Class of Summer 2012
Inducted July 20, 2012
Morgan Anderson
Under the direction of President MacArthur, Morgan Anderson created the first office of career placement. He established the tradition that has led to SUNY Canton’s outstanding reputation of its graduates attaining successful careers. Under his direction, ATC graduates achieved 100% placement for those students going into the workforce. In addition, he opened the program to alumni and community members. In the book, “70 Years of Change,” Dr. MacArthur wrote that Morgan Anderson and the Placement Office’s work was one of the most significant achievements of the Division of Student Affairs and one of the most important modifications to the College’s programs that increased and improved student services. Morgan retired as SUNY Canton’s Director of Placement in 1991 after serving the College for 18 years.
Darrel Aubertine
Darrel Aubertine is a former New York State Senator and Commissioner of Agriculture. He has been an outstanding and vocal supporter of SUNY Canton. His efforts, combined with the efforts of former Senator James W. Wright, helped to secure the funds for the College’s new athletic center, nicknamed Roos House. The addition of this facility has changed the image of SUNY Canton and has proven to be a tremendous resource for the entire North Country.
Nancy R. Auster
Nancy R. Auster began her career at ATC in 1966 and taught for 25 years in the social science department. Professor Auster served in many leadership positions including Canton’s representative for the SUNY Faculty Senate. In 1972, Professor Auster, along with John Pope, developed a new constitutional form of government that we now know as Faculty Assembly. In 1979, Professor Auster was the first person to receive the College’s Distinguished Faculty Award. She received the Distinguished Service Professorship Award in 1982 and, prior to her retirement, she was presented with the United University Professionals Excellence Award for the 1990-91 year. Nancy Auster is an outstanding teacher who touched hundreds of students. In addition, her outstanding leadership as a faculty member on our campus and her work in the SUNY Faculty Senate is still respected today.
Lena Chadwick
Lena Chadwick taught at SUNY Canton for 31 years in the business curriculum. She began her career in 1958 when the College was just 52 years old. An outstanding and beloved teacher, she received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1973-74. In addition, she was the recipient of the Distinguished Faculty Award in 1985. The College’s Investment Club is named in her honor along with Albert Gilbert and Walter Christy.
Walter R. Christy
Walter R. Christy served SUNY Canton for 26 years in the business program. A lawyer and accountant by training, Walt remained active in various professional societies including being named President of the National Association of Accountants and the St. Lawrence County Bar Association. Fellow inductee, Ed Mucenski, said he was most honored to be included with such outstanding teachers and particularly Walt Christy who had significant impact on his own education and career. Walt retired in 1990. A quiet and beloved man, he touched many students and instilled in them the skills for successful careers.
William C. Cooper
William C. Cooper, a Navy World War II veteran, joined SUNY Canton in 1958 and was Vice President for Administration for 24 years. He was best known for the design and financial planning of the present SUNY Canton campus and was the College’s first planning officer. The William C. Cooper Service Complex, which houses the physical plant maintenance and operations department, was named in his honor on June 3, 1983. In the book, “70 Years of Change,” President Albert French called William Cooper “a rare individual, with great ability” and “Mr. Cooper is among the best business officers in the State University.”
Carson Emhof
Carson Emhof came to the new campus in 1967 and taught for 18 years in the civil construction program. He is a US Marine who served our country from 1948 to 1952. His professional experience prior to teaching at Canton was diverse and enhanced our curriculum offerings. A dedicated professor and engineer, he prepared his students for successful and vital careers in the building industry. Until his retirement in 1985, Carson Emhof helped develop the program and recruited students for meaningful professional careers including being an early supporter of alternative energies.
Joan Eurto '82
Joan Eurto, Class of 1982, served SUNY Canton for 32 years and was Secretary to the President, Dr. Earl W. MacArthur, and Assistant to the President, Dr. Joseph L. Kennedy. She began her career at SUNY Canton in 1970 as a secretary to the founder of the College’s nursing program, Virginia McAllister. Over her extensive career with SUNY Canton, she served on various committees including serving as secretary to the Canton College Foundation. She retired in 2002. Three generations of the Eurto family have graduated from SUNY Canton.
John A. Goetze
John A. Goetze joined the campus community in 1963, first as an instructor in the construction technology department and then in 1967, was appointed Facilities Program Coordinator. His involvement in the planning of and the moving to the present campus and detailed knowledge of SUNY Canton’s history caused him to be known as the College’s “institutional memory.” Mr. Goetze is a past president of the Canton Lions Club, has served on the Town of Canton Planning Board, and served as president of the SUNY Physical Plant Administrators Association. He has been very involved with Canton’s hockey team, traveling with the team to the national competitions and on two European trips. He retired as SUNY Canton’s Director of Physical Plant in 1993.
Charles F. Goolden
Charles F. Goolden served as SUNY Canton’s Vice President for Administration from 1982 to 2001. He joined SUNY Canton as Executive Director of the College Association in 1966. He was a founding officer of the Canton College Foundation, Inc., in 1973. He retired in August 2001 after 35 years of service. He has held leadership positions at the local and state level in funeral service, college management, health care, Chamber of Commerce, and service organizations.
Judy Guyette '71 '77 '79
Judy A. Guyette, classes of 1971, 1977, and 1979, earned one certificate and two degrees from SUNY Canton. She completed a clerk-typist certificate in 1971, an Associate in Applied Science degree in Individual Studies in 1977, and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Business Administration in 1979. She began her career in student activities as a typist and retired as Senior Staff Assistant reporting to the Vice President for Administration. She retired from SUNY Canton after nearly 32 years of service in 2002. After her retirement, she created the Clark-Guyette Internship Assistance Program Endowment to provide financial assistance to students completing their internships away from home. The program provides the student with an interest-free loan and the amount is determined by the annual endowment dispersal.
R. Peter Heffering '51
R. Peter Heffering, Class of 1951, established the Bridge to Success Scholarship Endowment with the specific goal of ensuring that students who have no other financial aid option can obtain a SUNY Canton education. In 2003, Mr. Heffering received SUNY Canton’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. He was the first SUNY Canton alumnus to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the State University of New York in 2004. He is also a member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame and Canadian Agriculture Hall of Fame.
David R. Keller
David R. Keller served SUNY Canton for 31 years and retired in 1997 as Dean of Students. Known for his wit, practical jokes, and devotion to students, Dave was a pillar of the SUNY Canton community. His devotion to the College and its students took on tangible form when he led a group of volunteers to build the Canton Pavilion so that the community and especially the SUNY Canton hockey team would have a place to call home. He is the recipient of the Excellence in College Service Award in 1998.
Catherine M. Kelly
Catherine M. Kelly first joined Canton College’s faculty in 1970. Her particular skill was in the field of psychiatric nursing. From her work with psychiatric clients and observation of psychiatric therapy, she developed study guides for students. In 1982, Mrs. Kelly took a three-month leave of absence to collaborate with clinical staff at the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center and psychiatric clinics in China and the Philippines. In 1990, she was selected as the recipient of the prestigious Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and, in 1992, was SUNY Canton’s nominee for the New York State Nurse of Distinction Award.
Edward W. Krenceski '49
Edwin W. Krenceski, Class of 1949, came to SUNY Canton in 1968. He was a World War II and Korean War veteran serving in the Air Force. A graduate of Canton, he had a career in the electrical industry prior to returning to his alma mater as an instructional support assistant. Ed was a hands-on teacher to his students and practically guided the students in their learning process. His pupils were grateful for his practical approach to learning. He retired from Canton in 1991.
Garnett M. Lawrence
Garnett M. Lawrence was a lifetime resident of the North Country and was employed for 25 years at Alcoa in Massena, retiring in 1973. Born in Fort Covington, Garnett Lawrence grew up on Long Sault Island on the St. Lawrence River near Massena. He lived there until the Seaway was constructed and the family moved to the mainland. Mr. Lawrence was a Mason and was active in the Grange, Oddfellows, and his church. Upon his passing, Mr. Lawrence bequeathed a significant sum of funds to establish the Garnett M. Lawrence Endowed Scholarship for high school graduates of Massena High School. Since its establishment in 1991, the scholarship has supported over 125 Massena students.
Gordon & Beatrice Lawrence
Gordon Lawrence was a lifelong resident of the North Country and lived in Winthrop, New York. He was employed for 47 years at the Aluminum Corporation of America in Massena, retiring as a Foreman in 1973. The Gordon and Beatrice Lawrence Scholarship supports students from St. Lawrence Central School and over 100 students have received scholarships since its establishment in 1987.
Anita F. Miller
Anita F. Miller served as the College Nurse and then went on to become a Physician’s Assistant, serving a total of 30 years beginning in 1964 and retiring in 1994. During that time, Anita was an enthusiastic supporter of campus life. Her dedication to the students was well known. During her time at SUNY Canton, the role she played as Nurse and Physician’s Assistant changed dramatically but Anita’s primary focus was taking care of the students. Anita was a visible presence on campus while cheering on the hockey team or supporting other campus events. Anita was the friend that comforted the students in their time of need and rejoiced with them in their triumphs.
Raymond G. Modell '62
Raymond G. Modell, Class of 1962, majored in electrical technology under the tutelage of Richard W. Miller. He worked for General Electric for a number of years and retired after a successful career as an electrical laboratory technician with Niagara Mohawk Corporation. Mr. Modell is a very active and longtime member on the Alumni Board of Directors for SUNY Canton. His generosity inspired him to create the Modell Family Endowed Scholarship in 2000. Over a dozen students have benefited from the endowment in memory of his parents, Adolf and Elsie Modell.
Dr. Kasheed Mohammed '60
Dr. Kasheed Mohammed, Class of 1960, is originally from Pakistan. Dr. Mohammed came to SUNY Canton not knowing a soul. He was very impressed with Canton and his welcoming experience here. He graduated in 1960 and went on to earn a PhD, LD, and an RD. He has had an outstanding career in nutritional science. He is the co-inventor of the liquid form of Splenda and holds many other patents. He is the person who inspired fellow Hall of Famer Dr. French to go to Pakistan which Dr. French visited often. Dr. Mohammed has also created an annual scholarship supporting international students.
Edward S. Mucenski '68
Edward S. Mucenski, Class of 1968, has been honored by SUNY Canton in 2006 as Distinguished Citizen. He is a partner in the firm Pinto, Mucenski, Hooper, VanHouse & Co. Ed has been a strong supporter of SUNY Canton and has credited SUNY Canton with giving him his start. Ed’s community service work is well recognized and he has received SUNY Potsdam’s 2011 College Service Award and has been recognized by the New York State Society of CPAs with the Michael H. Urback, CPA, and Community Builder’s Award in 2010 honoring a CPA who has exhibited exemplary board leadership in a 501c3 charity. His community work is well known and includes St. Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center, the Potsdam Rotary Club, St. Mary’s Church, Canton-Potsdam Hospital, and several other community organizations.
Chloe Ann O’Neil
Chloe Ann O’Neil earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY Potsdam and spent many years as a teacher at Lowville, Hermon-DeKalb, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton, and as a reading teacher at Parishville-Hopkinton before being elected to the New York State Assembly in February 1993. She was a longtime activist member of New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) until her election, helping to ensure that local students would receive a quality education and that teachers’ rights would be fully protected. An amateur painter, she is an active patron and supporter of North Country artists, has served on the St. Mary’s School Board of Education, and in 1999 the New York State Senate named her Woman of Distinction.
John F. Ruitberg Jr
John F. Ruitberg Jr. taught economics at SUNY Canton for over 29 years and was chairman of the Social Science Department when he retired in 1991. His community and college service earned him the respect of those who came in contact with him. John had been a lieutenant in the military, an officer of his church, a fireman, a Lion, and had devoted many hours to the Canton Youth Center. He was a former Village of Canton trustee, served as deputy mayor, and was a member of the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators.
David J. Sullivan
David J. Sullivan, named Chief of Canton Police in 1993, was known as a modest, fair man who possessed the rare quality of leadership and earned the respect of his peers. As Chief, he was instrumental in upgrading the technology and standardizing procedures that led to the accreditation of the department. On January 12, 1994, Chief Sullivan died unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism. He was 44 years old and a 16-year veteran of the Canton Police Department. David graduated from Canton High School and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. During his military tenure, he was a recipient of the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism within the Republic of Vietnam, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement. The David J. Sullivan/St. Lawrence County Law Enforcement Council at SUNY Canton has offered the New York State Basic Course for Police Officers to those men and women who have chosen law enforcement as a career.
James W. Wright
James W. Wright was a New York State Senator, representing the 48th district which at the time included Oswego and Jefferson Counties as well as part of St. Lawrence County. He also served as executive director of the Development Authority of the North Country. He has been an ardent supporter of SUNY Canton going back to the threat of closure in 1993. His efforts continued on behalf of the College when Dana Hall was condemned and additional funding was needed for the Roos House Athletic Center.