The Legacy Society’s 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 University’s Legacy Society. In 2025, the award was presented to Pam S. MacBrayne ’70 to honor her enduring commitment to the University through decades of volunteerism, mentorship, and thoughtful philanthropy.
When Pam MacBrayne ’70 reflects on her St. Lawrence experience, one word rises to the top: connection.
From the moment she first stepped onto campus as a prospective student in 1966, Pam felt something special. “It was the friendliest school I visited,” she says. “I decided right then and there that this was the place for me.” That gut feeling proved right. During her four years as a student—and for the decades that followed—St. Lawrence has remained a central and cherished part of her life.
Over the years, Pam has built an extraordinary legacy of leadership, mentorship, and generosity. In recognition of her lasting impact, she is this year’s recipient of the St. Lawrence University Legacy Society Manley Achievement Award.
While she recalls many meaningful moments on campus, Pam says it’s the people—her classmates, professors, and mentors—that made the biggest impression. As a member of Tri Delta and a participant in community engagement efforts like the Community Development Corps, she gained early insight into the power of collaboration and civic responsibility.
“Working with people from different backgrounds taught me so much about others—and about myself,” she says. “Those lessons stayed with me throughout my life.”
An early love of the outdoors was nurtured at St. Lawrence, too. Pam took full advantage of the Outing Club and snowy North Country winters, developing a passion for skiing and outdoor adventure that she later passed down to her son—and now, her grandchildren. That passion has remained central in her life. Today, she lives with her husband on the coast of Maine in the town of Camden, where they enjoy long-distance sailing, including passages across the Atlantic, above the Arctic Circle, and through the Panama Canal to the South Pacific. “I’d always rather be outside than in,” she says, a value seeded during her student years and rooted firmly in her way of life.
Pam’s journey from devoted alumna to professional educator began with a volunteer role. Living in New York City after graduation, she was invited to participate in alumni telethons hosted at the Cornell Club. “Just calling people to talk about St. Lawrence opened so many doors,” she recalls. That experience led her to serve as president of the New York City Alumni Club, where she developed deeper relationships with University staff and administrators.
“I always loved education, but I didn’t want to teach,” she explains. “Through my alumni work, I discovered the behind-the-scenes roles that support students and shape institutions. That’s what led me to a career in higher education focused on adult learners in rural communities.”
Pam joined the Legacy Society decades ago—before she had much to give. “Even as a young alumna, I learned that I could include St. Lawrence in my will,” she says. “So I did.” In recent years, she formalized her gift to establish an Endowed Internship Fund in an Environmental field, combining her twin passions for experiential learning and sustainability.
Join Pam as a member of the Legacy Society
Pam has remained deeply involved with the University, from serving as a Laurentian Admissions Associate to joining the Alumni Executive Council. She’s a regular at Reunion—not just for her own class years, but also those of the friends she made across generations.
And when her son became an alpine ski racer at Williams College, Pam still found herself cheering on the St. Lawrence ski team at races. “St. Lawrence is always in my heart,” she says with a smile.
Her hope is that others will be inspired to leave a legacy, no matter their financial background. “You can support students and serve future generations—all through a simple decision in your estate planning,” she says.
When asked how it feels to be honored with this award, Pam humbly says, “I’m very grateful. Staying connected to St. Lawrence and its people has brought me immense joy.”