Shown here, front row left to right: Tammy Sykes, RN; Carli Schiffner, Interim President, SUNY Canton; David Acker, Hospital President and CEO; and TerriAnn Crump, RN.
Back row left to right: Adam Bullock, RN,BSN, MSN; and David Gerlach, Vice President for Advancement at SUNY Canton.

“We have many excellent nurses on staff who are graduates of SUNY Canton’s RN program,” noted Hospital President and CEO David B. Acker.  “As the nursing profession has advanced, new standards of care require advanced training.  SUNY Canton’s online graduate nursing program is a perfect fit for our staff, enabling them to pursue their degree while working.”

The first two scholarship recipients are Tammy Sykes, Nurse Manager in the Hospital’s Emergency Department; and TerriAnn Crump, nurse in inpatient Chemical Dependency Rehab. Both nurses received their RN training at SUNY Canton.

With the Canton College Foundation’s commitment, gifts, grants and pledges to the Hospital Foundation’s “Constructing Healthier Communities” campaign have topped $3 million.  “We are gratified that we found such meaningful way to be a part of the Hospital’s campaign,” noted SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement David Gerlach.  “This is just one more example of how our two institutions can partner creatively.”

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

Mary Karr, author of award-winning memoirs, was one of the previous guest speakers at SUNY Canton’s Living Writers Series. The series will be funded through the College Foundation this spring.

The SUNY Canton College Foundation recently announced the recipients of the 7^th annual Campus Enhancement Awards.

“These projects are made possible through unrestricted donations, which are an important resource the College utilizes to fund creative and innovative projects that benefit our community,” said Vice President for Advancement and Executive Director of the SUNY Canton College Foundation David M. Gerlach. “We are extremely grateful to all of the donors who have supported the Foundation.”

Some unrestricted donations come directly from SUNY Canton faculty and staff members. Last year, more than 230 employees donated approximately $60,000 to the Foundation via payroll deductions.

Among this year’s Campus Enhancement Awards are:

• The Living Writers lecture series during the spring semester.
• Instructional software for nursing students.
• A professional practice field trip for students in the graphic and multimedia design program.
• Healthy lifestyle training programs.
• A student field trip to the United Nations building in New York City.
• Funds for students to attend the 2013 Regional Steel Bridge Competition.
• New equipment and other upgrades to the student resource library.
• Problem-solving software for engineering students.

In addition to the annual Campus Enhancement Awards, the College Foundation also funds student scholarships, professional development opportunities for faculty and staff, and unique learning and research fellowships.

The announcement was made today (Thursday, August 23) at an open house celebration. Subaru and area dealers will be contributing approximately $500,000 in tools, diagnostic equipment, and brand new cars to the College over the next five years to facilitate the partnership.

Barry A. Wells, executive vice president of Subaru Distributors Corp., discusses the advantages of partnering with SUNY Canton to create a corporate training center. Wells is a 1975 and 2010 graduate of the College.

“SUNY Canton exemplifies the ‘Power of SUNY’ and how we can work with distinguished private sector partners like Subaru to boost economic opportunities across the state,” said SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher in a letter to the College. “I commend Subaru Distributors Corp. and North Country Subaru Dealers for recognizing the strength of the SUNY system and SUNY Canton’s state-of-the-art and newly renovated Automotive Laboratory.”

Through the new partnership, automotive technology students can become certified to work with Subaru. Additionally, a third of the Subaru dealers in New York can send their technicians for training at SUNY Canton, saving the company money on travel to more distant training centers.

Assistant Professor Brandon J. Baldwin describes the unique partnership between Subaru Distributors Corp., area dealers and SUNY Canton.

“The SUNY Canton Subaru Training Center will be an inspiration for our automotive technology students and will be an example of the value of our partnerships for other corporations,” said Interim SUNY Canton President Carli C. Schiffner. “The training center will significantly impact our students’ educational opportunities, as well as increase the prestige of our automotive technology program.”

The partnership was first formed when Brandon J. Baldwin, an assistant professor in the automotive program was introduced to Barry A. Wells, executive vice president of Subaru Distributors Corp. Wells graduated from SUNY Canton in 1975, and earned a second degree from the College in 2010.

According to Baldwin, students who complete the training will be exposed to the latest in automotive technology. “Subaru will give them an added edge as they begin their career search,” he said.

Wells pointed out that the collaboration is a great investment from Subaru’s perspective, because students who complete the training and go on to work for the company will already have the specific skills needed, saving dealerships thousands of dollars.

The surprise announcement of the new public-private partnership in SUNY Canton’s Automotive Laboratories drew more than 50 guests. The labs were packed with the latest model Subaru vehicles.

“This is also another outstanding partnership between alumni and SUNY Canton,” said SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “The power of our successful alumni reaching out to assist our community and our current and future students is profound and deeply appreciated.”

Dealerships in attendance included, Barstow Subaru in Potsdam, Fuccillo Subaru in Watertown, and Bill McBride Subaru in Plattsburgh.

Chancellor Nancy Zimpher’s Letter to Campus

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

Registration for the annual gathering of graduates will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, July 20, at the Richard W. Miller campus center. Weekend events include the third College-wide Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and two major Greek celebrations during the weekend celebration.

“Brothers from Alpha Theta Gamma and Delta Kappa Sigma are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year,” noted David M. Gerlach, Vice President for Advancement. “We look forward to rekindling relationships with our graduates in addition to hearing the many stories of their successes following their SUNY Canton education.”

The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be adding 25 new members to its Century Club. Those eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame include, but are not limited to, alumni, founders, athletes, community members, and retired faculty and staff members.

“We’ve inducted 50 legendary and influential college greats over the past year,” said Peggy S. Levato, Director of Alumni Affairs. “Recent inductees include past presidents, distinguished faculty members, and numerous individuals who have impacted SUNY Canton and the North Country.”

Other highlights of the weekend include: the Half-Century Luncheon Honoring the Class of 1962; Campus Tours; a party and reception at the Roselle Academic Plaza; in addition to many musical performances throughout the weekend.

For a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.canton.edu/alumni/reunion_reservation.html.  For more information, please contact the SUNY Canton Alumni Office by phone, 315-386-7127 or
800-811-6727, or by email alumni@canton.edu.

The on-campus residence halls at SUNY Canton are near capacity for the Fall 2012 Semester, prompting the College to seek assistance from area landlords to accommodate the influx of students.

“We have a large incoming first-year class and more returning students than ever before,” noted Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carli C. Schiffner, who will be the Interim SUNY Canton President as of Sept. 1. “We are considering several options to help the College and the community continue to grow. Our first step is to ask the public if any additional housing options exist off-campus.”

Families in the area who want to rent an unused room, or landlords who expect to have vacancies should contact the College’s Residence Life Office at (315) 386-7513 or email their contact information to reslife@canton.edu.

Last fall, the College added more than 300 new on-campus rooms with the opening of Grasse River Suites Residence Hall, which features individual rooms in suite settings. The newest residence hall houses primarily upperclassmen and returning students.

“We’ll need to add even more housing as we continue our incredible growth,” noted SUNY Canton Director of Residence Life John M. Kennedy. “Our record enrollment growth has created a demand for more residential space, and it has combined with more students than ever wanting to live on campus.”

The College has broken its all-time record for applications for the third straight year and has received more than 6,500 applications for the first time in school history. As a result, College officials are anticipating a fifth straight year of record-breaking enrollment.

“The influx of students is great for the local economy,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “These students and their families shop downtown, eat at area restaurants, stay at local hotels, and use the services of North Country businesses. Our newest majors and new athletic offerings are helping to attract the best academic incoming class in the College’s history. We’re working hard to accommodate their housing needs.”

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and his wife Dine at the College's 104th Commencement Ceremony.y members.

A new scholarship endowment has been established to honor the commitment and dedication of SUNY Canton President Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy and his wife Dine.

“There is no better way to pay tribute to the commitment of the Kennedys than to establish this endowment,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “I’m not alone in this feeling. So far, we’ve raised close to $100,000 in gifts and pledges.”

Kennedy served the College for almost two decades and will be retiring August 31.

The Joseph L. and Dine Kennedy Endowed Scholarship waspublicly announced at the College’s 104th Commencement Ceremony by Student Government Association President Daynelle Richards, a 2012 graduate of the health services management program.

“For the past 19 years, students have benefitted from the advocacy from Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy,” Richards said. “The Student Government Association (SGA) contributed funds to help create this new endowment. Thisscholarship keeps with the spirit the Kennedys have always shown during their time at the college, and will benefit students who demonstrate high academic achievement for years to come.”

Prior to the public announcement, the Canton College Foundation had received support from SUNY Canton Faculty and Staff, who wanted to continue the Kennedys’ legacy. Financially, the SGA donated $20,000 to the new endowment and the College Association donated $30,000. Faculty and staff and alumni have contributed an additional $46,000 to create the scholarship.

“Dr. Kennedy has made a difference in students’ lives and in the overall life of SUNY Canton and the Northern New York community,” College Council Chairman Ronald M. O’Neill said. “It is a fitting tribute that the Kennedy family is honored through a scholarship that will continue their legacy beyond their time.”

Kennedy began rebranding the College when he started his career in 1994. Under his leadership, the College has moved from a primarily two-year school to a four-year baccalaureate degree granting institution ofhigher learning. The College now offers 23 career-driven bachelor degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. Kennedy initiated the creation of SUNY Canton OnLine featuring 190 courses each semester and 8 fully online bachelor’s degree programs.

“It is difficult to put into words all of Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy’s accomplishments without overlooking something,” Gerlach said. “The campus we have today, the feeling of family this College offers to our students, their parents, and to our faculty and staff, all stem from Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy’s deep commitment to making SUNY Canton the best educational experience for all. They have transformed the College and over the past several years we have likely become the fastest growing college in New York State.”

The entire physical space of the campus has been changed under his presidency.  New building additions include the Richard W. Miller Campus Center, the Newell Veterinary Technology Center, the AthleticFacility, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites, an apartment-style residence hall.

The College’s enrollment has grown from below 2,000 students in 1993 to nearly 4,000 students today. The focus of providing the highest quality career-driven education for the most economical price has always been Kennedy’s top priority. He said, “A SUNY Canton education changes the lives of our students, their families, and our community because we provide the training for successful careers.”

Under his guidance, the assets of the Canton College Foundation have grown from $1 million to over $40 million today. The College awards nearly $500,000 annually in scholarship support to students in need.  As a result of Kennedy’s innovative leadership, the Foundation has received million dollar gifts from professors Richard W. Miller and Herman Kalberer as well as alumnus Joel Canino, Class of 1959, Elaine Claxton Pidgeon, and an anonymous donor.

“The College’s accomplishments under Dr. Kennedy’s leadership are extraordinary,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Carli C. Schiffner, who will serve as Interim President upon Kennedy’s departure. “The entire faculty and staff look forward to continuing the successes and momentum he has created. I feel honored to be among the donors for this scholarship and all that it stands for.”

Dine Kennedy is a dedicated community volunteer who has worked with the Traditional Arts of Upstate New York (TAUNY) Evergreen Campaign, has served as a Board member for Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, and represents St. Lawrence Valley Educational Television Council, Inc. on the National Leadership Council for Advancing Public Service Media in America. She served 10 years on the Benton Board of the Canton Free Library, including serving as Treasurer and President, served on the North Country Public Radio Community Advisory Board; served 11 years as a Board member, vice-chair, and chair for WPBS, and served 8 years on the Board of Trustees for Canton-Potsdam Hospital. St. Lawrence University recognized her volunteer efforts in 2010 by awarding her their North Country Citizen Citation.

To make a donation to the Joseph and Dine Kennedy Scholarship endowment, contact the SUNY Canton College Foundation, 315-386-7527, 800-811-6727, or email foundation@canton.edu

SUNY Canton has broken its all-time record for applications for the third straight year and has received more than 6,000 applications for the first time in school history. As a result, Admissions Director Nicole Campbell is anticipating a fifth straight year of record-breaking enrollment.

“It’s a terrific accomplishment to sustain and build on the incredible momentum we’ve set over the past several years,” Campbell said. “We won’t have complete enrollment numbers until the semester begins, but it looks like we may top 4,000 students for the first time in school history. And while a lot of credit should go to our experienced admissions counselors, it truly is a college-wide effort and a reflection of our remarkable collective success.”

Total applicants and deposits have both increased since last year when the College shattered previous records in nearly every admissions category.

“There are a variety of reasons why our numbers continue to increase each year,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “We continue to add more in-demand, career-oriented bachelor’s degrees, we have a new athletic facility, a new residence hall, and a student-first approach to everything we do. Those reasons coupled with our affordability make us more attractive to incoming students than we have ever been.”

To date, SUNY Canton has received more than 6,300 applications for the upcoming academic year, an increase of more than 20 percent from the same time last year and up almost 150 percent from just six years ago.

New students planning to begin during the Fall 2012 semester should process their deposits immediately to secure their seats in the College’s top programs.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

Commencement will be held at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, May 19) in the field house portion of the Convocation Athletic and Recreation Center, nicknamed Roos House. The Senator will be honored alongside the more than 900 students eligible to participate in the ceremony.

“Senator Ritchie has promoted SUNY Canton and the mission to provide career-driven educational options to the benefit of both its students and the greater North Country Community,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “Her involvement and support will aid in our overall success and future growth.”

She received bipartisan endorsement from those who nominated her for the award.

Last year, Ritchie assisted SUNY Canton by backing its newest four-year program in the School of Business and Liberal Arts. The much-anticipated Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology will help provide qualified graduates for high-needs positions in local human services related careers.

Senator Ritchie, a lifelong resident of Upstate New York, was raised in DePeyster, graduated from Heuvelton Central School, Mater Dei College, and SUNY Potsdam.

She was elected to the State Senate in 2010, following a campaign that focused on the need to strengthen Central and Northern New York economies, create jobs, lower taxes and decrease overregulation. Prior to her election, she served as County Clerk for more than a decade. During her time in that position, she rallied her fellow Clerks to halt a plan requiring new license plates for every vehicle in New York, successfully saving area families more than $7 million.

Senator Ritchie lives in the Town of Oswegatchie with her husband, Tom. The couple 
has three adult children, and in 2010, welcomed their first grandchild.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

Ed Cloce, President of TJ Toyota in Potsdam and a1959 automotive technology alumnus, recently presented SUNY Canton President Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy with a check following a donation to the College by his parent company.

MATCHING GIFTS - SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy receives a donation from the President of TJ Toyota and 1959 alumnus Ed Cloce.

“Mr. Cloce has been an active and supportive alumnus who cares deeply about the success and continued growth of the College,” Kennedy said. “He’s demonstrated his ongoing commitment to our College at many levels by helping develop our students’ learning experiences and by hiring many of our graduates.”

TJ Toyota recently expanded their business and completed a major facility upgrade. In recognition of the achievement, the New York regional offices of Toyota Motor Sales USA made a donation on behalf of Cloce to the SUNY Canton College Foundation to benefit the College’s automotive program. Cloce then matched the gift with an unrestricted donation to the SUNY Canton Foundation in honor of Kennedy.

“Together with his previous donations, Mr. Cloce has donated approximately $50,000 in assets and funding to the SUNY Canton College Foundation,” said SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “We can’t thank him enough for his support of our programs and our administration.”

Cloce previously donated a Toyota Prius during the SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign in addition to establishing the Ed and Clara Cloce Scholarship in 1989. The family’s scholarship provides annual funding for one student enrolled in the College’s Canino School of Engineering Technology. Combined, the donations totaled approximately $3,000.

A portion of the funding will be used to purchase new equipment for servicing late model and hybrid vehicles in the college’s state-of-the-art automotive laboratories.

“We made this donation because of the extraordinary accomplishments the college has achieved under the guidance of President Kennedy,” Cloce said. “It is my hope that my donations help SUNY Canton students remember and value their education.”

Cloce is a member of the SUNY Canton College Foundation Board of Directors and a member of the automotive program’s advisory board. He received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award at the College’s 101st Commencement Ceremony in 2009.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.

The SUNY Canton Foundation and the Grasse River, LLC, will be holding a ribbon cutting celebration for its newest residence hall at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the Grasse River Suites. Free ice cream will be available after the ceremony.

The residence hall opened to students at the beginning of the Fall 2011 semester, adding much needed on-campus housing at the College. Guided tours of the facility will be available.

“There has been a great deal of interest and excitement surrounding our newest buildings,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held to showcase the beautiful new building and successful work of our foundation staff and our partnership with the Grasse River, LLC.”

The apartment-style complex has 304 beds grouped into 83 independent living suites and is adjacent to the Cooper Service Complex. The residence hall is designed primarily for upper class students and includes a mini-store, multi-purpose classroom, and an open courtyard for recreation and outdoor activities.

The $26 million project was financed through bonds secured by a partnership created with the Town of Canton and the Canton Capital Resource Corporation. The Grasse River Suites were constructed without any state funding or taxpayer resources.

“The College and greater Canton community both benefit from our newest residence hall,” noted Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “The building adds to the appeal of our campus and expands its four-year housing options, which will attract more students to the area. Each of those students will spend more time locally and our businesses and communities will continue to grow and thrive. And because these 305 students benefit from having kitchens in their suites and are only on partial meal plans, they will be shopping at local grocery stores and eating at local restaurants even more than most students.”

Northland Associates of Liverpool was the general contractor for the LEED Silver Certified building. Many area subcontractors were hired to help complete the project.

The ribbon cutting ceremony is the latest in a string of grand opening celebrations across SUNY Canton. The College recently celebrated a Taco Bell and KFC Express located next to the existing Jreck’s Subs in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center. Staff members are currently planning a grand opening for the Roos House Athletic Center.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.