SUNY Potsdam Education Alumni Honor William Flynn '70 with 2014 St. Lawrence Academy Medal

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L to R: SUNY Potsdam President Kristin Esterberg, Alumni Association President Jeffrey Washburn, St. Lawrence Academy Medal recipient William Flynn & School of Education Alumni President David Vroman.

POTSDAM, NY (07/22/2014)(readMedia)-- The SUNY Potsdam School of Education Alumni Association recently honored William H. Flynn, a member of the Class of 1970, with the 2014 St. Lawrence Academy Medal, at the College's annual Reunion Weekend.

The St. Lawrence Academy Medal is presented to a SUNY Potsdam graduate who has made significant contributions to the field of professional education or related fields. The Alumni Association recognized Flynn for his distinguished teaching career, and for his service and generosity to his alma mater.

Bill Flynn exemplifies educational excellence. During his long and distinguished career, he has created an enduring legacy, constantly demonstrating his dedication to his students, faculty and staff, as a teacher, administrator and mentor. He is known as a positive, innovative educational leader, who always holds himself and his colleagues to the highest standards.

Flynn's career spanned 36 years in the Ogdensburg City School District, until he retired as Superintendent in 2006. He began as an elementary school teacher in Ogdensburg, and then served as elementary school principal for five years. He served as assistant superintendent from 1992 to 2000, and as superintendent from 2000 until his retirement in 2006. Flynn is currently serving as the interim superintendent for the Massena Central School District.

During his tenure, he strengthened the school district's educational curriculum in many ways, including the development of the Gifted and Talented Program and the Montpelier Art Gallery for the display of students' artistic works. He has forged ties with SUNY Potsdam and other area colleges and universities, to enrich the educational opportunities for the district.

Flynn received both his bachelor's and master's degrees in English education from SUNY Potsdam. He also went on to earn a master's degree in educational administration from St. Lawrence University, Canton.

In addition to his dedication to his school district, Flynn has demonstrated a deep commitment to the community, serving in numerous volunteer capacities over the years, including membership on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Demonstrating his belief in giving back to Ogdensburg and to his alma mater, Flynn is a generous donor and volunteer. He has endowed a scholarship for an Ogdensburg student who is attending SUNY Potsdam to study teacher education. Flynn was the 2007 Master's Commencement Ceremony speaker at SUNY Potsdam, and has participated in various leadership programs on campus. He currently serves on the Steering Committee for the College's Take the Lead Campaign.

The St. Lawrence Academy Medal is named for the predecessor institution to The State University of New York at Potsdam. Founded in 1816, the Academy focused on teacher training from its founding -- a tradition that continues to the present day with the rigorous liberal arts and sciences foundation offered at SUNY Potsdam.

To find out more about education at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/soeps.

Founded in 1816, and located on the outskirts of the beautiful Adirondack Park, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges. SUNY Potsdam currently enrolls approximately 4,300 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its handcrafted education, challenging liberal arts and sciences core, excellence in teacher training and leadership in the performing and visual arts. Empowered by a culture of creativity, the campus community recently launched Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam, which aims to raise $27 million by the College's bicentennial in 2016.

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