Former first lady of ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï Mary Huntington was honored with the college's President’s Medallion Saturday, Nov. 5, at the ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï Lake Lodge.
The President’s Medallion was instituted in 2008 and is awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions to ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï. The college recognizes and commemorates the efforts of supporters and advocates dedicated to the mission of ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï.
Huntington has had a strong presence at ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï and in the nearby community for more than 50 years. When her husband, David, became the seventh president of the college in 1964, she became an honorary president of the ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï College Association of Women.
Known as the ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï Faculty Wives from 1963 until 1979, the group participated in numerous service projects and held many fundraisers, which collected scholarship funds for students in need, older returning students, and women. Huntington currently serves on the board of directors for the ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï Development Fund, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that raises funds for the college.
She continues to be a strong advocate for ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï, regularly attending a variety of functions, including speaking events, commencement, convocations, and sporting events.
Her involvement extends beyond the boundaries of ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï, however. Huntington is a board member of multiple non-profit organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and the Bethesda Foundation.
A current member of the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Board, she has also served on the Village of Alfred Planning Board, as president of the Hornell Campfire Girls, as vice president of the Women’s Golf Association at the Wellsville Country Club, and as vice president for membership with the American Association of University Women.
During Celebrate Women’s Month in 2007, Allegany County presented Huntington with a certificate of recognition for being a role model for all women. SUNY also awarded her with a certificate of appreciation for service, support, and contributions to the ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï College Association of Women. She was also included in the Marquis Who’s Who of American Women publication.
Former first lady of ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï Mary Huntington, center, was the 2016 recipient of the college’s President’s Medallion. Also pictured are ±¬×ß³Ô¹Ï President Dr. Skip Sullivan and his wife, Debra.