Bucher was a 34-year employee of the College who passed away last spring. She was much revered for her wisdom and helpful nature. She was also the presidentially appointed College Archivist. Bucher was an active and dedicated member of the St. Lawrence County Branch of AAUW, and was the chair of the committee for the chapter’s scholarship.

The scholarship is awarded to a female SUNY Canton student from St. Lawrence County through the SUNY Canton Foundation. Criteria for the scholarship include the submission of a 500 to 700-word essay, explaining the applicant’s future educational goals, career ambitions, and outlining their service to the community. The recipient must be planning to transfer into a four-year academic program. Preference will be given to non-traditional women who show leadership and community service potential who plan to pursue a degree in one of the science, technology, engineering or mathematic (STEM) fields.

Applications must be sent Betty Connolly, Assistant Vice President for Administration and Affirmative Action Officer for SUNY Canton, 34 Cornell Drive, Canton, N.Y., 13617. The deadline for receiving applications is 4 p.m. on May 3.

The scholarship will be awarded on June 13. For more information, email connolly@canton.edu.

AAUW Scholarship Application Form – (pdf)

In 2010, the College received a National Science Foundation grant to provide 18 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarships. There are several STEM scholarships left for the Fall 2011 semester. Each scholarship provides students with $7,200 a year, or $28,800 over four years. Annual tuition for bachelor’s degree programs at SUNY Canton is $4,970 for New York State residents.

Justin Seymour, a SUNY Canton electrical technology student and National Science Foundation scholarship recipient from Elmira.

In order to be eligible, applicants must be accepted into one of several SUNY Canton Canino School of Engineering Technology programs and be able to provide: proof of U.S. Citizenship or permanent residency; a transcript with Regents exam scores of 80 percent or higher, or a transfer GPA of 3.0; and household financial records.

Megan Sampier, a SUNY Canton engineering science student and National Science Foundation scholarship recipient from Colton.

Additionally, applicants will need two letters of recommendation and will need to author a 500-word essay. The scholarships will be awarded to qualified applicants until all remaining slots are filled. Students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible upon acceptance into a qualified program.

Graduates of the College’s engineering technology programs are among the most sought-after employees. The Canino School of Engineering Technology offers a low student to faculty ratio with hands-on access to advanced laboratories and learning facilities.

Terrance E. Davis, a SUNY Canton alternative and renewable energy systems major and National Science Foundation scholarship recipient from the Bronx.

For more information, visit www.canton.edu/nsfsstem, or contact Julie Parkman, associate director of advancement in the SUNY Canton Foundation, parkmanj@canton.edu, 315-386-7746 or the Director of the NSF STEM Scholarship, Lawretta Ononye, associate professor of physics, ononyel@canton.edu, 315-386-7521.

Margaret A. McDonnell of Rensselaer Falls was the inaugural recipient of a $5,000 award named in honor of the late Margaret D. Sovie, PhD. The scholarship was created by her husband, Alfred L. Sovie of Ogdensburg, a graduate of the class of 1958. McDonnell had the chance to meet and thank her benefactors at the College’s recent Scholarship Luncheon.

Pictured are 1959 graduate William J. Doe, Margaret A. McDonnell, the inaugural recipient of the Margaret D. Sovie Nursing Scholarship, and 1958 graduate Alfred L. Sovie.

“We are very proud of the donors who step forward to remove the barriers between a student and their education,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “In a time of overwhelming decreases in state funding, foundation scholarships have become more important than ever. In many cases scholarships are the only way a student can afford to access a high-quality education.”

McDonnell and her family have been involved in Haitian relief efforts before and during last year’s catastrophic earthquakes. She has assisted as a translator with a medical team and has been involved with the mission organization, Family Life Outreach. The nursing student was assisting with chiropractic clinics in Cap-Haitien a week before the earthquakes hit.

“Ms. McDonnell was honored to receive this scholarship created in the name of such a highly-regarded healthcare professional,” SUNY Canton’s Director of the Nursing Program John F. Conklin said. “Scholarships for future nurses are an investment in the overall quality of the health of our community.”

The Margaret D. Sovie Scholarship will be awarded annually to a second year nursing student who demonstrates compassion and an eagerness to become a Registered Nurse, as McDonnell has, Conklin said.

Margaret was an internationally recognized scholar, researcher, educator, and nursing administrator as well as a prolific author. Her studies have impacted clinical and practical nursing protocol throughout the United States and other countries. She was known for her fearlessness, outspoken manner, and her strong commitment to mentoring and patient care services.

Her name is associated with other prestigious awards, including the Margaret D. Sovie Writer’s Award, given by the Nursing Economic$ [sic] editorial board. In addition, the University of Rochester Medical Center created the Margaret D. Sovie Lecture Series, and Strong Memorial Hospital created the Margaret D. Sovie Center for Advanced Practice.

Over 300 students at SUNY Canton received either a foundation or state scholarship this year and scholarships awarded this year totaled more than $300,000. The Margaret D. Sovie Scholarship was one of 11 new awards to be created for the 2010-2011 academic year.

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

Dr. Lawretta Ononye, associate professor of physics, serves as the principal investigator and director of SUNY Canton’s project proposal. She is assisted by colleague Dr. Stephen Frempong, professor of electrical engineering technology and co-principal investigator of the proposal, as well as JoAnne Fassinger, the College’s grants coordinator.

“This is a monumental accomplishment for us as we continue to do everything we can to make college an option for all students, irrespective of their economic circumstance,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “I thank the efforts of Dr. Ononye, Dr. Frempong and JoAnne for working as hard as they did over the last few years to make this a reality for SUNY Canton and our future students.”

SUNY Canton’s project, entitled “Scholarships for Engineering Technology,” will be funded through the NSF Scholarship for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM) project. It will provide scholarships for 18 full-time students who have demonstrated superior academic performance but face economic hardships. An annual award of $7,200 for up to four years will help support the scholars through their degree completion at the College.

The scholarships will be awarded to students in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree or enrolled in a two-year associate degree program with plans of earning their four-year degree.

“A grant of this magnitude is an extraordinary achievement for SUNY Canton and brings us to a new level of grantsmanship,” said Fassinger, who noted that the NSF award is a first for the College. “Grants from the National Science Foundation are considered to be among the most prestigious and competitive in higher education. It is truly a sign of SUNY Canton’s tremendous growth in all areas.”

Programs at the College affected by the S-STEM project include electrical engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, civil engineering technology, engineering science and alternative and renewable energy.

“I’m very excited that the countless hours and energy we put into the proposal has paid off,” Ononye said. “This award will encourage all students to consider engineering, science and technology, including underrepresented groups and women.”

Frempong emphasized the S-STEM project is of great significance to SUNY Canton and its Canino School of Engineering Technology.  “It has both intellectual merit and broader impact,” he stated. “The funding will help with new support programs, including a mentoring program, STEM seminar, and a tutoring center. We will have the resources to develop a summer program to boost scholars’ physics and mathematics backgrounds. It will also allow us to offer field trips to local businesses and into industry.

“It will enhance the ongoing efforts at SUNY Canton by promoting retention and building a community of scholars,” Frempong added. “It will assist in the placement of students in the workforce or graduate school.”

According to NSF’s website, the S-STEM program “makes grants to institutions of higher education to support scholarships for academically talented, financially needy students, enabling them to enter the workforce following completion of an associate; baccalaureate; or graduate-level degree in science and engineering disciplines.”

Institutions receiving awards are responsible for selecting scholarship recipients, reporting demographic information about student scholars, and managing the S-STEM project on campus.

For more information about SUNY Canton’s S-STEM project, visit: http://www.canton.edu/nsfsstem/.

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

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.

The SUNY Canton Foundation has voted to increase the total amount of money it awards and the total number of scholarships it awards to students for the 2009-2010 academic year, despite the troubled economy.

The College’s Foundation Board recently decided to increase all existing giving levels and award a number of new scholarships to match the overall growth of the college.

“We realize it’s more important than ever to award these scholarships,” said Vice President for Advancement and SUNY Canton Foundation Executive Director David M. Gerlach (class of 1983). “Despite the economy, the decreasing state support, and the floundering stock market, we’ve decided to continue giving as much as possible to our students. It’s what our alumni and donors want us to do, it’s what many of our students need in order to enroll and be successful, and it’s the right thing to do.”

Several donors have recently given gifts to the College Foundation in an effort to offset the struggling economy, including Attorney Preston Carlisle of Ogdensburg, the St. Lawrence County Dental Society, the Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s E.J. Noble Guild, Barbara Burnham (class of 1941), the Thompson-Weatherup Foundation, Doctor Robert Saidel and his wife Rita Saidel (class of 1975), among numerous others. The decision ensures that the Foundation will increase its total scholarship awards for the 15^th straight year.

“I think this is particularly significant given that other colleges have been forced to cut back,” said Gerlach. “It further accentuates the affordability and value of a SUNY Canton education.”

SUNY Canton Director of Financial Aid Kerrie Cooper noted that many students would benefit from the foundation directors’ resolve and is pleased with their commitment.

“This is good news for current and future students,” Cooper said. “It’s more important than ever that our students utilize all of the resources they have in order to pay for college, including Pell Grants, TAP (Tuition Assistance Program), Federal Loans, and Foundation scholarships. We do our best to make sure that students who want to attend SUNY Canton are able to do so regardless of their economic background.”

Cooper has been in frequent contact with the current and incoming student population to recommend upcoming scholarship opportunities both through the Foundation and external funding sources.

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.

A local family foundation with ties to the second graduating class ever at SUNY Canton has donated funds to create a scholarship for Nursing students.

NEW NURSING SCHOLARSHIP – The Thompson-Weatherup Family Charitable Foundation recently donated the funding necessary to create a new nursing scholarship at SUNY Canton. Pictured are (l to r) foundation president Ruth McWilliams, inaugural scholarship recipient Katherine Race, foundation treasurer Marilyn Henderson, and SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy.

“This donation helps address the need for highly qualified nurses here in the North Country,” SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy said. “I find it highly fitting, and I’m overjoyed, that a family so closely connected with the college’s history has taken such an active interest in the education of others. There is a tremendous need for scholarship support especially in these troubled economic times.”

In 1910, Robert Thompson graduated as part of the second class of the Agricultural and Technical Institute at Canton, now known as SUNY Canton. His son, Robert Jr., graduated in 1942 with a degree in Agriculture and met his wife Esther (Weatherup), who graduated in 1943 with a degree in Home Economics. Robert and Esther Thompson have 10 children who established a family foundation in their honor. Esther’s cousin Marjorie Rock, a nurse educator and retired Army nurse, felt that providing a nursing scholarship should be pursued and contributed to the foundation to support one at SUNY Canton. Foundation president Ruth McWilliams and treasurer Marilyn Henderson worked with Julie Parkman, Associate Director for Advancement at SUNY Canton, to create it. All inquiries about the scholarship and student eligibility must be directed to Parkman at (315) 386-7127, or email parkman@canton.edu.

“We saw the immediate benefit of this donation when we met the first recipient, Katherine Race, who is a nursing student taking classes and working full-time,” McWilliams said. Race completed a SUNY Canton Physical Therapist Assistant degree in 1998 and is working at United Helpers nursing home.

In order to qualify for the Thompson-Weatherup Family Charitable Foundation Scholarship, applicants must be non-traditional students entering into the Nursing program in the spring semester. Recipients must have prior health care-related experience and wish to remain in St. Lawrence County upon graduation.

The Thompson-Weatherup Family Charitable Foundation is headquartered in Canton and focuses on the sustainable future of people and places in Northern 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.

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

NEW SCHOLARSHIPS- Judy Chase, Treasurer of the E.J. Noble Guild at Canton -Potsdam Hospital recently met with the inaugural recipients of the Guild’s new scholarship at SUNY Canton. Pictured are (l to r) Christina Harman of South Colton, Chase, and Megan Macauley of Ogdensburg.

CANTON – Canton-Potsdam Hospital’s E.J. Noble Guild recently awarded two newly-created scholarships to a pair of North Country students attending SUNY Canton.

“The E.J. Noble Guild at Canton Potsdam Hospital recognizes the importance of nursing education and the need to have well-trained nursing professionals in the North Country,” said Judy Chase, Treasurer of the E.J. Noble Hospital Guild. “To move beyond simple recognition, we have decided to make a donation to further the goals of the college and of the hospital.”

Annually, two SUNY Canton students will be awarded $1,250. The inaugural awards were received by Christina Harman of South Colton and Megan Macauley of Ogdensburg.

The scholarship was created in support of the Maresca Challenge, which was initiated by Dr. Michael and Barbara Maresca of Hannawa Falls to increase overall support of the SUNY Canton Nursing Program and its students.
“These scholarships help us in seeking to alleviate the nursing shortage that we are experiencing locally and throughout our state,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “We deeply appreciate the E. J. Noble Guild of the Canton-Potsdam Hospital and their support of the Maresca Challenge and the SUNY Canton Nursing Program,” 

The Maresca Family Challenge has now raised more than $200,000 for nursing scholarships. That total includes the Maresca’s original pledge of more than $100,000, a pledge of $25,000 from Canton-Potsdam Hospital, $25,000 from the Massena Memorial Hospital Foundation, and $5,000 pledges from the Kinney Drugs Foundation, 48th District Senator James Wright and the Development Authority of the North Country. 

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.

BLEVINS DONATION – The Blevins family has created a $25,000 scholarship endowment at SUNY Canton in honor of Leland Blevins. Pictured are (l to r) Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Elizabeth Irvine, Mike Blevins, Dave Blevins, Alumni and Development Associate John Wilson Jr., and Lynn Blevins.

A successful family of highly-respected North Country car dealers have created a scholarship that will honor their father and help generations of SUNY Canton Automotive Technology students.

“We are dually honored because the Blevins are a true North- Country family and are closely intertwined with the college,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy.

The Blevins family donated $25,000 for the Leland Blevins Scholarship Endowment. Each year an incoming automotive student will be awarded a scholarship in Leland’s name.

“Dad gave us our start in the automotive business, so it made sense for us to honor him by presenting others with an opportunity to enter the industry,” said Dave Blevins, who is a 1972 graduate of SUNY Canton.

Dave, and his brothers, Paul, Duanne, Lynn (class of 1979); three sisters, Sherry, Connie, and Beth; decided that the endowment would be a wonderful tribute to their father, who passed away last spring.

“I know Mom (Rita Blevins) is pleased that we’ve created this scholarship in Dad’s name,” Lynn said. “Over the years our businesses have benefited greatly from the hands-on training the college has provided our employees. I know all of the dealerships in the area appreciate the fact that it’s done here locally.”

Leland started the first Blevins dealership in Potsdam in 1969. He sold it to sons Paul and Duane in 1980. Dave and Lynn started the Ogdensburg Blevins Brothers in 1983. Blevins Ford in Gouverneur was added in 1990, and Team Blevins of Gouverneur was unveiled in 2006. The Potsdam dealership is run by Paul’s son, John.

Leland’s grandson Mike also graduated from SUNY Canton in 1999. Like his father Dave, he was an Engineering Technology major. He is now the sales manager for Team Blevins in Gouverneur.

Lynn’s daughter Leanne is a Nursing major at SUNY Canton and is expected to graduate in 2009.

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 65 courses online each semester. The college’s athletic teams have joined 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.

]]> http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2008/04/blevins08/feed/ 0 http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2008/03/gilbert-scholarship/ http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2008/03/gilbert-scholarship/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:43:18 +0000 Administrator http://www.canton.edu/news/?p=2298

Associate Professor Steven V. Gilbert, Ph.D., recently awarded the Flora Bertram Geller scholarship to Sindy Afriat, a Criminal Investigation student from Chase Mills.

Associate Professor Steven V. Gilbert, Ph.D., recently awarded a brand new scholarship for Criminal Investigation students.

Gilbert personally funds the competitive $500 Gilbert Forensic Science Scholarship, which will be awarded to the student who best researches the field of forensics. “I’ve created an annual poster presentation that will allow students to present their research using both graphics and narratives,” Gilbert said.

Criminal Investigation students were invited to submit their research in the academic poster format that Gilbert will judge. Meg Boyer of Penfield received the first of the competitive awards.

“There have been a large number of advances within this field,” Gilbert said. “Many students are already researching these advances to complement their studies.”

In addition, Gilbert recently facilitated another annual scholarship in memory of Flora Bertram Geller, which is awarded to an Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society student. The inaugural recipient was Sindy Afriat of Chase Mills.

“This scholarship was established to award a student who has demonstrated a strong background in ethics and motivation within the Omega Upsilon chapter,” Gilbert said. “Sindy is the first recipient of this $200 scholarship, which is awarded annually at the Criminal Justice Honor Society induction ceremony.”

Afriat is the president of the Criminal Justice honor society and previously received the Leon and Rachael Bagley Endowed Scholarship through the SUNY Canton Foundation.

Gilbert said that the donors of the scholarship funding wished to remain anonymous.

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 65 courses online each semester. The college’s athletic teams have joined 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.