CANTON -- Paul D. Hitchman and Dennis E. Tuper recently received the 2013 Excellence in College Service Award from the SUNY Canton College Council.

Hitchman and Tuper, both instructional support associates, were selected due to their work with the student chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the student steel bridge team.

"Paul's and Dennis' enthusiasm and commitment to student success are well known across the SUNY Canton community," said SUNY Canton Interim President Carli C. Schiffner. "Their contributions to the college and to the bridge team have been invaluable and are most deserving of this award."

Each year engineering student teams construct a one-tenth-scale model bridge designed to meet criteria such as construction speed, lightness, display, stiffness, economy and efficiency.

Under Hitchman's and Tuper's guidance, the SUNY Canton team placed first in the regional competition 14 times in the past 17 years by besting rivals like Cornell University, Clarkson University and the Rochester Institute of Technology. The team even captured the national championship title in 2009.

Hitchman previously worked as a designer and draftsman for engineering firms before joining SUNY Canton as a civil engineering technology instructional support associate. He advises students in designing, drawing and fabricating the bridge.

Tuper, an automotive technology instructional support associate, is a certified master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. In addition to advising students on bridge assembly, he welds all bridge components for competition.

Hitchman and Tuper have worked with the Canton College Foundation to raise funds to purchase bridge materials and cover travel expenses for the team. They both also regularly volunteer to assist with other college events.

The Excellence in College Service Award is presented annually to a member of the professional staff who demonstrates effectiveness, professional ability and mastery of their specialization.