SUNY Canton Patron Challenges Benefactors with Donation

John L. Halford, Sr., '49, continues a legacy of giving with a gift in support of the college's fourth president.

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SUNY Canton Distinguished Alumnus John L. Halford stands with President Zvi Szafran after the patron made a large donation in honor of the new president.

CANTON, NY (05/12/2015)(readMedia)-- A longtime and dedicated SUNY Canton patron has decided to continue his legacy of generosity by making a significant donation to the college and challenging other alumni and friends to do the same.

Gouverneur's John L. Halford, Sr., contributed an undisclosed amount to the SUNY Canton College Foundation in honor of President Zvi Szafran's recent inauguration. Halford is a 1949 alumnus who has developed a friendship with the college's new president and his family.

"Mr. Halford has really been a magnificent benefactor to SUNY Canton," said Szafran. "His donation comes at such an exciting time for the college. To have people like him supporting us makes our growth and evolution especially meaningful."

Before presenting his latest gift, Halford encouraged his friends and fellow donors to raise further funding for the college. He has promised to match all new gifts from up to 200 donors.

"I wanted to show my support for Dr. Szafran as he continues SUNY Canton's growth," Halford said. "I hope that others who share the same connection that I do will come forward to contribute to the college."

Halford also visited the college to accept an award from students in the SUNY Canton Veteran's Association. In October 2015, he made a donation to help the students create an endowed scholarship benefiting either a veteran or their spouse as they attend college. Halford is a proud World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

By continually donating to the college, Halford has the most physical places named after him on campus. The Halford Lobby sits at the base of the college's Faculty Office Building, the Halford Alumni Suite overlooks the ice arena and Halford Hall houses the college's Career Ready Education and Success Training Center. Almost all of his donations are specifically designated to help students make the most out of their time at SUNY Canton.

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 10 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-