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Massena's Bernie Regan Becomes a Hometown Hero

A gift benefiting students from Massena Central High School and SUNY Canton has prompted college officials to create a program called "Hometown Heroes."

Long-time SUNY Canton benefactors Bernard C. and Jane Regan have added to their already established Bernard C. Regan Family Endowed Scholarship and turned its focus toward Bernie's high school alma mater in Massena. The total endowment of the Regans' scholarship now exceeds $62,000.

The Bernard Creighton Regan Family Scholarship will be awarded annually to a freshman or returning student in SUNY Canton's Electrical or Air Conditioning Engineering Technology program who has financial need and strong academic potential. First preference shall be accorded to students from Massena Central High School, with second preference to students from St. Lawrence County. The college is now encouraging alumni from other areas to establish similar scholarships for their hometown high schools.

"The scholarship established by Bernie has inspired us to create Hometown Heroes," said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach. "It's a program that allows alumni to help students from their hometown by awarding them a scholarship to attend SUNY Canton. In doing so, these alumni truly do become Hometown Heroes."

Bernie Regan graduated from SUNY Canton's Electrical Technology program in 1965. He served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1971 and later worked for United Parcel Service (UPS) in the company's corporate domestic and international engineering group. In addition to establishing the Bernard C. Regan Family Endowed Scholarship, the Regan's also donated the funding for the Regan Flag Station, which graces the entrance to the college.

The Regan's gift follows a similarly designed scholarship created by Joel M. Canino for Baldwinsville's C.W. Baker High School students.

Bernie Regan is a native of Massena. The Regans now reside in Sarasota, Florida.

"I was so fortunate to attend both Massena High School and SUNY Canton," Bernie said. "I've benefited immensely from my experiences and education at both schools and wanted to honor them simultaneously with this scholarship. For me, it connects the two schools that so positively influenced my life and now it allows future students to take advantage of the same opportunity."

The Regans latest gift will become part of the college's Centennial Campaign which has set a goal to raise $10 million by 2010.

"Bernie and Jane's generosity will enable students from Massena to attend SUNY Canton and receive a career-oriented, hands-on education," said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. "Hometown Heroes is a wonderful program that we hope many alumni help us to expand to their high schools and assist students from their hometowns."

Massena Central School Superintendent Douglas Huntley said, "On behalf of the current and future students at Massena High School, I'd like to thank Bernie and Jane Regan for thinking of us while establishing this scholarship. The Regan Family Scholarship will enable and empower students to continue with their education and have a dramatic impact on the rest of their lives. They really are Hometown Heroes."

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 65 courses online each semester. The college's athletic teams have joined the NAIA's Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years.

September 15, 2007

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

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