NCCC Foundation announces 2024 Distinguished Alumni honorees

SUNY Niagara Press Release and Photos

The Niagara County Community College (NCCC) Foundation is proud to announce the three recipients of its 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award: 

√ Richard L. Andres Jr. ‘99.

√ Michael J. Garner ‘82.

√ Pamela Walck ‘85.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the most esteemed honor that a SUNY Niagara graduate can receive from the NCCC Foundation and Alumni Association. Each year, this award is bestowed to deserving alumni who exemplify educational achievements, career success, community involvement and support for SUNY Niagara. Only 87 graduates have received this award since it was established in 1988.

Andres graduated from SUNY Niagara’s liberal arts and sciences: humanities and social science program in 1999. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in education from Niagara University and a master’s degree in history from Buffalo State University. Andres has held public office for close to 15 years, including serving in the Niagara County Legislature since 2014. He also teaches social studies in the North Tonawanda school district, a position he has held since 2002.

Garner graduated from SUNY Niagara’s accounting program in 1982. He then earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Buffalo State University, and his master’s degree in business administration from Empire State University. Garner was appointed New York City’s first citywide chief business diversity officer by Mayor Eric Adams in 2023. He previously served as chief diversity and inclusion officer with the city’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Walck graduated from SUNY Niagara’s liberal arts and sciences program in 1985. She went on to gain two bachelor’s degrees from the University at Buffalo, in business administration and physical therapy. She earned her master's degree in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2005. She worked as a physical therapist in nursing homes, hospitals and on mission trips to Africa. Walck is the author of “Bridge of Love: 30 True Stories of Faith in Action,” which charted at No. 1 on Amazon’s new release list in five categories.

“Richard Andres, Michael Garner and Pamela Walck are tremendous additions to an already outstanding group of distinguished alumni,” SUNY Niagara Director of Development Julie Berrigan said. “We thank them for their contributions to their respective communities and wish them continued success in their careers. We are excited to celebrate their accomplishments.”

Andres, Garner and Walck will be honored at the NCCC Foundation’s annual scholarship fundraiser, “Scholarship Soirée,” on Oct. 17, at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. All proceeds from the event will benefit SUNY Niagara’s student scholarship fund.

To purchase tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/soiree/.