A couple that has long been a part of the fabric of The College at Brockport community was honored April 27 for their commitment to the College. Long-time Brockport resident Rosie Rich and her husband George, who passed away in December, were named the Brockport Foundation Volunteers of the Year at the College’s sixth annual President’s Donor Recognition Dinner.
The award, which is in its fifth year, is presented annually to an individual or couple who has been generous with their time and talent in order to contribute to the success of the College and its students. Approximately 200 donors and friends of the College attended the dinner, the most in the event’s history. Another mark was set as more than $13,000 was raised to benefit the Foundation.
“George and Rosie Rich have indelibly left their mark on our campus,” says Brockport President John R. Halstead, PhD. “The way they have inspired our students has been nothing short of remarkable. They are truly deserving recipients of this prestigious award.”
George Rich had served as President of the Brockport Alumni Association for longer than anyone in its history. Rosie Rich volunteers on the Brockport Hall of Fame committee and for booster events. She frequently organizes and runs fund raisers to support these initiatives.
“The Volunteer of the Year Award was established by the Brockport Foundation in appreciation of the significant role volunteers play in the life of the College and to recognize exceptional individuals for their volunteer efforts on Brockport’s behalf,” says Roxanne Johnston, Brockport’s Vice President for Advancement and President of the Brockport Foundation. “George and Rosie are widely known and recognized as leading supporters of the College. We are grateful for all they have done and continue to do for Brockport.”
In honor of George and Rosie Rich, the Brockport Foundation awarded The George and Rosie Rich Volunteer of the Year Scholarship to a student who best exemplifies the ideals of commitment and service to others. This year’s recipient is Adam Shoff, a senior who is majoring in exercise physiology.
Awarding that scholarship has particular meaning to George and Rosie Rich, who have developed special relationships with many Brockport students.
“The students of our College were their children, and they immersed themselves in their activities, from sporting events to dance concerts, Brockport Student Government functions and fraternities and sororities,” says Michael Andriatch, Brockport’s executive director of advancement, as he presented the award. “They were a part of everything the College had to offer.”
Another highlight of the evening was a speech given by senior Justin Jackson (Spencerport, NY), who is this year’s recipient of the President’s Citation Award, the most prestigious academic award offered by the College.
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