Successful Entrepreneur Named as SUNY Canton 2015 Distinguished Alumnus

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Kevin Fear received SUNY Canton's 2015 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

CANTON, NY (06/23/2015)(readMedia)-- A local business leader who has given back to SUNY Canton and the community was selected to receive the 2015 Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Kevin Fear, class of 1987, was presented with the award during the college's recent Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

After earning his associate degree in Banking, Insurance and Real Estate, Fear opened AA&J Insurance in Watertown in 1990. By 2000 the company had six offices throughout Central and Northern New York. Fear sold his share of the business and began Universe Cellular & Dish, which became one of the most successful Verizon agents in New York State. In 2009 he opened Mattress Express, which has locations in Watertown, Fort Drum and Pulaski.

Throughout his career, Fear has spearheaded countless philanthropic efforts, which range from organizing drop-off locations for Toys for Tots to matching donations for food drives. He has also given back to SUNY Canton by serving on the College Foundation Board of Directors since 2006 and establishing an endowed scholarship that has benefitted students with learning disabilities.

Fear also hosts alumni events and is a strong supporter of his fraternal organization, Alpha Theta Gamma. In 2008 he donated $1,000 toward a scholarship for a Syracuse student whose family's home was burglarized after a fire.

"Kevin is an incredibly successful businessman who has given generously of his time and talents to SUNY Canton and the community," said SUNY Canton Director of Alumni and Development Peggy S. Levato. "His dedication to helping others serves as an inspiration to our students."

Fear is a Syracuse native and currently resides in Brewerton with his wife, Kim.

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-