Gift Targets ‘All Students, Programs’

Mark Tryniski ’85 recently made a gift of $50,000 to Oswego to fund unrestricted support. This designation is crucial to Oswego’s success because all students and programs potentially benefit from the gift.

“I chose unrestricted support because of the confidence I have in President Stanley and her team to make sound judgments around how to utilize funding in a manner that optimizes the outcome for SUNY Oswego,” he says.

President and CEO of Community Bank System, Inc., Tryniski has volunteered in a variety of significant roles and supported Oswego through service and philanthropic gifts. He is a member of the Oswego College Foundation Board, which he previously served as chair and vice chair. He was formerly a member of the School of Business Advisory Board and the Alumni Association Board.

“As an alumnus and Central New York resident, I have seen first hand the impact SUNY Oswego has had on the outcomes of individual alumni and on the vitality of our region, Tryniski says.”

Tryniski , an accounting major, joined Coopers & Lybrand in Syracuse after graduation and completed a partner track in three years less than usual. In 2003, he joined the senior management team at Community Bank System, Inc., where he was soon appointed chief operating officer. He has held his current position since 2006.

“I have always been a big believer in the power of the SUNY system,” Tryniski says. “The accessibility, affordability and educational quality make SUNY the tide that lifts all boats.”

— Kaitlin Provost ’12