SUNY Canton News

As SUNY Canton’s new athletic facility nears completion, SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy presented the College’s highest honor to a staff member who has been vital throughout the construction process of the building.

Michael R. McCormick, director of facilities, received the 2011 President’s Meritorious Service Award from SUNY Canton at the College’s Recognition Day on May 26.

“There is not a part of this campus that Mike’s hard work has not touched,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Without him, many of our larger renovations, new buildings and construction projects would not have been possible. His efforts to make this campus an even better place for students, faculty and staff have been exceptional.”

McCormick’s work with the Roos House athletic center received high praise from Kennedy at Recognition Day, which was just the second event held in the new facility. “We had the privilege of celebrating our faculty and staff members, as well as the College’s accomplishments, in the new building. That would not have been possible without the thousands of hours Mike put in to the athletic facility.”

As McCormick accepted the award, he thanked his family for their support and his staff for their work in making the athletic facility a reality. “My colleagues and the consultants and contractors responsible for the design and construction of the facility all worked together as a team,” he said. “It was everyone’s collective efforts that made this all possible.”

In his 14 years with the College, McCormick has taken on more responsibilities which include being SUNY Canton’s main interface with the State University Construction Fund and overseeing the College’s Physical Plant.

Throughout his tenure, McCormick has played a role in the many physical changes to the College’s campus. Recently, he has directed the rehabilitation of Nevaldine Hall and the first floor of Wicks Hall, as well as the repair and repurposing of Dana Hall. He also oversaw the construction of the Richard W. Miller Campus Center and the Newell Veterinary Technology Center.

In 1985, McCormick graduated from SUNY Canton with an associate degree in applied science in civil engineering. He earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1988.

He lives in Canton with his wife, Amy, and their children, Andrew and Breda.

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SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy recently awarded two people who have been vital to the College’s recent explosive growth.

Molly A. Mott, dean of academic services and retention, and Wesley “Wes” L. Stitt, who chaired the College Council from 1996 until 2008, were named the 2010 President’s Meritorious Service Award winners at SUNY Canton’s recent Employee Recognition Day on May 28.

Mott began her work at the College in 1989 as an instructor of veterinary science technology and was promoted numerous times as a faculty member before becoming director of the College’s OnLine program. She has most recently served as the dean of academic services and retention, and will begin her tenure as vice president of student affairs on July 1.

“Molly has helped to transform our library into a state-of-the-art, modern study area that reflects our efforts to keep up with the way students now study and research,” said President Kennedy in his address. “She has also led the way in the remarkable growth of SUNY Canton OnLine. Our summer and winter terms have grown dramatically each and every year since we implemented them and it is a direct result of her work and those she works closely with.”

Stitt was at the helm of the College Council during a period where SUNY Canton experienced dramatic growth both in enrollment numbers and four-year degree programs. He was instrumental in securing funds for the Newell Veterinary Technology Center, the Richard W. Miller Campus Center, and the College’s new athletic facility, the Convocation, Athletic, and Recreation Center (CARC), nicknamed Roos House, which is scheduled to open in Spring 2011.  He is a consistent proponent of SUNY Canton’s award-winning Steel Bridge Team and the University Police Department.

“Wes has been a tireless supporter of the College, the North Country and education at all levels for decades,” noted President Kennedy. “He often helps students throughout the college search process and assists many of our graduates locate employment. Wes is a passionate advocate for everything that he loves, and we are all very fortunate that he loves the North Country and SUNY Canton.”

Both Mott and Stitt have been recognized for their work before. Mott was the recipient of SUNY Canton’s Excellence in College Service Award in 2003 and Stitt earned the College’s Distinguished Citizen Award five years later.

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

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ASSISTANT DEAN AND ATHLETIC DIRECTOR HONORED – SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy presents Assistant Dean of Students and Athletic Director Diane J. Para with the 2007 Meritorious Service Award.

Things have been hopping in the SUNY Athletic Department all year, even prior to the arrival of the Kangaroos.

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy has awarded the 2007 President’s Meritorious Service Award to Assistant Dean of Students and Athletic Director Diane J. Para. This year included acceptance into the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), the change of the athletic nickname to Kangaroos, preparations to move to four-year athletics, plans to construct a new $18-million athletic and convocation facility, and the start of construction for the new outdoor, lighted synthetic turf field. The athletic program will also add men’s and women’s cross country this fall.

“It is a pleasure to present the Meritorious Service Award to someone who, to use a sports expression, bleeds SUNY Canton blue and green,” said Kennedy at a recent college-wide ceremony. “Diane, you’ve been with us for 18 years, and this may have been the craziest.”

Para began her career at SUNY Canton in 1989 as director of intramurals and recreation sports and as a technical assistant for the athletic department. She became an assistant to Athletic Director Al Chadwick and became the Athletic Director in 1993. Last year, she was named Assistant Dean of Students, and began the complete restructuring of the athletic teams, including their name, to accompany the college’s transition to a four-year college. She has served on numerous committees both on campus and in Region III of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

“Diane is a highly motivated and driven leader,” Assistant Director of Athletics Matthew G. Metcalf pointed out. “She is incredibly dedicated to the student-athletes and is committed to providing the best possible experience for them both athletically and academically.”

Para started the women’s volleyball team at SUNY Canton and coached for eight seasons. She was named the Mid-State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2003. She has also coached women’s softball at SUNY Canton and was named the Assistant Dean of Students. Para received her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a minor in Sports Management from Ithaca College, and a master’s degree in athletic and recreation management from Eastern Illinois University. She is currently working towards her doctorate degree in leadership in higher education from Capella University in Minnesota.

She is quick to praise her staff and for those who have mentored her during her career, most noticeably Chadwick, Associate Professor of Humanities Sue S. Rummel and School of Liberal Arts and Support Services Dean Pauline A. Graveline.

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