Barbara Theobald Rich Wilder, class of 1953 and 1970, will be honored at the dedication of ‘The Barbara Rich Wilder Nursing/PTA Study Suite’ at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 20. The ceremony will take place in the suite, which features a lounge area for nursing students as well as a computer and study room.

Barbara Rich Wilder (third from left) will be honored at the dedication of ‘The Barbara Rich Wilder Nursing/PTA Study Suite’ on Saturday, August 20. She is pictured with (from left) her husband, Frederick, SUNY Canton Board of Directors Chair Bernie Regan, and President Joseph L. Kennedy.

“We’re thankful for Barbara’s constant efforts to help SUNY Canton and our students succeed,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Having her name on the suite will remind our students of the kind of professional and person they should aspire to be. We appreciate her leadership and guidance as a donor, volunteer and advocate.”

Wilder, who has served as a director on the Canton College Foundation since 2009, was unaware of the gift being made by her husband Frederick who wanted to surprise her. The gift was unveiled at a recent Canton College Foundation Board meeting.

“SUNY Canton has been great for the North Country as so many students have been able to obtain a sound education for a successful future. We feel very strongly that it is more important now to invest in SUNY Canton,” Wilder said. “Both Frederick and I hope this room will be a place for nursing and physical therapy assistant students to meet, reflect, plan, and study so they will be prepared to be among the best in all graduating health professionals.”

Wilder attended the College in 1953 and later returned as a non-traditional student in the nursing program and graduated in 1970. She then became a registered nurse and worked in the field.

Wilder has served in a number of volunteer roles throughout the community. She has served as a former trustee of the Benton Library Board and the Canton Methodist Church and was also a former board of director for St. Lawrence County Cooperative Extension, 4-H Division, and the Canton Garden Club. She has been an active volunteer for the American Red Cross, Well Child Clinics, and the Canton Rescue Squad.

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

Robert C. Rogers, class of 1960, recently made a $100,000 gift to honor Stanley Cohen, who served as an instructor, a coach, and an athletic director throughout his 39-year tenure with the College.

“Student-athletes spend just as much time practicing as they do in the classroom, so it’s no surprise when they reflect on their collegiate careers and realize their coaches are the ones who encouraged them to go on to do great things,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Stan Cohen is a great example of this as he served as a mentor to his athletes, colleagues and community members. We thank Bob for his gift to the College, which illustrates Stan’s influence on SUNY Canton.”

The Stanley Cohen Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to scholar-athletes who demonstrate exemplary academic achievement and financial need and are United States citizens.

Cohen, a graduate of Hobart College and a dual-sport athlete for the Statesmen, came to SUNY Canton in 1957 and started out as the basketball coach and an accounting instructor. He eventually became the College’s athletic director and served in that capacity until 1972. He expanded the sport offerings by adding hockey, wrestling, cross country, and baseball.

Under his leadership, the Canton Aggies became the Northmen as a way of differentiating themselves from the other agricultural and technical schools. He retired in 1996 from the physical education department.

“Stan not only had a profound impact on his players, but on the College as well,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “He was able to garner support and build the foundation for SUNY Canton athletics. The growth of our athletic program over the last several decades is because of the work Stan put in to creating it.”

For Rogers, honoring Cohen through an endowed scholarship was the perfect tribute to his coach, who emphasized the importance of students achieving both their athletic and educational goals.

“Stan instilled a work ethic in each of us that we knew we needed to be successful,” he said. “He had a steadying effect on the squad and was a dynamic and energetic coach who helped us grow and develop as players and people.”

Rogers majored in electrical technology and was an integral part of the basketball squad’s success thanks to his impressive rebounding and defensive skills. He helped guide the team to a 34-6 overall record in his two years on the squad.

Following his career with the Northmen, the Watertown native played basketball for New Mexico State. Rogers worked in the elevator industry for 41 years, which included an 11-year stint with Otis Elevator Company before he joined the Miami Elevator Company, where he worked for 30 years. He now resides in Cape Coral, Fla., with his wife, Margaret.

The 1949 graduate made a generous donation to the athletic center earlier this semester, securing the right to name the John L. Halford Sr. Alumni Suite. The exclusive elevated seating area overlooks the new ice rink and will be used to host alumni receptions and important game-day functions.

Nelta M. and John L. Halford of Gouverneur recently visited the “John L. Halford Alumni Suite” in the nearly completed SUNY Canton Roos House Athletic Center.

Halford and his wife Nelta M. recently visited the nearly completed facility to talk through the final details with College Foundation, facilities and advancement officials, and even tried out the new seating.

“John and Nelta continue to demonstrate their remarkable generosity and set a wonderful example for their fellow alumni,” said David M. Gerlach vice president for advancement. “They have helped many students obtain their SUNY Canton education and they are an inspiration to others. Now the Halford name will be permanently displayed in one of the nicest and most visible areas on campus.”

His generosity previously led the College to name the Lobby at the intersection of the Faculty Office Building, Wicks Hall, and Cook Science Center in his honor.

Halford is a proud World War II veteran who completed high school and attended SUNY Canton (then called the Agricultural and Technical Institute) after his time overseas.

“I’ve asked the SUNY Canton Foundation to include the U.S. Marine Corps seal on the plaque in the Halford Alumni Suite in honor of my time in the service,” Halford said. “Whether it’s through scholarship or athletics, I hope students enjoy their time at the College and use their experience to shape their lives.”

After graduating from the air conditioning technology program, he 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.

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 and serves on the SUNY Canton Foundation Board of Directors.

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

Sylvia M. Kingston, proprietor of both Josie’s Little Pizzeria and Sylvia’s Lounge and Eatery in Canton, recently donated $25,000 to the SUNY Canton Foundation. Her gift secured the right to name the Lloyd J. and Josephine F. Kingston Fireplace located in the mezzanine within the brand-new building.

“Sylvia’s efforts with SUNY Canton and support of our growth have made a big difference within our community,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Her generosity has been continuous and has been in tribute to her parents. We are honored to have the Kingston family’s name permanently connected to our new athletic facility. We will be reminded of Lloyd and Josephine’s warmth and hospitality each time we congregate next to the Kingston Fireplace.”

The fireplace is set in a granite wall in the elevated area overlooking the ice rink, the basketball court and the field house portions of the new building. Kingston’s father was a stonemason, making the intricately designed area an ideal location to honor her parents.

“My parents and my father’s work literally laid some of the groundwork in North Country higher education,” Kingston said. “His masonry can be seen on each of the other college campuses in the area. Much like the granite serving as the foundation for the fireplace, my parents were my rock that I could lean on for constant support. It was only fitting to name this place in honor of them.”

Kingston and her family’s roots with SUNY Canton run long and deep. She’s a 1978 graduate of the College and has been a member of the Canton College Foundation Board of Directors since 2000, and is a member of the Planning Committee. Her brother David L. Kingston graduated in 1970 and her sister Rose Marie Kingston Costanzo graduated one year later in 1971.

Kingston’s daughter, Shelley Kingston Peria, is a current student at SUNY Canton in Liberal Arts-General Studies program. She graduated early from Hugh C. Williams High School in order to attend the College during the Spring semester.

The family has also been renowned for their commitment to the North Country. In 1973, Kingston’s parents founded Josie’s Little Pizzeria on Main Street in Canton. The business has continued under Kingston’s stewardship since Josie’s retirement in 1984.

In January 1997, Kingston established The Lloyd J. and Josephine F. Kingston Scholarship at the College as a tribute to her parents. The scholarship is awarded annually to an entering freshman student from St. Lawrence County who enrolls in the business administration program with preference to graduates of the Canton Central School District.

The growth of the College over the years has impressed Kingston. “The new athletic facility accents the years of transformation that have taken place on this campus since I graduated,” she noted. “Between this new facility, the new residence hall and the new four year degree programs like sports management, SUNY Canton is answering the needs of the people in the North Country and in turn, helping our community prosper.”

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

William J. (Bill) and Carol M. Coakley, Carol J. and Ronald J. Spadaccini, and Thomas F. (Tom) and Nellie E. Coakley, the owners of Coakley Carpet One Ace Hardware in Canton, recently made a gift to the SUNY Canton Foundation for the College’s new athletic facility. The family’s donation secured the right to name the Coakley Family Student-Athlete Study and Classroom in the new athletic office suite within the brand-new Roos House.

“The Coakley family is well known for their civic pride, involvement in the community, and willingness to assist others,” said SUNY Canton President Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy. “We’re thankful for the many roles they play within the College as mentors, coaches, and advisors. Their continued efforts make a difference in the lives of our students and the greater North Country community.”

The family decided to donate after seeing the benefit of athletics in each of their own children’s educations. The dynamic relationship of sports at all levels coupled with academic studies helped mold them into successful individuals. “The relationship between athletics and academics is absolutely critical,” said Tom Coakley. “For us, it was a natural fit to put our family name on a room that will reinforce the academic and athletic success of students at SUNY Canton.”

The Coakleys’ ties to the College span over several decades. Tom, Bill and Carol’s father, Robert J., often filled in as a construction instructor in SUNY Canton’s earlier days. Bill assisted the men’s ice hockey team for 15 years alongside Head Coach Terry Martin, during which time the team won many NJCAA Championships. Tom has been a member of the SUNY Canton Foundation Board of Directors since 1981, is a member of the Finance and Investment Committee, and serves with his wife, Nellie, on the Service Members Advisory Board.

“We’re excited and proud to be a part of the College’s growth and success,” Bill said. “SUNY Canton’s commitment to Canton is evident in this new facility and its continual push for growth, which brings with it plenty of opportunities and revenue to the North Country.”

The family was the recipient of the Canton College Foundation’s Community Leadership Award in 2008, honoring their leadership and commitment to the North Country community. Most recently, the Coakleys won both the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Syracuse District Family Owned Business of the Year award as well as the Region II award, including all of New York State, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The winner of the national award will be announced in May.

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

“In addition to student scholarships and faculty development awards, Campus Enhancements help the College grow and aid in the creation of new high-profile projects and learning experiences,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. “During a time when state budgets are under attack, we rely upon donations to fund the creative and innovative projects of our College community. We are deeply grateful for all of the donors who make these programs possible.”

Campus Enhancements are funded through unrestricted donations made to the Foundation. Last year, more than 190 employees donated more than $55,000 to the College Foundation through payroll deductions.

The College Foundation will be providing funding for:

• A project-based student learning series in the physics and engineering technology departments.
• Healthy eating and life-saving training programs.
• Upgrades to the College’s rope course.
• The American Society of Civil Engineers/American Institute of Steel Construction Student Steel Bridge Team.
• Software for students with disabilities.
• A math peer study group.
• A student health initiative through the counseling office.
• A professional practice field trip for students in the graphic and multimedia design program.
• Equipment for the IRS sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
• New camera equipment for the athletic department.
• A trip to the Bronx Zoo for veterinary science technology students.
• The American Criminal Justice Association to attend national championship student competitions.

To support the College’s Campus Enhancement Awards, or to inquire about starting a scholarship opportunity, contact the SUNY Canton Foundation, foundation@canton.edu or call 386.7127, 1.800.811.6727.

A committed benefactor recently made his second major donation to the SUNY Canton Foundation.

Pictured are SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy, Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard W. Miller, and Dine Kennedy. Miller recently made a second major donation to the SUNY Canton Foundation.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard W. Miller has given $50,000 in honor of his relationship with the College and SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and his wife Dine Kennedy. The retired electrical engineering technology professor had already donated $1 million in 2003.

“We truly cannot thank Mr. Miller enough,” Kennedy said. “The time he spent as a faculty member, the students he helped educate, and the careers he helped launch are remarkable. His donations are made from the heart and we greatly appreciate his enthusiasm and loyalty to the College and its students. Dick is the living embodiment of the phrase ‘a lifetime of dedication.’ His love of all things SUNY Canton is truly evident through his lifetime of commitment.”

In 2003, the College named its then newest building the Richard W. Miller Campus Center in honor of his first donation. At the time, it was the College’s first million-dollar donation. Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs Ronald M. (class of 1959) and Blanche K. Woodcock (honorary alumna 2003) noted Miller’s donation inspired other donations from alumni and community members alike, and helped fuel the success of the recently concluded capital campaign.

Miller explained previously that the College is the third greatest love of his life, following after his wife Irene, who passed away in 2002, and his family. He has hopes that this most recent donation will serve as a call to action for alumni and friends of the College to continue their support.

“I’m proud that SUNY Canton has remained a part of my life after my retirement and that I’ve had a chance to cultivate a strong relationship with Dr. Kennedy and his wife Dine,” Miller said. “In addition to driving the growth of the College that I hold so dear, they’ve been caring and kind. I’m proud to call them my friends.”

Miller has been involved with SUNY Canton for more than half of the College’s existence. In 1976, he received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, in recognition of his ability to help students attain academic excellence, his mastery of teaching techniques, and his record of scholarship in his field. The prior year, he was named an Outstanding Educator in America. In 1982, he received the SUNY Canton College Council’s Distinguished Faculty Award. Miller is an esteemed advisor to the Alpha chapter of the Theta Gamma Fraternity, a post he has held since 1948. He remains an active member of the SUNY Canton Foundation Board of Directors and the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

“Dick and his wife Irene were among the first people to welcome our family to Canton,” said Dine Kennedy. “I recall so many wonderful evenings the four of us have spent together. I know that Dick’s gift is profoundly personal. He has deeply touched the emotions of the College community and Foundation members.”

Miller, who earned his bachelor’s of science from SUNY Oswego and his master’s of education from St. Lawrence University, worked at General Electric in Schenectady before coming to Canton in 1946.

“It is inspirational and emotional for the SUNY Canton Foundation to accept Mr. Miller’s gift to the College and Dr. Kennedy,” said Director of Alumni Relations Peggy S. Levato. “He is such a close member of our SUNY Canton family, and he recognizes that giving now is more important than ever before due to the economy. His legacy here will live forever.”

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

KeyBank of Canton recently made a $1,500 donation to the SUNY Canton Foundation. The funding supports two St. Lawrence County students who enroll in business programs each year. Pictured are SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach and KeyCenter Manager Randy L. Burke.

]]> http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2009/12/keybank/feed/ 0 http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2008/12/carlisle_donation/ http://www.canton.edu/news/index.php/2008/12/carlisle_donation/#comments Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:36:39 +0000 Administrator http://www.canton.edu/news/?p=140

Peggy S. Levato, SUNY Canton Director of Alumni and Development, receives a scholarship donation from Ogdensburg attorney Preston C. Carlisle.

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.

Alumna Barbara “Bobbi” Butler Burnham, class of 1946, is hoping that her recent gift to the SUNY Canton Foundation helps to show others the importance of giving during a troubled economy.

Burnham has made a donation of more than $100,000 to the Foundation to directly help current and future students defray the costs of attending college.

“When the economy spirals downward, students are among those that are impacted the most,” said Burnham. “That’s why it’s so important to give now and make sure that qualified, hard-working students are able to pursue their dreams and aspirations.”

The rising costs of education combined with massive SUNY budget cuts from New York State have magnified the problem dramatically for colleges around the nation. More and more banks are also shutting down their student loan divisions.

Nationwide, student loan requests are up 16 percent from last year, but fewer loans are available. It’s the latest example of how the Wall Street crisis is hurting many of those who are the farthest removed from New York’s financial district.

“Instead of giving my money to the government in taxes and letting them decide where to invest it, I’ve decided where to invest it myself,” said Burnham. “The future and the well-being of our country depends on the education of our young people. And it’s even more rewarding and personal when you get the opportunity to directly meet the people you’re helping.”

Burnham is a native of Watertown. She graduated from ATI (Agricultural and Technical Institute at Canton) in 1946 and was a Home Economics and Food major. She is a Pi Nu Epsilon sister and was Vice President during her senior year. She met her husband Bob Burnham while she was attending ATI.

She is a retired teacher and realtor. Since retiring she has split her time between homes in Massena and Sun City, Arizona. Her husband passed away in 1988. Through the years, the Burnhams assisted several students with their college education demonstrating their personal commitment to higher education.

Burnham’s longtime companion Richard Randol assisted with the establishment of the Bobbi Butler Burnham endowed scholarship. Mr. Randol shares Mrs. Burnham’s commitment to making higher education possible for SUNY Canton students.

In establishing her scholarship, Mrs. Burnham recalled her appreciation for her education and remembers fondly her time at the “Aggie School”.

“Bobbi and Richard continue to dramatically impact the lives of current and future students,” said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach ‘83. “This gift is very timely given the nature of the economy and the need for increased support for scholarships.”

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.