President's Medal
Ford Weiskittel
Ford Weiskittel has devoted himself to education and public service among Geneva's cultural institutions. His commitment to the Geneva community runs deep and is evidenced by his service on many boards and organizations, including as past president of the Geneva Board of Education. A former professor of classics and ancient history at the Colleges, Weiskittel was the chair of the Classics Department from 1979 until 1986, leaving to become director of Trireme Trust USA. He has served as president of Geneva Concerts, was the interim director of the Geneva Historical Society, and chaired a panel of the New York State Council on the Arts. As a current board member of the Geneva Historic Districts Commission, the Smith Center for the Arts and the Geneva Rotary Club, Weiskittel has proven himself a steadfast curator of the city's past and a committed advocate for its future prosperity. It was through his efforts and determination that the Colleges created its modern rowing program in 1982. Weiskittel served as its first coach from 1982 until 1986, setting the stage for the program's award-winning future.