George Rich Student Philanthropy Award

George M. Rich ’54/’62 was a lifelong supporter of SUNY Brockport. A retired, long-time teacher in the Rochester City School District, Mr. Rich grew up in the Brockport community, attending the campus school and receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the college.

Known as “Mr. Brockport,” Mr. Rich supported all things related to the college and the larger community. He contributed time and energy to the Western New York Historical Society at the Morgan-Manning House and, while working, participated as a member the Rochester Teachers Association.

As a student, he was consistently on the Dean’s List and participated in campus activities. He served as a writer and editor for The Stylus, and after his graduation, he served as an advisor to the publication. He was a noted supporter of Brockport’s athletic teams, attending home games in all sports with his wife Rosa LaSorte Rich. The couple also took an interest in the efforts of all Brockport students for their service, scholarship, and involvement in campus activities as well as athletics.

Mr. Rich was the one of longest tenured presidents of the Brockport Alumni Association, serving from 1998 to 2004. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 79. In 2013, he was inducted into the Brockport Athletic Hall of Fame along with his wife Rosa.

The George Rich Student Philanthropy Award recognizes a student who has made a significant contribution to the SUNY Brockport community in the form of service, monetary donation, or creative works. Although scholarship is valued, it is not the basis for this award. The student receiving this award will designate an on-campus philanthropic, educational, or cultural endeavor to receive an additional award in the name of the recipient.