At a glance
United by their Alfred State College roots and a desire to make a difference, a group of ASC alumni came together recently to upgrade the infrastructure at Lions Camp Badger.
United by their Alfred State College roots and a desire to make a difference, a group of ASC alumni came together recently to upgrade the infrastructure at Lions Camp Badger.
Located in Spencer, Lions Camp Badger focuses on providing services that “enhance the educational, vocational, personal growth, and independence of differently-abled youth and adults,” according to the camp’s website.
The Pioneer alumni who participated in the service trip included John Mallen, of Malverne; Robert Nugent, of Candor; Ryan Johnson, of Penn Yan; Derrick Erway, of Binghamton; and Max Laquidara, of South Salem, all of whom are graduates of the heavy equipment operations program, and Frank Tortora, a construction management graduate from Rochester. Accompanying them on the trip were Mark Payne, assistant professor of Building Trades, and Brian Decker, instructor of Culinary Arts.
For an entire weekend, the group worked hard to make upgrades around the camp, which included improving drainage, extending a parking lot, the repair and re-installation of a culvert pipe, and trail improvements. Along with the work, the group had a great time reconnecting, according to Payne.
"Time was spent recounting and reminiscing about the Alfred State experience,” he said. “Connections were shared, opportunities were presented, and overall a great time was had by all. It was an especially proud moment when I could go around the table and introduce our graduates, and share a little about their careers and achievements with the camp staff and operators."
Due to the success of this trip, Alfred State College is hoping to make this an annual event for alumni. If you are interested in attending next year, please contact studentactivities@alfredstate.edu.
