Certo Brothers Distributing Company, a longtime supporter of Niagara County Community College, earned the Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership Award at the New York Community College Trustees Awards Dinner on Sept. 22 in Saratoga Springs. The award is presented to one business in the state annually, recognizing its partnership and commitment with a local community college.
This award has particular significance to the history of NCCC, as Pawenski was a founding member of the college, and the longest-serving board member in New York state. Pawenski left a legacy of giving and service to the college and community, and in this vein NCCC nominated Certo Brothers Distributing to receive the prestigious state-wide award in Pawenski's name.
Albert Certo served alongside Pawenski as an original member of the board of trustees for the college from 1962-83. In addition to the pivotal role in the establishment of NCCC, the Certo family continued to donate its time and resources to the mission of the college throughout the years. Certo's nephew, Peter, served as a member of the NCCC Foundation board from 1993-2017, recognizing the value of a partnership between the college and his own business goals, saying, "I am a true believer in education. NCCC is an important institution and provides educated individuals for local businesses to hire."
Following in the footsteps of her father, Sharon Certo-Chislett shares a connection to NCCC as a member of the current foundation board of directors.
Over the years, Certo Brothers Distributing has been involved in numerous philanthropic efforts to benefit NCCC, including the sponsorship of Founders Day, Balloons over Niagara, the Foundation Scholarship Gala, and the Alumni Association 5K Run. Additionally, the Albert J. Certo Memorial Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament raised more than $250,000 for student scholarships, benefitting over 150 scholar-athletes.
Certo Brothers Distributing built one of the first scholarship endowments at NCCC and it is a sponsor of the Distinguished Student Scholarships. These scholarships recognize the top students in Niagara County who intend to remain in the county.
With all donations combined, Certo Brothers Distributing is the largest contributing company to NCCC. This financial support, combined with the efforts and leadership exhibited by Certo Brothers Distributing, make it the ideal recipient of the Edward J. Pawenski Business/Industry Partnership award.
