President Morris reflects on how the North Country is more than a beautiful setting for our institution – it's a part of who we are.
I often talk about the importance of “place” for St. Lawrence students and graduates. The North Country is more than a beautiful setting for our institution; we are part of the fabric of the community.
In the winter issue of St. Lawrence Magazine, you'll read about some impactful ways that Laurentians are getting out into the North Country community through our St. Lawrence University Public Interest Corps (SLU PIC) program.
I like to think of SLU PIC as our own mini version of the Peace Corps for the North Country. The program links talented and passionate St. Lawrence University students and recent graduates with public interest and nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Coordinated by the Center for Career Excellence and Student Activities & Leadership Offices, the program helps community organizations improve how they provide services to their respective constituencies while helping St. Lawrence students develop into leaders in mission-driven work. We’re also fortunate to have several St. Lawrence University nonprofit sector alumni who serve in an advisory capacity for the program.
Just as our students find meaningful ways to engage in the North Country, in my role as President, I have also sought out opportunities to get involved in efforts that strengthen the region. In 2023, I was appointed as co-chair of the North Country Regional Economic Development Council (NCREDC) where I represent St. Lawrence University and the other colleges in the North Country as we work with businesses and nonprofit organizations to foster economic development. There are 10 Regional Economic Development Councils (REDCs) statewide, made up of local experts and stakeholders from business, academia, local government, and non-governmental organizations. REDCs have redefined the way New York State invests in jobs and economic growth by putting in place a community-based, bottom-up approach and establishing a competitive process for State resources.
Since the establishment of the REDCs in 2011 until the most recent round in 2023, which is still in progress, over $7.7 billion dollars has been awarded to more than 9,500 economic and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans. I was proud to play a key role in securing significant funds for our region, including a $10 million state grant to fund a program that aims to help nearly 50,000 veterans and military spouses transition to employment, education, or entrepreneurship after they choose to leave their military stations at Fort Drum. The program addresses a predicted shortage of about 48,000 workers over the next decade, due to potential job growth and an aging, retiring population, and it is expected to contribute more than $2 billion to the North Country economy.
In addition to my ongoing service to the North Country REDC, I have recently concluded service as co-chair of Canton’s New York Forward Local Planning Committee. In this capacity, I participated in the evaluation and prioritization of millions of dollars in grant requests to enhance the Village of Canton’s downtown using a $4.5 million New York Forward grant. Just last month, the committee sent its final recommendations to the State, and I look forward to hearing about the State’s decisions on which projects to fund and seeing those projects come to fruition in ways that will surely support Laurentian students, faculty, and staff who make the Village of Canton home.
Finally, it is a true pleasure to be able to select and honor outstanding citizens of the North Country through St. Lawrence’s North Country Citation, given out each year at Commencement. Beginning in 1941, the University has awarded the North Country Citation each year to a deserving person who, professionally or personally, contributes in special ways to improving the quality of life or fostering a sense of community. Last year’s winner, President and CEO of the Adirondack Foundation Cali Brooks, praised St. Lawrence as a “good neighbor”—from the University’s role as license-holder of the renowned North Country Public Radio (NCPR) station to awarding the Augsbury/North Country Scholarship, which has provided millions in financial assistance to over 800 talented local high school students since 1974. Through these types of efforts, the University helps strengthen the bonds with our North Country neighbors and bolsters the social cohesion and vibrancy of the region.
As we prepare St. Lawrence students to go out into the world to make an impact, it’s critical that we not forget the world right outside our door. Laurentians like the ones featured in these pages set a high standard of community stewardship in the North Country, proving that “place” is much more than a location on a map.
