Castleton State College’s president, Dave Wolk, is the latest recipient of the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce’s Business Person of the Year. He was given the award at the chamber’s 110th annual meeting on November 19th, according to a press release put out by the RRCC. Tom Donahue, executive vice president/ CEO of the RRCC cited many reasons for Wolk receiving the award. The chamber recognizes, “a lifetime of commitment to Rutland and Vermont; and the positive impact derived from major investment in Castleton college,” he said.

The school’s progress and contribution to Vermont’s economy did not go unnoticed. “In his time at Castleton, full time graduate enrollment has grown by about 25%” said Donahue. He marked the student enrollment as one of the primary reasons Wolk got the award – especially the students’ contributions to Vermont’s economy.

“By the end of 2009, the college will have invested $51 million in students and the Vermont economy,” said Donahue.

Donahue also recognized what Wolk has done on Castleton’s campus, that he has transformed the school into an entirely different entity than the college he took over in 2001.

“Over the last seven years under David’s leadership there has been a notable whirl-wind of activity and change at the college,” said Donahue.

That whirlwind includes things that students are all too familiar with: newly-introduced majors to the college, the flourishing clubs and extra-curricular activities, the renovations coming to the school, and ones recently completed: the Jeffords center, the coming campus center, Glenbrook Gym’s re-working, and of course Spartan Stadium.

Donahue also gave Wolk recognition for his long-standing commitment to the city of Rutland, and noted some of the 37 boards that President Wolk has sat on – The Rutland City Board of Alderman, The Rutland Economic Development Corporation, and the Vermont Higher Education Coucil, which he is president of.

Students at Castleton appreciate and confirm what the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce recognized President Wolk for.

“Dave Wolk’s leadership has led Castleton to expand. Better academic and sports programs, and because of their availability, he’s improved Castleton, increased enrollment, and increased revenue by increasing the student body,” said first-year alumni, Matt Karczmarczyk.

“I think it’s great, I think he deserved it and I think he’s done a lot with the college throughout the years I’ve been here at Castleton,” said senior physical education major Kyle Vickers, “and I think there are still better things to come.