CANTON, NY (08/19/2011)(readMedia)-- A recent gift made to SUNY Canton recognizes the significant impact a two-time alumna has had on both the College and local communities.

Barbara Theobald Rich Wilder, class of 1953 and 1970, will be honored at the dedication of 'The Barbara Rich Wilder Nursing/PTA Study Suite' at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 20. The ceremony will take place in the suite, which features a lounge area for nursing students as well as a computer and study room.

"We're thankful for Barbara's constant efforts to help SUNY Canton and our students succeed," said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. "Having her name on the suite will remind our students of the kind of professional and person they should aspire to be. We appreciate her leadership and guidance as a donor, volunteer and advocate."

Wilder, who has served as a director on the Canton College Foundation since 2009, was unaware of the gift being made by her husband Frederick who wanted to surprise her. The gift was unveiled at a recent Canton College Foundation Board meeting.

"SUNY Canton has been great for the North Country as so many students have been able to obtain a sound education for a successful future. We feel very strongly that it is more important now to invest in SUNY Canton," Wilder said. "Both Frederick and I hope this room will be a place for nursing and physical therapy assistant students to meet, reflect, plan, and study so they will be prepared to be among the best in all graduating health professionals."

Wilder attended the College in 1953 and later returned as a non-traditional student in the nursing program and graduated in 1970. She then became a registered nurse and worked in the field.

Wilder has served in a number of volunteer roles throughout the community. She has served as a former trustee of the Benton Library Board and the Canton Methodist Church and was also a former board of director for St. Lawrence County Cooperative Extension, 4-H Division, and the Canton Garden Club. She has been an active volunteer for the American Red Cross, Well Child Clinics, and the Canton Rescue Squad.

SUNY Canton offers a wide variety of career-driven bachelor's, associate, and certificate programs. Most of SUNY Canton's new four-year programs are designed so students can take them on-campus, online, or both. SUNY Canton OnLine features more than 150 courses online each semester. The College's athletic teams belong to the United States Collegiate Athletic Association. SUNY Canton recently opened two brand-new facilities just in time for the 2011-12 academic year: the Roos House athletic center as well as the Grasse River Suites, a new apartment-style residence hall featuring 305 single-occupancy rooms.

-www.canton.edu-

Posted Friday August 19, 2011 at 03:18 pm by SUNY Canton
Last Updated Saturday August 20, 2011 at 01:01 pm