Dr. Patrick R. Damore,
SUNYAC Commissioner

Dr. Patrick R. Damore has served as the first and only commissioner of the State University of New York Athletic conference (SUNYAC). He has held the post since 1979, acting in the full-time capacity since 1985. In the 2008-09 school year, he started his thirty-first year as commissioner. He has also served as the president of the NCAA Division II and III College Division Commissioners Association and also the Intercollegiate Soccer Association of America.

His accolades include the NCAA Division III Commissioner's Association Meritorious Service Award, SUNYAC Distinguished Service Award, Bill Jeffries Award for contribution to national collegiate soccer, as he developed and implemented the first national rating system for intercollegiate soccer. He has also received the ECAC James Lynah award for distinguished achievement. Following his retirement as a captain in the United States Naval Reserve, he received a naval commendation medal. He served on active naval duty during the Korean conflict.

During his thirty years of service to the conference, Damore coordinated the addition of women's sports programs in 1983. In the 2008-09 school year, the women's programs are celebrating their 25th anniversary, while the conference itself is celebrating their 51st anniversary.

Damore earned a bachelors in health and physical education from SUNY Brockport, a masters in secondary school administration from St. Lawrence University and a doctorate in higher education from the University of Oklahoma.

Damore was inducted into the Brockport State Athletics Hall of Fame, and the National Association of College Directors of Athletics Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Fredonia State Athletics Hall of Fame after serving four decades (1956-85) as a coach of men's basketball, soccer, and tennis, as well as director of athletics.

Jewett Hall 118
SUNY Fredonia
Fredonia, NY 14063
OFFICE: (716) 673-3105
FAX: (716) 673-3135
E-mail: sunyac@fredonia.edu