CANTON -- SUNY Canton will be closing the 50 Years on the Hill campaign with a gala reception during its Alumni Weekend Celebration. The event kicks off with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m. Friday, June 1, at the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center with a formal dinner to follow.

"We are opening this special event to the community in an effort to highlight the important connection we share with the surrounding area," said SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement Anne M. Sibley. "Our history is very intertwined with growth and development of the town and village. The day we broke ground on land donated by Edson Martin cemented our place in Canton's history, and we will remain an active part of the region for many years to come."

The event will feature keynote addresses by past Presidents Earl W. MacArthur and Joseph L. Kennedy.

Over the course of the past year, the college connected with many of the individuals responsible for building the new campus and relocating the college from a small cluster of buildings adjoining St. Lawrence University. Guests include: Robert R. Burns, a former facilities project coordinator who oversaw the campus' new construction; William E. Fisher, a former assistant facilities program coordinator and a 1965 graduate; John A. Goetze, who also worked in both academics and for the college's facilities department; Rosella M. Todd Valentine, a graduate of the class of 1968, who was one of the first students to live on the new campus; and Guilford "Gil" D. White, a graduate of the class of 1968 who helped in the construction efforts while he took classes.

"I'm really looking forward to connecting with my past colleagues," Goetze said, who will be traveling from his residence in Florida for the event. "I also have several contributions for the college's new time capsule."

A special 50-year commemorative time capsule will be officially sealed as part of the weekend activities. The contents represent SUNY Canton during its anniversary at its current location, including a special edition After Canton Alumni Magazine, among other historically-significant items.

The college will also celebrate the class of 1968 during a half-century luncheon on Saturday June 2. Additional activities include live music, a presentation on the past and present of the college in addition to numerous social gatherings and plenty of parties.

For more information about the 50 Years on the Hill Gala and to view a complete schedule of events for alumni weekend, please visit SUNY Canton's Alumni Weekend website. For registration and participation information, email alumni@canton.edu or call 1-800-811-6727.