Dr. Harold Rakov

Harold Rakov graduated from Oswego Normal School in 1938 and taught special education, junior high school students in Newburg, NY in 1938 – 1943. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943, serving in the South Pacific. Upon his return, he attended Syracuse University, from which he received a B.S. degree in Education and a Ph.D. degree in Political Science. He came to Brockport in 1949, serving first as a professor of Social Studies. He went on to serve in several administrative positions from 1952 to 1975, including Director of Admissions, Dean of Students, Director of Graduate Studies, Dean for Graduate Study and Research, and Vice President for Student Affairs. In 1975, he left administration to return to teaching as Professor of Political Science, also serving as department chairman. When he retired in 1983, after 34 years of exemplary service, he received the distinction of ‘professor emeritus’. Professor Rakov passed away in 1985.

Dr. Rakov also served the broader community. He worked on committees and campaign activities for the local Democratic Party. He gained practical political experience by agreeing to run for the House of Representatives in 1958 and later for County Manager, both races in which his party affiliation meant he had no chance of winning, but he campaigned with great energy and enthusiasm, thereby raising important is-sues and promoting the democratic process. He served on the Brockport draft board, the Town of Sweden Planning Board, and the Medical Advisory Board of the New York State Department of Social Services.

An award fund was established to honor the memory of Dr. Harold Rakov (1918 – 1985) in recognition of his 34 years of exemplary service to the institution as an inspirational leader and teacher dedicated to serving Brockport students and the Institution. The fund was reconstituted as a memorial in 1986 by the Department of Political Science and the family of Dr. Rakov, with additional funds contributed by family, friends, colleagues, and former students. It was said at the re-dedication of the Rakov Center for Student Services building in 1999 that he “made a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of students, providing motivation, inspiration, and challenges.” Students and colleagues also remembered him as a tall, cheerful man who whistled as he walked across campus.