Mechanical Engineering Technology Student and Basketball Standout Wins SUNY Canton's Outstanding Graduate Award

A standout basketball player and Mechanical Engineering Technology graduate is being recognized for his humble manner and goal-driven attitude.

Andrew P. Fitch will receive the Outstanding Graduate Award for the associate degree level at the college’s 111th Commencement Ceremony, which will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, in the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center. 

Fitch was born in Manitoba, Canada, and came to SUNY Canton from Melbourne, Australia. He has earned President’s List honors, has achieved the highest GPA in his program for two years in a row, and was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa honor society for his academic performance. 

“Andrew is a leader in the classroom,” said SUNY Canton Assistant Professor Daniel J. Miller, who teaches in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program. “His peers seek his help on group problems and respect his knowledge.” 

He’s become an active member of the campus community, serving as a resident assistant and as a student representative on the College Association Board of Directors.

Fitch’s true passion is basketball. He began his athletic career as an exceptional freshman for the SUNY Canton Kangaroos, when he broke the school record for single season blocks. He earned the American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) All-Second Team honors, three Eastern College Athletic Conference-North Rookie of the Week awards and an ACAA Player of the Week honor.

“Andrew is one of the most well-rounded young men that I have ever had the pleasure of coaching,” said SUNY Canton Men’s Basketball Coach Benjamin P. Thompson. “He has done so many things for our program and this community behind the scenes and is always willing to lend a helping hand.” 

In his second season, the seven-foot-tall athlete broke his own record for blocks, placing him in the top five of all divisions in the NCAA. He has a career record of 170 blocks and counting. Most recently, Fitch has earned North Atlantic Conference (NAC) All-Second Team honors, NAC Defensive Player of the year, and was included on the NAC Sportsmanship Team.

Fitch plans to further his education in SUNY Canton’s four-year Mechanical Engineering Technology program, while continuing his basketball career at the college.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York’s premier college for career-driven bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees and professional certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in digital design, engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. As SUNY’s leader in online education, SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as 18 online degree programs. The college placed first in 14 categories in a SUNY-Wide Student Opinion Survey, most notably in career services, tutoring, library resources, and classroom facilities. The college’s 15 traditional athletic teams compete at the NCAA Division III level as part of the North Atlantic Conference. SUNY Canton also offers varsity esports and cheerleading.