In 1998, the G. Atwood Manley Society Achievement Award was established to recognize individuals who demonstrate dedication and loyalty to St. Lawrence University through their involvement in the Manley Society. This year, the award is being presented to Joseph F. '73 & Cynthia Wilton Riggs '75, P'00 for their engagement, commitment, and generous philanthropy today for the St. Lawrence Fund and in the future directing assets in their IRA to support the University’s Alpine Ski Team Endowment.
Joe majored in Economics, was a brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and was on the Alpine Ski Team. Cindy attended St. Lawrence for two years before transferring to the College of St. Elizabeth, where she received her BA in 1975. Cindy said "Joe and I have such fond memories of meeting at St. Lawrence (at the Snow Bowl) and of all the daily and extraordinary happenings that make up life at St. Lawrence. We have bonded for life over our love for skiing and in return, we are more than happy to do our part in keeping SLU’s skiing tradition and educational excellence vibrant.”
Before retirement, Joe's professional career included serving as Group President of the Northeast, Midwest, and Florida Regions of K. Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., a homebuilding company in over 15 states. He joined the company in 1993 after working as an independent builder for 20 years. Joe and Cindy are also the proprietors of Bowling Green Golf Course in Oak Ridge, NJ, which has been owned by Joe's family since its inception in 1967. Their son, Wil Riggs, currently serves as General Manager and represents the third generation of family involvement.
Joe has volunteered as a career advisor at St. Lawrence, providing students with internships and summer job opportunities. Both Joe and Cindy have a strong history of supporting St. Lawrence, particularly in their dedication to the Alpine Ski Program. Their commitment to the university extends to their daughter and son-in-law, Sarah Riggs Swain '00 and David Swain '00, who is actively involved with SLU Connect San Francisco. The Riggs family's love for skiing and dedication to education has helped keep the tradition of excellence alive at St. Lawrence in the classroom and on the slopes.