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.

The third annual Terry Martin Pride’s Corner Tournament will be held Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 20 and 21, with tours of the College’s new athletic facility, a pre-game reception, and the men’s ice hockey tournament highlighting the weekend’s events.

Before the first puck drops, attendees are invited to:

• Noon – 2 p.m.: A tour of the new Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center, nicknamed Roos House, including the new ice arena. The tour will leave from French Hall on SUNY Canton’s campus.
• 2 – 4 p.m.: A pregame reception at Sergi’s Banquet Hall, 31 Main Street, Canton.

The schedule for tournament (all games held at the Canton Pavilion, located on Lincoln Street):

• Saturday, Nov. 20, 5 p.m.: SUNY Canton vs. SUNY Oswego
• Saturday, Nov. 20, 8 p.m.: John Carroll University vs. Cornell University
• Sunday, Nov. 21, Noon: Consolation game
• Sunday, Nov. 21, 3 p.m.: Championship game

In 2008, SUNY Canton won the inaugural tournament with a final-second overtime goal to prevail over the University of New England, 5-4. The Roos will look to reclaim that title after being edged by John Carroll University 4-3 in the first game of last year’s tournament. They went on to win the consolation game over Norwich 8-1 the following day.

Martin, the tournament’s namesake, served as the College’s head men’s ice hockey coach from 1974-1999, compiling a record of 527-211-29, including a 102-11-8 mark in his final four seasons. His team won 12 national championship titles throughout his career. Martin also served as men’s athletic director, women’s soccer coach, men’s lacrosse coach and taught in the physical education department at various points while at SUNY Canton.

He was the 2009 recipient of the American Hockey Coaches Association’s prestigious John “Snooks” Kelley Founders Award, recognizing the effect Martin had on the collegiate sport.

The tournament was established in 2008 by Roos’ Head Men’s Ice Hockey Coach Eric McCambly. “I started the tournament to honor Terry for his extraordinary accomplishments and remarkable pride the program had during his leadership,” said McCambly. “That pride still exists today with his former players, which is why we include pride in the tournament’s name. Terry guided the program to new heights in the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s and did so for pure love of the game. Along the way, he and his players brought incredible respect and prominence to the College with 12 national titles.”

To RSVP, contact the SUNY Canton Alumni Office at 1-800-811-6727 or at alumni@canton.edu by Wednesday, Nov. 17.

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

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

The American Hockey Coaches Association has announced that Martin is the 2009 recipient of the prestigious John “Snooks” Kelley Founders Award.

More than ten years after coaching his final game at SUNY Canton, former Hockey Coach Terry Martin continues to be recognized for his efforts.

The American Hockey Coaches Association has announced that Martin is the 2009 recipient of the prestigious John “Snooks” Kelley Founders Award. The award, named after the famed Boston College coach, honors those people in the coaching profession who have contributed to the overall growth and development of the sport of ice hockey in the United States.

Martin was nominated for the award and received letters of support from current SUNY Canton Head Coach Eric McCambly and numerous former players, many of whom are now coaching hockey themselves.

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.

“This is a deserving award for a coach that cared deeply about the development of his players both on and off the ice,” said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. “Our hockey alumni reiterate to us regularly that Terry’s success was highlighted by much more than just national championships. He positively influenced the lives of hundreds of players.”

Upon his retirement many of his past players honored him and spoke more on “his winning character than on his winning record.” His past players noted that he really cared about them as people and was always there for them in times of trouble.

In addition to coaching hockey he coached lacrosse and taught physical education. Some 31 players transferred to Division I schools to continue their education while playing varsity hockey. Current coaches who played for Martin include: Don Vaughan ‘81, Colgate; Paul Flanagan ‘78, Syracuse Women; Rick Gotkin ‘80, Mercyhurst; Mark Taylor ‘83, Hobart; Jim Ward ‘83, Connecticut College; Craig Chamberlain ‘85, Monroe Community College; Bob Rosen ’81, Williamsville North High School; and many others.

“I can tell you first hand that more important than all of his wins and championships was his commitment to instilling character and helping young men find the right path to success,” said Colgate Coach Don Vaughan ‘81. “He has left a positive mark on countless young men who have played for him. His teams were well prepared and driven yet always respected the game and played with sportsmanship and character. He influenced young men not only as hockey players but as people who now have the same positive impact on those around them.”

Former John “Snooks” Kelley Founders Award winners include New Jersey (NHL) General Manager Lou Lamoriello, former St. Lawrence University Coach George Menard, Boston University’s Jack Kelley, and Minnesota’s John Mariucci.

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.