(Press release from Hartwick College)

ONEONTA, NY—Hartwick College President Margaret L. Drugovich has been named “2016 Citizen of the Year” by local media outlets Hometown Oneonta, the Freeman’s Journal, and www.AllOtsego.com.

“What Drugovich has done in eight years has stabilized the college, and assured its continuing contribution to the wellbeing of the Greater Oneonta community...,” Hometown Oneonta Editor Jim Kevlin said.

"This recognition was a surprise and an honor,” said Drugovich. “It is a privilege to work among those who are so committed to our community's collective success. I appreciate being selected from among the many whose contributions deserve to be celebrated."

In presenting its 11th annual award, the publishing group noted the multiple accomplishments Drugovich achieved this year, including:

·        Closing the record-setting Campaign for Hartwick Students, which raised more than $34.7 million;

·        Opening the Hartwick College Center for Craft Food & Beverage, which was also named the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Breakthrough Business of the Year;

·        The College being named “Partner of the Year” by Otsego Now;

·        Being named to the NCAA Division III President’s Council;

·        Serving as a member of the Board of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; Chair of the American Council on Education Women's Network Executive Council; and Chair of the Empire 8 Athletic Conference President's Council;

·        Increasing first-year student enrollment by 37% for Fall of 2016; and

·        Adding four new majors for the 2017-18 academic year.

For its year-end feature, Hometown Oneonta interviewed Drugovich and chronicled her background, from growing up on a farm in Ohio, through her education — she is the first in her family to attend college — and work history, as she worked her way to the top position at the College.

Kevlin also recognized Drugovich’s Organizing Principle — the mission to ensure Hartwick will be the best at melding liberal arts education with experiential learning — and Strategic Framework — the specific goals and objectives to realize the Organizing Principle — as being central to the year’s successes.

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