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Volunteer of the Year Dick Couper '44
Volunteer of the Year Dick Couper '44

Dick Couper, a member of Hamilton College's class of 1944, was honored as the College's Volunteer of the Year at the Alumni Council dinner during Fallcoming Weekend on Oct. 8.

Couper, a life trustee of Hamilton, was born in Binghamton, N.Y. He entered Hamilton with the class of 1944, but enlisted in the Army in 1942 during World War II. He rose in rank to captain and served as a company commander in the ordnance department in Attu. He returned to Hamilton and graduated in 1947 with Phi Beta Kappa honors and honors in Greek and history. In 1948 he earned a master's degree from Harvard University with a concentration in American history. In 1962 Couper returned to Hamilton as administrative vice president. Later he was promoted to acting president and then vice president and provost.

In 1969, Couper joined the New York State Education Department as first deputy commissioner for higher education. Two years later, he became the New York Public Library's first full-time president and chief executive officer, where he served for 10 years. In 1981, Couper became president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, serving until his retirement in 1990.

Following his retirement, Couper and his wife, Patsy, returned to make their home in Clinton.

He served as a member of the Oneida County Historical Society board of trustees from 1993-1999, and currently serves as a member of its board of councilors. In 2002, the Oneida County Historical Society renamed its Living Legends award in his honor.

The Couper family has devoted itself to lifetime support of Hamilton College and its success. Dick Couper's services to Hamilton -- extending over 60 years -- have encompassed virtually every volunteer activity. They have included leadership roles in capital campaigns since 1950 and chairing the Alumni Fund, as well as serving on the Alumni Council. Couper was elected an alumni trustee of the College in 1959 and a charter trustee in 1967. In 1992 the College dedicated Couper Hall, and, seven years later, the Coupers endowed the position of librarian at Hamilton. His own keen interest in history prompted Couper to make the library position a priority, "that encourages genius to function." 

Dick Couper has received a number of honorary degrees from U.S. colleges, the first of which was awarded by Hamilton.

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