Gary S. Cole, SHS Class of 1969, has had a long and honored career in education, school administration and public service. Gary is a graduate of Orange County Community College, Southern Connecticut State University and achieved his Master's Degree at Indiana University. Following his graduation he accepted a position at Indiana Tech as head basketball coach. Basketball would remain an integral part of his life for more than three decades.
In 1980 Gary was hired as a full time Assistant Professor in Physical Education at the State University of New York at Delhi. He later served as Director of Admissions and Financial Aid and then finished his career returning as an Assistant Professor. During his tenure at SUNY Delhi, Coach Cole was responsible for bringing the prestigious National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III Men's basketball tournament to Delhi which was the tournament's home for the first 20 years of its existence. No small feat for such a small college.
"Gary's influence in the NJCAA is significant," said Mary Ellen Leicht, Executive Director. "His tenure as coach, administrator and national representative has had a positive and lasting impact on countless individuals. As a testament to his national contributions, Gary was named recipient of the 2006 National NJCAA Service Award. To this day, the Coach of the Tournament Award for the NJCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship bears his name."
Candace Vancko, President of SUNY Delhi, said of Gary Cole, "His awards and accolades are many and they attest to his commitment to SUNY Delhi and our students. Gary's 26-year career at our college is a monument to his passion and commitment to the students he recruited, the students he coached and the students he taught in and out of the classroom. He will be remembered at SUNY Delhi as a caring mentor and a role model for his students."
Gary has also been involved with many charitable efforts over his many years in education. His love and passion was always focused on the betterment of his students. Rosalie Higgins, Dean/Professor Emeritus at SUNY Delhi and the President of the Oneonta, NY Rotary Club recalled Gary as untiring and passionate. "He earned the respect among his students and his colleagues. He always put the stu-dents and the college first. He was encouraging, supportive and known as a leader. His pursuit of excellence in everything he undertook was his hallmark."
Longtime Sidney educator and administrator Gary Scavo summed up Gary Cole's life and career this way: "I've known Gary Cole for more than 50 years. You simply cannot find a better representative from the Sidney Alumni to be awarded this honor. He is a true "Sidney Warrior" in every sense of the word."