Raymond C. Shaheen Award in Business

Rochester business owner and active supporter of SUNY Brockport, Raymond C. Shaheen established the Raymond C. Shaheen Award in Business to promote academic excellence in the School of Business and Management by recognizing students who have demonstrated an interest in a career in marketing by selecting the discipline as their major.

Mr. Shaheen founded the R. C. Shaheen Company, paint and painting supplies stores at multiple locations in the Rochester area, in 1947. He developed a long-lasting house paint that allowed property owners to go 10 years before needing to re-paint. After the popularity of vinyl siding reduced the demand for house paint, Mr. Shaheen switched his focus to commercial projects.

He served on the College Council from 1974 until the Brockport Foundation was established in 1977 when he became a member of its first Board of Directors. His involvement is credited with helping to improve the College’s undergraduate programs.

After Mr. Shaheen’s passing in 1992, his son David closed the business. Following his father’s ethical example, David Shaheen kept the business open until each employee had another position. The firm closed in 1994.

Students who qualify for the Raymond C. Shaheen Award in business must be junior-year students in the semester after the award is made who demonstrate academic excellence and interest in a career in marketing as determined by their major in the School of Business and Management. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.5 overall with a GPA in the major of at least 3.25, and they must demonstrate involvement in college or community activities. Financial need is not a criterion for this award unless there are two equally qualified candidates. In that case, the student determined to have the greatest need would receive the award.