Five alumni to receive Eggers Senior Alumni Awards

Five alumni to receive Eggers Senior Alumni AwardsMay 24, 2002

Syracuse University will honor five alumni with the 2002 Melvin A. Eggers Senior Alumni Award during Reunion Weekend May 31 to June 2.

This year’s recipients are Janet Gustafson ’46 of Chatham, Mass., H. Clayton Holbrook ’36 of Williamsville, N.Y., William K. Phipps ’47 G’55 G’70 of DeWitt, N.Y., Ruth Ross Sager ’47 of Fayetteville, N.Y., and Flora A. Workman ’46 G’64 of DeWitt, N.Y.

Established in 1988 by former SU Chancellor William Pearson Tolley in honor of then-Chancellor Melvin A. Eggers, the award recognizes senior alumni for their loyalty and service to the University and their community. Recipients will be honored at the University’s annual Half-Century Dinner to be held May 31 at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel and Conference Center.

Janet Gustafson

Gustafson received her bachelor’s degree from the School of Management in 1946. As a student, she was active in Phi Mu sorority and the Syracuse chapter of the Red Cross. Following graduation, she worked for Lumberman’s Mutual Insurance Company in Boston before turning her attention to raising her two daughters. While at home, she was active in the Parent-Teacher Association and the League of Women Voters.

Gustafson has shown great support to Syracuse University. She established the Gustafson Scholarship at the School of Management to assist students with their education and continues to support the Fund for Syracuse. Her grandson, Stuart Lipp, is a 2000 graduate of the School of Management.

Gustafson and her husband, Clifton, a former insurance manager for Fram Filter, are now retired and enjoy traveling, sailing and golf.

H. Clayton Holbrook

Holbrook received his bachelor’s degree in 1936 from the New York State College of Forestry (known today as SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry). He went on to serve as a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army and an engineer with the New York/New Jersey Port Authority.

An avid football fan, Holbrook has followed the Syracuse Orangemen football team for the past 64 years. A season ticket holder, Holbrook is a member of the Orange Pack. He also is a member of the University’s Chancellor’s Council, the Society of Fellows, the Founder’s Society, and is a loyal supporter of the Fund for Syracuse and the University’s athletic program.

William K. Phipps

Phipps received his bachelor’s degree in 1947 and an M.B.A. in 1950 from the School of Management, and a Ph.D. from the School of Education in 1970. He enjoyed a successful career in both the private sector and in higher education. Phipps began teaching at the SU School of Management in 1952 and served on the faculty for several decades teaching international management development.

Though retired from the faculty, Phipps remains active in Syracuse University activities. He currently serves as treasurer of the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Central New York and is supportive of the University’s athletics programs. He and his wife, Hazel, often attend Syracuse programs and events. Phipps, along with a committee of dedicated volunteers, organizes the Alumni Club’s Annual Sports Gala that supports the group’s scholarship fund.

Phipps has also been active in the greater Syracuse community by serving on the Salvation Army of Central New York board of directors.

Ruth Ross Sager

Sager received her bachelor’s degree from the former College of Home Economics (today known as the College of Human Services and Health Professions) in 1947.

Sager is a member of the Syracuse University Alumni Club of Central New York, Alumnae Club and the Orange Pack. She has worked on every class reunion since her graduation, serving as co-chair of her 50th class reunion committee. Sager also served on the committee for the 100th anniversary celebration for her sorority, Delta Gamma, which honored her with its Shield Award.

Sager’s service has extended to the greater Syracuse community. She has served on the board of the Syracuse Boy’s Club (now Syracuse Boys and Girls Club), Community General Hospital Auxiliary (past president) and the Corinthian Club (past president).

Her husband, Roderick C. Sager, is a 1948 graduate of The College of Arts and Sciences and 1950 graduate of the College of Law.

Flora A. Workman

Workman received her bachelor’s degree cum laude from The College of Arts and Sciences in 1946 and a master’s degree from the School of Education in 1964. She went on to serve as an elementary school teacher for 26 years.

One of Syracuse’s most loyal alumni, Workman volunteers to help with many reunion and fundraising endeavors. She is frequently seen attending class reunions, Orange Pack lunches, University lectures, athletic events and alumni gatherings. She also volunteers with the English Language Institute providing opportunities for our international students to converse in English thus helping them to enhance their language skills.

Workman continues to serve on the board of directors for the Syracuse Teachers Association and has been honored by the Onondaga County Teachers Association. Workman also sings baritone with the Note-a-Belles, a barbershop singing group.

Her husband, the late Edgar M. Workman, received his bachelor’s degree from the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science in 1943 and an M.B.A. from the School of Management in 1968. Their daughter, Nancy Workman, received her bachelor’s degree from the School of Management in 1993.