Billy Harper, Vice President, Community Affairs, SUNY-Morrisville Educational Opportunity Center, NY (Class of '99)

27 years of Service: Honoring EOC's Bill Harper Bill Harper began his career at Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center in November 1983. When he arrived, the Center offered only four programs of study. In late May Bill was honored at a dinner held at Drumlins Country Club. As times changed in Central New York and throughout the state, Bill oversaw the implementation of many new programs including ESL, Construction Trades, Certified Nurse Aide, Medical Billing and Coding, Emergency Medical Technical and Medical Secretary. Bill's quick wit, smile and hearty laugh, along with his "street smart" insight, quickly endeared him to fellow EOC directors and everyone in the community who met him. Throughout his tenure, he was involved with various civic and social organizations. He was an active member of the Syracuse Community Health Center, Rosamond Gifford Charitable Trust Foundation and the Industrial Exhibition Authority of the New York State Fair. Additionally, he spent hundreds of hours mentoring young men serving as a much needed role model to them. Throughout his stewardship as Director of the Syracuse EOC for 27 years, his affiliation with these many notable organizations and his work with the youth in our community, Bill has had a very positive impact on the lives of countless individuals in Central New York.

This experience increased awareness among our staff about helping others throughout the year," said Bill Harper, Vice President for Community Development at Syracuse EOC.

Board of Trustees (left to right): Eddie Green, Larry Bousquet, Sharon Northrup, Ben Walsh,Amanda Larson, Bill Harper, Kathy O'Connell, Michael Connor, Nancy Bellow, Cathy Richardson . Not pictured: Mark Muhammad, Jack Webb. Billy Harper, Syracuse retired Vice President for Community Development Educational Opportunity Center