Skip to main content
A community college sponsored by Niagara County

© 2019 SUNY Niagara | All rights reserved.

Alumni Association

For those who leave SUNY Niagara, but for whom SUNY Niagara never leaves.

Richard Frizzell

2019 Distinguished Alumnus
Class of 1965
Inducted October 19, 2019

Richard Frizzell graduated from SUNY Niagara in 1965 with his Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts. After graduating from SUNY Niagara, he continued on his education at the University at Buffalo where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1967.

While receiving his degrees, Rick began his military career in the United States Army. Throughout that time, he became Airborne and Special Forces and qualified as a member of the Special Forces (Green Beret) until 1970. In 1990, he was promoted to full Colonel (06) until he retired in 1995.

While still in the military, Rick remained active in his community. He served as a member of the Niagara County Legislature from 1981-1992 and as a member of SUNY Niagara’s Board of Trustees from 1984-1992. At the same time, he worked as the President/Vice President, General Manager of Sentrex Security Services Inc. from 1980-1992.

Upon his retirement from the military, Rick decided to go back to school and earn his Master’s Degree in International Relations from Troy State University of Alabama in 1997. He then began working as Middle School Teacher at Camden Middle School and a Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the College of Coastal Georgia until December 2018.

In his spare time, Rick continues to serve his community by volunteering at the USO at the Jacksonville airport every Saturday morning, the Habitat for Humanity, the VFW, and the County Board of Assessors. Although he no longer lives locally, Rick still contributes his successes to the education he received from SUNY Niagara.

Frizzell receiving award

Contact

SUNY Niagara Foundation, Inc.

Barbara DeSimone, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement
3111 Saunders Settlement Rd.
Sanborn, NY 14132
Phone: 716-614-5904
Email: desimone@niagaracc.suny.edu