William G. Burns '54, a past chairman of the Board of Trustees and a longtime participant in the life of the College, received the Founders Medal at the Founders Day convocation in February.
The Founders Medal, one of the College's highest honors, is awarded on special occasions to recognize unusual and distinguished service to the College.
As an undergraduate, Burns was a member of the Student Council, president of the Newman Club, a member of the track team, and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
He continued his active role after graduation. Soon after becoming an
alumnus, he was president of the Albany Alumni Club. Later he was a head agent for the Annual Fund, chairman of his class's twenty-fifth ReUnion, president of the Class of 1954, chairman of ReUnion, a member of the Campaign for Union's National Committee, and chairman of the Bicentennial Campaign.
Appointed to the Board of Trustees in 1979, he was vice chairman in 1985 and chairman of the board from 1986 to 1990. Currently, he is a life trustee.
He is retired from NYNEX, where he was vice chairman and a director.