Bennett of Rochester Receives Top Clarkson University Award for Young Alumni

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Sean Bennett recently received the Woodstock Award from his alma mater, Clarkson University. Above, Clarkson University President Tony Collins (left) presents the award to Bennett.

POTSDAM, NY (07/25/2012)(readMedia)-- Sean T. Bennett of Rochester, N.Y., assistant dean in undergraduate academic affairs at the Rochester Institute of Technology College of Applied Science and Technology, has received the Woodstock Award from his alma mater, Clarkson University.

Given each year during Reunion Weekend, the Woodstock Award honors young alumni who have demonstrated outstanding loyalty and service to Clarkson and the Alumni Association and who have used their Clarkson experience to make a notable contribution to their careers.

Bennett received his bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Clarkson University in 1992 and his M.Ed. in education from SUNY Brockport in 1996. In 2002, he graduated from Harvard University with an Ed.M. in administration, planning and social policy. Currently, he is working on an Ed.D. in higher education administration at the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1996, Bennett accepted the K-12 educator position for the Rochester City School District and in 2001 became the lead administrator/academy director/assistant to headmaster for Edison Schools in Boston, Buffalo and Rochester. In 2003, he returned to Clarkson University as the associate vice president for Institutional Diversity Initiatives and Pipeline Programs where he was responsible for the successful initiative to enhance the engagement of minority students with campus services and programs, such as the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP), the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (C-STEP), Student Support Services, and the McNair program, which prepares students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. During this time, he was selected for the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (cIcu) Independent Sector's 2007 Alumni Hall of Distinction.

Bennett returned to his hometown of Rochester in 2007 as the director of the multicultural center for academic success at Rochester Institute of Technology. He is currently the assistant dean in undergraduate academic affairs, College of Applied Science and Technology, at RIT.

As an education professional with more than 13 years of combined experience in business, K-12 education and higher education, Bennett focuses on increasing student performance and interest in science, mathematics, engineering and technology along with academic intervention and support.

Bennett is a member of the National Association for Multicultural Engineering Professionals Association, American Indian Science and Engineering Society, National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, National Society of Black Engineers and the National Association for Academic Advising.

Bennett and his wife, Susan Norris, who graduated from Clarkson in 1991, reside in Rochester, N.Y.

Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

[A photograph for media use is available at http://www.clarkson.edu/news/photos/sbennett-woodstock.jpg .]

Photo caption: Sean Bennett recently received the Woodstock Award from his alma mater, Clarkson University. Above, Clarkson University President Tony Collins (left) presents the award to Bennett.