SUNY Canton to Hold Presidential Inauguration April 10

CANTON, NY (03/27/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Canton invites the community to attend the inauguration of the college's fourth president, Zvi Szafran, Ph.D., at 2 p.m. Friday, April 10, in the Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center.

The campus community, alumni, academic delegates, friends and area representatives will join SUNY Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher to officially install Szafran as president. Immediately following the ceremony, there will be a "Canton Roo" Festival at 4 p.m. in the Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center, which is also open to the public. The college asks community members to RSVP for both events on the 10th by visiting http://www.canton.edu/inauguration/.

The inauguration ceremony and festival are the culmination of a weeklong campus celebration that honors SUNY Canton's heritage and marks the next era in the college's more than 100-year history. Events throughout the week will include historical displays, walking tours and volunteer service activities. The Village of Canton also invites the community to a reception in honor of Szafran at the TAUNY Center at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 8.

"We welcome the community to join us in celebrating the inauguration of Dr. Szafran," said Ronald M. O'Neill, SUNY Canton College Council chair and chair of the Presidential Search Committee. "His background and experience are perfectly suited to lead the college as we embark upon this new chapter together."

About President Szafran

Szafran began his duties as president of SUNY Canton last July. He previously served as the vice president for academic affairs and professor of chemistry at Southern Polytechnic State University in the University System of Georgia. From 1998-2005, he was the vice president for academic affairs at New England College in New Hampshire.

He has also held several positions at Merrimack College in Massachusetts, including dean of science and engineering, chairman of the chemistry department, assistant to the dean of arts and sciences, and professor. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of South Carolina and a bachelor's degree, also in chemistry, from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

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 ten 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-