Community leaders to address Paul Smith's College graduates

PAUL SMITHS, NY (05/06/2014)(readMedia)-- Jim Herman and David Mason, who have spearheaded several grassroots groups devoted to improving life in the Adirondack Park and their hometown of Keene, N.Y., will speak at the 67th Commencement exercises at Paul Smith's College on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m.

Approximately 350 students are expected to graduate with the Class of 2014.

Herman and Mason, retired strategy consultants, volunteer their time to several causes in the park. Currently, they are leading ADK Futures, a scenario-planning project to envision the future of the Adirondacks being carried out on behalf of the Adirondack Common Ground Alliance.

Mason is presently vice chairman of the Adirondack Foundation; Herman is vice chairman of the Adirondack Health Foundation.

Previously, Herman and Mason had led Keene's efforts to bring high-speed Internet access to most of the homes and businesses in town, and have been involved with the High Peaks Education Foundation, the Keene Flood Recovery Fund and the Keene Public Library.

Both Herman and Mason will receive honorary doctor of humane letters degrees at the ceremony.