NCCC Distinguished Alumni Award
The NCCC Distinguished Alumni Award, first given in 1988, is presented each year to graduates of NCCC who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their life, career, and volunteer activities. The award is one of the highest honors that the College bestows to those who can point to NCCC as the place where they obtained their start. Recipients are selected on the basis of professional and personal accomplishments, community service, and unique background. See a list of past winners here.
2011 Distinguished Alumna
Deborah Karp Coder • Class of '77 & '88
Inducted October 15, 2011
Deborah Karp Coder, parent, grandparent and the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services in the Lockport City School District, is a shining example of how one can start out small and rise through the ranks to become a respected professional in the business and financial world.
Coder, a parent of two boys, began her collegiate career at NCCC in the Fall of 1975. She earned an Associate Degree in May of 1977 and then moved to Maryland where she used her degree to obtain positions involving customer service. Upon returning to WNY, Coder wanted to enhance her education and again returned to NCCC in the late 1980's. She quickly became regarded as a student of high distinction when she graduated with an Associate's Degree in Accounting (with High Distinction) in 1988. She continued her education at Niagara University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and received her Bachelor degree in Business Administration in Accounting in 1991. Immediately following her graduation, she worked as a Financial Reporting/Accounting Officer at Marine Midland Bank (now First Niagara Bank). She went on to become the Accountant and District Treasurer for Niagara Wheatfield CSD, followed by positions as the School Business Administrator for Barker CSD and Lyndonville CSD, and is currently the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Management Services in the Lockport City School District.
Coder, a respected business professional, also received a master's degree from the State University of New York College at Brockport and is a graduate of the NYS Association of School Business Officials Leadership Academy. She has served and continues to serve on many professional organization boards. She attributes her achievement to NCCC, "The Smart Place to Start."
Nomination Criteria
The nominated individual must have completed 50 or more credit hours at NCCC to be considered for this award; yet it is strongly recommended they are a graduate. Nominees must have graduated or transferred from NCCC 10 or more years ago. Nomination must be made by persons other than the nominee's immediate family. Nominees cannot be current NCCC, NCCC Foundation, NCCC Alumni Association, NCCC College Association or Housing Board employees or Board members. Nominees are to be retired from the entities mentioned above for two years prior to September 1 of the nominating year. Persons running for political office will not be considered during the campaign period.
Guidelines and Procedures
Complete this form and answer the questions in a one-page narrative. A resume can be included, but is not considered a replacement for the narrative.
Deadline - Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Return completed form and supporting documentation to:
NCCC Alumni Office
3111 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, N.Y. 14132
