SUNY Delhi Honors Exceptional Alumni with Awards

This month, the SUNY Delhi Alumni Association hosted its 46th annual Alumni Awards reception during the college's Homecoming and Alumni Reunion weekend. Four outstanding individuals were recognized for their contributions to their professions, communities, and the college. The 2023 alumni honorees were Harris A. Lewin '77 of Davis, CA; Edward Dunnigan '81 of Wallkill, NY; and Patrick Foley '11 of Fair Lawn, NJ. Additionally, SUNY Delhi Professor Julee Miller for honored for exemplary service.

"Our graduates and faculty distinguish themselves through professional achievements and community service in a wide variety of fields," said Michael Sullivan, Vice President for College Advancement. "We are pleased to recognize this accomplished group of honorees with SUNY Delhi Alumni Association Awards."

Harris A. Lewin was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award. A 1977 graduate of the Liberal Arts/Math and Science associate degree program at SUNY Delhi, Lewin went on to earn a B.S. degree in Animal Science and an M.S. degree in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Cornell University. He received his Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of California, Davis in 1984. Lewin is a respected interdisciplinary researcher and academic leader. In 2008, Lewin was elected as a Foreign Member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry. In 2011, Lewin was awarded the Wolf Prize in Agriculture, and in 2013 he was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences. Lewin received the Zhongguancun International Cooperation Award from Beijing in 2021. In 2011, UC Davis appointed him Vice Chancellor for Research. He also serves as Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Evolution and Ecology at UC Davis. Lewin's current research interest is in mammalian genome evolution as it relates to adaptation, speciation, and the origins of cancer.

Edward Dunnigan also received the Distinguished Alumni Award. After graduating from SUNY Delhi with a degree in Civil Technology in 1981, Dunnigan spent his entire career in civil engineering. Currently working with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in the Palisades region, he has served as engineer-in-charge of multi-million dollar projects, including the construction of Sterling Forest Visitor's Center. Dunnigan has a decades-long history in community service and is a regular contributor to the Delhi Fund to benefit the college.

Patrick Foley received the Alumnus of Merit recognition. Foley graduated from SUNY Delhi in 2011 with a hotel and resort management degree. With a passion for the beverage industry, Foley has worked for Manhattan Beer Distributors in New York City for over a decade, advancing quickly to his current position as sales manager. Foley's affinity for his alma mater is demonstrated in many ways, including playing an integral role in helping to make the Professor Michael Barnes' Memorial Golf Invitational, held in memory of Foley's former professor, a success.

Professor Julee Miller received the award for Exemplary Service. Chef Miller has taught in SUNY Delhi's hospitality department since 2001. She received the SUNY Chancellor's Award in Scholarship & Creative Activities in 2013. Miller's dedication to her craft and pursuit of perfection have earned 20 gold medals and honors from the American Culinary Federation and other esteemed hospitality organizations. A role model to her students, she also led the college's gingerbread team to win first place in Oneonta's holiday competition for numerous years.

Visit our Alumni Association page to learn more about the SUNY Delhi Alumni Association and the annual Alumni Awards.