Thomas LaPuma, of Frankfort, New York, was instrumental in developing the intercollegiate athletic program at HCCC as well as the physical education curriculum, fitness center and intramural sports program.  Tom was hired as an instructor of physical education in 1970 and retired as professor emeritus in 2003.  He served as director of athletics from 1974 to 1990.  During his tenure, Tom coached men’s lacrosse, women’s soccer, women’s tennis, women’s softball, men’s volleyball, men’s golf, men’s baseball, men’s wrestling and men’s bowling.  In 2001, he was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.  Involved in numerous professional organizations throughout his career, Tom was a member of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) from 1999-2009, and served as the sole USA representative for FISU sponsored world championships and world university games from 2001-2009.  From 2005-2010, Tom served as vice-president for the men’s division of the National Junior College Athletic Association.  Tom was inducted into the Herkimer County Community College Athletic Hall of Fame on September 30, 2011, and will be awarded the HCCC Torchbearer Award in 2014.  The award is presented by the College Board of Trustees every five years to recognize individuals whose contributions have had a significant and lasting impact on the development and operations of Herkimer College.