Jack Crandall Award
Dr. Jack Crandall began his career at The College at Brockport in 1948. In addition to serving as a professor of history and American studies, he enjoyed a reputation as a speaker whose humor, insights, and style made him the first choice as master of ceremonies or keynote speaker for numerous occasions on campus and in the community.
He attended a two-room school in Houghton, NY, before earning his bachelor’s degree in history at Houghton College in 1939. After graduation, he taught in Fillmore, NY, for two years.
At the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He referred to himself as one of many 90-day wonders, the accelerated program that trained liberal arts graduates to become officers for the massive number of recruits and enlistees joining the service. He became executive officer on Landing Craft Infantry-Large 430 that went first to Australia and then on to become part of General Douglas MacArthur’s island-hopping campaign in the South Pacific. He received his discharge from the Navy in December 1945.
Dr. Crandall earned his master’s degree from Cornell in 1946, and in 1948 joined the Brockport Social Studies Department faculty. While at Brockport, he served as director of International Education, director of the Peace Corps/College Degree Program, vice-president for Educational Services, and vice-president for Instruction & Curriculum.
He earned his PhD from the University of Rochester in 1957. When Brockport transitioned to a liberal arts college in the 1960s, he became a professor of history and American studies. In 1979, Dr. Crandall received the Chancellors Award for Excellence in Teaching. He retired in 1985 after 37 years at Brockport, and he passed away in 1995.
Friends and colleagues recall Dr. Crandall pointing out that people have become too goal-oriented, saying that “life is the road we’re traveling, not just our destination.” Known for his optimism, he always looked at the positive in life and people. His love of life was manifested in his love of teaching and passion for learning.
Dr. Jack Crandall, his wife Jill who taught English at Brockport Central High School, members of the History Department, and other friends established the Jack Crandall Award to mark his retirement and to recognize an outstanding sophomore-level student majoring in history.
Qualified applicants will be in their sophomore year when they apply, intend to continue as a Brockport student through graduation, and have an overall GPA of 3.0 with at least a 3.5 GPA in the history or American studies major.