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.
2012 Distinguished Alumna
Joanne Stanton • Class of '80
Inducted October 20, 2012
Joanne Stanton graduated from Niagara County Community College in 1980 with an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. She continued her formal training in securities and finance and became a Licensed New York State Investment Advisor. After thirty years in this profession, Joann retired as a limited partner and owner from a nationally recognized investment firm. Six months into retirement, Joann decided to pursue a life-long dream of becoming a licensed realtor. She returned to work, received her realtor’s license, and accomplished her occupational goal of helping families buy and sell their homes.
Joann is an essential community member, having served as a member for over a dozen local groups including non-profit organizations, professional associations, and the Lockport City Council. Joanne is a co-founder and co-chair of The Community Tea Ladies; a group of six women who produce specialty meals and tea times for non-profit organizations. Through 2012 this organization has raised more than $95,000 for community groups.
Joanne has also contributed to the College’s scholarship fund by advising Alma Human, to create the generous Eugene and Maria Munk Scholarship. Joanne also serves NCCC by contributing to the annual NCCC Foundation Inc. Scholarship Gala. Each year Joanne donates a gourmet dinner for eight at the Van Horn Mansion, which she personally prepares and caters. This dinner experience is a popular event that Joanne also provides to other community groups. Since 2002, this dinner has raised more than $28,000 for local organizations.
“NCCC changed my life. I did not realize the abilities that I was given until I started to go to this College. Being accepted into the community, being able to flourish, get good grades, and begin to have faith and belief in myself made me move out into the community and continue doing work. It’s important to give back to the college that started my career and moved me forward.”
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 - Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Return completed form and supporting documentation to:
NCCC Alumni Office
3111 Saunders Settlement Road
Sanborn, N.Y. 14132
or email completed form and supporting documentation to: alumni@niagaracc.suny.edu
