In Memoriam: Frank P. Piskor
We invite you to share your memories and reflections
of President Emeritus Frank P. Piskor
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Last update: April 26
Frank Shields '54
I have very few claims to fame,
but I can say that I was hired by Frank Piskor. He not only met with
me for nearly an hour in the interview stage, but sent a wonderful personal
letter of congratulations when I accepted Sarge Whittier's offer of
the position of Director of Alumni Relations. Mimi and I remained close
to Anne and Frank for all their days in Canton. How blessed we Laurentians
were in and beyond the "Piskor Years."
Michael A. Quinn'78
Parents weekend my freshman year
I receieved a surprise call from my father. He and my mother had come
up unannounced, bringing a close friend of mine from High School. It
turned out that he & his fellow Princeton Alumni had set up a hospitality
suite at the Treadway. Dr. Piskor dropped in on the get together to
introduce himself to the parents and students. When I introduced Dr.
Piskor to my good friend I informed him that "John goes to that
hillbilly school in Vermont called Middlebury." Without blinking
an eye he responded "What a pleasure John, that is where I attended
college!" Dr. Piskor gave me a smirk and was on his way. For some
reason, for the next four years Dr. Piskor remembered my name. He was
a man of true class and character.
Sue Van Dyke Burdsall '72
Think of how many students in
colleges across the country would never have a chance to meet the president
of their school. At St. Lawrence, we were fortunate to have Dr. Piskor
who looked for the chance to meet and talk with students. As I left
the art studios at the end of the day to walk back to the Kappa Lodge,
I often met up with Dr. Piskor leaving his office and on his way home.
I remember so fondly walking with him and just sharing talk about the
day's events or our plans and interests. He always made me feel my opinion
was as important as his. His interest in and skill with a variety of
people is valued and will be missed.
Julia Palmer Knight '82
Memories of both Dr. and
Mrs. Piskor always include their good friend, my great-uncle, Dr. Stuart
Winning. As a child traveling to Canton at Thanksgiving time for family
gatherings that always included equal amounts of time in Appleton Arena
watching hockey, I remember the wonderful presence of the Piskors, and
the warmth Dr. Piskor radiated in that cold area, with his smile. He
had a great smile, and he will be missed.
Richard C. De Graff ‘57
In the early 1970’s I started calling
on President Piskor. He was always courteous and interested, but I always
walked away with "empty" pockets until I suggested that St.
Lawrence start buying back its own New York State Dormitory Authority
issues that were selling below half price because of the fiscal crisis
in New York City. The school would save on future interest and principal
payments. Bond investors feared the crisis would spill over to state
issues and various authorities. “I
like the way you think! Do it”, he replied. That was the beginning
of a long term relationship that spanned into 2006.
He loved St Lawrence so much that he had trouble holding back his enthusiasm.He
loved the faculty that he helped create, and was proud of their work
and achievements. He knew their spouses and children and followed their
careers as a proud father would. He knew the players of all the teams
and their backgrounds and history. Any student that he came in contact
with him he would watch over like a doting parent from afar.
In later years when I mentioned a student
that I had just met, he would say with a fond smile, “ah yes,
class of ….” He would then go on and give a personal history
of that student and how they did.When St. Lawrence
did well he was like a proud father, when they did poorly he was miserable.
One fine fall day, after he retired, he
showed me his fine home on Fairlane Drive. “Come on downstairs
to my office” he said proudly. I knew this would be his pride
and joy by the tone of his voice. Upon entering the spacious room, there
were tow walls with book shelves from floor to ceiling stacked with
books. At one end was a desk with his favorite chair with a very bright
light for reading upon an antique desk. “These are all the books
that my students have had published. “See,” as he opened
several, “they are all autographed with a personal note. I have
read them all except the ones on my desk” he said proudly. It
was then that I under stood this pillar of a man. We, the students,
faculty, staff were all part if his and Anne’s family. He was
proud of us and our accomplishments as proud as a father can be. He
loved us all and in turn we loved him as well. His spirit will always
be on campus, and we know he is beaming down upon us just as proud of
us as he is of his daughters and grandson.
Rest in peace Frank – we are with
you.
Harold S. Johnnson '51
I knew Frank Piskor for fifty-five years, having joined his residence
hall staff at Syracuse University upon graduation from St. Lawrence
in 1951. I later served directly under him as Director of Watson-Marion
Dormitories and as Acting Director of Men's Residences when he was Syracuse's
Vice President for Student Services. He served on my Master's Committee
in political science. He numbers among those early few who served as
role model and mentor. His influence on me has been life long. I owe
my rededication to St. Lawrence to his presidency. Thank you, President
Sullivan, for the memorial tribute you drafted on our behalf. St. Lawrence
and I are much of what and who we are for his character, leadership,
and loyalty.
Kathy Bilby Maneri '75
Frank Piskor WAS and IS St. Lawrence. It won't be the same
visiting knowing that he's not "just around the corner". Frank
and his wife Anne were gracious and perfect at guiding us through the
70's.
Elizabeth Perry Hess '81
Many positive memories come to mind when I think about Dr.
Piskor. The freshman picnic in his backyard was so welcoming. Ice cream
sundaes and doughnut study breaks which Dr. Piskor served during final
exam weeks made me realize how much he cared about us to encourage us
to take a break from our studies. He gave a farewell at our graduation
which was very moving, and after graduation he was very available to
be photographed with graduates and families. I felt privileged that
he was president during my 4 years at SLU.
Ian Grant '84
He personified St. Lawrence to me as
a freshman. Warm, friendly, caring, happy. I was amazed at his ability
to always remember the names of everyone he met and always something
about them. Even years and years later. It was a wonderful touch that
really made one feel that it was truely a small community and you wanted
to be part of it all. He will be missed.
Dean Eppler '74
A university president in the 70's had many "ancilliary
duties" besides simply being an educator. Some of these duties
could not have been fun, in particular, dealing with the fractious social
issues of the time, and many university presidents throughout the country
were not able to skillfully discharge their duties without incurring
the ire of their students. Dr. Piskor, on the other hand, had a remarkable
talent for diplomacy and was able to effective communicate with everyone
on campus, regardless of their particular viewpoint, in a way that preserved
St. Lawrence both as an institution of formal education, and a place
where young adults could learn to make their way in the world. Most
of us, at the time, probably didn't understand what a rare talent this
was. It's only after years of experience since graduation that I came
to appreciate Dr. Piskor capabilities as an educator, an administrator,
and as a human being.
Thomas T. Keating '84
In August 1980 a man handed me a slice
of pizza from behind the food counter with a big smile. He sat down
at our table to say hello and explained how happy he was to meet us
and how our time at St. Lawrence would be a wonderful experience. I
learned later this man of great character was the President of St. Lawrence
University.
Brad Mintener (Canton community)
Middlebury 1961
He was my buddy. Always with a smile. Humble to be exact, Always interested
in my welfare and my wife and my family first. Never started a conversation
talking about himself. Never boastful or a gossip. Never a complainer.
We often stopped to chat together in the post office, in the store,
on the sidewalk, at a sports or social event. He was a Renaissance man,
to say the least. Interested in music, sports, art, family, mountain
hiking in the Adirondacks and the Swiss Alps, history, poetry, travel,
the Maine Coast, young people and their future. And he always gave of
himself and his personal savings to the community, quietly behind the
scene, usually with anonymity. He spoke quietly and had a big heart.
When my wife, Marilyn Infantine Mintener, was Canton's Mayor, he and
his wife were first to donate to some of her improvement and economic
development projects, such as the Main Street Victorian street lights,
after she had asked attorney Dave Garner to help find some restorable
old fixtures. Then they gave to The Holiday of Lights for children and
the spirit of Christmas on the village green and downtown. When not
takiong walks or going to concerts after retirement with Judy Gibson
and other caring friends, after his dear wife Anne died, he would give
to thw Canton library, his church, the hospital, and the Church and
Community Worker program for needy area families, just to name a few
of his interests. And, oh, yes, we had something in common as buddies
during those post office lobby visits. We were both fraternity brothers
at the same alma mater, Middlebury College at the edge of Vermont's
Green Mountains. Only, we were 27 years apart in age. He the patrician,
old enough to be my father, never talking down. We were always buddies.
And we often talked history, about his famous Vermont friend Robert
Frost and the other Middlebury transplants to Canton under Stillman
Foote and statesman Silas Wright. Like in Rudyard Kipling's "If"
poem, he could " walk with kings and not make kings his master."
He was my buddy and still is in Marilyn's and my fondest thoughts, the
late Dr. Frank Piskor, former President of St. Lawrence University and
former Provost of Syracuse University. We miss you Frank !
Karen Moon '86
I remember Dr. Piskor from before I ever
set foot on campus as a student. My dad, John W. "Jack" Moon,
was Chief of Security. I was on campus for some reason when I was maybe
10 or so. I'd met Dr. Piskor to know him on sight, and from Dad's talking
about him I knew this was a very wise man and one worthy of respect,
a man who was both gently unassuming and possessed of a quiet authority.
A very important man the most profound sense. You got Dad's civility
as a matter of course, but his respect had to be earned. President Piskor
had his respect, and it showed. It was also mutual.
That day Dad and I met him on campus. He
stopped and called me by name, asking if I was having a good time on
campus or how I was doing in school or some standard conversation. What
struck me was that he not only spoke to me first but called me by name.
Only then did he turn to Dad, but the first words out of his mouth still
stay with me today: "Good morning, Chief."... In a few words,
he taught me volumes about the importance of sincere respect and its
effect on the people around us.
More than the carillon bells sounding over
the Quad, more than the sun painting the maples a brilliant palette
of color, more than the feeling like I'm home every time I set foot
on the SLU campus, President Piskor's gentle spirit and wisdom and love
of life will stay with me always.
Rest in peace, Sir.
Brian R. McMurray'74
Dr. Piskor, to summarize, should
be remembered as a Saint among "Saints". He does not get the
quotation marks, the rest of us do. So many memories...his devotion
to St. Lawrence as an Institution, his warmth and genuine kindnesses,
his wonderful partner in life, Anne. His love for Robert Frost. Little
things like steadfastly, through times of success and less success,
always going into the hockey locker room after games to congratulate
the players on their efforts. Little things like giving this physician
the honor, and I mean that, of caring for him and for Anne when I was
practicing in Potsdam from 1981-1991. Another little thing that meant
a lot to me while a student at SLU...Jack Taylor getting me the job
as of Sophomore year of being the bartender at functions at the Piskors...and
the warmth at love he and Anne showed me those next three years. I cannot
speak for others, but I suspect that many other than me remember Frank
and Anne Piskor not just for his official role and hers, but more for
their being people of real warmth and class...both with strong servant
hearts. Honestly, regardless of your faith, you have to see in the life
he lead, that Frank Piskor lived a truly Christ-like life. I will miss
his yearly delightful family photo Christmas cards, never focused on
him, always on his kids and their kids. I hope our University finds
special new ways to honor his life and his contributions made for so
many of us.
Kim Hoffmann Amoroso'79
My most cherished memory of Dr.
Piskor are "Franks with Frank" on the steps of the admissions
office. He would be out there handing out hotdogs in an effort to meet
and connect with every student. I saw him several years ago and mentioned
this to him and he got quite a kick out of the fact that I remembered
it. He was a wonderful down to earth president who made you feel like
he truly cared about each and every student. He will always be remembered
for his wonderful contributions to SLU.
Murray Johnson '74
I have many memories of Dr Piskor and my years at
St Lawrence University. The first was like most of us-during Orientation-truly
first impressions are lasting! Here I was just an incoming freshman
and the President of the University just seemed larger than life. Then
meeting he and his wife at their home for a reception after my first
semester, they were such ordinary people with such an extraordinary
caring about each and every student. I always felt his sincerity when
talking with him and his smile just lit up a room. I was honored be
the student chairman of the University Priorities Committee for 2 years
and had several occasionsto talk with Dr Piskor on issues before our
committee. His strength was balanced by a calming and reassuring way
that spoke volumes.
I have and will always keep my memories of Dr Piskor close to my heart.
And I am truly grateful to have known such a man.
Katherine Anderson
Scheider '78
Dr. Piskor was another one of
those wonderful people who rounded out the St. Lawrence experience.
I always was honored and amazed whenever I was invited to small dinner
parties at the PRESIDENT's house, yet I was made to feel very comfortable.
The Piskors were both so naturally warm and you could feel that they
genuinely loved their place at SLU.
Melissa MacGregor '98
I had the honor of meeting Dr. and Mrs. Piskor as an undergraduate.
The Piskors were good friends of my grandparents so during one of their
visits, we all had breakfast together. My grandfather was a trustee
in the 1970s and he and Dr. Piskor formed a life-long friendship at
that time through their mutual love of books, Robert Frost, and everything
St. Lawrence. My grandfather died nearly four years ago. I like to think
that he and Dr. Piskor are somewhere now discussing books, Robert Frost,
and all of the great things happening at SLU.
Tammy (Badger) Lemmer'91
I was a very proud recipient of the Piskor Scholarship during my four
years at SLU. I had the pleasure of spending time with both Dr. and
Mrs. Piskor, as they welcomed me and so many others into the St. Lawrence
Community. We even continued to exchange holiday cards and other correspondence
throughout the years. What a shock to read about the loss of this wonderful
man. My thoughts go out to his biological and his extended St. Lawrence
family.
Suzanne D'Amico-Sharp'78
Frank Piskor was a person who inspired others quietly through his leadership.
He was all about
St. Lawrence and its students. In September 1974, the day of the picnic
that the Piskor's hosted the freshman class in their yard for a picnic,
was the day Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon. I remember thinking,
while I waited to shake hands with Frank and Anne, that a president's
job is never easy. Frank, so many owe you so much.
Thomas Sy '82
Many of my most memorable experiences at SLU involved the Piskors.
During the freshman picnic at their home they literally met each of
us and made us feel an immediate part of SLU. My "on campus"
job was bartender for SLU functions many at the President's house. On
countless occassions Frank and Anne would take the time to find out
how our SLU experince was going and make sure we didn't feel like "help".
The North Country was blessed to have Frank in their midst and active
until the end.
Betsy '74 and Jim '71 Snedeker
We will miss Frank Piskor. Always a down to earth, quality
person who called it as he saw it and brought the wisdom of a sage to
all conversations. Dr. Piskor was a practitioner who was comfortable
in both the academic and non-academic worlds and knew how to deftly
navigate in the waters of both. When you asked him for advice concerning
events on campus, both today and 30 years ago, he would give an extraordinarily
insightful assessment of the situation.
A month ago we visited with Frank at his home in Canton. Our conversation
focused on his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud, including his
grandson Nate '06. We spoke of our many mentors while students ourselves
and he was current with all of them. May he rest in peace.
Elroy Cartwright '81
My best memories of St. Lawrence were my first day on campus
when the President, Dr. Frank Piskor, came onto the football practice
field to "personally welcome me to St. Lawrence University"
and my last day at graduation when Dr. Piskor asked to take a picture
with me and my family. That photo has been with me ever since.
With Dr. Piskor it seemed as if he had a personal relationship with
every student and that you were important to him. This is what made
him so special.
Dr. Frank Piskor was one of the best parts of my St. Lawrence experience
and is the reason why I am guiding my children towards a small college
education.
Tom Alisankus '81
Frank had a way of making everyone around him feel...necessary.
There sure will be an empty space around there.
Thomas Patterson, Jr.
As a Canton native and a Middlebury graduate, I am saddened
by the loss of Frank Piskor. I last saw him about a month ago in Canton
where he carried on a spirited conversation with my mother, a '39 SLU
grad. Middlebury is proud to have shared this incredibly proud and humble
man with St. Lawrence.
Bill Arthur '71
Although at St. Lawrence for the first three years of his leadership,
I got to know Dr. and Mrs. Piskor better shortly after my graduation.
I was working at Camp Canaras for the summer, and I recall interesting
converstaions with them on the docks of Saranac Lake. We discussed opportunities
and adventures, and they were genuinely interested in my plans for the
future. Years later at alumni gatherings and reunions, we continued
those conversations. Their warm smiles and caring natures made it such
a pleasure reacquaint. They were wonderful ambassadors for the University.
Thank you President Sullivan for a fitting tribute to this good man.
He will be missed.
Rob Bick '81
One early morning I was out for a run when I stopped to look
over the new construction at the library. As I was leaning on the wall
someone came over next to me and began discussing the construction.
We chatted a bit without ever directly looking at each other. Finally
when I turned I recognized the gentlemen as Dr. Piskor. It was a conversation
I remembered often as I becan my career in architecture and a conversation
I foundly remember to this day. As it turned out the first firm I worked
for (Sargent Webster Crenshaw and Folley) had a Dr. Piskor connection.
He was good friends with Kenneth "Doc" Sargent, the firms
founder and former Dean at the SU School of Architecture. This I discovered
when talking with the then retired Doc Sargent, who made mention of
the great St. Lawrence undergraduate education I had received under
Dr. Piskor. Architects don't normally come from St. Lawrence, yet Doc
Sargent recognized the advantages that a superb liberal arts educati
on would provide in a highly competitive and creative field. I am convinced
that St. Lawrence was my "in" to that nationally respected
firm. Ironically, Dr. Piskors brother removed my fathers appendicts
a few years later, proving that from the board room to the operating
room, you cannot escape the influence or the connections of St. Lawrence.
Julie Messenger Pearsal '84
My freshman year was Dr. Piskor's last as president. During
Parent's Weekend, October 1980, my mother happened upon Dr. Piskor sitting
under a tree. She told me later of their chat, which I imagine they
both enjoyed. I thought it odd at the time that a man of such import
should be sitting under a tree, but then, where else should a college
president be but on the grounds of the school he oversees? It's the
image I see when I think of Dr. Piskor.
Cindy Habeeb Bufalini '82
I have nothing but fond Memories of President Piskor. He loved
St. Lawrence and took great pride in the school and its students. I
can't help but remember the way he shared his love of Robert Frost's
writings with the college community. He was so much a part of the college
experience for the students at that time, that I was saddened when he
retired during my junior year. His years at the helm of SLU marked a
wonderful time in the college's history. Eternal be his memory!
Tom Healy '76
Dr. Piskor's interest and commitment to students was genuine
and personal and I was a fortunate beneficiary. When I met with him
in the fall of 1975 to request a recommendation to law school, Dr. Piskor
inquired about where I was applying. When he learned that Harvard Law
School was not on my list, Dr Piskor insisted that I apply there. I
explained that my test scores were not high enough to justify an application
to Harvard - that it would be a waste of the application fee. Dr. Piskor
asked the amount of the application fee and I told him it was $35. Dr.
Piskor reached into his pocket,handed me $35., and ordered me to apply
to Harvard. I did, and, despite Dr. Piskor's glowing recommendation,
I was not admitted. I was admitted to another law school and I fondly
remember Dr. Piskor's tutelage and encouragement. Frank Piskor was a
hell of a good guy.
Charlie Saucier Mahoney '69
I graduated the year Dr. Piskor arrived at SLU, so while I did not directly
benefit from his tenure, I do much appreciate his contributions to the
campus. My Dad, Roy Saucier, was assistant director of Physical Plant
under Dr. Piskor and were dad still with us I know he would want to
thank Dr. Piskor for his foresight and support for the staff as well
as the students and faculty. I now live in Michigan, but my family is
still in Canton and his continuous involvement in the community and
its organizations has helped sustain the community. So on behalf of
myself and my family we thank Dr. Piskor for his leadership and devotion
to the campus and the community.
Ed Attarian '52
Dr. Piskor was an outstanding SLU president, and was a real
gentleman. Mary Lou and I enjoyed seeing him at our visits to Canton.
Our deep regrets to his family and to SLU.
Emanuel Pinto '74
My memory of Dr. Piskor is seeing our college President somewhere on
campus planting a young tree.
Terry Slaven '71
I had the privilege of being the student body representative to the
trustees' search and screening committees that were established to fill
the position of University President following the resignation of Foster
Brown. I therefore came to know Dr. Piskor early on in his involvement
with St. Lawrence, and it was clear from the start that there could
be no better "fit" between a leader and the organization he
was called upon to lead.
I have a vivid memory of the public person, from his first Convocation
address: "I aspire to build the finest arts-centered university
in the country," he said. What a bold vision! I was skeptical.
I didn't appreciate then, as I do now, that lasting accomplishments
grow only from great ambitions.
The two years that we overlapped at St. Lawrence -- 1969 and 1971 --
were tumultuous ones, and Dr. Piskor and I did not always see eye to
eye. My most profound personal memory of him is from my class Commencement.
As president of the graduating class, I was given the chance to offer
some remarks. Dr. Piskor introduced me, and at the conclusion of my
remarks he shook my hand. "I'm proud of you," he said. "I
hope some day you'll be proud of me."
Life does not always afford the opportunity to express your feelings
in the way that, looking back, you wish you had. But in this instance,
it did. My 10th Reunion in 1981 coincided with Dr. Piskor's retirement
year. We came face to face on the Quad, and again we shook hands. I
recalled to him his pledge at Convocation, and his words to me at my
graduation. I assured him that I was, indeed, very proud of him and
all that he had accomplished. We shared a teary moment.
Today I mourn a remarkable man, and a good friend.
Doug Miles '73
Frank Piskor had a phenomenal memory for details about names and people
connections. Seven years after I had left St. Lawrence and would run
into him frequently in the University Club in New York on my way to
play squash at the end of the day, he walk over to me in the Atrium
there and would smile warmly shake hands and chat about how Turlow Cannon
(former PR Director of SLU now deceased) an undergraduate mentor of
mine was doing.
He would ask how I was doing in my work. He would inquire about my aging
grandmother from Buffalo whom he met only once at our 1973 Class commencement
reception at his home. A very personal and deeply thoughtful man he
was. We will all miss him in addition to his exuberant partner,Anne.
May God be with Frank and Anne both for eternity.
I believe the mold he was cast from we are likely to never see again.
His kindness was so easy and onmipresent. He never needed to think about
such ephmeral concepts like political correctness and spinning stories
or speeches. He always spoke from the heart whether the message was
challenging, hard to swallow, or widely acknowledged and accepted.
Laurence Summers and all the past and present Presidents of Harvard
and other great schools could all take some serious lessons from the
play book of FPP. What a dear and great man.
Joe Baldino '79
I was very impressed with Dr. Piskor's strong interpersonal skills.
I will never forget the picnic that the Piskors had at their house for
all incoming Freshmen in 1975. They had a receiving line and they personally
welcomed each one of us to St. Lawrence. I will never forget that.
Barbarajean Schaefer Blodgett '72
Dr. Piskor was such a generous man and a true champion of the fine arts
department. I recall having a conversation with him about a painting
I was doing which was heavily influenced by the works of Ben Shahn.
Several days later, a copy of the book Ben Shahn:The Passion of Sacco
and Vanzetti appeared in my campus mail with a note from him. Apparently,
Dr. Piskor was on the Syracuse University campus when the mosaic mural
was installed. He wanted me to have the book for my art library and
encouraged me in my plans to become an art teacher. He is, without question,
on my top 10 list of the most influential people in my life!
Peter DeBlois '69
Frank Piskor became president the year I graduated from St.
Lawrence. While I did not directly benefit as a student from the many
salutary ways he advanced my alma mater, my personal connection to the
school strengthened because of how he loved it. He was a quintessential
humanist--a devotee of literature and the books that enshrine it, a
generous friend to artists, a collaborative leader, an untiring community
organizer, and, above all, a man of heart. He and Anne have earned their
honored place of rest beneath the purple shadows of the Adirondack hills.
Frank La Rosa '79
My best memory of Dr. Piskor was when the Singing Saints surprised
him at a small dinner party at his home. We sang a song or two including
Happy Birthday. He loved it and we loved it.
Robert Viventi '80
A sincere smile tied to his honest eyes...behind those superman
glasses! He made it his job to know your name
Tony Mariano '74
I will always remember President Piskor coming into the locker room
after a game and offering congratulations to each team member. I thought
that this was a wonderful gesture for a college President to do. He
was a fine man and did a great deal for St. Lawrence.
Phil Martinez '51
One of my best friends, John Lonergan, was a roommate of Frank Piskor
while a student at Middlebury and they played basball together. He always
thought the world of Frank and I enjoyed visiting with Dr. Piskor whenever
in Canton and reminiscing about his days at Middlebury with John. He
will be missed!!!!
Mitch Brown '78
Frank Piskor was the right man at the right time at St. Lawrence.
He was as friendly to the students and faculty as he was the Board of
Trustees. He cared about people and about the University, not about
furthering his career. Dr. Piskor, thank you for your service.
Christopher Olsen '79
It is indeed sad to hear of President Piskor's passing. I have very
fond memories of attending a dinner party at his home when I was a freshman
at SLU, and remember how incredibly gracious he and his wife were to
this lowly freshman student! Both the SLU community and the educational
community more generally have lost a wonderful leaders
Ginny Dittman
Frank and Anne were beacons in our lives during our
shared years at St.Lawrence. My beloved husband Duane was part of a
wonderful administrative team that he put together. It was never just
a business relationship because the Piskors adopted our whole family
including my elderly parents. I will miss his presence, but rejoice
that he and Anne are again united in their love.
Ronald D. Liebowitz, president, Middlebury College
The entire Middlebury College community is saddened by the
loss of Dr. Frank P. Piskor, who graduated from Middlebury, Phi Beta
Kappa, in 1937. Dr. Piskor was not only a Middlebury graduate but also
a Middlebury parent and grandparent, and served on the Middlebury Alumni
Council.
The college celebrated Dr. Piskor's many
contributions to higher education and his alma mater by awarding him
an honorary degree in 1959, when he was still a faculty member and administrator
at Syracuse University, where he had earned his Ph.D. in political science.
Dr. Piskor also received an Alumni Achievement Award from Middlebury
in 1988.
Frank Piskor and Ann Calder were married
in 1945. Ann, who passed away in 2000, was a Mt. Holyoke grad but would
be named an honorary member of Middlebury's Class of '37. Frank and
Ann's daughter Nancy Piskor Twichell and her husband David are both
members of the Middlebury Class of 1973. In 2003, Nancy and David's
daughter Sarah added another generation of Middlebury graduates to the
Piskor family tree. Dr. Piskor will be greatly missed here at Middlebury.
The thoughts of all of us are with his family, friends and colleagues.
David J. Miller '81
Dr. Frank Piskor had the rare skill of always making you feel as if
you were the most important part of any conversation. He truly had a
connection to his students. We, as members of the Class of 81, always
felt a special connection being his final graduating class. To that
end, we had hoped he would be the Grand Marshal of our 25th reunion
parade this June. Well, he still will be in all of our hearts and spirit.
God Bless you Dr. Piskor for giving so much to all of us.
Walter Hahn '43
As a trustee in 1969, I served on the search committee to find
a new president to succeed Foster Brown. One day at lunch with my boss,
the chairman of Colgate Palmolive Company, the conversation came around
to presidential searches as my boss was on the board of Syracuse University
and its president was on the Colgate Board. The name of Frank Piskor,
Provost at Syracuse, came up as an outstanding educator and administrator
ready and deserving of a college presidency. My boss assured me that
it would be appropriate for me to talk to Frank which happened at lunch
not long after in Canton. I was impressed and mentioned this to fellow
committee member Trustee Dick Young. The process accelerated and with
his acquaintances on the St. Lawrence Board and among emeritus officals,
Frank was unanimously selected to be the next president.
I continued to sit on the Board during his years and was in awe at his
abilities. After he retired, our friendship grew more personal, we exchanged
letters and I never failed to see him when I was in Canton, either at
his home or at lunch. Several years ago, he confided in me that a year
after coming to St. Lawrence he was invited to return to Syracuse but
by now he and his wife, Ann were in love with St. Lawrence and totally
committed to spend their lives in Canton.
Richard Southwick '80
I remember one time in the late 1980's running into President Piskor
in NYC. I was with several classmates/alumni who had met up in the city
for the weekend. We were in line to pay at one of the big bookstores
on Fifth Avenue when we recognized him. We introduced ourselves and
he complimented us on being found in a bookstore. We complimented him
on our educations. A rare gentleman whose warmth, humanity and competence
symbolize so much of what we love about SLU.
