POTSDAM -- The SUNY Potsdam Alumni Association recently honored Alex Vangellow and Rob Zolner with honorary lifetime memberships.

Vangellow and Zolner were recognized for their contributions to the College as musicians, educators, business leaders, supporters and friends, a statement from SUNY Potsdam says.

Vangellow and Zolner have been members of the Potsdam "family" since the late 1960s. As members of Double Axel and representatives of Northern Music and Video in Potsdam, both Vangellow and Zolner have promoted and exemplified SUNY Potsdam, the college says.

"Double Axel has entertained SUNY Potsdam alumni and friends across New York State at a multitude of events over the years. Gigs have ranged from Rochester to Coxsackie, the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid, nightclubs and high schools throughout New York State, and way too many beer blasts to count," SUNY Potsdam said.

In 2011, Double Axel celebrated its 40th anniversary. The current members are Frank Johns on bass, Zolner on guitar and Vangellow on percussion. All of the members perform vocals in their renditions of rock-and-roll classics. The band members have often stated that they will continue to play for as long as they carry their gear, the college said.

Zolner, known as the "task-master" for his audio, visual and cellular solutions, has positively influenced generations of SUNY Potsdam students, faculty, staff, parents, guests and alumni for over 40 years. He currently serves as assistant audio engineer and adjunct instructor of sound recording at The Crane School of Music and the Crane Institute for Music Business. He has also served on the college's Business Administration Advisory Board since it was established in 2009.

For more than 40 years, Vangellow has created personal and business relationships with many SUNY Potsdam faculty, staff, students and alumni, helping them with advice, music industry connections, musical instruments, audio/visual products and services. He has been a significant supporter of the college as the Double Axel band leader, and co-founder of Northern Music and Video in Potsdam, SUNY Potsdam said.