Schenectady, N.Y. (Nov. 9, 1998) – Union President Roger Hull and Price Chopper Supermarkets President and COO Neil Golub were named Schenectady Patroons at a City Hall ceremony on Wednesday afternoon with Schenectady Mayor Albert Jurczynski.
“I can think of no two people more deserving of the Patroon Award than Roger Hull and Neil Golub,” the mayor said. “Their names have become synonymous with accomplishment and dedication to improve Schenectady and the lives of its citizens.”
Hull and Golub were recognized for being the architects of Schenectady 2000, the community revitalization organization established in 1993. Last year, Schenectady 2000 was successful in establishing the Metroplex Authority, a multi-million dollar economic development initiative to revitalize downtown Schenectady through renovation and new construction projects.
The City's most prestigious award, the Patroon, was established in 1954 by Mayor Archibald C. Wemple. It is awarded to persons who have rendered distinguished service to the city and its visitors. According to the original document by Wemple, “the title will be awarded only to those who, by their deeds, have brought distinction to the City of Schenectady, and to those who, by their presence here in the City of Schenectady, lend dignity and honor to the community.”
Other notable Patroons have included Ronald Reagan; Hubert H. Humphrey; Rocky Marciano, former heavyweight boxing champion; Lowell Thomas, famous news commentator during the World War II era; and Tom Constantine, head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.