There are some conversations that make you realize how far Canton reaches once you leave.
I recently met GOLD Alumnus Benjiman Boyd ’24. We started by talking about his time at SUNY Canton and quickly moved into where life has taken him since graduation. What stood out right away was how clearly, he could connect his experience here at SUNY Canton to what he is doing now.
Ben is currently attending graduate school at Niagara University pursuing his master’s degree in clinical health counseling. His research has recently focused on nutritional psychiatry, specifically on the metabolic effects of the Ketogenic diet and its clinical treatment for psychiatric and neurological disorders. It is deep, complex research. The kind of work that takes years of dedication and curiosity.
When we talked about how he got there, he did not start with his degree. Instead, He started with crediting the people at Canton.
He spoke highly about Professor Patrick McManus and Dr. Barat Wolfe. He shared how they gave him the opportunity to work as a research associate, on part of a post pandemic recovery study on students. That experience did more than add to his resume. It helped him see what research could look like as a real career path.
He also talked about something that many students do not realize is available to them. Through the Associated Colleges partnership between SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam, Clarkson University, and St. Lawrence University, Ben was able to take courses beyond his home campus. One of those experiences included taking neurobiology at Clarkson. That opportunity expanded his academic perspective and strengthened the research foundation he is now building in graduate school.
Those opportunities guided his direction. Today, Ben plans to continue his education and pursue a doctorate. The path forward is still unfolding, but the momentum is real and the foundation is strong.
What stuck with me most from our conversation, was what he said about coming back.
In our conversation, Ben mentioned seeking a reason to visit campus again. He looks forward to reconnecting with the Social Sciences department, EOP, and SAIL. He also credits those departments and the people in them as part of the reason he is where he is today.
That is the recurring theme that keeps showing up in these conversations. The connection does not end when you graduate. It just takes a different direction.
Ben is also interested in staying involved. He would love to attend alumni events, especially in Western New York, and is open to sharing more of his research and stories on campus, in future newsletters and podcast episodes.
Which is a good reminder exactly what this space is for.
If you are a GOLD alum building your next chapter, your story matters here. Your work matters. and your path matters.
Stay connected through the Roo Network at sunyalumni.canton.edu.
And if you are a GOLD Alum in Western New York, maybe we should start planning something?Let me know in the comments!
What would bring you back to campus?
From the Footbridges,
Zachary
