Alumni Awards

The Clarkson Alumni Association Awards recognize and reward alumni for outstanding service to Clarkson and build pride among our powerful network of 46,000+ alumni.

The Golden Knight Award

The Alumni Distinguished Service Award, better known as the “Golden Knight Award,” was established in 1962 to recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves as Clarkson’s best representatives and ambassadors.

LaDawn H. Berko-Boateng ’92

Berko-Boateng received her BS in electrical and computer engineering and served as founder and president of Clarkson’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers. She also earned a Supply Chain Management certificate at Clarkson in 2008.

Berko-Boateng is currently the global account manager with Tech Data, a TD Synnex company and a leading IT distributor and solutions aggregator. She served as a Clarkson trustee from 2002-2007 and received the Clarkson Alumni Association’s Woodstock Award in 2002.

Berko-Boateng is a keen supporter of STEM programs that address the technology gap in kids’ education.

Simoon L. Cannon ’97

Cannon received her BS in chemical engineering from Clarkson, an MBA from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her PhD from Georgia State University.

Cannon has a wealth of experience at various Fortune 500 companies. Currently, she is a senior associate at Stillwater Associates. Cannon is also founder and CEO of Melanina Organics and founder and president of the Maxine Angella Campbell Foundation. She also develops scientific curriculums for K-12 education.

Cannon is a Legion and Loyal donor in Clarkson’s Good Knights Guild and a University trustee, serving as vice-chair on the Academic Mission Committee and as a member of the People Priorities Committee. She also is an advisor to Clarkson’s Institute for STEM Education and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

David F. Glenn ’82

Glenn received his BS in electrical and computer engineering from Clarkson and his MBA from Queens University of Charlotte in 1986. At Clarkson, he was a varsity golf team member and played intramural hockey for four years.

Glenn is the founder and chief executive officer of Kaleida Systems Inc., a private company that develops, markets and supports eRSP, an industry-leading software.

Glenn is a Loyal and Leadership donor in Clarkson’s Good Knights Guild. The David F. Glenn ’82 Hydrotherapy Room allows Clarkson student-athletes to have optimal recovery. In addition, he donates to many sports teams during the year, including men’s hockey, women’s hockey, golf and swimming.

Mark R. Greene ’77

Greene received a BS in chemical engineering from Clarkson, an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a master’s and a doctorate in chemical engineering from Cornell University.

Recently retired, Greene was senior technical manager with Ramboll and currently consults in wastewater treatment. He is on the Advisory Board for the NYS Center of Excellence in Healthy Water Solutions. He has also been active in the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA). He was named to the NYWEA Hall of Fame and received several awards. He has also been involved in national organizations such as the Water Environment Federation, the Water Research Foundation and the Water Environment & Reuse Foundation. Greene is a Legion, Loyal and Legacy donor in Clarkson’s Good Knights Guild. He served for numerous years in the Alumni Association and was president of the Leadership Board. He and his wife, Cindy Dowd Greene ’78, also endowed a scholarship at Clarkson.

Mary Kay Woods ’82

Woods received her BS in accounting. She was involved in Beta Alpha Psi, Clarkson Society of Accountants and Alpha Delta Kappa sorority.

Woods is a retired tax partner with KPMG LLP. Over her 30-year career, she served a number of Fortune 200 companies and was the partner-in-charge of multiple national initiatives. She is the author of numerous published articles.

Woods served on various boards, including Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, KPMG’s Network of Women and American Society of Women Accountants. She was inducted into the YWCA City of New York Academy of Women Leaders and served as a Clarkson trustee and an advisor.

Steve J. Yianoukos ’72

Yianoukos received his BS in management and was an active member of Sigma Delta fraternity.

Yianoukos was a dedicated employee of Clarkson’s Athletic and Recreation Department for 35 years. During his tenure, the department saw unprecedented growth. He oversaw the rise in women’s sports and was instrumental in adding varsity softball.

During his 15 years as director, Yianoukos oversaw Walker Arena and Jack Phillips Stadium renovations, Hantz Field upgrades and the completion of Scott Field. He was key to getting the Cheel Campus Center and Arena renovation off the ground.

The Steven J. Yianoukos ’72 Fitness Center was named in honor of his service to the University.