CANTON— United Way of Northern New York recently honored St. Lawrence University with the "Summa Cum Laude” in recognition of the institution’s support of the local community. 

The award recognizes the t contributions made by St. Lawrence faculty and staff to UWNNY over the last nearly two decades, totaling more than $300,000 since 2008.

"With very little prompting, every year St. Lawrence employees from every division and department on campus contribute to helping our neighbors in St. Lawrence County,"  Professor of Physics Aileen O’Donoghue said. O’Donoghue has organized the UWNNY campaign on campus since 2008.

Donations from St. Lawrence employees this year are said to total $24,285.

The donations directly support critical local programs such as literacy and afterschool enrichment, as well as emergency assistance and financial stability workshops, among other initiatives that "improve quality of life and create pathways out of poverty for thousands of neighbors," UWNNY Chief Executive Officer Dawn Cole said. 

Last year, Cole says, one in seven North Country residents were positively impacted by United Way-supported programming, and workplace campaigns were a cornerstone of that impact.

The United Way of Northern New York is dedicated to strengthening communities and changing lives across St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis Counties by supporting household economic stability, promoting health and wellness, and fostering youth success through volunteer-driven investments.

Learn more about United Way and how to support their mission on their website.