Thomas LaPuma

For establishing the College’s intercollegiate and intramural athletic programs and developing the physical education curriculum. 

Tom LaPuma was a member of the College’s full-time teaching faculty for thirty-three years. During that time, he also served as athletic director for twenty years. Mr. LaPuma coached numerous sports while at Herkimer College and played a key role in the creation of the Fitness Center. The physical education curriculum that he developed became one of the College’s core academic programs. Mr. LaPuma is known for his strong belief in the mission and benefits of the two-year educational structure that community colleges offer. He was very involved with two-year college athletics at the state, national and international level. He has always been a tireless supporter of Herkimer College, its students, and its athletic programs.