SUNY Plattsburgh Alumnus Recognized for his Philanthropy

June 17, 2005

PLATTSBURGH, NY __To call Dr. Richard Semmler philanthropically minded is a bit of an understatement. A 1968 alumnus of the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh, Semmler has made national news as the subject of a recent Washington Post front-page article written by Jacqueline Salmon about his charitable contributions.

Semmler teaches mathematics at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) and works several part-time jobs to reach his goal of donating $1 million before he retires. The Washington Post article, which appeared in the June 11 edition, reported that he is nearing $770,000 on his way to that goal.

The article also stated that Semmler has donated as much as half of his annual income or more to charity. He has provided support for Habitat for Humanity, NVCC and a Washington, D.C. shelter and soup kitchen among others.

He has also been a major supporter of his alma mater, contributing $200,000 to SUNY Plattsburgh so far.

"SUNY Plattsburgh has been a beneficiary of Dr. Semmler's philanthropy since his graduation in 1968. It is gratifying to see his philanthropic activities recognized and praised in an internationally read newspaper such as the Washington Post ," said SUNY Plattsburgh President John Ettling.

Nancy Dailey, vice president for institutional advancement, said, "We are thrilled and proud of Richard. When it comes to Plattsburgh State alumni, Dr. Semmler represents the best. All of us at SUNY Plattsburgh congratulate him on a life well-lived."

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