POTSDAM -- A SUNY Canton adjunct professor and former Colton-Pierrepont teacher was recently named the 2015 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award recipient by SUNY Potsdam.

SUNY Potsdam named Donald L. Tompkins as the award recipient for 2015. The honor is the highest award bestowed by the college, according to a press release from SUNY Potsdam.

The award “is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated steadfast support for SUNY Potsdam and the region through their leadership, advocacy, stewardship and service,” the release said.

Tompkins will be honored during the college's commencement weekend May 16 and 17.

Tompkins graduated from SUNY Potsdam and stayed in the area. He has been a “committed alumni volunteer and a consummate community member,” the release said.

Originally from Carmel, Tompkins studied mathematics and secondary education and was involved in clubs and organizations as a student at SUNY Potsdam.

He was elected senior class president, was involved with the Student Government Association, worked at the college switchboard and was a brother of Sigma Tau Psi Fraternity and competed on the Bears soccer and cross-country teams.

After earning his bachelor's degree, Tompkins went on to complete his master of science degree at Clarkson University and completed graduate work at the University of Southern California.

Tompkins worked as a high school math teacher at Colton-Pierrepont Central School for 34 years. During that time, he led the school's computer program, directed plays and coached sports teams.

Tompkins also shared his knowledge and experience with undergraduates and graduate students following in his footsteps, sponsoring SUNY Potsdam student teachers, speaking with education classes, and assisting with the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program.

He is currently an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Canton.

Tompkins has served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors since 1980. “He volunteers countless hours leading up to each Reunion Weekend to assist the Office of Alumni Affairs in preparing hundreds of registration folders, and volunteers to man the registration desk throughout the entire weekend each year,” the release said.

Tompkins has also served as the co-chair for several milestone reunions for the class of 1968. He was the co-director for the former Alumni College at Reunion, and also led the children's program as part of that event.

As a board member, he has served as treasurer for the Alumni Association and taken part in a number of committees, including a campus visioning task force and a website redesign focus group.

Tompkins has been a member of the Bears Athletics Hall of Fame Committee for many years, and is also a loyal donor to The Annual Fund for Potsdam.

Tompkins also pitches in to assist with Bear Pride Night each semester, as well as the campus Welcome Weekend Carnival for new and returning students, and for Grad Finale for graduating seniors.

He is a regular presence at athletic events, performances and concerts, and has made many friends with students, faculty and alumni through the years as an avid runner and frequent racquetball and tennis player.

In recognition of his tireless service, the Alumni Association honored him with its Distinguished Service Award in 1991.