Dr. Tom Balon ’75, a physical education major and member of Brockport’s track and cross country teams, credits his time as a Golden Eagle with shaping both his life and career. “Brockport was where it all began,” he said.
Dr. Tom Balon ’75
Balon has long supported the track and cross country programs, helping teams stay competitive and recruit top student-athletes. “I know a lot of teams rely on donations for travel and equipment. The budget is only so big.”
His first significant gift to Brockport happened unexpectedly.
“The first substantial donation I gave to Brockport was a 529,” he said, referring to a tax-advantaged college savings plan. “My daughter received her degree, and I had money left over in the 529. It was sitting there, so I said, ‘I’ll give it to Brockport.’”
Since then, his philanthropy has helped enhance facilities that honor Brockport’s athletic history, including a Track and Field Record Board in the SERC.
“The record board serves three purposes: it memorializes past performers and their superior efforts; it motivates current athletes to strive to surpass a level of excellence and have something to aim for; lastly, it illustrates tradition and history of the sport to people who visit campus, including recruits,” he said.
When he noticed that a former teammate and national champion, Mark Lineweaver, was missing from the record board because scoring systems had changed, he stepped in once more to fund the NCAA Division III National Champions board. “I got together with one of my teammates, Dr. Rich Ceronie, and we donated a national champions board.”
Dr. Tom Balon ’75 and Dr. Richard Ceronie ’75
He points to mentors, including Coaches Bob Boozer and Jim Fulton, as pivotal influences during his time at Brockport.
Today, Balon remains closely connected with current coaches and appreciates the balance they bring to their programs. “They emphasize being a good citizen, and that’s important. Winning is also something everyone should have the opportunity to experience. And Brockport provides that experience.”
When Brockport added its first home cross country meet in years, current students wanted to celebrate Balon’s support. “I got a call from the coach, and he goes, ‘Tom, we’re going to have our first home cross country meet, and the kids want to name it the Tom Balon Alumni Meet.’ I was so humbled.”
The meet has since become an annual gathering point, most recently drawing members of the 1976 cross country team, which represented Brockport at the NCAA championships, back to campus. “They came from all over the nation - New Mexico, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas,” Balon said.
Balon continues to champion Brockport, often speaking with prospective students and recruits. “There are great majors here,” he said. “Brockport has been nimble in addressing the future job market.”
And he champions giving back, encouraging fellow alumni to support the University. “There is need, you can target your donation.”