Munter of Middle Grove Honored with Clarkson University's Most Prestigious Alumni Award

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Left to right: Clarkson President Tony Collins, John Munter, and Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations Steve Newkofsky.

POTSDAM, NY (07/24/2014)(readMedia)-- John Munter of Middle Grove, N.Y., has been honored with the Golden Knight Award by his alma mater, Clarkson University.

Presented each year during Reunion Weekend, Clarkson's most prestigious alumni award is given to alumni who have distinguished themselves either by service to Clarkson through Alumni Association activities or have demonstrated outstanding career achievement, bringing distinction to themselves and to Clarkson.

John Munter received his bachelor of science degree in physics from in 1962. He went on to earn his master's degree in management from RPI in 1967.

Munter began his career with General Electric in 1959. He was a test engineer for the rocket engine design testing program for Malta Test Division in Malta, N.Y. He continued to work in various engineering and management positions at GE for the next 13 years.

In 1972, Munter declined a position to manage the Advance Manufacturing Engineering division at Large Steam. Instead, he left GE to form Munter Enterprises, a general contracting construction operation.

Over four decades later, the business continues today under the leadership of Munter's two sons, both with civil engineering degrees; John E. is a Manhattan College graduate and Mike a Clarkson graduate. Munter Enterprises specializes in design-build commercial and industrial structures, as well as land development for industrial applications.

Munter has generously supported Clarkson in several areas. He is a Roundtable member of the Clarkson Fund. In the fall of 2012, Clarkson celebrated the dedication of the Munter Trails, which provide the campus and local community with spectacular views of Fall Island and convenient access to the Raquette River, while enhancing an overall sense of connection with the river. Munter played a critical role in this project, as he spent countless hours working on the trails with equipment loaned by Munter Enterprises.

Munter's expert knowledge in the construction industry has made him a valuable volunteer in his community. He served on the board of directors at Wesley Health Care Center as the chairman of building and grounds for almost a decade. He currently serves as vice chairman at Saratoga Plan, which works to preserve farm land and open space throughout Saratoga County for recreational use. Munter is also a member of the Saratoga Builders Association and served four years as the organization's vice president.

Munter's philanthropic support has been directed to many organizations, including the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, Saratoga Hospital, JDRF, Saratoga County EOC, Brookside Museum, and Saratoga Center for The Family, just to name a few. Beginning with a hands-on trip to Ndhavi, Kenya, earlier this spring, Munter continues to consult with the Hope For Kenya organization to develop and implement more cost-effective design strategies and construction techniques as they continue to expand their private elementary school campus.

Munter resides just outside of Saratoga, N.Y., in Middle Grove with his wife of 51 years, Rosemary. Altogether, their daughter, Erika, and sons, John E. and Mike, have bestowed them with six grandchildren.

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.