John J. “Jack” McMahon ’53
​
"We were lucky to be part of an educational experiment that offered us both a college degree and a host of new friends for life.
It'll always be O-C-C-C to us."
Few names are more synonymous with SUNY Orange than that of John J. “Jack” McMahon. Over the span of more than seven decades, McMahon has been a devoted student, dedicated staff member, loyal alumnus, and passionate supporter of the College, embodying the very spirit and legacy Orange County Community College (SUNY Orange).
A proud member of the Class of 1953, one of the College’s first graduating classes, McMahon went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College in 1955. His journey came full circle when he returned to SUNY Orange in 1965 as its first public information officer. By 1970, he had added the role of assistant to the president to his résumé and also taught English in the College’s continuing education division.
After leaving in 1983 to join Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. as assistant to the president, McMahon remained closely connected to the College. He was appointed to the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees in 1984, where he made history as the first alumnus elected to chair the Board. He served an impressive five terms as chairman before retiring in 2005.
Throughout the years, McMahon’s leadership extended well beyond governance. He co-chaired the successful Cornerstone capital campaign (1992–94), led the College’s 50th Anniversary celebration (2000–01), and served as a charter member and president of the Alumni Association. His contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the SUNY Orange Distinguished Alumni Award in 1992 and the Leadership in Community Award in 2006.
McMahon is especially proud that his late wife, Virginia ’60, and the couple’s two children, John ’84 and Judith ’86, also graduated from SUNY Orange, making their family’s connection to the College truly multigenerational.
In 2016, McMahon was inducted into the SUNY Orange Colt Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his enduring support of the College’s athletic programs.
To this day, Jack McMahon continues to attend campus events, share his vivid memories, and inspire new generations with stories of the College’s early days. His unwavering commitment and deep affection for SUNY Orange have left an indelible mark on the institution’s history,
and its heart.