The NYSOEA conference scholarship award honors George Fuge, founding NYSOEA member, past president, and leader in the outdoor education field who was proud to be part of an organization that inspires both young and old. Those that knew him were inspired by him. This award will allow NYSEOA to give back and assist educators to come to our annual conference. Awardees may be eligible for whole or partial scholarship.
In June 1948 George C. Fuge was in the first class of students from Cortland College to visit the newly acquired “camp” at Raquette Lake. In 1962, he became director of the College’s Outdoor Education Center at Raquette Lake and in his 23 years of service in that position he had a dramatic impact on the growth and development of the facilities and programs. His dedication provided special outdoor education experiences not only to Cortland students but also students and adults from all over. As a former school teacher and coach, he was highly respected and admired with such enthusiasm and administrative skills to motivate all age levels. He had excellent human relationships with high moral values with all his peers. With these skills and abilities, he recruited outstanding educators and that was the drive behind the creation of NYSOEA over 50 years ago. Having worked with George as his long-time assistant director, I can say he was always gentle and held everyone accountable as he would teach and motivate everyone at a high level. He was professionally involved with many state and national organizations. In 1982 he was presented with the SUNY Chancellors Award for Excellence in Professional Service. He was on many boards around the state and national level pertaining to outdoor education, conservation, and fish and wildlife management. I could go on and on, and someday would love to just talk from my heart how close we became as a family and the mentor he was to so many people. I was truly blessed and so many others were also. Some called George HUGE FUGE! He was a gentle giant in Outdoor Education!