Alf W. Maki '71 was presented the Arnold H. Barben Award on July 14, 2012 during the Annual Clarkson University Hockey Reunion.

The Arnold H. Barben Award is intended to recognize the important role that hockey has played in the history of the University. This award is presented to a Clarkson University Varsity C hockey alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, has contributed to the betterment of his community and has worked unselfishly for his alma mater. Helen Barben, of Seneca Falls, New York, established the Barben Award in 1980 in memory of her late husband, a member of the class of 1927.

A big, hard-working, rugged winger for the Golden Knights from 1968-71, Maki played a key role on head coach Len Ceglarski’s teams that compiled a 71-19-3 record during the late 1960s and early 1970s. As a junior, the Sudbury, Ontario native helped to lead the Green and Gold to 24-8 overall record and a berth in the championship game of the 1970 NCAA Tournament. In his senior campaign, Maki was the Green and Gold's second-leading scorer with 22 goals and 20 assists as Clarkson established a school record for wins in a season with a 28-4-1 overall slate. Skating in 93 games over three seasons, Maki recorded 94 career points with 45 goals and 49 assists.

After graduating from Clarkson in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Development, Maki was a supervisor/superintendent for many years at Reynolds Metals in Massena, N.Y.

Since his playing days ended for the Golden Knights, he has been active in Potsdam Youth Hockey as a coach and mentor, and an active supporter of boys and girls hockey, along with other youth sports in the North Country. Maki, along with his wife Laurie, has also been an active member of the Clarkson Golden Knight Men’s hockey booster club, and currently serves as President of the Booster Club.

He has given his time and support for many causes in the area, and has been a friend to Potsdam, Clarkson University, and the North Country in the years since he was a Golden Knight hockey standout.

It is with great pride that Clarkson University recognizes Alf W. Maki, Class of 1971, as the twenty-fifth recipient of the Arnold H. Barben Award.

The Arnold H. Barben Award is intended to recognize the important role that hockey has played in the history of the University. This award is presented to a Clarkson University Varsity C hockey alumnus who has demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, has contributed to the betterment of his community and has worked unselfishly for his alma mater. Helen Barben, of Seneca Falls, New York, established the Barben Award in 1980 in memory of her late husband, a member of the class of 1927.

Arnold Barben was instrumental in the elevation of Clarkson hockey from a club sport to the intercollegiate level of competition. He went on to achieve extraordinary success with Goulds Pumps, Inc., where he was senior vice president and director at the time of his retirement. His professional standards were coupled with a high sense of civic duty, and the Barbens’ have provided generous support to Clarkson for financial assistance to students.

Previous Barben Award Recipients

Year Awarded / Name and Class Year

 1981 Robert L. Houston '34

1982 Robert A. Campbell '61

1983 William J. Little '61

1984 Charles R. Hyde '48

1985 John T. McLennan '68

1986 Douglas B. Brown '53

1987 H. Allan Graham '59

1988 Donald E. May '57

1989 David A. Taylor '77

1990 Frank R. Schmeler '64

1991 Stephen J. Warr '72

1992 Terry A. Yurkiewicz '66

1993 J. Ronald Frazer '45

1994 Robert E. Empie '68

1995 Richard S. Wetmore '77

1996 G. Lionel Hewitson '49

1997 George N. Maclean '42

1998 William D. O'Flaherty '71

1999 Not Awarded

2000 Michael A. Smith '68

2001 Charles J. Bullard Jr. '76

2002 Wayne F. LaChance '70

2003 Not Awarded

2004 Joseph R. Drago '63

2005 Not Awarded

2006 Not Awarded

2007 Joseph D. Thompson '56

2008 Not Awarded

2009 Not Awarded

2010 Not Awarded

2011 Thomas A. Sherby '56

2012 Alf W. Maki '71