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College Council Vice-Chair Arnold Amell to Receive Distinguished Service Award


PLATTSBURGH, NY __ The State University of New York College at Plattsburgh will honor Arnold Amell, a 1953 alumnus, with the Distinguished Service Award during Spring Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 13.

Arnold Amell Amell, the vice-chair of the College Council, was unanimously selected by the Council to receive the honor. He was first appointed to the council in May 1989, to fill an unexpired term and was subsequently re-appointed in 1992 and 1999 for seven-year terms. In 2004, he served for 10 months as interim chairperson of the council, replacing Robert Garrow '52, who had resigned.

"I can think of no person more deserving of this award, which is the highest honor that the Council can bestow on an individual," said Donald Garrant '57 G'59, council chair. "Arnie has performed in an outstanding manner in two important leadership roles on our campus for almost four decades as a member of the College Council for 17 years and as a member of our alumni board of directors for 37 years.

"It has been my privilege to know him and work with him during that period. He is considered by many as one of the most active and dedicated members of both groups. His attendance at council meetings every other month is exceptional, even though he resides almost three hours from campus. And at council meetings, he is one of our most articulate members."

In addition to serving on the Council, he has served on several presidential search committees and has attended nearly every commencement ceremony. Amell was recently named by Garrant as the council's representative to the search committee for the vice president of Institutional Advancement.

As president of the Association of Council Members and College Trustees, Amell increased communication with council members in the statewide organization where he served as president on two occasions.

Amell continues to diligently serve SUNY Plattsburgh through his leadership and guidance as a former board president (1972-73) and currently as a member of the Plattsburgh Alumni Association Board of Directors. He has served on the board for 36 years.

In recognition of his long service to the board, he was presented the Alumni Association's "Alumni Service Award" during Homecoming in October 2003.

Amell is a distinguished educator in the Capital District. He has served as Director of Guidance and Principal at the former Linton High School in Schenectady. He was also the Assistant Superintendent for Personnel in the Schenectady School District and is now retired. However, he works part-time as Interim Assistant Superintendent for Personnel in the Troy City School District.
 


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