Local Business Leader Named as SUNY Canton 2014 Distinguished Alumnus

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Pictured are former SUNY Canton Acting President Joseph C. Hoffman, 2014 Distinguished Alumnus David A. Frary and SUNY Canton Vice President for Advancement David M. Gerlach.

CANTON, NY (07/07/2014)(readMedia)-- SUNY Canton has chosen David A. Frary, class of 1970 and 1972, as the recipient of this year's Distinguished Alumnus Award.

A Massena native, Frary received degrees in Banking, Insurance and Real Estate, as well as Mortuary Science. As a licensed funeral director, owner and manager of Phillips Memorial Home, he is an advocate of quality end-of-life care for community members through his volunteer work with the St. Lawrence Valley Hospice and Palliative Care. He also uses his skills as a funeral director to reach out to grieving families and provide comfort at difficult times.

His support of the college has included serving on the SUNY Canton College Foundation board of directors since 1990. He is also a member of the Mortuary Science Advisory Committee and is a scholarship sponsor.

"Mr. Frary has been extremely generous to SUNY Canton and the entire North Country community with his time, talents and financial contributions over the years," said David M. Gerlach, SUNY Canton's vice president for advancement. "He is a wonderful ambassador for our college and is an inspiration to our students."

In 2012 the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce awarded Frary with the Distinguished Business Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding commitment to employees, dedication to customer service and service to the community.

"David has always been involved in the Massena Community through his many volunteer efforts," said Michael Gleason, executive director of the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce. "It is not only his financial generosity to the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce events that he excels at – it is the time commitment that makes David an outstanding citizen."

Frary will receive the award during SUNY Canton's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 18, in the Richard W. Miller Campus Center. The event is part of the college's Alumni Weekend celebration.

About SUNY Canton

SUNY Canton is Northern New York's premier college for career-driven bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and certificate programs. The college delivers quality hands-on programs in engineering technology, health, management and public service. Faculty members are noted for their professional real-world experience in addition to outstanding academic credentials. SUNY Canton OnLine offers hundreds of flexible and convenient courses as well as eight exclusively online bachelor's degrees. The college's 14 athletic teams compete as provisional members of the NCAA Division III and the USCAA.

-www.canton.edu-