SUNY Niagara celebrates 2 honorees with statewide awards

SUNY Niagara Press Release

SUNY Niagara announced two distinguished members of its community have been recognized by the New York Community College trustees for statewide honors.

Dr. Virginia Taylor, a SUNY Niagara alumna, received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and Trustee Kevin Clark was honored with the Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service.

The Distinguished Alumni Award highlights the contributions of community college graduates across New York state. Taylor, founder and higher education consultant at Taylor Consulting Services, has devoted more than 40 years to advancing equity, access and student success. She has held senior leadership roles at Genesee Community College and SUNY Niagara, and was a member of the faculty at University at Buffalo, implemented transformative enrollment and access initiatives, and served as a trusted consultant statewide.

“Dr. Taylor’s accomplishments are a testament to the strength of SUNY Niagara graduates and the power of community college education to launch exceptional careers and service,” said Dr. Lloyd Holmes, president of SUNY Niagara. “Her leadership has positively influenced countless students and institutions, and we are proud to see her receive this recognition.”

The Marvin A. Rapp Award for Distinguished Trustee Service recognizes trustees who demonstrate exceptional governance and commitment to advancing community colleges. Appointed to the SUNY Niagara board of trustees in 2018, Clark currently serves as the vice chairperson. A retired Lockport High School biology teacher, he dedicated 39 years to education and remains active in community service.

“Trustee Clark’s service has made a lasting and meaningful impact on our campus community,” Holmes said. “He is a thoughtful and principled leader who ensures that student success and well-being remain at the center of every decision.”

Both honorees exemplify SUNY Niagara’s mission of education, service and leadership. Their statewide recognition underscores the college’s enduring impact on Western New York and beyond.