Distinguished Service to NCC Award 2007
Fred Curcio, began his career in banking even before he started his college career. A 1990 Northampton grad, with his degree in banking, Fred had been working his way through the ranks at Merchants National Bank for years: first as bookeeper, and then with successively greater responsibilities – teller, assistant cashier, assistant trust officer – until finally Fred assumed the position of vice president of the Bank. After 42 years of service Fred retired in 2003; although Merchants, knowing a savvy banker when they see one, keep their VP in the loop, and at the Bank, with Fred still tied part time to the place he called his professional home for so long.
The other place Fred calls home away from home is Northampton Community College. He was a member of NCC's Alumni Board from 1993 to 2006, serving on the executive board and as chair of the fundraising committee. Many alumni events, including the popular Nite at the Races, Casino Night, and others have benefited from Fred's generosity; either from his outright sponsorship or by his always-to-be-counted-on attendance.
Fred and his wife, Kathleen, have lived in Bangor for 37 years. Retirement is not something Fred understands – at least not the kind that lazes by the fishing hole; rather, Fred's retirement seems merely a continuation of his working life. And that includes his community involvement. As a long-time resident of Bangor, it is no surprise that many of his commitments can be found in that northern tier: Slate Belt Chamber of Commerce, Bangor Exchange Club, Bangor Fraternal Order of Elks 1106, Knights of Columbus, and a life-time member of the Bangor American Legion. That leaves out a number of his obligations, including his very active membership with his church, one duty of which is, of course, service on the finance committee. Most recently, Fred graduated from the Institute of Lay Ministry (ILM) and was installed as a pastoral minister for the Diocese of Allentown by Bishop Edward Cullen on May 20th of this year.
Fred's support and caring of Northampton and its mission to educate our community has been steadfast from the time he first set foot on campus. And that caring is returned by the College; a classroom in College Center (CC-166) has been dedicated to Fred and Kathleen. Tonight, for all that he has done, Northampton Community College's Alumni Association proudly honors Fred Curcio with our Distinguished Service to NCC Award.
