Rocco urges grads to pursue service - 2010-05-16

ROCCO URGES PAUL SMITH’S GRADUATES TO PURSUE SERVICE
NCPR station manager speaks at college’s 63rd commencement

Contact: Kenneth Aaron, Director of Communications
(518) 327-6297 / kaaron@paulsmiths.edu

PAUL SMITHS – Ellen Rocco, station manager of North Country Public Radio, urged newly minted Paul Smith’s College graduates to make public service part of their lives.

“As Bob Dylan said, you’ve gotta serve somebody,” said Rocco, who spoke in front of hundreds of graduates, their families and others at the college’s 63rd commencement exercises on Sunday. The event honored the 283 members of the college’s Class of 2010.

“It’s possible to serve every single day of your life in a lot of little ways,” said Rocco, who marked her 30th year at the National Public Radio affiliate earlier this month. “Seize the opportunity to serve … it will take you down the most unexpected paths.”

Rocco came bearing a gift for the new alums: each received a copy of “Three Cups of Tea” by mountaineer Greg Mortenson and journalist David Oliver Relin, a book that chronicled Mortenson’s efforts to build schools in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Rocco marked her 30th year at NCPR earlier this month. After serving as NCPR’s development director from 1980-1985, she has been station manager since. Since her arrival and under her direction, the station has grown into a highly respected regional station. Since the 1980s, NCPR has installed 19 transmitters and expanded its service to include most of upstate New York, much of western Vermont and parts of Quebec and Ontario.

Kayel Conklin, president of the college’s Student Government Association, was the student speaker at the ceremony.

Additionally, Richard Hannis, district director of the Upstate New York chapter of SCORE and a longtime supporter of the Paul Smith’s entrepreneurship program, will receive an honorary doctor of commercial science degree at commencement. Among other things, Hannis founded a business college in Russia after the fall of Communist rule; served as vice president of the National Alliance of Business and as chief executive of the New York State Private Industry Council; and served on the state’s Commission of Education Career Education Council.

Additionally, he has been honored by President Gerald Ford, was recognized by two New York State governors and was cited by a U.S. Commerce Secretary for his efforts on business development.

About Paul Smith’s College

At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. Our programs, in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences, draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere.

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