CANTON -- As SUNY Canton's new athletic facility nears completion, SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy recently presented the college's highest honor to a staff member who has been vital throughout the construction process of the building.

Michael R. McCormick, director of facilities, received the 2011 President's Meritorious Service Award from SUNY Canton at the College's Recognition Day on May 26.

"There is not a part of this campus that Mike's hard work has not touched," said SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy. "Without him, many of our larger renovations, new buildings and construction projects would not have been possible. His efforts to make this campus an even better place for students, faculty and staff have been exceptional."

McCormick's work with the Roos House athletic center received high praise from Kennedy at Recognition Day, which was just the second event held in the new facility. "We had the privilege of celebrating our faculty and staff members, as well as the College's accomplishments, in the new building. That would not have been possible without the thousands of hours Mike put in to the athletic facility."

As McCormick accepted the award, he thanked his family for their support and his staff for their work in making the athletic facility a reality. "My colleagues and the consultants and contractors responsible for the design and construction of the facility all worked together as a team," he said. "It was everyone's collective efforts that made this all possible."

In his 14 years with the College, McCormick has taken on more responsibilities which include being SUNY Canton's main interface with the State University Construction Fund and overseeing the College's Physical Plant.

Throughout his tenure, McCormick has played a role in the many physical changes to the College's campus. Recently, he has directed the rehabilitation of Nevaldine Hall and the first floor of Wicks Hall, as well as the repair and repurposing of Dana Hall. He also oversaw the construction of the Richard W. Miller Campus Center and the Newell Veterinary Technology Center.

In 1985, McCormick graduated from SUNY Canton with an associate degree in applied science in civil engineering. He earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 1988.

He lives in Canton with his wife, Amy, and their children, Andrew and Breda.