punctuated by several influential College events that brought sponsors and donors in touch with the college. “With the help of Marti King MacArthur (class of ’74 and ’78), the Centennial Gala and Auction raised more than $40,000,” Blanche recalled.

Ron said, “Another highlight was Dr. Michael and Barbara Maresca’s challenge to raise more $100,000 for SUNY Canton Nursing students. He matched the total donations, creating more opportunities for students to enter into the high-demand field of nursing.”

In honor of the Woodcock’s dedication to SUNY Canton and their inspirational leadership during the Centennial Campaign, the College’s Alumni and Foundation Boards of Directors procured a decorative courtyard clock to adorn Roselle Academic Plaza. As a surprise, the Woodcocks were asked to unveil the clock and a ceremonial plaque denoting their continued commitment to SUNY Canton.

While the majority of the donations from the campaign will be used to broaden student access to a SUNY Canton Education, a small portion of the endowment will be used for campus beautification projects and faculty and staff development awards.

“We want to thank all of the donors to the SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “Whether their gifts were large or small, each individual has helped make a difference in the lives of our students.”

The College Foundation awarded almost $420,000 in scholarships, and will be awarding almost $45,000 in faculty, staff, and enhancement awards this year.

• View videos displayed at the ceremony here.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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Tyler Purdy, a 2009 SUNY Canton Civil Engineering Technology graduate from Stephentown, has been recognized as this year’s New York State Engineering Technology Association (NYSETA) Scholar.

Tyler Purdy, a 2009 SUNY Canton Civil Engineering Technology graduate from Stephentown, was recently awarded a New York State Engineering Technology Association Scholarship.

Purdy was recommended for this award by Civil Engineering Technology Professor Joseph Reilly. “Tyler is an extremely hard-working student and a leader among his peers,” Reilly said.

The NYSETA scholarship committee selected Purdy because he demonstrated talent and leadership in student activities and outstanding scholarship within the field of technology. He demonstrated many of those qualities through his involvement with the SUNY Canton American Society of Civil Engineers Steel Bridge Team, which recently won first place in the National Steel Bridge Competition.

“Tyler was very involved with the organization of the student team,” noted Bob Blickwedehl, an advisor for the student-run club and SUNY Canton faculty member. “He was a key member of the assembly crew that assembled the bridge in a record-breaking 3 minutes and one second overall time. The team’s speed led them to victory.”

The 2009 alumnus plans to continue his education and become a civil engineer.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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New York Guard commander Fergal Foley, a retired Army National Guard officer and 1980 SUNY Canton Alumnus, was recently promoted to the rank of Major General.

New York State Governor David A. Patterson recently presented General Foley with his second star, denoting his new rank. He is the highest-ranking military official known in SUNY Canton’s 101-year history.

Fergal Foley, a 1980 SUNY Canton alumnus, was recently promoted to Major General. Pictured is Rory Foley pinning the second star on his father’s uniform.

“We take great pride in our students and alumni who serve in the armed forces,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “General Foley has achieved new heights in his military career and he is well deserving of this promotion. We are extremely pleased with his success and for his involvement with his alma mater.”

Earlier this year, General Foley returned to SUNY Canton and presented his first-hand account of the events surrounding the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. He spoke to a full house at the College’s Kingston Theater and answered numerous questions following his presentation. General Foley served as the Department of Defense Chief of Staff and Acting Commander for the Joint Task Force “Operation World Trade Center” from Sept. 11 through Sept. 29, 2001, and was involved with coordinating response and relief efforts during the disaster.

“General Foley serves as a fantastic example of what our students can achieve by combining their military service with their SUNY Canton education,” said Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Robert L. Edwards, who is the founder of the college’s Veteran’s Association.

General Foley has served as a Director and Chief Operating Officer for American Defense Systems, Inc. He retired from the United States Army in October 2006 as a Brigadier General.

His key military assignments included serving as Executive Officer of the National Guard Regional Training Institute from 1996 to 1999.  He was later assigned as Deputy Brigade Commander from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, he was selected for Brigade Command in New York City and remained there until 2005. General Foley was later assigned as the Facility Manager for a National Guard Training Base until his retirement in October 2006.

He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Military Association of New York.  General Foley earned an Associate’s degree in Business Management from SUNY Canton, a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Public Administration degree from Marist College, and a Master of Science degree from the U.S. Army War College.

“We’re grateful that General Foley recently returned to campus to share his experiences with our students, faculty, staff, and community members,” said Vice President of Advancement David M. Gerlach. “His leadership and accomplishments are truly an inspiration.”

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. Construction is now underway for the College’s new Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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D. Edgar Cloce 2009 will be presented with the College’s Distinguished Alumni Award at SUNY Canton’s 101st Commencement Ceremony May 16.

A 1959 SUNY Canton Automotive Technology alumnus who owns one of the most successful North Country automotive dealerships will be honored by his alma mater.

D. Edgar Cloce, President of TJ Toyota in Potsdam, is the 2009 Recipient of the College’s Distinguished Alumni Award. The award will be presented at SUNY Canton’s 101^st Commencement Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 16, outdoors across from French Hall.

“Ed has been an exceptional advocate for the College and has employed many of our graduates,” said Dennis Tuper, an Automotive Technology Instructor and 2002 alumnus. “TJ Toyota is a business leader in St. Lawrence County and the company has been recognized for its continued outstanding service, customer satisfaction, and community involvement at the corporate level.”

Professor Emeritus Walter R. Kingston was among the individuals to nominate Cloce for the award. Kingston referred to Cloce’s outstanding commitment to the North Country community. “It makes me proud to see one of my former students become such a superb example of the success that can be achieved at SUNY Canton,” Kingston said. “He is an ambassador for the college and role model for students and alumni alike.”

During the college’s recent Centennial Celebration, Cloce donated a Toyota Prius to the SUNY Canton Foundation. The brand-new, fuel-saving hybrid vehicle was raffled to raise proceeds for an Automotive Technology scholarship. Ed and his wife, Clara, have also endowed a family scholarship that further aids students in the program.

When asked about what he would like to share with future graduates of the college, Ed replied: “You will always remember your time here at SUNY Canton. Your education and experiences will serve you well throughout your career and your life, as it did in mine.”

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College offers a four-day academic week allowing students greater flexibility for work, family, or other obligations. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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Brigadier General Fergal Foley will be presenting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, in the Kingston Theater.

Brigadier General Fergal Foley, a 1980 SUNY Canton Alumnus will be presenting a first-hand account of his 9/11 experiences at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 5, in the Kingston Theater.

“There is certainly a lot we can learn from such a fantastic and dedicated leader,” said SUNY Canton Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Robert L. Edwards. “General Foley is truly among the best of the best. I know that our veteran and active military students, and many others are looking forward to hearing him speak. ”

Edwards is an advisor for the SUNY Canton Veterans association and has set aside time with the General to meet with select student leaders in a later meeting.

General Foley served as the Department of Defense Chief of Staff and Acting Commander for the Joint Task Force “Operation World Trade Center” from Sept. 11 through Sept. 29, 2001.

General Fergal Foley (USA Ret.) has served as a Director and Chief Operating Officer for American Defense Systems, Inc. General Foley retired from the United States Army in October 2006 as a Brigadier General and will soon be pinned for his second star – Major General – by Governor David A. Patterson.

His key military assignments included serving as Executive Officer of the National Guard Regional Training Institute from 1996 to 1999.  He was later assigned as Deputy Brigade Commander from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, he was selected for Brigade Command in New York City and remained there until 2005. General Foley was later assigned as the Facility Manager for a National Guard Training Base until his retirement in October 2006.

He currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Military Association of New York.  General Foley earned an Associate’s degree in Business Management from SUNY Canton, a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Public Administration degree from Marist College, and a Master of Science degree from the U.S. Army War College.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The College offers a four-day academic week allowing students greater flexibility for work, family, or other obligations. The College’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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Joel Canino has been an active, supportive alumnus and friend for nearly 50 years.

SUNY Canton is saddened by the passing of one of its most dedicated alumni and greatest supporter.

Joel M. Canino of Glastonbury, Conn., a 1959 graduate, died this morning (Friday, March 13, 2009). He had been hospitalized since Monday.

“Although we are all deeply saddened by Joel’s passing, we celebrate his life and his legacy as we know he would like us to,” said President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Joel lived a successful and richly rewarding life both personally and professionally. He has been an active, supportive alumnus and friend for nearly 50 years and we are proud that he has been such an influential part of our success.”

Mr. Canino is the former chair of the SUNY Canton Foundation Board of Directors. He generously donated the largest gift in the College’s history in December of 2004 when he gave $2 million to the SUNY Canton Foundation in order to benefit students. The College commemorated his generosity by renaming the School of Engineering Technology the Canino School of Engineering Technology. Most students in the Engineering Technology curricula simply refer to it as the “Canino School.”

In 2007, Mr. Canino and his high school classmate George F. “Fred” Dennison donated an additional $1 million to create the Baldwinsville High School Class of 1957 Endowed Scholarship. Their contribution provides annual scholarships to incoming SUNY Canton students from Charles W. Baker High School near Syracuse, formerly known as Baldwinsville High School where Canino and Dennison attended.

The first recipient of that scholarship, Jacob M. Neely, will be graduating this May from the Air Conditioning Engineering Technology program. Two other recipients are currently in the same curriculum.

Mr. Canino graduated from the Air Conditioning Engineering Technology program under the tutelage of Professor Emeritus Harry E. King and alongside Ronald L. Woodcock, the college’s current Chair of the SUNY Canton Foundation Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Centennial Campaign. Canino also shared professional expertise with the college as a member of the Air Conditioning Engineering Technology Advisory Committee.

According to David Wells, Dean of the Canino School of Engineering Technology, “Joel is a role model for the students in our school. He will be remembered for his generosity to the College, certainly, but also for his groundbreaking innovations within his field and his remarkable work ethic, wisdom, and success.”

After graduating from college, Mr. Canino worked as an industrial purchasing agent for Inland Supply Company in Syracuse. He was soon noticed and just a year later he was offered a position at the Syracuse construction contracting firm of H.H. and F.E. Bean, Inc., where he eventually became executive vice president. In 1973, he moved to Orlando, Florida to work for the Pittsburgh-based mechanical contracting firm of Sauer Industries, where he served as president of various subsidiaries. In 1984, he became president of C.N.F. Industries in Meriden, Connecticut.

Mr. Canino and a business partner began Gemma Power Systems in 1997. Gemma Power Systems is among the largest power plant builders in New England and one of the top in the nation. The firm manages the engineering, procurement, and construction of multi-million dollar power projects. Mr. Canino sold Gemma in 2006.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The college’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

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A longtime SUNY Canton supporter and prominent Ogdensburg attorney has contributed $5,000 toward his scholarship.

Preston C. Carlisle, who has been practicing law for more than 45 years, made his generous donation despite downturns in the economy, noted Peggy S. Levato, Director of Alumni and Development.

“Preston has provided continual support of the college, its students, and its mission.” Levato said. “We are extremely grateful for his support over the years and particularly for this timely gift.”

Carlisle has established a pool of funds with the foundation to award scholarships that support St. Lawrence County students attending SUNY Canton. The attorney has supported the SUNY Canton foundation through unrestricted donations in addition to financing his annual scholarship.

“Contributing to students’ education is always the right thing to do,” Carlisle said. “In the face of the current economic climate and rising state-wide barriers to higher education, scholarships like mine are a critical component in a student’s education.”

This academic year, Carlisle’s scholarship was awarded to Jaclyn Maynard, a Health Care Management Major from Brasher Falls, and Sara McDonell a Nursing Major from Ogdensburg.

The SUNY Canton Foundation awards both annual and endowed scholarships. Scholarships can honor an individual or provide assistance for specific curriculums or geographic regions, like Carlisle’s. Numerous alumni and friends of the college make gifts either adding to existing endowments or create new funds. Annual scholarships are awarded each year as a result of an annual gift from the scholarship sponsor, and an endowed scholarship uses the earnings generated from a donation to fund an annual award. 

Carlisle has maintained a thriving law practice in Ogdensburg since 1961. He was the first Assistant District Attorney for St. Lawrence County and was formerly Corporation Counsel for the City of Ogdensburg, counsel for Lisbon School District and an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. He was selected as one of the top 100 trial lawyers of 2007 in New York.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor’s, associate, and certificate programs, as well as three master’s degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. Most of SUNY Canton’s new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 100 courses online each semester. The college’s athletic teams belong to the NAIA’s Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

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