CANTON -- A prominent Jefferson County business owner was recently selected to receive the 2015 Distinguished Alumnus Award from SUNY Canton.

Kevin Fear, class of 1987, received the award during the college's recent Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

After earning his associate degree in banking, insurance and real estate, Fear opened AA&J Insurance in Watertown in 1990. By 2000, the company had six offices throughout central and northern New York.

Fear sold his share of the business and began Universe Cellular and Dish, which became a Verizon agency. In 2009 he opened Mattress Express.

Throughout his career, Fear has participated several philanthropic efforts, which range from organizing drop-off locations for Toys for Tots to matching donations for food drives, the school said.

He has also served on the College Foundation Board of Directors since 2006 and established an endowed scholarship for students with learning disabilities.

Fear also hosts alumni events and is a strong supporter of his fraternal organization, Alpha Theta Gamma, the school said.

In 2008 he donated $1,000 toward a scholarship for a Syracuse student whose family’s home was burglarized after a fire.