CANTON, NY (06/02/2011)(readMedia)-- SUNY Canton's annual alumni weekend will be highlighted by games in the brand-new Roos House Athletic Center and an inaugural College-wide Hall of Fame induction.
Alumni weekend will begin at 9 a.m. Friday, June 10, and continue through Sunday, June 12, at venues around campus and the Canton community.
The College's Alumni Office made special invitation to former student-athletes, coaches and fans to help celebrate the completion of the $42-million athletic facility.
"The idea for this year's alumni weekend is based on the incredibly successful hockey reunion we held in 2006," said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. "We've extended an invitation to former athletes and coaches from all sports, but we hope that all alumni come take part in this important moment in the College's history."
At the previous hockey reunion, nearly 200 players returned to their alma mater. Select guests were chosen to ceremonially break the ice for the new building, which included plans to bring a rink to the college's campus for the first time.
"With the opening of the Roos House, SUNY Canton will enjoy 'home ice' for the first time ever," noted Terry Martin, who served as the College's head men's ice hockey coach for 25 years and compiled a record of 527-211-29 that also included 12 national championship titles. Martin also served as men's athletic director, women's soccer coach, men's lacrosse coach and taught in the physical education department at various points while at SUNY Canton.
"I've been to athletic centers across the country and this is among the best that I've seen," he said.
The College's inaugural Hall of Fame induction will also take place during the weekend. The dinner will celebrate 25 alumni, retired faculty, staff, and college founders who have made significant contributions to the history of SUNY Canton and the surrounding community.
"Our alumni and friends have accomplished so much throughout their lifetime and we are proud to honor them in this way," said Julie Parkman, associate director of development. "The Hall of Fame and its members tell SUNY Canton's story through their examples of dedication and service."
Over the next two years, the College will celebrate 100 inductees who will be known as the Hall of Fame Century Club. Annual inductions will take place once the Century Club is in place.
For a schedule of alumni weekend events or to register, visit http://www.canton.edu/alumni/reunion_reservation.html. For questions, contact the SUNY Canton Alumni Office at 1-800-811-6727 or by email at alumni@canton.edu.
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 NAIA's Sunrise Conference, enabling students to compete in their respective sports for four years. SUNY Canton's 2011 Commencement was the first event held in the College's brand new Roos House athletic facility. The facility will open to the public later this summer. The new apartment-style residence hall, featuring 305 single-occupancy rooms, is nearing completion and will open in August 2011.
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