At a glance
Alfred State College recently honored a couple of Pioneers and recognized its major contributors at an annual President’s Society Dinner at the Alfred Lake Lodge.
Alfred State College (ASC) recently honored a couple of Pioneers and recognized its major contributors at an annual President’s Society Dinner at the Alfred Lake Lodge.
with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.
The President’s Society is a dedicated group of alumni, friends, parents, faculty, staff, and corporations/foundations who support the college through contributions of $1,000 or more annually to the Alfred State College Development Fund, Inc. Each fall, the college holds a recognition dinner in honor of President’s Society members.
One highlight of the fall 2020 dinner was presenting alumnus Burt Zweigenhaft with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters that was conferred to him during this year’s virtual commencement ceremony. Zweigenhaft studied business at ASC and was a member of the 1971 championship NJCAA swimming team. Today, he is a key industry thought leader and an accomplished executive in the specialty-biotech pharmaceutical and oncology care ecosystems. Additionally, he has worked with Swim Across America for decades to help raise millions in the fight against cancer.
Another major moment of the evening involved a surprise award presentation. Former First Lady Mary Huntington and Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Danielle White presented current First Lady Debbie Sullivan with a bouquet of a dozen roses and a pottery bowl made by Alfred artist Kay Brooks to recognize the impact that Mrs. Sullivan has made on Alfred State and the community during her tenure as first lady of the college.
Mrs. Sullivan is a retired nurse who is selfless in caring for others. In addition to hosting and entertaining many different groups and individuals for dinners and receptions, she also actively participates in numerous community clubs and organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, Baker’s Bridge, the Bethesda Foundation, and the Wellsville YMCA Board. She is also the president of the Allegany County Republican Women.
In addition to recognizing these Pioneers for their excellence, Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan provided an update on the college, and Major Gifts Officer Jay Wilder spoke about the new Major Gifts Campaign that launched last month.
President’s Society Dinner for the impact she has made on the college and
the community. Also pictured is Mary Huntington, former first lady of Alfred
State.