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September 24, 2008

>> SMITH RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS GEMINI AWARD

$Martin Smith received C-GCC\'s prestigious Gemini Award$

Columbia-Greene Community College Trustee Emeritus Martin Smith, a former board of trustees chairman, who served as a trustee for 30 years, receives Columbia-Greene Community College's prestigious Gemini Award from college President James Campion.

Martin Smith, who recently retired from the Board of Trustees of Columbia-Greene Community College, has received C-GCC's prestigious Gemini Award.

"Martin Smith has been a cornerstone of this institution," said college President James Campion. "He has served on our board for a total of 30 years.

"He helped usher us from our early years to the comprehensive community college we are today. He epitomizes the spirit of this institution."

Smith's service to Columbia-Greene's board, which began in 1975, consisted of two gubernatorial- and one county-appointed terms. He originally retired in 2001, after 26 years of service and was designated trustee emeritus.

Then, in 2002, Smith was appointed by Greene County to fill out the remainder of a term vacated by Andrew Macko, who retired. Smith retired again last June.

Smith, 63, held the offices of chairman, from 1985 to 1987, vice-chairman, and secretary. He also chaired every standing committee of the board.

He was instrumental in guiding the development of the school's permanent campus, which was opened in Greenport in 1974. Smith played a vital role in the conception, design and construction of the Arts and Technology centers, 1990, a $13-million renovation of the main academic building, 1998, and the Professional Academic Center, 2008.

In addition, Smith contributed to the development of curricula and staffing at the institution. He was also served on four presidential search committees.

In 1993, he earned a distinguished service award from the Association of Boards of Trustees of Community Colleges for his contributions to the college and his leadership on the board. In 2001, he was recognized for distinguished service by both the New York State Senate and Assembly.

Smith attended local schools in Catskill until 1963. After two years in college, he entered the United States Army as a private.

He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned second lieutenant, Quartermaster Corps, serving in various supply and support units in both Europe and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as captain in 1969.

Smith graduated from Rutgers College in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, awarded with highest distinction. Former owner of R.E. Smith Fuel Co., Catskill, he is currently a consultant to Main Brothers Oil Co. Inc., Albany.

In addition, Smith is secretary/treasurer of the Board of Directors of Greene County Industrial Development Agency and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bank of Greene County.

He is also a committee member of the Greene County Economic Development Loan Fund.

Campion presented the Gemini Award to Smith at commencement ceremonies last May, marking only the second time the award was granted. The first Gemini recipient was state Sen. Stephen M. Saland, in 2004.

Smith resides in Catskill with his wife, Robin. They are the parents of two grown sons.

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