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SUNY Canton Gala Raises Almost $40,000,

Centennial Campaign Approaching $8 Million

SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign Co-Chairs Ronald L. ('59) and Blanche K. Woodcock (2006 Honorary Alumna Award recipient) announced that nearly $8 million has been raised toward the 2010 campaign goal of $10 million. The announcement was made at the college's Centennial Gala on Saturday.

Approximately 400 people attended the Gala, which raised almost $40,000 to establish an unrestricted scholarship endowment.

The Gala featured live and silent auction items, highlighted by a seven-night cruise aboard the newest and largest cruise ship ever built, "Freedom of the Seas" launched by Royal Caribbean. The cruise, which was donated by College Foundation Chair Joel M. Canino ('59), was auctioned for $5,000. Other items included numerous paintings and artwork donated by Hilda O'Keefe ('36), several getaways, antiques, sports tickets, jewelry, personal services, and much more.

"The attendance and generosity exhibited at the Gala were remarkable," said Gala Committee Director Marti King MacArthur ('74 and '78). "It was a special evening where community members, college faculty and staff, and local businesses came together for a wonderful cause. We were able to auction more than 300 items and had an absolutely fabulous time doing it."

The Gala was part of an overwhelmingly successful SUNY Canton Alumni Weekend. Several hundred alumni celebrated their alma mater's one-hundredth birthday with a wide variety of events, including a clambake and barbecue, wine tasting, President's reception, and a golf outing.

"The Weekend and the Gala surpassed all of our expectations," said Vice President of Advancement David M. Gerlach. "Our Alumni Weekend attendance was up 40 percent over previous years. The hard work of Marti and her committee members was evident and the beneficiaries will be the future students of SUNY Canton."

The Centennial Campaign is a comprehensive campaign raising funds to increase scholarships, upgrade technologies, improve facilities infrastructure, support faculty enhancements, improve student life, and increase unrestricted endowments.

"The support for the Centennial Campaign from alumni, businesses, retired faculty, and friends of the college has been staggering," said Ronald Woodcock. "We are confident that we will surpass the original goal of $10 million dollars and continue to significantly impact the lives of students for generations to come."

"Since more than 85 percent of SUNY Canton students receive financial aid, it is imperative that our fundraising efforts continue to be successful in order to support their needs," said President Joseph L. Kennedy. "I'd also like to commend the incredible efforts of Ron and Blanche Woodcock for their leadership throughout the quiet phase of the Centennial Campaign. Their relentless efforts and focused guidance have ensured our success."

SUNY Canton is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year and is in the midst of its highly successful SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign: Cultivating the Minds of Tomorrow. In addition to 26 associate degree programs, SUNY Canton currently offers 10 four-year degrees with plans to announce several other new programs during the next academic year. SUNY Canton also offers three unique master's degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica. The College has recently embarked upon articulation agreements with Lomonosov Moscow State University and Osaka College of Foreign Languages and International Business in Japan, allowing international scholars the ability to obtain a SUNY Canton degree locally or abroad.

June 5, 2006

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

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