POTSDAM – SOAR North Country honored two individuals at its fall luncheon on Nov. 12 at Knowles Hall on the SUNY Potsdam campus.

Following the buffet meal, awards were presented to two members of the organization, recognizing their many contributions to SOAR over a number of years.

Edmund Russell, Jr. received the prestigious Jim Barry Outstanding Contribution to SOAR Award. “This award is given only occasionally and only to someone whose service rises above expectation – someone who gives not only his time and talent but also his unwavering commitment to the mission and future of SOAR,” said Alicia Walter, Chair of the Nominating and Awards Committee. 

Ed has been a SOAR Board member since the early years of the organization and has served in many roles. He was highly instrumental in completing SOAR’s process of incorporation and continues to pursue its future not-for-profit status, thus strengthening the organization’s foundation and its future. 

Walter also presented Douglas Rose with the Leon LeBeau Educator Award, “an award that recognizes not only excellence in teaching but also a deep and lasting commitment to lifelong learning” she told the large audience. After retiring from SUNY Canton’s English and humanities Department in 2010, Doug returned to teaching in 2011 when he presented his first SOAR class, “The American Comic Book: An Overview.” 

Alicia described Doug’s enthusiasm for teaching this way: He “continues to bring us new ideas, new perspectives, and reasons to fall in love with learning.” In fact, many members are looking forward to the course he’ll be teaching in the spring, “The Battle of Leyte Gulf.” 

Interested in joining SOAR? Need more information? Check out the website at www.soarnorthcountry.org. Or call the office at 315 267-2690 and leave a detailed message or send an email to soar@potsdam.edu. All messages will be answered.