SUNY Potsdam to Recognize Judge Eugene L. Nicandri with 2016 Leadership Through Service Award

Judge Eugene L. Nicandri, Vice Chair of NYPA, to be Recognized with Award During Commencement 2016 at SUNY Potsdam

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Judge Eugene L. Nicandri will be honored with the 2016 Leadership Through Service Award at SUNY Potsdam’s Commencement on Saturday, May 21.

POTSDAM, NY (05/19/2016)(readMedia)-- SUNY Potsdam will recognize Judge Eugene L. Nicandri with the 2016 Leadership Through Service Award, one of the College's highest honors, during Commencement on Saturday, May 21.

SUNY Potsdam established the Leadership Through Service Award to honor those outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment of service to the Potsdam community. Each year, recipients are acknowledged for demonstrating a special commitment to the betterment of the North Country through dedicated service.

Judge Nicandri has been a respected leader in the North Country community for many years. In 2013, he was confirmed by the New York State Senate to a second five-year term on the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees, following his reappointment by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. A retired judge and attorney, Nicandri was recently appointed as Vice Chair of the NYPA Board, overseeing the country's largest state-owned utility. He first became a trustee in 2008, after being nominated by Governor David Paterson. He is also a member of the Seaway Private Equity Corporation Board of Directors.

As a trustee, Nicandri has been at the center of key NYPA decision making. This has included major endeavors to modernize and upgrade the state's electricity infrastructure, protect and create jobs through allocations of lower-cost electricity to businesses and enterprises, and bring about investments in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies.

Nicandri served as President of the New York State County Judges Association from 1999 to 2000, when he retired. Previously, he was a partner in the Massena law firm of Lavigne & Nicandri from 1966 to 1985, and served at various times as the attorney for the Towns of Massena, Brasher, Louisville and Lawrence; for the Village of Massena, and for Massena Memorial Hospital.

Nicandri represented the Town of Massena in landmark litigation involving the establishment of the Massena Electric Department, a municipal electric system that benefits from low-cost hydropower from NYPA as a preference customer under federal law. He served as the department's attorney from 1981 to 1985.

Nicandri holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Rochester and has a J.D. from Albany Law School. Prior to attending law school, he served on active duty with the U.S. Navy as a commissioned officer. He is married to the former Lois Anne Moore. They have three sons and four grandchildren.

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

Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America's first 50 colleges -- and the oldest institution within SUNY. As the College marks its bicentennial in 2016, SUNY Potsdam will celebrate a 200-year legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 4,100 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and leadership in the arts. Empowered by a culture of creativity, the campus community is nearing the completion of Take the Lead: The Campaign for Potsdam, which has already raised $33 million for scholarships and programs.

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