SUNY Potsdam to Honor Donald P. Tompkins '68 with 2015 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award

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Donald L. Tompkins ’68 is the recipient of the 2015 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award, which will be presented during SUNY Potsdam’s Commencement weekend.

POTSDAM, NY (05/07/2015)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam has named Donald L. Tompkins '68 as the recipient of its 2015 Roger B. Linden Distinguished Service Award, the highest award bestowed by the College. The annual recognition is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated steadfast support for SUNY Potsdam and the region through their leadership, advocacy, stewardship and service.

Tompkins will be honored during the College's Commencement weekend, May 16 and 17.

Tompkins graduated from SUNY Potsdam and never really left. He has been a constant presence at his alma mater, as a committed alumni volunteer and a consummate community member.

Originally from Carmel, N.Y., Mr. Tompkins studied mathematics and secondary education and was very involved in clubs and organizations as a student at SUNY Potsdam. He was elected senior class president, was involved with the Student Government Association, worked at the College switchboard and was a brother of Sigma Tau Psi Fraternity -- and still found time to compete on the Bears soccer and cross-country teams.

After earning his bachelor's degree, he went on to complete his Master of Science degree at Clarkson University, and also completed graduate work at the University of Southern California. Tompkins worked as a high school math teacher at Colton-Pierrepont Central School, serving the district for 34 years. During that time, he led the school's computer program, directed plays and coached sports teams. Tompkins also shared his knowledge and experience with undergraduates and graduate students following in his footsteps, sponsoring SUNY Potsdam student teachers, speaking with education classes and assisting with the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at SUNY Canton.

Tompkins has continually served on the Alumni Association Board of Directors since 1980, and has gone above and beyond in his service. He volunteers countless hours leading up to each Reunion Weekend to assist the Office of Alumni Affairs in preparing hundreds of registration folders, and volunteers to man the registration desk throughout the entire weekend each year. Tompkins has served as the co-chair for several important milestone reunions for the Class of 1968 as well. In the past, he was the co-director for the former Alumni College at Reunion, and also led the children's program as part of that event. As a board member, he has served as treasurer for the Alumni Association and taken part in a number of committees, including a campus visioning task force and a website redesign focus group. Tompkins has been a member of the Bears Athletics Hall of Fame Committee for many years, and is also a loyal donor to The Annual Fund for Potsdam.

His service isn't limited to alumni activities, either; Tompkins also pitches in to assist with Bear Pride Night each semester, as well as the campus Welcome Weekend Carnival for new and returning students, and for Grad Finale for graduating seniors. He is a regular presence at athletic events, performances and concerts, and has made many friends with students, faculty and alumni through the years, as an avid runner and frequent racquetball and tennis player. In recognition of his tireless service, the Alumni Association honored him with its Distinguished Service Award in 1991.

For more information about Commencement at SUNY Potsdam, visit www.potsdam.edu/commencement.

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 $32 million by the College's bicentennial in 2016.

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