Established in 1998, the Atwood '16 and Alice Manley '17, P'45 Society Achievement Award is awarded by the University’s President to a graduate celebrating their Reunion, along with their spouse when appropriate. The recipients are recognized for their active engagement as Laurentians, evidenced by their enduring commitment to the University through a verified and counted planned gift to St. Lawrence, and for embodying the fundamental Laurentian values of Learn, Give, Connect, Serve, and Celebrate.
Achievement Award Recipients
2024: Richard G. Taggart '83 & Karen Follet Taggart '83, P'15
2023: Joseph F. '73 & Cynthia Wilton Riggs '75, P'00
2022: Patrice “Pat” Welch Schulze ’72
2021: Nicole M. and David C. Areson ’71
2020: Al ’70 & Sue Gemberling ‘70 Olszewski
2019: Christine L. Koski ’79
2018: Lennelle Dougherty McKinnon ’58, P’83, ’83, ’84, GP’15
2017: David W. ’78 and Barbara Wiederecht ’77, P’15
2015: Robert W. ’59 and Doris Kloppenburg Ferry
2014: Paul B. Gilbert ’72 and Patricia Romeo-Gilbert ’74
2013: Joseph P. Richardson ’63
2012: Martha E. ’62 and Gregg E. Peterson
2011: Harold S. Johnson ’51
2010: Peter E. ’58 and Elizabeth Blaisdell Van de Water ’60
2009: Donald T. O’Brien ’49
2008: Robert W. Lyle ’58
2007: Herbert W. ’47 and Sylvia A. ’47 Watkins
2006: William B. ’39 and Amanda J. Leckonby
2005: Albert A. Waters ’35
2004: Richard D. Eckardt ’29 and Leslie W. Gallt ’34
2003: Donald R. Sohn ’48
2002: Richard Young ’40
2001: Frank P. and Anne C. Piskor
2000: Martin F. Richman ’50
1999: Helen Aitchison Ellison ’45
1998: Paul F. Jamieson
The 2024 Recipients - Richard G. Taggart ’83 and Karen Follett Taggart ’83, P'15
The Atwood '16 and Alice Manley '17 P'45 Achievement Award was established in 1998 to recognize individuals dedicated to St. Lawrence University through involvement in the Manley Society, the University’s legacy giving society. This year, the award is presented to Richard G. Taggart ’83 and Karen Follett Taggart ’83, P'15, honoring their long-standing commitment to the University.
The Taggarts are loyal donors to the St. Lawrence Fund, established an endowed scholarship during The Campaign for Every Laurentian, and have provided for St. Lawrence in their estate by naming the University as a charitable beneficiary. They intentionally designated this gift as "unrestricted," allowing the funds to be used for the University’s highest priorities.
Beyond philanthropy, the Taggarts are active alumni, participating in alumni events and programming, and are former members of the Parents Committee. Dick has been a key volunteer for the Center for Career Excellence.
As students, Dick majored in mathematics and was involved in Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the Outing Club, while Karen earned a bachelor’s in English and was active in Kappa Delta Sigma and the Ski Club. Both studied abroad. Their son, Charlie '15, married Caroline Winslow Taggart '15 in 2022.
Dick earned a master’s in industrial engineering from Columbia University, he now advises FinTech firms, is acting CEO of L4S Corp., and serves Trustees of Reservations on their Advisory Board. Karen has been a lifelong community volunteer: active on library boards, conservation, and food sustainability organizations, as well as the League of Women Voters.
Dick's parents, Hugh and Monica, both 1960 alums, were also a St. Lawrence love story. The Taggarts' nephew, Emmett Follett ’25, is a rising senior at the University. The Taggarts inspire peers to support their alma mater. Karen aims to help others experience the "something special" at St. Lawrence by assisting the University in thriving and remaining vibrant.
Past Achievement Award Recipients
2023: Joseph F. '73 & Cynthia Wilton Riggs '75, P'00
2022: Patrice “Pat” Welch Schulze ’72
2021: David C. ’71 and Nicole Areson
2020: Al ’70 & Sue Gemberling ‘70 Olszewski
2019: Christine L. Koski ’79
2018: Lennelle Dougherty McKinnon ’58, P’83, ’83, ’84, GP’15
2017: David W. ’78 and Barbara Wiederecht ’77, P’15
2015: Robert W. ’59 and Doris Kloppenburg Ferry
2014: Paul B. Gilbert ’72 and Patricia Romeo-Gilbert ’74
2013: Joseph P. Richardson ’63
2012: Martha E. ’62 and Gregg E. Peterson
2011: Harold S. Johnson ’51
2010: Peter E. ’58 and Elizabeth Blaisdell Van de Water ’60
2009: Donald T. O’Brien ’49
2008: Robert W. Lyle ’58
2007: Herbert W. ’47 and Sylvia A. ’47 Watkins
2006: William B. ’39 and Amanda J. Leckonby
2005: Albert A. Waters ’35
2004: Richard D. Eckardt ’29 and Leslie W. Gallt ’34
2003: Donald R. Sohn ’48
2002: Richard Young ’40
2001: Frank P. and Anne C. Piskor
2000: Martin F. Richman ’50
1999: Helen Aitchison Ellison ’45
1998: Paul F. Jamieson