Distinguished Alumni
The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually at the Reflections Dinner and Awards in September to a Corning Community College alum. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have been positive role models, involved in their community, exhibited accomplishments in their field and enhanced the quality of CCC. Nomination submissions must be received by April 1, 2013. If you would like to nominate someone, please download a Distinguished Alumni Nomination Form or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at (607) 962-9473 or alumni@corning-cc.edu. View the Distinguished Alumni Awardee Booklet to see previous recipients.
2012 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Gordon W. Hills, Jr. '70
Gordon W. Hills, Jr. was born in Waco, TX and raised in the South Bronx. Through his experiences at CCC, where he earned an Associate of Arts in 1970, and at Elmira College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education in 1972, Gordon decided to pursue a career dedicated to helping others. He went on to receive a Master of Arts in Community Psychology in 1979 from Mansfield State College. He and his wife, Jacquelyn, decided to stay in Elmira and raise a family.
Gordon has dedicated 32 years of his life to work in the human services field, and 21 years as the Executive Director of Economic Opportunity Program, Inc. (EOP) of Chemung and Schuyler County. Under Gordon’s administration, EOP completed the first phase of its capital campaign that resulted in the completion of a 33,000 square foot “Ernie Davis Family Center” on the east side of Elmira. Gordon’s passion on issues relating to the delivery of services to people in need has changed countless lives in our community.
In 2002, Gordon testified before Congress, representing all low-income families and the Community Action Network. He has also served on the NACAA Technology Committee, the Board of Directors of Keep America Connected, the Steele Memorial Library Board of Trustees, the City of Elmira Economic Development Zone Administrative Board, the Work Force Development Board and the Private Industry Council, and the Board of Cooperative Education Technical Advisory Board.
Gordon has received numerous awards including the Martin Luther King Award from Elmira Glove House, Malcolm X Award from the CCC African American Society, 10-Year Student/Athlete Award of Achievement in Human Services from Elmira College, first NYS Governor’s Award for African Americans of Distinction, NAACP Community Service Award, NYS Community Action Association Heroes and Legends Award and Leadership Recognition Award, National Community Action Partnership Award for Service and Leadership, and the Keys to the City of Elmira.
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