SUNY Canton Celebrates 2025 Alumni Awards and Hall of Fame Inductees

Two healthcare professionals and one of the most significant SUNY Canton professional partners received recognition from the Canton College Foundation, Inc.

The Distinguished Alumni Award and the Outstanding Young Alumni Award are bestowed alongside the Hall of Fame inductees at the college’s annual Alumni and Friends Awards Ceremony, which was held Thursday, May 15.

The Alumni Association Board of Directors determines the Distinguished Alumni and Young Alumni Awards. “These awards highlight individuals who have made significant impacts in their professional fields, demonstrated exceptional leadership, and contributed positively to their communities,” said Alumni Association President Fergal I. Foley, a 1980 SUNY Canton graduate.

Nancy Pinckney, a 30-year- Canton resident, received the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award. Pinckney began her healthcare career in 1986 and later advanced her education by earning a nursing degree in 2013. She served in several clinical leadership roles before becoming a senior infection preventionist, where her expertise proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationally certified in Infection Control and Epidemiology, she is respected for her commitment to patient care. Pinckney also gives back through service on the SUNY Canton Nursing Advisory Board and her volunteer work with cancer-related charities.

Yahnique J. Richards-Lawrence of North Baldwin received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. Richards-Lawrence earned both her associate and bachelor's degrees in nursing from SUNY Canton in 2015, before completing her Doctor of Nursing Practice from SUNY Downstate. With licenses as both a Registered Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner, she has dedicated her career to serving underserved populations through various roles in public health and pediatric care. Known for her compassion and advocacy, Richards-Lawrence has worked in mental health, urgent care, and specialty practices. She serves patients at SUNY Downstate and Modern MD Urgent Care.

A committee of representatives from Alumni, Advancement and representatives from the college selects Hall of Fame inductees. There are more than 165 current members of the college-wide Hall of Fame.

“SUNY Canton has graduated almost 40,000 alumni, had thousands of faculty and staff members, and has connected with thousands more community members,” said Tracey Thompson Hastings, Vice President for Advancement and Chair of the Canton College Foundation. “Only a select few will ever enjoy the prestigious honor of being inducted into the SUNY Canton Hall of Fame.”

This year’s inductees include:

• Michael Berman of Orange, Conn., COO of Day & Nite / All Service, has played a key role in building and sustaining the company’s relationship with SUNY Canton. Beyond business, he actively engages with the campus community, serving as a guest speaker across multiple academic programs and advising on curriculum development. In 2020, he delivered the College’s Commencement Address and joined the Canton College Foundation Board in 2023. His leadership and commitment to education have made a lasting impact on students and faculty alike. Berman accepted his award, and the award was given to his company on behalf of the Sher family, who own and operate the company.
• Day & Nite / All Service is a commercial HVAC, plumbing, and kitchen services company located in New Hyde Park, Long Island that has built a strong partnership with SUNY Canton. Through its internship program and generous equipment donations totaling over $200,000, the company has significantly enhanced educational opportunities for students in the HVAC and other programs. They also created an annual scholarship and supported the campus during the COVID-19 pandemic with air purification technology. Day & Nite is currently collaborating with the college on a new apprenticeship program.
• Dale D. Major of Sherill graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology in 1970. He devoted over three decades to serving individuals with developmental disabilities through New York State. A dedicated alumni volunteer for nearly 40 years, he served as President of the Alumni Board and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2008. Major established an annual scholarship in 2009 and later endowed it to support students facing financial barriers. He remains actively involved in campus events and reunion efforts, especially for the cass of 1970. His enduring commitment reflects a lifelong passion for SUNY Canton and its mission.
• Laura E. Rozell of Malone graduated with a degree in accounting in 1969. She went on to hold high-level roles in both the private and public sectors, including international work with Von Roll Tramways and leadership positions in New York State agencies. She later served as College Accountant and Interim CFO at Paul Smith’s College. Laura established an endowed scholarship for accounting students in 2016 and joined the Canton College Foundation Board the following year, becoming Treasurer in 2019. A committed alumna, she also co-chaired her 50th reunion and actively supports student success.