CANTON – Nearly $100,000 has been raised for a new scholarship endowment to honor the commitment and dedication of soon-to-retire SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and his wife Dine.

Kennedy served the College for almost two decades and will be retiring August 31.

"There is no better way to pay tribute to the commitment of the Kennedys than to establish this endowment," said Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach.

The scholarship was publicly announced at the College's 104th Commencement Ceremony by Student Government Association President Daynelle Richards, a 2012 graduate of the health services management program.

"For the past 19 years, students have benefitted from the advocacy from Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy," Richards said. "The Student Government Association (SGA) contributed funds to help create this new endowment. This scholarship keeps with the spirit the Kennedys have always shown during their time at the college, and will benefit students who demonstrate high academic achievement for years to come."

Prior to the public announcement, the Canton College Foundation had received support from SUNY Canton faculty and staff, who wanted to continue the Kennedys' legacy. Financially, the SGA donated $20,000 to the new endowment and the College Association donated $30,000. Faculty and staff and alumni have contributed an additional $46,000 to create the scholarship.

"Dr. Kennedy has made a difference in students' lives and in the overall life of SUNY Canton and the Northern New York community," College Council Chairman Ronald M. O'Neill said. "It is a fitting tribute that the Kennedy family is honored through a scholarship that will continue their legacy beyond their time."

Kennedy began rebranding the College when he started his career in 1994. Under his leadership, the College has moved from a primarily two-year school to a four-year baccalaureate degree granting institution of higher learning.

The college now offers 23 career-driven bachelor degrees in addition to its associate and certificate programs. Kennedy initiated the creation of SUNY Canton OnLine featuring 190 courses each semester and 8 fully online bachelor's degree programs.

"It is difficult to put into words all of Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy's accomplishments without overlooking something," Gerlach said.

"The campus we have today, the feeling of family this College offers to our students, their parents, and to our faculty and staff, all stem from Dr. and Mrs. Kennedy's deep commitment to making SUNY Canton the best educational experience for all. They have transformed the College and over the past several years we have likely become the fastest growing college in New York State."

The entire physical space of the campus has been changed under his presidency. New building additions include the Richard W. Miller Campus Center, the Newell Veterinary Technology Center, the 

Athletic Facility, nicknamed Roos House, and the Grasse River Suites, an apartment-style residence hall.

The College's enrollment has grown from below 2,000 students in 1993 to nearly 4,000 students today.

Under his guidance, the assets of the Canton College Foundation have grown from $1 million to over $40 million today. The College awards nearly $500,000 annually in scholarship support to students in need. As a result of Kennedy's innovative leadership, the Foundation has received million dollar gifts from professors Richard W. Miller and Herman Kalberer as well as alumnus Joel Canino, Class of 1959, Elaine Claxton Pidgeon, and an anonymous donor.

Dine Kennedy is a dedicated community volunteer who has worked with the Traditional Arts of Upstate New York (TAUNY) Evergreen Campaign, has served as a Board member for Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, and represents St. Lawrence Valley Educational Television Council, Inc. on the National Leadership Council for Advancing Public Service Media in America. She served 10 years on the Benton Board of the Canton Free Library, including serving as Treasurer and President, served on the North Country Public Radio Community Advisory Board; served 11 years as a Board member, vice-chair, and chair for WPBS, and served 8 years on the Board of Trustees for Canton-Potsdam Hospital. St. Lawrence University recognized her volunteer efforts in 2010 by awarding her their North Country Citizen Citation.

To make a donation to the Joseph and Dine Kennedy Scholarship endowment, contact the SUNY Canton College Foundation, 315-386-7527, 800-811-6727, or email foundation@canton.edu.